The Drive on ESPN 93.5

1/3/24 Hour 1: Illini dominate Northwestern; What’s this team’s ceiling without Terrence Shannon?

Lon and Derek react to Illinois' 96-66 win over Northwestern in the Big Ten home opener. The guys also talk about how the Illini's recent showings recalibrate expectations for this team without Terrence Shannon Jr.

1/2/24 Hour 2: Are the Illini ready for B1G play without Terrence Shannon?; Biggest what-ifs in Illinois basketball history

Lon and Derek preview Illinois basketball's Big Ten home opener against Northwestern and what life without Terrence Shannon looks like. Later, the guys talk about some of the biggest what-ifs in Illini basketball history.

1/2/24 J Leman Hour: College Football Playoff thoughts; What should the Bears do with the No. 1 pick?

J Leman joins the guys to break down his thoughts on two thrilling College Football Playoff semifinals games. The guys also discuss the Bears' current situation after securing the No. 1 overall pick.

12/21/23 Hour 2: Gabe DeArmond (Power Mizzou) on Braggin’ Rights; Brad Underwood audio

Gabe DeArmond of PowerMizzou.com joins the guys to give the Mizzou perspective going into Braggin' Rights. Later, hear from Brad Underwood who met with the media before taking off for St. Louis.

12/21/23 Hour 1: Is Terrence Shannon becoming Ayo-like?; College Football Playoff thoughts

Lon and Derek begin the show talking about the College Football Playoff semis. Later, the guys talk some Braggin' Rights and discuss how Terrence Shannon Jr. is starting to resemble Ayo Dosunmu.

12/20/23 Hour 2: Ryan Easterling (Illini Inquirer) on Signing Day & Illinois’ transfer portal additions; Illini signee Easton Baker joins the show

Lon and Derek catch up with Ryan Easterling from Illini Inquirer to get his thoughts on Illinois' Signing Day class and also the recent transfer additions by Bret Bielema. Later, Illini signee Easton Baker joins the show to talk about what made him want to go to Illinois.

12/20/23 Hour 1: Thoughts on Bret Bielema’s 2024 class; Luke Goode on Braggin’ Rights & strong supporting cast

Lon and Derek discuss Signing Day and their thoughts on Bret Bielema's 2024 class. Later, Luke Goode joins the guys to talk about Braggin' Rights and the strong supporting cast Illinois has around Terrence Shannon Jr.

12/19/23 Hour 2: Illini projected as a 3-seed in Bracketology; Matt Silich talks NBA

Lon and Derek discuss Joe Lunardi's latest Bracketology projection and how they feel about Illinois' current profile. Later, Matt Silich joins the guys to talk about the big storylines in the NBA, including his thoughts on the newly-fun Chicago Bulls.

12/19/23 Hour 1: Does Illinois FB need more non-con cupcakes; Tommy DeVito wins the PR game

Lon and Derek begin the show talking some Illinois football and future scheduling, including the decision on whether to load up on cupcakes or not in the non-conference. Later, the guys discuss Tommy DeVito's cool move.

12/18/23 Hour 2: Thoughts on Illinois’ win vs. Colgate; Impressive weekend for Big Ten

Derek and guest co-host Joey Wagner discuss Illinois basketball's 74-57 win against Colgate on Sunday. Later, the guys talk about what was a good weekend for the Big Ten with Purdue, Michigan State and Ohio State all winning.

12/18/23 J Leman Hour: Isaiah Williams declares for NFL Draft, recruiting visit stories & thoughts on Michigan-Bama

J Leman joins Derek and guest co-host Joey Wagner to talk about the latest happenings with Illini football, including Isaiah Williams and Tip Reiman's decisions to declare for the NFL Draft. J also tells some recruiting visit stories and he gives his thoughts on Michigan-Alabama in the College Football Playoff semis.

12/15/23 Hour 2: Jeremy Werner (Illini Inquirer) on new Illini FB additions & Isaiah Williams; Brad Underwood on Colgate

Jeremy Werner joins the guys to discuss the Illini football offseason so far, including new transfer addition Anthony Johnson from Youngstown State. They also talk about Isaiah Williams' NFL Draft decision. Later, hear from Illini head coach Brad Underwood going into Sunday's matchup against Colgate.

12/15/23 Hour 1: Is Piper fighting a losing battle on Justin Fields? Big college hoops slate on Saturday

Lon and Derek discuss where things stand with the Chicago Bears and Justin Fields, as more reports point to the Bears drafting a QB with the first pick as things stand today. Later, the guys take a look at the juicy college basketball slate on Saturday.

12/14/23: Bielema, Newton on All-American selection & NFL Draft; Trevor Vallese joins to scold Lon

Lon and Derek discuss Tommy DeVito making the media rounds and play a couple funny DeVito skits from online. Hear from Bret Bielema and Johnny Newton as they discuss Newton being named a consensus All-American and his upcoming NFL Draft process. Trevor Vallese joins the show again to scold Lon for missing his segment yesterday.

12/14/23 Hour 1: Former Illini shining in the NFL; Luke Goode on Tennessee loss, winter break

Lon and Derek discuss Christmas traditions and many former Illini shining in the NFL. Later, Luke Goode joins the show to recap the team's loss to Tennessee, what's ahead and his holiday plans.

12/13/23 Hour 2: Trevor Vallese talks Cubs, Illini, college hoops; Juwan Howard on the way out?

Former The Drive producer Trevor Vallese joins the show to catch up and discuss the Cubs offseason, Illini thoughts, and various college basketball storylines. Later, Derek and Kyle discuss the Juwan Howard situation.

12/13/23 Hour 1: NCAA’s two-time transfer lawsuit chaos; Aaron Leming (BearReport) talks Bears hot stretch, Fields, Eberflus

Derek and Kyle discuss the news out of the NCAA regarding a judge issuing a restraining order blocking the NCAA from denying two-time transfer waivers and what it means for college basketball. Later, Aaron Leming from the BearReport joins the show to share some thoughts on the Bears recent turnaround and the future of Justin Fields and Matt Eberflus.

12/12/23 Hour 2: Big Ten hoops struggling - where will Illini’s resume wins come from?; Favorite Christmas movies

Lon and Derek discuss how much the Big Ten has struggled so far this basketball season and how much that hurts the Illini's chances for resume building wins. The guys share some of their favorite Christmas movies.

12/12/23 Hour 1: Tommy DeVito pulls off comeback win in primetime; Remembering some old school hoopers

Lon and Derek discuss Tommy DeVito leading the Giants to a primetime victory over the Packers and how cool it is to see him have success in the NFL. Later, the guys go down a rabbit hole about some old school basketball players.

12/11/23 Hour 2: Piper details long week of travel; Tennessee too much for Illini in Knoxville

Lon and Derek discuss Piper's long week of travel covering Illini hoops. The guys break down the Illini's 86-79 loss to Tennessee and how they're feeling about the team coming out of the recent stretch.