The Drive with Lon Tay & Derek Piper

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.

3/10/25 Hour 1: Illini win a thriller vs Purdue to end regular season; Is a 6 seed the place to be for the NCAA Tournament?

Lon and Derek break down the Illini's thrilling come from behind victory over Purdue and what it means for Illinois entering the postseason. Later, the guys go through some past NCAA Tournament results for Illinois and discuss whether or not a 6 seed is the perfect place to land in the bracket.

3/7/25 Hour 2: Former intern Jimmy Sobeski talks Purdue-Illinois matchup; What could a big March do for KJ and Riley's draft stock?

Former The Drive intern Jimmy Sobeski joins the show to share his insight on Purdue and give his take on the Illinois-Purdue matchup. Later, the guys discuss what a standout March could do for Kasparas Jakucionis and Will Riley's draft stock and give their predictions for Illinois-Purdue.

3/7/25 Hour 1: What could a win over Purdue mean for Illini entering the postseason?; Breaking down Illinois-Purdue matchup

Derek and Kyle discuss what a win over Purdue could mean from a confidence perspective for Illinois entering the postseason. Later, the guys break down the matchup between the Boilers and Illini and some things Illinois can exploit against Purdue.

3/6/25 Hour 2: Aaron Leming (Bear Report) on Bears offensive linemen additions, draft plans; Underwood updates Morez's progress

The Bear Report's Aaron Leming joins the show to share his insight on the Bears' recent offensive line additions and plans for free agency and the draft. Later, the guys talk some Illinois basketball and react to Underwood's latest update on Morez Johnson's progress.

3/6/25 Hour 1: Who is the future of sports broadcasting?; Ben Humrichous hints at possible return waiver

Lon and Derek discuss the most iconic play-by-play voices in sports over the years and what the future of major sports broadcasting could look like with some up and comers. Later, the guys share their thoughts on the possibility of Ben Humrichous returning for a 6th yearof eligibility and what his role could look like on next season's Illinois team.

3/5/25 Hour 2: 8-9 matchups could be filled with big brands in this year's tournament; Piper talks Dame Sarr recruitment

Derek and Kyle break down some of the intriguing brands that currently fall on the 8 and 9 seed lines of the NCAA Tournament and if they trust any of them to make a deep run. Later, Derek updates the Illini's pursuit of Italian wing Dame Sarr and what he could add to Illinois next season.

3/5/25 Hour 1: What's your fear level of Purdue coming to Champaign?; Top teams to trust entering the NCAA Tournament

Lon and Derek discuss how much they fear this season's Purdue team entering the matchup with Illinois on Friday. Later, the guys run down some of the top college basketball teams in the country and share how much they trust each one entering the NCAA Tournament.

3/24/25 Hour 2: Joey Wagner (Illini Inquirer) on Illini football's recruiting run, WBB senior day; How important is this Purdue game leading into the postseason?

Illini Inquirer's Joey Wagner joins the show to talk about Bret Bielema's continuing run on the recruiting trail, Pat Bryant's combine performance and Illini women's basketball Senior Day. Later, Derek and Kyle discuss how important a win over Purdue could be for the Illini's momentum entering the postseason.