The Drive with Lon Tay & Derek Piper

Illinois basketball insider Sunny Verma from Locked On Illini joins the show to discuss Keaton Wagler's selection by the Los Angeles Clippers with the No. 5 overall pick in the NBA Draft. How does Wagler fit with the Clippers' roster? What expectations should Illini fans have for his rookie season? And what does another top-five pick mean for the future of Illinois basketball? Later, Pierre Noujaim from Fox9 Minneapolis joins us to break down former Illini star Ayo Dosunmu's new five-year, $112 million contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves. We'll discuss why Minnesota made Ayo a top offseason priority, how his playoff performance boosted his value, and whether this deal could become one of the league's better bargains over the next several seasons. Plus, we reveal the results of our Biggest Draft Busts of All Time Tuesday Draft and debate who got it right. And in today's edition of Intern Pierce vs. The World, we discover that reading a map may be harder than expected. Can Pierce successfully navigate basic geography, or will another challenge end in disaster? Tune in to find out. Follow The Drive on X, Instagram, and Facebook!

Illinois star Keaton Wagler officially became the second-highest NBA Draft selection in program history Tuesday night when the Los Angeles Clippers selected him with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Wagler's remarkable freshman season included consensus All-America honors, Big Ten Freshman of the Year, the Jerry West Award, and a trip to the Final Four. He now joins an organization looking to build around a talented young core and is the highest Illini draft pick since Deron Williams went No. 3 overall in 2005. We'll break down why the Clippers viewed Wagler as the perfect fit at No. 5, what his NBA role could look like immediately, and how his selection continues Illinois' recent pipeline of NBA talent. Plus, the St. Louis Cardinals announced significant organizational changes as Bill DeWitt III was promoted from President to Chief Executive Officer. Meanwhile, Anuk Karunaratne was elevated to President of Business Operations, while Bill DeWitt Jr. remains Chairman and Principal Owner. The move represents the next phase of the Cardinals' long-term succession plan and further separates baseball operations under Chaim Bloom from the club's business operations. We'll discuss why many Cardinals fans are reacting skeptically to the announcement, what it means for the future direction of the franchise, and whether this signals meaningful change or simply a reshuffling of titles.

Hour 2 of The Drive opened with Illinois football adding another piece to its 2027 recruiting class, securing a commitment from defensive back Tyrone Howard Jr. The talented secondary prospect gives head coach Bret Bielema and the Illini another athletic defender as the program continues to build momentum on the recruiting trail.  The show also highlighted new Illinois wide receiver commit Brody Knowles after he received a video message from NBA legend Dirk Nowitzki. The unique connection sparked conversation about Knowles' athletic profile and why national figures continue to take notice of the Illini's incoming talent. Illinois' recruiting efforts under Bielema continue to generate buzz as the program looks to build on recent success. To close the hour, the crew held its weekly Tuesday Draft, selecting the biggest NBA Draft busts of all time. Names such as Anthony Bennett, JaMarcus Russell, Greg Oden, and Darko Miličić fueled a spirited debate over which highly touted prospects failed to live up to expectations. The discussion weighed injuries, circumstances, and unrealized potential while revisiting some of the most infamous draft decisions. Follow The Drive on X, Instagram, and Facebook.

Hour 1 of The Drive features an in-depth conversation with Minnesota Star Tribune reporter Chris Hine on former Illinois star Ayo Dosunmu and his massive new five-year, $112 million contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Hine explained how Minnesota's trade of Julius Randle created the salary flexibility needed to retain Dosunmu and why the franchise views him as a long-term core piece alongside Anthony Edwards after his breakout 2025-26 season. The show also examined the latest buzz surrounding Illinois freshman sensation Keaton Wagler ahead of tonight's NBA Draft. With most mock drafts placing Wagler firmly in the lottery, discussion centered on potential landing spots including the Los Angeles Clippers, Brooklyn Nets, and other teams selecting in the top 10. Wagler's elite shooting, playmaking ability, and rapid rise from overlooked recruit to projected lottery pick have made him one of the most intriguing prospects in this year's class. The hour wrapped up with a preview of the upcoming series between the St. Louis Cardinals and Arizona Diamondbacks as St. Louis looks to continue its recent winning stretch and build momentum heading toward the All-Star break. The Cardinals have an opportunity to gain ground in the National League standings before a much tougher portion of their schedule arrives.

The Cardinals enter a pivotal point in their season as they begin a six-game stretch against the Arizona Diamondbacks and Miami Marlins, two series they may need to win before facing a significantly tougher schedule leading into the All-Star Break. The discussion centered on St. Louis' playoff positioning, the importance of taking advantage of favorable matchups, and how a strong week could shape the club's outlook for the second half of the season. The show also highlighted another historic achievement by soccer superstar Lionel Messi, who added yet another milestone to his legendary résumé during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The crew examined where Messi's latest record ranks among his countless accomplishments and what it means for his place in soccer history. Plus, Intern Pierce "The Fierce" sparked a lively debate on two hot-button topics: MLB All-Star voting and Canada. The conversation covered whether fan voting still produces the most deserving All-Stars, which players may be getting overlooked, and featured plenty of laughs as Pierce shared his unique takes on America's northern neighbor. Follow The Drive on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook!

Michigan basketball was rocked by the stunning news that national championship-winning head coach Dusty May is leaving for the Dallas Mavericks, creating a massive shakeup across the Big Ten and college basketball landscape. Reports indicate May is headed to Dallas after leading Michigan to the 2026 national title, opening a transfer portal window and leaving uncertainty around one of the conference's top programs. Alex Kyi of Armchair Illini joined the show to break down the ripple effects of May's departure, including how it could impact the Big Ten title race and potentially benefit programs like Illinois Fighting Illini heading into the 2026-27 season. The conversation also focused on former Illini star Keaton Wagler and the latest intel surrounding the 2026 NBA Draft. According to Kyi's reporting, Wagler is expected to land somewhere between picks 5 and 9, with teams such as the Clippers, Nets, Kings, Hawks, and Mavericks all viewed as potential destinations. Kyi discussed why Wagler remains one of the most intriguing lottery prospects, and what his sources are hearing just days before draft night. The hour also examined how May's exit could reshape the national college basketball hierarchy and what it means for Illinois' championship aspirations entering next season.

Hour 2 featured a deep dive into the ever-changing Big Ten football landscape with Ravi Lulla of Hurrdat Sports. Ravi examined which conference programs made the biggest strides during the offseason, which contenders may have taken a step back, and where Illinois fits into the 2026 race. The conversation focused on roster development, transfer portal additions, coaching continuity, and the realistic expectations for Bret Bielema's Illini entering a season with heightened expectations. The guys also continued reacting to Team USA's impressive 2-0 World Cup victory over Australia. The Americans moved closer to advancing from Group D thanks to another strong defensive performance and timely scoring, creating plenty of optimism about the squad's chances moving forward in the tournament. Listeners got to know one of the show's biggest supporters during  "Meet Listener Mark," before wrapping up the week with the always-popular Friday Toasts segment, celebrating accomplishments, memorable moments, and everything worth raising a glass to heading into the weekend. Follow The Drive on X, Instagram, and Facebook.

The Fighting Illini continue to build one of the nation's toughest non-conference schedules as Illinois and Texas Tech officially move forward with a marquee home-and-home basketball series. The grumbles of Big Ten schools NOT playing Texas Tech, post-Brendan Sorsby, amounts to nothing. Illinois hosted the first matchup in Champaign, with a return trip to Lubbock set for the 2026-27 season, giving Brad Underwood another high-profile test against a perennial Big 12 contender. On the international stage, Team USA delivered an impressive World Cup performance, defeating Australia 2-0 in Group D action. The Americans improved their position in the group standings with a dominant defensive effort and continued momentum after their strong tournament-opening victory over Paraguay. The win sets up a crucial stretch run as the United States looks to advance to the knockout stage. Meanwhile, the St. Louis Cardinals endured one of their roughest losses of the season, falling 14-6 to the Kansas City Royals. Matthew Liberatore struggled early, allowing the Royals to erupt for a six-run second inning. Kansas City finished with 17 hits and three home runs, while Bobby Witt Jr. homered before leaving with knee discomfort. Salvador Perez added a historic blast at Kauffman Stadium, and despite collecting 13 hits of their own, the Cardinals stranded 15 runners in the lopsided defeat.  

Hour 2 of The Drive featured a deep dive into Illinois football's evolving 3-3-5 defensive scheme, with a special focus on the safety positions and the versatile "Chief" role. The guys discussed how the position functions as a hybrid defender, blending responsibilities of a nickelback, linebacker, and safety while creating flexibility for defensive coordinator Bobby Hauck's aggressive approach. They also examined which current Illini players are best suited for the role and how the position could impact Illinois' defensive success in 2026. The show also previewed Team USA's critical FIFA World Cup matchup against Australia. Kurtis and Evan broke down the Americans' strong start to the tournament, key players to watch, and what a victory would mean for the United States' chances of advancing out of Group D. They also looked at Australia's strengths and potential challenges the USMNT could face heading into the highly anticipated match. Plus, the results are in from this week's Tuesday Draft as listeners crowned the winner of "Best Smells of All Time." From fresh-cut grass and bacon to movie theater popcorn and a new car interior, the guys reviewed the fan voting and debated which scents truly deserve championship status. Follow The Drive on X, Instagram, and Facebook.

On Hour 1 of The Drive, Brian Teague of Chicago State of Mind Sports joined the show to discuss Illinois football's newest commitments and recruiting momentum. Teague explained why four-star wide receiver Bennett Konkey reminds him of former Illini standout Pat Bryant, citing similarities in physicality, route-running, and the ability to become a reliable target in critical situations. He also weighed in on the future of Illinois basketball star Keaton Wagler, explaining why he doesn't believe the Chicago Bulls are the best fit for the talented prospect. Brian also broke down the introductory press conference of new Chicago Bulls head coach Thiago Splitter, discussing his vision for the team's future. Plus, the latest Illini Headlines featuring football recruiting updates, tennis news, track & field, and everything Illinois fans need to know as another busy week unfolds in Champaign.

Illinois basketball's non-conference schedule continued to take shape as the Fighting Illini added matchups against in-state foe Eastern Illinois and Ivy League contender Penn. The games provide Brad Underwood's squad with opportunities to build its résumé while giving fans a closer look at another highly anticipated Illinois roster. In Major League Baseball, trade deadline speculation heats up as the Cardinals weigh whether starting pitcher Dustin May could become one of the most coveted arms on the market. After another dominant outing against San Diego, the question becomes whether St. Louis views May as a key piece of a playoff push or a valuable trade asset. Meanwhile, the Cubs face a similar dilemma with Seiya Suzuki. Despite Chicago's recent surge, Suzuki's bat could attract significant interest from contenders if the front office decides to capitalize on his value before the deadline. The hour wrapped up with a spirited Tuesday Draft as the crew selected The Best Smells of All Time, featuring favorites ranging from fresh-cut grass and movie theater popcorn to bacon, campfires, and the smell of rain after a summer storm. Follow The Drive on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Illinois football continued its strong 2027 recruiting momentum by securing a commitment from 4-star wide receiver Bennett Konkey and flipping 3-star running back Steven Alexis, giving Bret Bielema's staff two major offensive additions for the future. The duo adds speed, playmaking ability, and depth to an already impressive Illini recruiting class. On the diamond, the Cardinals received a dominant performance from pitcher Dustin May, who shut down the Padres lineup and delivered one of St. Louis' best starting pitching outings of the season. Meanwhile, the Cubs earned a dramatic 5-4 comeback win over the Rockies behind a historic night from centerfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong. Crow-Armstrong became the first player in Major League Baseball to hit for the cycle during the 2026 season, completing the feat in reverse order (home run, triple, double, single) while helping spark Chicago's late rally at Wrigley Field. The Cubs capped the comeback with a walk-off victory and have now won four of their last five games.

Hour 2 of The Drive is packed with major headlines from across the sports world. The guys preview a crucial series for the St. Louis Cardinals against the San Diego Padres and break down what the Chicago Cubs need to do against the Colorado Rockies. They also react to the Carolina Hurricanes capturing the Stanley Cup and discuss what their championship run means for the NHL landscape. Plus, a look at United States men's national soccer team and Team USA's performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including early takeaways and expectations moving forward. The show wraps up with the latest on Ty Rodgers injury status, and how it affects Boise State. Follow The Drive on X, Instagram, and Facebook.

The Drive kicks off the week with a championship celebration as St. Joseph-Ogden baseball head coach Josh Haley joins the show to discuss the Spartans' incredible run to the IHSA Class 2A State Championship, the key moments from the title game, and what the historic achievement means for the program and community. The guys also break down the New York Knicks winning their first NBA championship in decades, what it means for the league, and where the defeated San Antonio Spurs go from here. Plus, the latest Illinois Fighting Illini football and Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball headlines, recruiting updates, and a recap of Evan Stone's celebrity basketball appearance. Follow The Drive on X, Instagram, and Facebook.

Tristan Thomas joins the show to discuss St. Joseph-Ogden's run in IHSA baseball, the impact of quarterback commit Dane Eisenmenger on the future of Illinois football, and settles the score on whether he or Evan Stone would come out on top in the upcoming charity basketball showdown. Plus, we preview a weekend interleague matchup between the St. Louis Cardinals and Minnesota Twins, as well as the Chicago Cubs taking on the San Francisco Giants. We wrap up the week with another edition of Friday Toasts, celebrating the people, teams, and moments that deserve a raise of the glass.

Illinois quarterback commit Dane Eisenmenger meets the media for the first time and discusses why he chose the Illini, his fit in Barry Lunney Jr.'s offense, and what he hopes to bring to the future of Illinois football. Plus, Jordan Sigler from Chi City Sports joins the show to break down the next steps in the Bears' proposed move to Indiana, the political and NFL hurdles that remain, impressions from Bears minicamp, the growing buzz around Caleb Williams, and his recent "war of words" with Micah Parsons. We also hit the latest Illini and Bears headlines and react to a busy day across the sports landscape. Follow The Drive on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook!

Sunny Verma from Locked On Illini joins the show to discuss why former Illinois star Keaton Wagler potentially landing with the Chicago Bulls could be an ideal situation for both sides.  The conversation also turns to the latest Illinois football and basketball recruiting developments as Bret Bielema and Brad Underwood continue building momentum on the recruiting trail. From quarterback commitments to basketball targets, we discuss the names Illini fans need to know. Later, we take a trip down memory lane and draft our Top 10 Players of the Tim Beckman Era at Illinois. Despite the struggles of those teams, several standout players emerged and left lasting marks on the program. Plus, listeners get introduced to the newest member of The Drive team as we welcome intern Quinn Flavin to the show! Follow The Drive on X, Instagram, and Facebook.

The New York Knicks are one win away from their first NBA title since 1973 after completing the largest comeback in NBA Finals history Wednesday night. New York erased a 29-point deficit and stunned the San Antonio Spurs 107-106 in Game 4 at Madison Square Garden. OG Anunoby delivered the game-winning tip-in with 1.2 seconds remaining, capping a historic rally that saw the Knicks outscore San Antonio 58-30 in the second half. Carson Gourdie  from WICS-TV & Fox-Illinois breaks down what Illini Football landing Tolono Unity quarterback Dane Eisenmenger means for the future of Bret Bielema's quarterback room, how recent commitments are shaping the Illini's recruiting momentum, and why Lincoln Williams could be a difference-maker for Illinois basketball. Plus, Carson has an update on St. Joe-Ogden baseball as the Spartans prepare for the IHSA Class 2A State Finals, looking to cap another remarkable postseason run with a state championship.

The 2026 NBA Finals shift into a pivotal Game 4 tonight as the New York Knicks look to take a commanding 3-1 series lead over the San Antonio Spurs. After San Antonio's 115-111 win in Game 3, all eyes are on Victor Wembanyama, who dominated with 32 points and completely changed the series with his rim protection and ability to control the paint. The Knicks still lead 2-1, but another Wemby masterpiece could swing the momentum back to San Antonio heading home. If the Spurs ultimately win this series, it's hard to see anyone other than Victor Wembanyama taking home Finals MVP. He's been the most impactful player on the floor on both ends and is beginning to solve New York's offense while creating matchup nightmares for the Knicks. The Cardinals continue their series against the Mets looking to build momentum. How good are the Birds right now? Out west, the Cubs continue their series with the Rockies. How bleak are things for the Cubs right now? Plus, Evan Stone transforms into Hulk Hogan to react to the growing excitement around the 2026 FIFA World Cup. "Whatcha gonna do, brother, when World Cup Mania runs wild on YOU?!"

Kyle Tausk of Illini Inquirer breaks down why the addition of Lincoln Williams was perfect timing for Brad Underwood and Illinois Basketball after the late recruiting cycle. Williams finished his high school career with 1,853 points and gives the Illini another talented in-state guard with scoring ability and defensive upside. Plus, Kyle reviews the impressive start by Illinois signee Quentin Coleman with Team USA at the FIBA U18 AmeriCup, where the freshman forward opened tournament play with an 11-point, 15-rebound double-double and showcased the athleticism that has Illini fans excited. Also, the guys discuss Tolono Unity quarterback Dane Eisenmenger committing to Illinois Football and what the local standout brings to Bret Bielema's quarterback room moving forward.

Alex Kyi from Armchair Illini joins the show to break down what Illinois is getting in newly-committed quarterback Sladen Shack, why the coaching staff made him a priority, and what stands out most about his game. We also discuss four-star basketball recruit Lincoln Williams, how his recruitment unfolded, and what his commitment means for Brad Underwood's future roster plans. Plus, it's Tuesday Draft Day as we build our lists of the Best Sports Video Games of All Time. From NCAA Football and Madden to NBA Jam, MVP Baseball, and more, which classics make the cut? And we wrap things up with another edition of World Cup Tweets, featuring the funniest posts from the international fans experiencing America for the first time. Follow The Drive on X, Instagram, and Facebook!

06/09/26 Hour 1: Illinois Football lands 3-Star Quarterback Sladen Shack - what you need to know; Cardinals vs Mets and Cubs vs Rockies Preview Illinois football added another piece to its future quarterback room as three-star 2027 signal caller Sladen Shack from Brandon, Mississippi announced his commitment to Bret Bielema and the Illini. The 6-foot-1, 211-pound quarterback chose Illinois over offers from Oklahoma State, Ole Miss, UConn, South Florida, East Carolina and others. Shack is rated as one of Mississippi's top prospects in the Class of 2027 and becomes Illinois' quarterback commitment for the cycle after the staff reset its recruiting board this spring. Illinois coaches Art Sitkowski and Barry Lunney Jr. prioritized Shack following strong evaluations and an official visit to Champaign. The commitment continues Illinois' recent pipeline into Mississippi, following the success of former Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer.  Then we shift to baseball as the Cardinals open a three-game series against the Mets at Citi Field. St. Louis enters the matchup at 35-28 and currently holds the top National League Wild Card position, while New York sits at 29-36 but comes home with momentum after winning series against both San Diego and Seattle. Young stars Jordan Walker and JJ Wetherholt continue to fuel the Cardinals' surprising season, while the Mets welcome catcher Francisco Alvarez back from the injured list ahead of the series opener. The matchup features two teams trying to strengthen their playoff positioning in a crowded National League race. Meanwhile, the Cubs begin a six-game season series with the Rockies at Coors Field. Chicago enters the series looking to gain ground after an inconsistent stretch, while Colorado continues rebuilding after a difficult 2025 campaign. The probable pitching matchups feature Colin Rea vs. Tomoyuki Sugano, Shota Imanaga vs. Michael Lorenzen, and Edward Cabrera vs. Ryan Feltner. Despite Colorado's struggles, Coors Field has historically been a difficult place for the Cubs, making this an important road test as they try to stay in the National League playoff picture. 

Brian Teague from Chicago State of Mind Sports joins the show to break down the latest developments in the Bears stadium saga and explains why he believes the franchise ultimately won't be relocating to Indiana despite recent headlines and speculation. What hurdles remain, and what could keep the Bears rooted in Illinois? The Illini continue to build for the future with the commitment of Kankakee star Lincoln Williams. The highly regarded prospect adds another talented in-state piece to Brad Underwood's recruiting efforts and gives Illinois fans plenty to be excited about moving forward. Plus, we discuss another impressive performance from Quentin Coleman while representing Team USA at the U18 level. The rising Illini standout continues to showcase his talent on the international stage, further fueling expectations for his future in Champaign. Follow The Drive on X, Instagram, and Facebook!

The future continues to look bright in Champaign as Illinois basketball adds one of the state's rising stars, Kankakee standout Lincoln Williams. Williams turned heads throughout his high school career, including a record-setting 44-point performance that broke Kankakee's single-game scoring mark, and now gives the Illini another talented in-state piece for the future. On the football side, Bret Bielema and his staff continue to build recruiting momentum, adding three more commitments as Illinois looks to follow up what has become one of the strongest recruiting stretches in program history. The Illini have elevated their recruiting profile significantly in recent years, consistently landing top in-state talent and competing for higher-ranked classes nationally. Plus, we pay tribute to legendary Bulls broadcaster and former NBA champion Stacey King. All that and more in today's Illini Headlines.

The Bears-to-Indiana conversation continues as Chris Kwiecinski from Fox 32 joins us with the latest from Halas Hall following Thursday's bombshell announcement from Chairman George McCaskey and President/CEO Kevin Warren. What hurdles remain before the Bears can officially call Indiana home? Chris brings the latest reporting and analysis. Then, Kurtis takes over the classroom and gives Evan a crash course in modern baseball statistics. Which advanced metrics actually matter? Which ones are overrated? And can analytics really tell us more than the traditional numbers fans grew up with? Plus, it's Friday, which means it's time for our weekly Toasts! We'll celebrate the best moments of the week, recognize the people who deserve a shoutout, and send everyone into the weekend on a positive note. All that and more on Hour 2!

The Chicago Bears took their biggest step yet toward leaving Illinois, as Chairman George McCaskey and President/CEO Kevin Warren announced that the team's Board of Directors has voted to advance plans for a new stadium project in Hammond, Indiana. While an exact site has not yet been selected, the vote marks the first time the Bears' board has formally approved a stadium location path, signaling Indiana has become the franchise's preferred option. We'll break down what this means for Bears fans, whether Illinois still has any chance of keeping the team, and if "The Hammond Bears" could actually become a reality after more than a century in Illinois. Plus, the Cardinals open a key divisional series against the Reds as they look to continue their strong play in the NL Central race. And after getting embarrassed by the Giants today, are the Cubs back to unraveling? We'll discuss what's gone wrong and whether concern is warranted on the North Side. All that and more on Hour 1!

Hall of Fame baseball writer Rob Rains joins the show to discuss the Cardinals' recent surge and why this team appears to be playing with a loose, confident attitude. He shares his thoughts on what's fueling the club's success, the impact of manager Oliver Marmol, and identifies the player who has emerged as his biggest surprise star so far this season. The NFL rumor mill is buzzing again as speculation grows about a potential return of Aaron Donald to the Los Angeles Rams. Is there any chance the future Hall of Famer comes out of retirement, and what would it mean for the Rams' Super Bowl hopes? Plus, the show wraps up with another spirited Draft Day segment as the crew selects the most hateable athletes in sports history. From villains who dominated rival teams to controversial stars who seemed to thrive on fan outrage, the debate is sure to spark plenty of reactions. Follow The Drive X, Instagram, and Facebook.

Isaac Ambrose joins the show to break down Bret Bielema's recent comments directed toward Notre Dame Athletic Director Pete Bevacqua and what they reveal about college football scheduling, playoff access, and the changing power structure of the sport. The conversation then shifts to Illinois basketball and a debate that continues to gain steam in Champaign: has Brad Underwood already become the greatest coach in Illini history? With multiple Big Ten titles, deep NCAA Tournament runs, and the program's sustained success, the case for Underwood is stronger than ever. How does he stack up against Illinois legends such as Lou Henson and Harry Combes? Plus, the NBA Finals opened with a surprise as the New York Knicks stunned the San Antonio Spurs in Game 1, stealing home-court advantage behind a strong fourth-quarter performance and putting early pressure on the Western Conference champions.

It's never too early to talk All-Stars! With the season approaching the midway point, we reveal our picks for the 2026 MLB All-Star Game. Who deserves a starting spot? Which players are having breakout seasons? And who are the biggest snubs if the voting ended today? We go position-by-position through our American League and National League selections. Then it's time for another edition of Draft Day. This week's topic: The Most Hated Athletes in Sports History. From controversial stars and notorious villains to athletes fans loved to boo, we draft the biggest lightning rods sports has ever seen. Which names are automatic first-round picks, and which athletes generated the most passionate reactions from opposing fan bases? Join us for All-Star debates, baseball talk, and one of the most entertaining Draft Day topics yet. Follow The Drive on X, Instagram, and Facebook!

The baseball season is a grind, and both the Cardinals and Cubs are feeling it right now as each club tries to stop recent losing stretches and stay in the thick of their division races. We break down what's gone wrong, what needs to change, and whether either team should be concerned long-term. Plus, it's time for Illini Headlines as we catch up on the latest news surrounding Illinois athletics, including recruiting, summer workouts, and the biggest stories making waves around Champaign-Urbana. And inspired by a conversation about sports rivalries, we ask: Who are the players from rival teams that you couldn't help but respect? Whether it was their talent, leadership, toughness, or ability to come through in big moments, we share the rivals we admired despite rooting against them. Tune in for baseball talk, Illini updates, and a trip down memory lane with some of sports' most respected rivals. Follow The Drive on X, Instagram, and Facebook!

More discussion on Quinten Coleman's standout performance for Team USA and what it could mean for Illinois basketball moving forward. Plus, Evan vs. Texters returns for Part 2 of the World Cup edition. What's more exciting - soccer or baseball? And we discuss whether Cincinnati quarterback Brendan Sorsby should be banned after gambling scandal. Follow the Drive on X, Instagram, and Facebook.

Chris Kwiecinski joins the show to break down the latest on the Chicago Bears' stadium saga as Illinois lawmakers failed to approve a stadium financing bill, leaving Arlington Heights and Hammond, Indiana, as the leading options for the franchise's future home. Plus, Illini Headlines featuring a big performance from Quinten Coleman, Hall of Famer Jenna Hall takes over softball, and Evan takes on the texters in a World Cup-themed edition! Follow The Drive on X, Instagram, and Facebook!

Glenn Kinley from WCIA 3 Sports joins the show to discuss the IHSA Track & Field State Championships and what Andrej Stojakovic's return means for Illinois basketball. How real is the hype? We also give our Cardinals vs. Cubs series predictions and our Friday Toasts to wrap up the week! Follow The Drive on X, Instagram, and Facebook!

Brian Teague from Chicago State of Mind Sports talks Illini basketball, Andrej Stojakovic, football schedule; Brian Walton previews Cards vs Cubs Series. 

Tristan Thomas joins the show to discuss Andrej Stojakovic officially returning to Illinois, previews of the IHSA State Track Meet, and his latest showdown with Evan Stone in a Champaign-Urbana celebrity basketball game. Can the San Antonio Spurs force a Game 7 against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals? Plus, Evan somehow finds himself on the wrong side of the law!  Follow The Drive on X, Instagram, and Facebook!      

Illini Headlines - Andrej Stojakovic is officially BACK with the Illini after withdrawing from the NBA Draft, giving Brad Underwood and Illinois another huge piece for a potential national title contender! Cubs vs Cardinals rivalry renewed with a big weekend series at Busch Stadium. Pierce the Intern will have live updates for us. MLB owners propose the league's first salary cap since the 1994-95 strike — which teams and players would be impacted the most? Plus, Evan Stone ranks the Illini football schedule from least exciting to most exciting. Follow The Drive on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

The guys debate whether the New York Knicks would rather face the Oklahoma City Thunder or San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals after OKC grabbed a 3-2 series lead. Plus, Evan  will go head-to-head with WCIA 3's Tristan Thomas on the hardwood, more discussion on Andrej Stojaković's looming decision, Tuesday Draft results for the Best 90's Comedy Movies, and Pierce the Intern steals the spotlight! Follow The Drive on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Illinois basketball waits for the decision from Andrej Stojaković as he's expected to announce his future at 7 p.m. (he's coming back). Illini Headlines include football TV game times being announced and Quentin Coleman earning a spot on the U.S. U18 National Team. Plus, the St. Louis Cardinals fall to the Milwaukee Brewers while the Chicago Cubs drop their 10th straight game. Follow The Drive on X, Instagram, and Facebook.

Hour 2 featured Kyle Tausk from X, Instagram, and Facebook!

Hour 1 of today's show featured racing analyst Brian Ames breaking down one of the wildest editions of the Indianapolis 500 ever, as Felix Rosenqvist edged David Malukas in the closest finish in race history. We also discussed the Cubs' losing streak reaching nine games while the Cardinals and Brewers continue battling for first place in the NL Central. Plus, Illini Headlines covered another addition to Shauna Green's coaching staff.      

Hour 2 features Adda Lavalle from AlBat breaking down whether Alex Bregman's massive contract would actually be worth it for the Cubs. Plus, Let's Go Racing continues as we draft the Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 fields, and we wrap up the week with Friday Toasts! Follow The Drive on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook!

Hour 1 is all about racing as Brian Ames joins the show to preview the Indy 500, break down the top storylines, and explain what makes this year's race so intriguing. Plus, the Cubs miss key opportunities in a loss to the Astros, and we hit the latest Illini Headlines with updates from Illinois athletics. Follow The Drive on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook!

The St. Louis Cardinals walk it off against the Pittsburgh Pirates as the guys recap the thrilling finish and preview the upcoming series against the Milwaukee Brewers. Plus, “Educating Evan Stone” dives into the history and traditions of the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 ahead of Memorial Day weekend, and the crew reveals the results from the Tuesday Draft: Best Spielberg Movies! Follow The Drive on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook!

Ravi Lulla from Hurrdat Sports joins the show to discuss potential expansion of the College Football Playoff and why growing the field even more could negatively impact the sport. Plus, Kurtis' Curveballs returns with “Sports Moments That Reveal Your Age” as listeners share the iconic plays, athletes, and memories that instantly show their generation. Follow The Drive on X, Instagram, and Facebook.

The St. Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Pirates square off as we break down the matchup, while Arsenal F.C. captures the Premier League title — complete with live reactions and updates from Evan's Mom overseas! Plus, the Tuesday Draft returns with our favorite movies from legendary director Steven Spielberg. Follow The Drive on X, Instagram, and Facebook!

Carson Gourdie returns to break down the Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball offseason, why Andrej Stojaković is expected to return, and expectations for Illinois Fighting Illini football this season. Plus, Kurtis' Curveballs make their return with plenty of random sports thoughts and facts about smells.

Zack Pearson from Bear Wire returns to break down the Chicago Bears schedule release, rookie minicamp takeaways, and the latest on whether a new stadium project is finally moving forward. Plus, the crew gives out their Etched in Stone selections for tonight's Major League Baseball slate. Follow The Drive on X, Instagram, and Facebook!

Brad Sturdy from Illini Guys joins the show to break down the latest with Illinois basketball's offseason, the buzz around Andrej Stojaković, and Brad Underwood's new contract extension, plus updates on the Illinois football roster. We also recap the Chicago White Sox taking down the Chicago Cubs, while the St. Louis Cardinals pick up another win.        

Elias Schuster joins the show to break down the latest in the Crosstown Series between the Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox, plus the latest buzz surrounding the Chicago Bulls and the upcoming NBA Draft. The guys also discuss the best possible landing spot for Keaton Wagler as his basketball future takes shape. Plus, “Etched in Stone” returns and the crew wraps up the week with their Friday Toasts! Follow The Drive on X, Instagram, and Facebook!

Tristan Thomas from WCIA 3 joins the show to break down the latest on Brad Underwood's contract update and what it means for Illinois basketball moving forward. The guys also take the “Irritable Sports Fan Test” and see just how fired up fans really get during games. Plus, all of today's biggest Illini headlines and updates from around Champaign-Urbana. Follow The Drive on X, Instagram, and Facebook.

Can the Minnesota Timberwolves claw their way back into the series against the San Antonio Spurs? The crew breaks down what needs to change for Minnesota, including defensive adjustments, star performances, and whether they still have enough momentum to flip the matchup.   Plus, another edition of “From the Office of Evan Stone” dives into the future of LeBron James and what could be next for the NBA superstar as speculation continues around the final stage of his career. The show also officially welcomes new intern Pierce to the team and puts him through his first on-air introduction. Follow The Drive on X, Instagram, and Facebook!