The Drive with Lon Tay & Derek Piper

4/2/25 FULL SHOW: Cardinals explode late to salvage series; Ty Rodgers, Kylan Boswell announce return to Illini

Lon and Derek discuss the Cardinals exploding in the eighth inning to salvage the series finale against the Angels and the Cubs teeing off in the Athletics' Sacramento ballpark. Later, the guys share their thoughts on Ty Rodgers announcing his return to Illinois after his redshirt season and what he can provide to next season's roster.

4/1/25 Hour 2: How would Josh Dix fit on the Illini?; Baseball thoughts

Lon and Derek continue discussing Josh Dix's potential fit with the Illini and what it would mean for the Illini's offseason. The guys also share some baseball thoughts including a few betting nuggets.

4/1/25 Hour 1: Where do Illini's transfer portal & offseason pursuits stand?

Lon and Derek talk everything Illini transfer portal and offseason, including Zvonimir Ivisic, Jaylin Sellers, the potential of Ty Rodgers returning and much more.

3/31/25 Hour 2: Where do Rodgers & Humrichous fall on Illini priority list?; Josh Dix visit update; Jaylin Sellers, Big Z potential portal options for Illini?

Derek and Kyle discuss where Ty Rodgers and Ben Humrichous should be on the priority list of potential returnees for Illinois. Later, the guys discuss Josh Dix's recent visit to Champaign and if Jaylin Sellers and Zvonimir Ivisic are portal options for the Illini.

3/31/25 Hour 1: All 1 seed Final Four set; Tre White enters the transfer portal

Derek and Kyle react to the Elite 8 over the weekend and begin to preview the all 1 seed Final Four that has now been set. Later, the guys continue discussing Morez Johnson's decision to enter the portal and Tre White entering the portal over the weekend.

3/28/25 Hour 2: Illini's portal strategy post-Morez; Sweet 16 thoughts; Cards & Cubs get Opening Day Ws

Lon, Derek and Kyle discuss what lies ahead for Illinois in the offseason following the departure of Morez Johnson. They also share their thoughts on the first wave of Sweet 16 games. Later, the guys talk about the Cardinals and Cubs both picking up Opening Day wins.

3/28/25 Hour 1: Morez Johnson enters the transfer portal; Instant reaction and what it means for Illinois

Lon and Derek share their immediate reaction to the stunning news of Morez Johnson entering the transfer portal and discuss what it means for Illinois.

3/26/25 Hour 2: Sweet 16 Preview; Is this where the Big Ten's run ends?

Derek and Kyle preview all of the Sweet 16 matchups this weekend, discuss which games they're most excited for, and predict whether or not the Big Ten's crop of teams can survive.

3/26/25 Hour 1: Best Opening Day moments; How would Josh Dix fit on Illinois?; Should the Illini prioritize Ty Rodgers?

Derek and Kyle look back on some of the best Opening Day moments. They also discuss what Iowa transfer Josh Dix's potential fit with Illinois could be and whether the Illini should prioritize retaining Ty Rodgers this offseason.

3/25/25 Hour 2: Cubs & Cardinals questions entering Opening Day; Mike Claiborne shares insight on upcoming Cardinals season

Lon, Derek and Kyle answer some Cubs and Cardinals questions entering the start of MLB season. Later, Mike Claiborne joins the show to share his thoughts on what the Cardinals season could have in store.

3/25/25 Hour 1: Transfer portal & NIL season already ramping up; NL Central win projections

Lon and Derek discuss how quickly transfer portal season has already ramped up after the Illini's season ended and how Illinois will need to navigate it. Later, the guys react to the NL Central's preseason win total projections.

3/24/25 Hour 2: Which players does Illinois need to prioritize retaining?; A look ahead at the offseason

Derek and Kyle reshape their pecking order for who they think Illinois should prioritize retaining the most heading into next year and preview what the offseason could entail for Brad Underwood and Co.

3/24/25 Hour 1: Illini's roller coaster season comes to an end against Kentucky; How to evaluate this team's ultimate shortcomings

Derek and Kyle break down the Illini's season ending Round of 32 loss to Kentucky and discuss how to properly evaluate this year's team. The guys also discuss some of the biggest shortcomings of this roster that prevented Illinois from ultimately reaching its ceiling.

3/18/25 Hour 2: Who is Illinois' most trusted scorer?; Lon & Pipes' bracket picks

Lon and Derek discuss who they expect to be the best scoring option for Illinois in the NCAA Tournament. Later, the guys go through the bracket and give their picks.

3/18/25 Hour 1: Catching up with Kyle on Cubs opener & Illinois' NCAA Tourney path

Kyle joins the guys to talk about the Cubs' opener against the Dodgers and how he's feeling about Illinois going into the NCAA Tournament.

3/17/25 Hour 2: What's up with Kasparas Jakucionis?; Brad Underwood talks Selection Sunday

Lon and Derek discuss Kasparas Jakucionis' continued struggles and what those mean for Illinois' tourney hopes. Later, hear from Brad Underwood talking after the Selection Show.

3/17/25 Hour 1: Illini MBB earn 6-seed in the NCAAT; Rather face Xavier or Texas?

Lon and Derek discuss Illini men's basketball earning the 6-seed in the Midwest Region. Would you rather see 11-seed Xavier and Texas?

3/12/25 Hour 2: Spring football begins for Illinois football; Big Ten Tournament bracket predictions

Lon and Kyle discuss the beginning of spring football for Illinois and what most excites them entering a hype-filled season for Bret Bielema's team. Later, the guys make their picks for the Big Ten Tournament bracket.

3/12/25 Hour 1: Thoughts on Illini's Big Ten Tournament draw & chances; KJ, Riley on postseason

Lon and Kyle break down the Illini's Big Ten Tournament draw and how they're feeling about the Illini entering Indianapolis. Later, hear from Kasparas Jakucionis and Will Riley as they discuss entering their first postseason in college.

3/10/25 Hour 2: Early look at the Big Ten Tournament bracket; Bears making moves in NFL free agency

Lon, Derek and Kyle share some early thoughts on the Big Ten Tournament bracket and how the draw shapes up for Illinois and various teams around the league. Later, the guys talk some NFL free agency and the Bears making a couple big flashes early on Monday.