The Drive with Lon Tay & Derek Piper

The hour starts with a conversation about the best job openings in the NFL and takes an immediate turn with the breaking news of John Harbaugh's firing from the Baltimore Ravens! Plus a recap of Illinois State's historic postseason run that ended last night in the FCS National Championship game against Montana State. This week's Tuesday Draft is "Best NFL Quarterbacks of All Time" and features a special guest. Who wins this week? Vote on Instagram & Twitter @thedrive935 and on the ESPN 93.5 Facebook page!

Stephen Igoe covers East Carolina athletics for "Hoist the Colours" on 247Sports and 94.3 The Game. He's covered new Illini quarterback Katin Houser for the last 2 years and gives us insight into the newest member of the Bret Bielema's roster.  Richie O'Leary is back on the show and this time we're talking Illini vs Rutgers ahead of Thursday night's men's basketball game at State Farm Center. It's been a rough season so far for the Knights and Richie doesn't mince words about it. And Evan announces the topic for today's Draft -  Best NFL Quarterbacks!

We found out very quickly who will be protecting Katin Houser next year for the Illini. Bret Bielema's staff land Wisconsin starting Center Jake Renfro through the transfer portal. Renfro has 1 year of eligibility and will anchor the O-Line in 2026. Illini basketball got a win in Philadelphia on Saturday night against Penn State. We recap the game and look ahead to Rutgers on Thursday. The Bears lost the season finale against the Lions after mounting an improbable comeback. They now turn their attention to the Packers on Saturday night for the 3rd time in six weeks. How concerned are you? Evan's been "riding a cash wave" for a couple of weeks and shares a special bet in today's "Etched in Stone!"

It's the final J Leman Hour of this football season and we're going out with a bang! J recaps the Illini's Music City Bowl win, breaks down the Illini transfer portal, and College Football Playoffs. Plus, Katin Houser has transferred from East Carolina to the University of Illinois. J discusses the Illini's new QB, expectations for next season, and more! Lets gooooo!

Shauna Green's team had a signature win over #7 Maryland last night! Daniel Thompson covers Illini Women's Basketball and joins the show to discuss the win. Plus, a dive into the teeth of the schedule that features games against five ranked opponents. Plus the Bears wrap up the regular season against the Lions. Who won our Tuesday Draft: Best Movie Sequels? And our Friday Toasts

Illinois Football had a signature win over Tennessee in the Music City Bowl on December 30th. Now the Transfer Portal is open and some familiar names are leaving town. We have the latest on the Illini roster. Our guy Ravi Lulla from HurrDat Sports joins the show to discuss a WILD quarterfinal round of the College Football Playoffs. The Final Four are set, but who has an advantage the rest of the way and Ravi explains why it's NOT Indiana? Plus, the latest on the Illini Men's basketball game against Penn State.

The Illini beat Tennessee last night in a thriller at the Music City Bowl, 30-28! David Olano walked off the game winner and one of the guys predicted it would happen. Listen for a quick recap! Have a safe and Happy New Year from The Drive! Follow on Instagram and Twitter @thedrive935 Like ESPN 93.5 on Facebook!

Glenn Kinley is the Sports Director for WCIA-3 and is live on location at Nissan Stadium in Nashville. He calls the show with last-minute nuggets for the Music City Bowl and more. Plus, we try to complete our Tuesday Draft right before kick-off. Today's topic is "Best Movie Sequels of All Time" and the results get heated!  

We are ready for The Music City Bowl! This hour features keys to the game, a deep dive into the Vols offense & defense, and more. Plus Kurtis tosses out some Tennessee Curveballs and we talk some Illini hoops.

Coach Underwood's Illini squad took care of business today at State Farm Center, beating Southern 90-55. The win follows Illinois' drubbing of Mizzou in the Braggin' Rights Game, 91-48. We break down the latest victory and preview the upcoming slate of games against Penn State, Rutgers, and Iowa. Has the magic run out for the Cardiac Bears? Ben Johnson's team lost a thriller last night against the Niners and head back to Chicago for a regular season finale against the Lions. We look at Caleb Williams' missed opportunities, the pass rush, and the current playoff picture. Plus, our final Tuesday Draft of 2025 is tomorrow! What category will Kurtis pick?

Christmas Break is over and we're back! J Leman is in studio to preview the Illini vs Tennessee in the Music City Bowl! How will a month off affect Illinois' defense against a high-powered Vols offense? How should Coach Bielema & Lunney utilize Luke Altmyer in this particular game?  Also, J reacts to Coach Bielema's comments about "the SEC powers-that-be" and how they schedule games. And J's thoughts on Kyle Whittingham taking over at Michigan. Let's gooooo!  

Our guy Ravi Lulla from Hurrdat Sports breaks down the opening round of the College Football Playoffs. Is there an upset brewing? Chris Kwiecinski covers the Bears for Fox32 Chicago and is back on the show. Get the latest info on Bears vs Packers. What is the key to Chicago winning? How will the loss of Rome Odunze and Luther Burden affect the Bears rushing attack? Plus our Friday Toasts!

Josh Whitman placed Illinois Wrestling coach Mike Poeta on indefinite administrative leave. The university said the decision stems from “potential violations of his employment agreement stemming from possible noncompliance with University fiscal control policies.” We have the latest. Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer joins us to talk about the Braggin' Rights game. Plus, more Illini basketball nuggets. Evan gets a whole minute to talk about his favorite soccer team and Kurtis throws the Curveballs!

Ally Schneipp and Joseph Pasthila cover Mizzou Basketball for the Columbia Missourian. They join us to talk about Monday's Braggin' Rights game between the Illini and Tigers. Why is this more than a rivalry game for the Mizzou Tigers this year? How will the Illini respond after the home loss to Nebraska? We need some money! Evan has your 5 bets for this weekend and a few games to stay away from.  Plus, the Cardinals are looking to offload talent while the Cubs added a few depth pieces. And more on Bears vs Packers.

Andy Villamazaro is a national writer for RIVALS and covers high school sports. He wrote about the new changes to the IHSA Football Playoffs system and how it affects area schools. He joins us to further explain the changes, the pros and cons, and how it affects recruiting. We also check the Illini Headlines, the Bears are down 2 big weapons against the Packers, and Kurtis is firing Curveballs.

Nathalie Jones is an award-winning Sports Director for ABC-17 in Columbia, MO and covers the Mizzou Tigers. She joins the show this hour to talk about the Braggin' Rights Game. This week's draft had more votes than any other so far! So who won our Christmas Movies Draft?  Plus we take a look at the NFL Playoff picture and who could be on their way to the Super Bowl.

Dave Wischnowsky returns to ESPN 93.5 to talk Illini athletics! Dave gives his thoughts on Luke Altmyer playing in the Music City Bowl, Illini basketball & the Braggin' Rights game against Mizzou, and much more! A must-listen conversation! Plus we give you a check of today's Illini headlines, a recap of our Tuesday Draft, and Kurtis' Curveballs.

The College Football Playoffs start on Friday night and we make our predictions. Kurtis and Evan both have upsets in their brackets, but who wins the Natty? Tuesday is Draft Day and we're celebrating the holiday season! We're drafting the Best Christmas Movies of All Time! Who won? Which movies did we miss? Vote on Twitter & Instagram @thedrive935, on the ESPN 93.5 Facebook page, or text your vote to 217-359-2255!

Luke Altmyer met with the media and discussed his decision to play in the Music City Bowl. We react to Luke's comments and give you a check of today's Illini Headlines. The IHSA voted "YES" on Propsal 19, which will expand the post season from 256 to 384 teams. The news has been met with mixed reactions. We explain the changes and give our reactions. Plus, Evan and Kurtis go head-to-head with College Playoff Predictions! Who's winning the national championship?

Another Balkan is coming to town! Croatian Forward Toni Bilic has committed to Illinois and is eligible to play. What does the 6'9" 20-year-old bring to Brad Underwood's team?  Also, reactions continue to pour in after the Illini's loss against Nebraska on Saturday. What's next for the Illini and what adjustments are in the immediate future? The Chicago Bears destroyed the Cleveland Browns yesterday at Soldier Field. Our intern Cooper O'Kelly was there and enjoyed wind-chills of up to -20!  Plus Philip Rivers almost wins, Bo Nix and the Broncos beat the Packers, we announce our next Tuesday Draft, and Kurtis heaves some Curveballs!

J Leman is back in studio for a full hour on The Drive! The conversation starts with football and moves to basketball. We talk about the risk/reward of Luke Altmyer playing in the Music City Bowl. Plus, JC Davis and Gabe Jacas are sitting out of the game. The Tennessee Vols are currently sitting at 3 point favorites.  Plus, J gives his thoughts on Brad Underwood calling out David Mirkovic's poor practices ahead of the game against Nebraska. This caused the text lines to BLOW up! 

BREAKING Illini news - Luke Altmyer WILL play in the Music City Bowl. We react to the news and what it means for Illinois vs Tennessee. Carson Gourdie covers the Illini for WICS-TV. We get his reaction to the Altmyer news and his thoughts on Illinois basketball's game against Nebraska. Plus score predictions for Illinois vs Nebraska and our Friday Toasts!

Illini football's Gabe Jacas has officially declared for the NFL Draft and will not play in the Music City Bowl. We look back on Gabe's career at Illinois and look at potential fits at the NFL level. Brad Underwood met with the media ahead of tomorrow's game against #23 Nebraska at State Farm Center. We have the full press conference this hour. The Sherrone Moore-Michigan story has another twist. We have the latest news and what's next for the Wolverines. And Kurtis throws them Curveballs!

Cooper O'Kelly covers the Illini for The Champaign Room and has joined The Drive in an intern role. We dive into the numbers ahead of Saturday's game. Plus more on the conditions at Soldier Field this Sunday, the coldest games YOU have ever attended, Notre Dame upsets the rest of college football, and Philip Rivers is in line to START for the Colts!

We have the latest on Sherrone Moore's firing at Michingan, the future of the program, potential coaching replacements, what the university knew, and much more.  Ravi Lulla from Hurrdat Sports calls in to talk about Saturday's game between the Illini and Cornhuskers. What will be the biggest challenge for Illinois? And we found out Cooper O'Kelly is going to the Bears game on Sunday. The wind chill will be -20! What's the coldest game you ever attended?

NCAA National Champion Lucas Byrd joins us this hour to talk the 2025-2026 Wrestling Season, his career, and much more.  More reactions to Michigan's firing of Sherrone Moore "for cause." More details emerge this hour. The votes have been tallied and we have a winner in our Best Board Games Draft! Who got your vote?

The Illinois Men's basketball team went to Columbus last night and walked out with a W. We break down the game. Also, Isaac Trotter from 247 Sports & CBS Sports joins us to discuss Keaton Wagler's performance, the state of Illini basketball, and Big Ten hoops. And BREAKING NEWS! Sherrone Moore has been fired as Michigan's head coach after an internal investigation. 

Evan Stone said tonight's men's basketball game against OSU starts "a 10 game stretch in which the Illini should win every game." Need proof? He did a deep dive into the KenPom rankings for every Illinois opponent before meeting Purdue on January 24th. It's Draft Day! The Drive does a draft every Tuesday and today's topic is The Best Board Games of All Time! Who won? Tell us on the socials @thedrive935 or text us at 217-359-2255. And we give our final score predictions for tonight's game against Ohio State.

The Illinois men's basketball team kicks off Big Ten play tonight in Columbus against The Buckeyes. We preview the game, break down the OSU roster, and more. The Colts signed Philip Rivers to their practice squad today. It's been 5 years since Rivers threw in the NFL. Will he actually see the field?  Speaking of which...Who are the oldest pro athletes of all time? And it's Tuesday, so it's Draft Day! Today we're drafting The Best Board Games of All Time!

We switch gears this hour to Illini basketball. Adam Jardy from the Columbus Dispatch covers Ohio State Buckeyes basketball. He gives us the OSU side of things before tomorrow night's game. How will guys like Bruce Thorton and Amare Bynum match up with Illinois?  We also get "The Great" Kyle Tausk of Illini Inquirer's input. Kyle breaks down Illinois' win over Tennessee on Saturday, previews the OSU game, and tells us if he could take Jelly Roll in a fight. And the Bears lose at Lambeau. What went right and what went wrong against the Packers?

It's J Leman vs Evan Stone with Kurtis Allen as the referee!  Evan said the committee "got it right" with their playoff selections and J completely disagrees. We dive into the bracket and the debate is incredible. Which team does J think SHOULD NOT be in the playoffs? The answer might surprise you! Plus, we take a look at the Illini vs the Vols in the Music City Bowl on October 30th.  This is a MUST-LISTEN hour!

The Drive welcomes Colleen Kane from the Chicago Tribune to the show! Colleen covers the Illini and gives her thoughts ahead of the game with Tennessee. Carson Gourdie from Fox Illinois and WICS-TV joins the fellas to talk Illini hoops. Carson gives his thoughts on Coach Underwood saying he'd love to play in Dubai, predictions for Saturday, and the latest injury news. Plus, Carson talks about Bret Bielema & Illini football's class of 2026. And we've got our Friday toasts! Cheers! 

Brad Underwood met with the media before the Music City Madness game against Tennessee. We've got the full press conference for you.  Chris Kwiecinski from Fox32 Chicago joins the show with great insight ahead of Bears vs Packers. Rome Odunze is out, Christian Watson is in, and the Bears defense is getting healthy while the Packers have lost some key pieces. Who wins? Our friend Ravi Lulla covers The Big Ten for Hurrdat Sports. He joins the show to talk about Matt Campbell to Penn State, and the B1G TEN Championship game between Ohio State & Indiana.

Robert Rosenthal from IlliniBoard.com joins us to talk Illini Football recruitment class of 2026, the 2025 season, and Illini basketball ahead of the Music City Showdown against Tennessee. We also get the Tennessee perspective from Ben McKee of GoVols247. Ben breaks down the Vols' loss to Syracuse and how it affects the game on Saturday. Plus Ben shares some fantastic personal news with The Drive! And we need some money! Etched in Stone: Championship Weekend Edition.  LET'S GO!

Which Illini football players made the All Big Ten team? We'll break it down! Zack Pearson from BearReport joins us ahead of the Bears vs Packers game on Sunday. Who takes control of the NFC North after Sunday? Zack gives us his insight. Plus, Bret Bielema revealed his non-compete numbers and Kurtis throws some Curveballs!

Our coverage of National Signing Day for Illinois Football continues. Tristan Thomas from WCIA-3 joins us this hour to recap Coach Bielema's presentation to the media and the class of 2026.  Evan Stone did an incredible deep dive into the "Best Era of Fighting Illini Football." Evan went all the way back to the 1950s, covered the most successful 5-year periods in Illinois history, and compared it to the Bielema era. The results are fascinating. A must-listen to segment! And who won our Sitcom Draft? The margin of winning was only 2 votes!

It's National Signing Day for Fighting Illini Football! We'll do a deep dive into the Class of 2026 - the highest ranked class of the Bret Bielema Era (Number 21). Coach Bielema joined ESPN 93.5 to talk about this year's class, bowl season, his family, and if he's receiving offers from other schools. 

It's Draft Day! Kurtis and Evan are drafting The Best TV Sitcoms of All Time.  Vote for who wins on Instagram & Twitter @TheDrive935 or text your vote to 217-359-2255. Who will be the next head coach for Penn State? It's a mess of a situation and candidates are running out. We discuss the list and your texts. Plus, Illini football recruitment notes.

It's a busy day for Illini men's & women's basketball, and Illini football. We dig in with today's Illini headlines. Also, Evan is about to do a deep dive of Illini football over 5 year periods. But before he does that we want to know...What's your favorite individual season of Illinois football? Tuesday = Draft Day! Today's draft subject: Best Sit-Coms of All Time. And Kurtis throws out those Curveballs!

The Illini men's basketball team competed, but ultimately fell to UConn at Madison Square Garden. What went right and what went wrong? Where will Brad Underwood & Co do ahead of their trip to Nashville before playing Tennessee? Da Bears are Da Number 1 team in da NFC! The Chicago Bears handled the Philadelphia Eagles on Black Friday in Philly. Ben Johnson's team has won 9 of their last 10 games and are in the driver's seat the rest of the way. Next up? The Packers in Green Bay.  A handful of texts start this conversation: Why are some Illini fans still unhappy with Bret Bielema and Brad Underwood? 

The All-American J Leman is back after an Illini W! We break down Saturday's win at Geis Memorial Stadium over Northwestern, the defense's bounce-back performance, and much more. How would J sum up the 2025 campaign? How does the coaching carousel impact Illinois? What does Illinois need to do during the offseason? Plus we cover A LOT more from the world of college football. LET'S GOOOO!

Happy Thanksgiving! Here's a special episode of "The Drive" exclusive to podcast subscribers. Brad Underwood and the Illini Men's Basketball team head to Madison Square Garden to take on the #5 ranked UConn Huskies. Tip-off is scheduled for Friday morning at 11:30am. We preview the game and give our predictions. Friday afternoon features the Chicago Bears against the Philadelphia Eagles. Is this the biggest test for Da Bears so far? Are the Eagles vulnerable or is this a "get right" game for Philly?  Bret Bielema leads the Illini football team into their final regular season game for Senior Night on Saturday. Snow, rain, and wind are in the forecast for the game. How will it impact Barry Lunney's offense? Will it help or hinder Aaron Henry's defense? We preview and give our score predictions. We hope you have a great holiday weekend and thanks for listening! - The Drive  

Tristan Thomas from WCIA-3 previews the IHSA State Championship games! Maroa-Forsyth, Tolono-Unity, and Rochester are all playing on Friday.  Local celebrities voted in our Thanksgiving Side Dish draft, and one vote really hurt Kurtis' feelings. It's a familiar name... And who WON our draft? The results are crazy! Plus, our Thanksgiving Toasts!

The Illini wrap up their regular season on Saturday night at Gies Memorial Stadium against the Northwestern Wildcats. Snow is in the forecast - who does that benefit? We talk with Ravi Lulla from Hurrdat Sports takes us around the Big Ten football slate. Ravi previews Ohio State vs Michigan, Washington vs Oregon, and much more. Chris Kwicinski from Fox32 covers Northwestern athletics and the Chicago Bears. He joins us to talk about both.

Bret Bielema met with the media and got emotional while talking about his group of Seniors on the Illini roster. What will you think of when you look back on the 2025 season? Also, should Luke Altmyer play in a bowl game? Kurtis and Evan say "No." And it's our Tuesday Draft! This week we're drafting "Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes." Vote for who won @thedrive935 on Instagram, Twitter, and by texting 217-359-2255!

Illinois Men's basketball beat UT Rio Grande Valley 87-73 last night. Why did Brad Underwood call the performance "Doo Doo?"  Our guy The Great Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer joins us to break down the game and preview Friday's match-up with UCONN at Madison Square Garden. Plus Kurtis has a check of the other Illini headlines and throws some serious Curveballs!

The Illini Men's basketball team took care of business on Saturday against Long Island University. Brad Underwood was candid in his post-game presser about the performances of Kylan Boswell and a returning Brandon Lee. Plus, Underwood's comments about what he expects out of Andrej Stojackovic and we preview tonight's game against UT Rio Grande Valley. Also, Da Bears did it again! Chicago now sits at 8-3 after beating the Pittsburgh Steelers yesterday. Are they really no longer "the same ol' Bears?" Kurtis announces our next Tuesday draft and throws CURVEBALLS right at Evan.

J Leman is back in-studio to break down what went wrong for the Illini against Wisconsin. J talks Bielema, Barry Lunney, Bart Miller, Aaron Henry, and plenty more! Plus Evan puts the current state of Illini football in a historical perspective and J brings out the "Rage Side" of Kurtis.  We cover it all this hour of The Drive!

The EIU Panthers take on the Alabama Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa tomorrow. We talk with longtime EIU play-by-play man Mike Bradd about the game, the state of EIU's program, and plenty more. It's a big weekend in the IHSA Playoffs, including Tolono-Unity vs St. Joe-Ogden. We talk with Tolono head coach Tony Reetz about the game, the community, and the opportunity coach a state championship game at Hancock Stadium in Normal. Plus we give our score predictions for Illini basketball against Long Island University and Illini football against Wisconsin.  AND FRIDAY TOASTS!

It's a busy Friday on The Drive! Joey Wagner from Illini Inquirer joins us this hour to talk Illini vs Wisconsin, Barry Lunney's future, Bears vs Packers, and much more! Plus we get a check of today's Illini Headlines and Kurtis throws some Curveballs!

Kurtis noticed David Mirkovic has an "awesome tattoo" on his right leg. Did you catch it last night during the Illini vs Crimson Tide game?  Da Bears will have a couple of key defensive pieces back as soon as Sunday against the Steelers. Who's in and who's out? We need some money! Evan has those Etched in Stone bets for this week and he's feeling extra generous ahead of Thanksgiving. Plus, wanna feel old? Evan has a few stats that just might do the trick.