The Drive with Lon Tay & Derek Piper

"The Great" Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer and "The Legend" Dave Wischnowsky join the show to break down Illinois advancing to the Sweet 16. The guys discuss Andrej Stojakovic's performance against VCU and the re-emergence of Tomislav Ivisic in the tournament. Attention then turns to a high-stakes matchup against Houston. We preview the key factors, matchups, and what Illinois needs to do to keep their season alive. A must-listen hour!  Follow The Drive on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

The Illini men are headed to the Sweet 16 after an impressive victory over VCU. Brian Teague from Chicago State of Mind Sports joins the show to break down what's clicking for Illinois and what lies ahead against #2 Houston. The focus then shifts to the Illini women as they prepare for their matchup against Vanderbilt in the 2nd round. We preview the key storylines, matchups, and what Illinois needs to do to advance.

Alex Kyi from Armchair Illini joins us t0 break down Illinois' win over Penn and looking ahead to their matchup with VCU. He shares key insights on what carried the Illini in the opening round and what challenges await in the next game. The conversation also dives into expectations for Illinois moving forward in the tournament. Plus, we debate a fun hypothetical: would you rather the Illini win one national title and be mediocre for five years, or make the Elite Eight every season? Evan has your tourney bets with Etched in Stone and our Friday Toasts!

We opened Hour 1 by recapping Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball's dominant NCAA Tournament win over the Penn Quakers men's basketball. It was a historic night for David Mirkovic! The Illini controlled the game from start to finish, showcasing their depth and offensive firepower.  Then, Dr. Daniel Thompson joined the show to preview the upcoming matchup for Illinois Fighting Illini women's basketball. He broke down what to expect as they prepare to face the Colorado Buffaloes women's basketball.

Hour 2 continues the Illinois vs. Penn preview with great insight from WCIA3 Sports Director Glenn Kinley joining the show. The conversation dives deeper into matchups and what the Illini need to do to advance. The guys also give their final score predictions for the game. Plus, Evan introduces a very strange contest for listeners to win a brand new Illini crewneck sweatshirt.      

The NCAA Tournament is here! We preview Illinois vs. Penn in the NCAA Tournament with insight from Carson Gourdie of WICS-TV and Fox Illinois. Valerie Guevarra and Emilie Chi from The Daily Pennsylvanian join the show to provide the Penn perspective. The discussion breaks down key matchups, strengths, and potential X-factors on both sides. It's a well-rounded look at what to expect as the Illini and Quakers get set to clash.

Isaac Ambrose joins the show to break down the NCAA Tournament bracket and assess the odds for the Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball. The conversation dives into key matchups, potential upset alerts, and how the Illini stack up against the field. The guys also reveal their Final Four picks and debate which teams have the best path to a title run. Plus, another edition of “Etched in Stone” locks in the day's best bets.

Tristan Thomas from WCIA3 Sports joins the show to break down what the Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball must do to make a deep postseason run. He highlights the importance of consistency on both ends of the floor and improved shot selection in key moments. The conversation also touches on leadership and the need for veteran players to step up in high-pressure situations. Plus, Keaton Wagler earns recognition as a Consensus All-American, capping off an outstanding season.

"The Great" Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer joins the show to break down Illinois basketball and their NCAA Tournament outlook. He shares insight on matchups, expectations, and what the Illini need to make a deep run. What will help or hinder the Illini? The conversation covers both strengths and potential concerns heading into March Madness. Plus, Evan Stone delivers his Five Tournament Guarantees with bold predictions for the bracket. We get an official report "From the Office of Evan Stone."

Rapheal Davis joins the show to break down the NCAA Tournament and evaluate how Big Ten teams stack up nationally. He offers insight into matchups, strengths, and potential pitfalls for the conference. Davis also gives praise to AP Second Team All-American Keaton Wagler and dives deep into Illinois, analyzing their postseason outlook. He doesn't hold back, delivering a strong and candid opinion on what the Illini are—and aren't—capable of in March. Who did Rapheal call "soft" and what will carry Illinois on a deep run?

Brian Teague from Chicago State of Mind Sports joins the show to talk all things Illini basketball as both teams prepare for the NCAA Tournament. We break down the outlook for the Illinois men and what they need to make a deep run. Will this team be carried more by its scoring ability or by its defense? Plus, we discuss the Illinois women entering the tournament as the youngest team in the field and what that could mean for their run. 

The brackets are set and the Illini are dancing. The Illinois men's team earns a 3-seed and will face Penn in the first round, while the Illinois women's team lands a 7-seed and takes on Colorado. We break down both matchups and what the paths could look like for each team in the tournament. Ravi Lulla from Hurrdat Sports also joins us to discuss the teams across the bracket that could be on upset alert.

Tristan Thomas from WCIA 3 Sports joins us for live reactions after Illinois falls to Wisconsin 91–88 in the Big Ten Tournament. We break down the key moments that swung the game and what went wrong for the Illini down the stretch. Tristan shares his perspective from courtside and what the loss means heading into the NCAA Tournament. Plus, our biggest takeaways from a wild finish in Chicago.

We react live to Illinois vs Wisconsin in the Big Ten Tournament and break down everything that happened on the court. From the biggest moments to the turning points that decided the game, we give our immediate takeaways. Plus, what the result means for Illinois moving forward in the postseason.

We preview Illinois vs Wisconsin in the Big Ten Tournament and what the Illini need to do to advance. The guys break down the key matchups, including how Illinois can attack Wisconsin's defense. Later, they dive into a Chicago Bears Mock Draft and discuss potential targets at DE & DT. The hour wraps up with another edition of Etched in Stone.

Our coverage from the Illini NFL Pro Day, highlighting which Illinois players impressed scouts ahead of the upcoming draft. The show broke down key performances and what they could mean for players hoping to boost their draft stock. Brad Sturdy from Illini Guys joined the us to talk about upsetting Brad Underwood and the current direction of Illinois basketball. The conversation also turned to the Illini's postseason outlook and what needs to happen for the team to make a deep run.

Alex Kyi from Armchair Illini joins the show to talk Illinois basketball and preview the Big Ten Tournament. He also shares his thoughts on Bret Bielema's updated coaching staff and what it could mean for Illini football. Later, the guys dive into another edition of Etched in Stone with Evan's bets for tonight. Plus they reveal the winner of the Tuesday Draft. And they wrap up by debating Bam Adebayo's 83-point performance versus Kobe Bryant's legendary 81-point game. Evan explains why Bam's game was NOT that impressive.

Brian Teague from Chicago State of Mind Sports joins the show to break down Keaton Wagler's impressive season and his latest accolades as an All-American. We also discuss David Mirkovic's post game play and the team's mindset heading into the Big Ten Tournament. Later, the conversation shifts to the NFL and the latest rumors involving Maxx Crosby. They also talk about what the potential move could mean for the Chicago Bears.

The Great Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer is back with us! We talk about the end of the Illini regular season, preview the Big Ten Tournament, and even a little banter about Kyle's beloved Miami Dolphins. Plus, who is the one team he wouldn't want to run into in the tournament? It's Tuesday and it's Spring Time! So we're drafting our Best Gardens. What we're planting might surprise you. Vote for who wins on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook!

Keaton Wagler was named Freshman of the Year, highlighting a strong debut season. How good is his year compared to the last 5 FOTY winners?  Doug Bucshon of Orange & Blue News joined the show to break down the Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball season and what to expect in the Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament. The conversation focused on how Illinois can position itself for a postseason run and the key factors that will determine success. The hour also featured the latest updates and major moves from around the NFL as teams continue making deals during NFL Free Agency.

Ravi Lulla from Hurrdat Sports discusses why the NCAA Tournament selection committee has screwed up. Who should get automatic bids? Also, NFL QB contracts are out of control. 

The Illini head home from College Park with a tough win over Maryland, on to the Big Ten Tournament. Free Agency kicks off with TONS of money flying around...

WCIA 3's Sports Director Glenn Kinley joins the show to discuss the impact that Shauna Green has had on Illini women's basketball. He also shared insight on the Big Ten Tournament and the excitement surrounding local high school hoops. Later in the hour, the crew runs another round of Etched in Stone. We wrap up the week with our Friday Toasts! Cheers!

We start the show with a tribute to longtime listener Anonymous Randy. Then, Dr. Daniel Thompson called in from the Big Ten Women's Basketball Tournament to share the latest on the Illini and the atmosphere at the event. Later in the hour, Carson Gourdie joined the show to talk all things Illinois athletics. The crew wrapped up the segment with more Illini discussion and reactions.      

The guys debated what will matter more for Illinois basketball in the postseason: knocking down three-pointers or limiting costly turnovers. The conversation looked at how each factor could impact the Illini's chances of making a deep tournament run. Also, how did this debate lead to our first On-Air Injury?! Evan and Coop also learned about the legendary “snipe hunt,” leading to some BIG laughs  from listeners.  The hour wrapped up with another edition of Etched in Stone.

It was a BUSY news day. Brian Teague from Chicago State of Mind Sports joined the show to discuss the Chicago Bears trading wide receiver DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills and what the move could mean for the franchise moving forward. The guys also reacted to Bret Bielema and the Illinois football coaching staff speaking to the media and what stood out from the latest presser. Attention then turned to Illinois women's basketball as they compete in the Big Ten Tournament. Shauna Green's squad beat Wisconsin last night and play Michigan State tonight in Indianapolis. Plus all of the other Illini Headlines!

Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer breaks down how Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball cruised past Oregon Ducks and what clicked for Andrej Stojakovic in the dominant performance. He also previews Illinois' upcoming matchup against the Maryland Terrapins and the Big Ten Tournament. Evan dives into another edition of Etched in Stone with the latest betting angles and insights. Plus, we reveal the winner of the Best Jersey Draft and debate whether the right pick took home the title. 

Brad Sturdy from Illini Guys breaks down Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball's dominant win over the Oregon Ducks and what it means moving forward. He also discusses Illinois football landing cornerback Justin Johnson and the impact he could make on the program. We hit the latest Illini Headlines from around campus. Plus, we reflect on the life and legacy of legendary coach Lou Holtz following news of his passing.

Chris Kwiecinski of Fox 32 Chicago joins the show to break down Drew Dalman's retirement and what it means for the Chicago Bears moving forward. The conversation focuses on how the Bears adjust along the offensive line and what this signals about their offseason plans. Later, it's Tuesday Draft time with the crew selecting the best sports jerseys of all time. What jersey did Evan draft that upset Kurtis? The hour wraps with score predictions for Illinois vs. Oregon as the Illini host the Ducks for Senior Night.

Tristan Thomas previews Senior Night as the Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball get set to host the Oregon Ducks at State Farm Center. Dr. Daniel Thompson joins the show to discuss the momentum of Illini Women's Basketball and what to expect in the upcoming Big Ten Conference Tournament. The hour also covers the major NFL news of center Drew Dalman informing the Chicago Bears that he plans to retire. It's a packed first hour with postseason implications on the court and a big roster development in the NFL.

“From the Office of Evan Stone” lays out a blueprint for getting the Chicago Bears back to the Super Bowl and what it will take to make that dream a reality. The segment breaks down roster moves, the draft, and the path through the NFC. Plus, we give you one of our best original songs ever. We dive into the latest updates surrounding the St. Louis Cardinals as they unveil new perks and incentives for fans this season. It's a mix of football ambition and baseball buzz in Hour 2.      

Doug Bucshon from Orange and Blue News joins the show to break down Illinois' loss to Michigan Wolverines and what went wrong down the stretch. He shares his biggest takeaways from the game and how the team can respond moving forward. The conversation also looks at key performances, coaching decisions, and areas Illinois must improve. Plus, we cover today's Illini Headlines and the latest news surrounding the program.    

Rob Connolly of Finlete Sports joins the show to talk Cardinals baseball and explains how you can invest in a player's future MLB earnings. It's a fascinating conversation about the state of Sports Betting in 2026. Isaac Ambrose from The Champaign Room surprises us with a call about the Illini vs. Michigan and the biggest matchups to watch. We wrap it up with score predictions and our Friday Toasts! Cheers!

Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer previews Illinois vs. Michigan Wolverines and breaks down the keys for the Illini to get a big rivalry win. He also shares insight on his ongoing “rivalry” with Rapheal Davis and how it adds extra fun to Big Ten matchups. Plus, we cover the latest Illini Headlines, including roster updates.       

Rapheal Davis from Big Ten Network calls the show and addresses his recent Twitter spat with Illinois fans. Why did Rapheal take exception with a story written by our guy "The Great" Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer? Plus, will Rapheal be in town for Illinois vs Michigan on Friday night? Orange Krush President Kale Rauman joined the show to talk about the atmosphere at State Farm Center and how the student section prepares for big games. He also shared what makes this rivalry so special from a fan perspective and how the energy can impact the team. Plus, we wrapped things up with Draft Day, selecting the best “M” things of all time. Vote for the winner on our Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook page, or text 217-359-2255.

Brian Teague of Chicago State of Mind Sports calls in with an update on which Illinois players are making the biggest impressions at the NFL Combine and what it means for their draft stock. Can Gabe Jacas work his way into the First Round? What is Luke Altmyer doing that has impressed coaches? And how bout JC Davis' improvement from the Senior Bowl? Brian also discusses the Chicago Bears potential move to Arlington Heights. Champaign Central head football coach Matt Leskis joined the show to discuss the latest IHSA football rule changes and how they could impact teams across the state. Plus, we covered the day's top Illini Headlines and what fans should be watching moving forward.

Carson Bounds from Orange and Blue News joins the show to preview the huge game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Michigan Wolverines on Friday night. Carson, a former member of the Orange Krush, talks about some of the criticisms the student section has faced this year. We also chat about Altmyer, Jacas, and Davis at the NFL Combine & plenty more. We also discuss where the St. Louis Cardinals are landing in early season rankings and what to expect heading into the year. And we wrap things up with Etched in Stone and our best bets.

Dave Wischnowsky breaks down what went wrong in Illinois' loss to the UCLA Bruins and what the team must clean up moving forward. He also previews a big matchup as the Illinois Fighting Illini get set to take on the Michigan Wolverines. We hit the latest Illini Headlines, including roster updates and key storylines to watch. Plus, Kurtis' Curveballs brings the fun with some off-the-wall sports and pop culture questions.

Tristan Thomas from WCIA breaks down Illinois vs UCLA Bruins men's basketball and shares the highlights from the IHSA Wrestling State Finals. He highlights key matchups, postseason implications, and what to watch as the Illini continue their Big Ten push. Kurtis then takes over Etched in Stone with his top picks and best bets. Plus, Cooper O'Kelly from The Champaign Room joins the show to fill in for Evan and discuss his biggest takeaways surrounding Illinois athletics.

Carson Gourdie from Fox Illinois and WICS breaks down what went wrong in Illinois' loss to UCLA Bruins men's basketball, including late-game execution and defensive lapses. He also shares his biggest takeaways moving forward as the Illini look to regroup during the stretch run. Plus, we run through today's Illini Headlines with updates across basketball and baseball. Kurtis wraps things up with some beer-related Curveballs.

PA announcer Tim Sinclair joins the show to reflect on his broadcasting career and share some of his favorite moments in Illini history. Bob McCoppin of the Chicago Tribune breaks down the latest on the Chicago Bears and the possibility of a move to Indiana. We also give our score predictions for Illinois vs. the Bruins and highlight the key matchups that could decide it. Plus, we wrap it up with another edition of Etched in Stone and our Friday Toasts.

Aaron Heisen of SoCal News Group and Fox Sports joins the show to preview the matchup and break down what to expect from both sides. He also discusses Mick Cronin and the recent apology that has been a major talking point around the program. We dive into key players, tempo, and the biggest matchups that could decide the game. Plus, we wrap things up with today's Illini Headlines and the latest news.

Bracket expert Brad Evans from The Athletic breaks down Illinois' path to a potential National Championship and what the Illini need to do to make a deep March run. He discusses favorable matchups, key players, and the biggest obstacles standing in the way. The conversation also looks at how Illinois stacks up against other contenders across the country. Plus, we wrap up with Etched in Stone bets and the top picks heading into the weekend.

Illinois basketball delivered a dominant, record-setting performance in a blowout win over USC, showcasing one of its most impressive outings of the season. The Illini offense was firing on all cylinders while the defense locked down from start to finish. Today's Illini Headlines also cover key takeaways from the victory and what it means moving forward in the Big Ten race. Plus, Chris Kwiecinski from Fox 32 Chicago joins the show to discuss the Chicago Bears and the latest on their potential move to Indiana.

WCIA 3's Tristan Thomas breaks down the matchup between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the USC Trojans, along with the biggest Illinois High School Association basketball headlines this week. He also discusses the new IHSA football rule changes and what they could mean for teams moving forward. Evan's out for today, so Kurtis takes a crack at Etched in Stone. Plus, we reveal the winner of the Oscars-themed Tuesday Draft..

Brian Teague from Chicago State of Mind Sports previews the matchup between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the USC Trojans. He breaks down key storylines, players to watch, and what each team needs to do to come away with a win. We also get Brian's thoughts on Bret Bielema's new coaching staff and more. We also run through today's Illini Headlines, covering the latest news and notes from around Illinois athletics. Plus, why did Kurtis' Curveballs involve billions of hotdogs?

Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer previews Illinois vs. USC and breaks down the biggest matchups to watch. We dive into what the Illini must do to control the tempo and come away with a statement win. It's also time for the Tuesday Draft and since the Illini went to Hollywood, so are we! We pick the best movies ever to win Best Picture at the Oscars. Plus, we need money! Evan gives his bets to Etch in Stone.

Carson Gourdie from WICS and Fox Illinois breaks down the Illini matchup with the Trojans and what to expect on game day. Adam Bradford of Trojans Wire gives the USC perspective and key storylines heading into the showdown. We also discuss how the Trojans match up schematically against Illinois on both sides of the ball. Plus, Jordan Thomas steps in as the new D-Line coach, rounding out Bret Bielema's 2026 staff.

Another award rolls in for Keaton Wagler, as his standout season continues to earn well-deserved recognition. What did he win now? We also highlight Sarah Warren and her performance on the Olympic stage, representing Team USA with pride. Why did she tell her family to NOT wear Illini orange & blue? Plus, Evan shares his latest picks in Etched in Stone as he looks to keep the hot streak going. And don't miss our Tuesday Draft announcement, where we reveal this week's topic and get the debate started.

Doug Bucshon of Orange and Blue News joins the show to break down Illinois' win over Indiana Hoosiers and what it means moving forward. Doug also gives his insight on the latest Illinois Football coaching hires, including Tyrone Wheatley as Running Backs coach. We also hit Today's Illini Headlines with the latest news surrounding Illinois Fighting Illini athletics. Kurtis brings the fun with another edition of his Curveballs, featuring some wild and surprising stories from the Olympic Games. It's a packed show with analysis, updates, and a few laughs along the way.      

Sunny Verma from Locked On Illini joins the show to break down Illinois vs. Indiana and what's at stake in the Big Ten race. Samuel Akem is an All-American wide receiver and played for Bobby Hauck. He delivers a must-listen conversation about Hauck's 3-3-5 defensive philosophy and what it could mean for the Illini. The X's and O's take center stage as we dive into scheme, toughness, and identity. Plus, we wrap it up with our Friday Toasts to close out the week on a high note.