The Drive on ESPN 93.5

Lon and Derek are live at Pia's Sports Bar and Grill in Champaign previewing the Illini's season-opener against Eastern Illinois. The guys are joined by special guests J Leman and wrestlers from AEW's Dynamite.

Lon and Derek discuss their expectations for both the offense and defense for Illinois and hear from both coordinators. Later, hear from Bret Bielema as he shares his final thoughts ahead of the season opener.

Lon, Derek and Kyle discuss a hypothetical of whether or not they'd trade a decade of irrelevance for their favorite MLB teams for a Super Bowl for their favorite NFL teams. Later, hear from Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer as he shares his thoughts on his offseason progress and preparing for Week 1.

Lon and Derek discuss how they'd assess this point in Bret Bielema's Illini tenure and how crucial this upcoming season is for him. Later, the guys give their official game-by-game football season predictions for the Illini.

J Leman joins Lon and Derek in studio for his weekly hour to preview the Illini's season opener against Eastern Illinois including which guys he's most excited to see for the first time and what the first game of the season is like for a player.

Lon, Derek, and Kyle continue grading each Illini football position group. Later, hear from head coach Bret Bielema as he kicks off the start of game week against Eastern Illinois.

Lon and Derek share some exciting life updates involving their sons from their off day on Thursday. Later, the guys grade some of Illini football's position groups.

Brad Underwood told reporters that this Illini basketball team might have the highest ceiling of any that he's coached. Lon and Derek discuss whether they agree with him or not.

Lon and Derek begin the show talking Illini basketball and what will be key for Brad Underwood to get the most out of this team as they move towards the fall. Later, hear from Underwood, who spoke to the media at the Lou Henson Rebounders Golf Outing.

Lon and Derek break down the Illini basketball nonconference schedule, which was released on Tuesday. Later, Lon poses the question of what would be the impact on fans if Illinois would have won a national title in 2005.

Lon and Derek start the show talking some baseball, including some exciting division races and some not-so-exciting ones. Later, Lon tells you why he's losing faith in society.

Lon and Derek discuss what experience will mean for Luke Altmyer in his second year as the starter at Illinois. Later, Derek gushes over Caleb Williams and what his rookie season could look like with the Bears.

J Leman joins the guys for his first in-studio appearance of this season. The guys pick J's brain on his expectations for Bret Bielema's team this year on both sides of the ball. J also gives a deep dive on what linebackers are seeing on a given play.

Lon and Derek discuss what to take away from Luke Altmyer not being one of Illini football's six captains. How did that shake out for other former Illinois QBs?

Lon and Derek discuss their level of faith in Bret Bielema going into the 2024 season. The guys also have fantasy football drafts this weekend. How will they screw it up?

Derek and guest co-host Joey Wagner focus on the Illini defense and discuss reasons for a step forward this year but also causes for concern. Later, hear from Bret Bielema as he spoke to the media at training camp on Thursday.

Derek and guest co-host Joey Wagner discuss storylines from Illini football training camp.

Lon and Derek discuss what they believe to be a pivotal Week 2 game for Illinois against a ranked Kansas squad. Can the Illini pull off a sellout for that one?

Lon and Derek discuss the boiling frustrations around the St. Louis Cardinals fan base and whether there should be a major teardown following this season.

Lon and Derek discuss why they wish they were back in college sometimes and share some stories from their college days. Later, hear from Illini defensive coordinator Aaron Henry as he shares some updates on his defense from fall camp.