The Big Ten Huddle Podcast

Join JR on The Big Ten Huddle for Big Jeff's Insights, where Jeff shares his trip to an Indiana game and critiques non-conference scheduling. They dive into AP Poll bias, comparing it to a FanDuel odds-based top 25 ranking—highlighting discrepancies like Illinois being overrated (AP #9 vs. FanDuel ~#20) and USC underrated (unranked AP vs. FanDuel #15). Key takeaways: Big Ten has more elite teams per AP, but SEC edges in Vegas views; other conferences like ACC and Big 12 show variances. Jeff recaps his 3-2 record from last week, noting surprises like Purdue's upset over Indiana State and Minnesota's dominance. For Week 3 picks: #1: New Mexico at UCLA #2: Oregon at Northwestern #3: Wisconsin at Alabama #4: USC at Purdue #5: Minnesota at Cal Discussions cover team stats, coaching impacts (e.g., Brett Bielema, Lincoln Riley), and young QBs like Drake Lindsey (Minnesota) and Jaron Keawe (Cal). Emphasis on balanced offenses, defenses, and travel factors. Full breakdowns on bigjeffsfootball.com. Like, subscribe, and comment your picks! #BigTenFootball #APPollBias #Week3Picks More from JR: Personal Twitter: https://x.com/jrs_rankings Big Ten Twitter: https://x.com/TheBigTenHuddle Read JR's Ohio State coverage: https://scarletandgame.com/author/jrhoades1 Read JR's Illinois coverage: https://writingillini.com/author/jrhoades1 SPONSORS Bleav - https://bleav.com/ Fanduel - https://sportsbook.fanduel.com/navigation/ncaaf Catch The Big Ten Huddle Football Episodes 3 times a week. Here is when to catch our live or premiere episodes that are about an hour long (eastern time): Sunday at 9 PM w/ Zack Tuesday at 9 PM w/ Zack Thursday at 9 PM w/ Jeff You can also expect videos by JR throughout the week covering news and interesting topics. *All times are Eastern time AUDIO ONLY PLATFORMS The Big Ten Huddle is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon. LISTEN: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/TheBigTenHuddle LEAVE a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-college-huddle-podcast/id1703305789 STREAM on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tMaraKvafFzjUrXGq2c4w The Big Ten Huddle is a podcast dedicated to providing honest, humorous, and insightful analysis of Big Ten football and basketball. With a focus on challenging the national bias, especially against the SEC, hosts JR and Zack offer unfiltered discussions that engage fans of all Big Ten teams. Though critical at times, they always aim to defend the conference and give credit where it’s due, bringing humor and deep analysis together for a unique listening experience. Rooted in values of integrity, passion, and community, The Big Ten Huddle strives to become the go-to voice for Big Ten sports fans. There is no show out there like The Big Ten Huddle! 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5102755454124032 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

JR and Zach kick off with fun mascot banter before diving into previews. For Ohio (1-1) at Ohio State (2-0), they predict a Buckeyes blowout (49-10 JR, 52-17 Zach) but note QB Parker Navarro could frustrate OSU fans; OSU covers -31.5, over 52.5. Oregon (2-0) at Northwestern (1-1): Ducks favored -27.5, over 49.5; predictions 38-10 (JR) and 45-10 (Zach), highlighting Oregon's explosive offense vs NW's struggles, especially without RB Cam Porter. USC (2-0) at Purdue (2-0): Trojans -21.5, over 57.5; JR sees Purdue's aggressive passing as key but picks USC 38-24; Zach agrees 35-17, praising USC's defense. Wisconsin (2-0) at Alabama (1-1): Tide -14.5, under 48.5; close game predicted (24-13 Zach, 27-20 JR for Alabama), focusing on Wisconsin's halftime adjustments and Alabama's run game. Minnesota (2-0) at Cal (2-0): Gophers -1.5, under 42.5; low-scoring affair expected (17-10 JR, 27-24 Zach), emphasizing Minnesota's defense and QB Drake Lindsey vs Cal's explosive but inconsistent plays. Episode wraps with excitement for future weeks. More from JR: Personal Twitter: https://x.com/jrs_rankings Big Ten Twitter: https://x.com/TheBigTenHuddle Read JR's Ohio State coverage: https://scarletandgame.com/author/jrhoades1 Read JR's Illinois coverage: https://writingillini.com/author/jrhoades1 SPONSORS Bleav - https://bleav.com/ Homefield - https://www.homefieldapparel.com/?rfsn=7872586.e3e1d25 | Coupon Code: TBTH Catch The Big Ten Huddle Football Episodes 3 times a week. Here is when to catch our live or premiere episodes that are about an hour long (eastern time): Sunday at 9 PM w/ Zack Tuesday at 9 PM w/ Zack Thursday at 9 PM w/ Jeff You can also expect videos by JR throughout the week covering news and interesting topics. *All times are Eastern time AUDIO ONLY PLATFORMS The Big Ten Huddle is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon. LISTEN: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/TheBigTenHuddle LEAVE a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-college-huddle-podcast/id1703305789 STREAM on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tMaraKvafFzjUrXGq2c4w The Big Ten Huddle is a podcast dedicated to providing honest, humorous, and insightful analysis of Big Ten football and basketball. With a focus on challenging the national bias, especially against the SEC, hosts JR and Zack offer unfiltered discussions that engage fans of all Big Ten teams. Though critical at times, they always aim to defend the conference and give credit where it’s due, bringing humor and deep analysis together for a unique listening experience. Rooted in values of integrity, passion, and community, The Big Ten Huddle strives to become the go-to voice for Big Ten sports fans. There is no show out there like The Big Ten Huddle! 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5102755454124032 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hosts JR and Zack start with lively banter and viewer shoutouts before previewing Big Ten Week 3's lower-tier games. They predict a massive Indiana win over Indiana State (infinity-0 per Zack), focusing on defensive line growth. For New Mexico at UCLA, they debate a close contest (JR: 38-21 UCLA; Zack: 31-30 UCLA) amid mental hangovers. Central Michigan at Michigan gets a rebound nod (JR: lower-scoring; Zack: 45-7 Michigan). Nebraska vs Houston Christian is seen as dominant (both predict blowouts). Towson at Maryland highlights QB Taulia Tagovailoa's brother (blowout expected). Villanova at Penn State focuses on depth building (easy win). Norfolk State at Rutgers emphasizes run game (Rutgers rolls). Youngstown St at Michigan State stresses improvements post-loss (Spartans win big). Western Michigan at Illinois targets run game fixes (Illinois 42-10/38-9). UMass at Iowa notes injuries but predicts Hawkeyes dominance (JR: 41-0; Zack: 34-6). Episode closes with SEC upset picks: Zack on Arkansas over Ole Miss due to underrated talent; JR on Vanderbilt over South Carolina, citing QB Diego Pavia and doubts on the Gamecocks. More from JR: Personal Twitter: https://x.com/jrs_rankings Big Ten Twitter: https://x.com/TheBigTenHuddle Read JR's Ohio State coverage: https://scarletandgame.com/author/jrhoades1 Read JR's Illinois coverage: https://writingillini.com/author/jrhoades1 SPONSORS Bleav - https://bleav.com/ Homefield - https://www.homefieldapparel.com/?rfsn=7872586.e3e1d25 | Coupon Code: TBTH Catch The Big Ten Huddle Football Episodes 3 times a week. Here is when to catch our live or premiere episodes that are about an hour long (eastern time): Sunday at 9 PM w/ Zack Tuesday at 9 PM w/ Zack Thursday at 9 PM w/ Jeff You can also expect videos by JR throughout the week covering news and interesting topics. *All times are Eastern time AUDIO ONLY PLATFORMS The Big Ten Huddle is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon. LISTEN: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/TheBigTenHuddle LEAVE a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-college-huddle-podcast/id1703305789 STREAM on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tMaraKvafFzjUrXGq2c4w The Big Ten Huddle is a podcast dedicated to providing honest, humorous, and insightful analysis of Big Ten football and basketball. With a focus on challenging the national bias, especially against the SEC, hosts JR and Zack offer unfiltered discussions that engage fans of all Big Ten teams. Though critical at times, they always aim to defend the conference and give credit where it’s due, bringing humor and deep analysis together for a unique listening experience. Rooted in values of integrity, passion, and community, The Big Ten Huddle strives to become the go-to voice for Big Ten sports fans. There is no show out there like The Big Ten Huddle! 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5102755454124032 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

JR and Zach kick off by welcoming viewers and outlining the episode: critiquing the AP Poll, sharing their top 25, and predicting the CFP. They dive into the AP Poll, with Zach arguing Penn State is overrated at No. 2 due to lackluster performances compared to teams like LSU, Oregon, and Miami with stronger resumes. They highlight SEC bias, questioning high rankings for teams like South Carolina (above unranked Vanderbilt despite a head-to-head loss), Ole Miss (up after a close win over weak Kentucky), Auburn, and Mizzou. They praise USF's jump to No. 18 for big wins over Boise State and Florida, suggesting it should be higher. Discussions include inconsistencies like Florida State's ranking after beating Alabama, while similar upsets (e.g., Arizona State over Mississippi State) go unrecognized. They criticize Tennessee's rise for beating a weak opponent. Moving to their top 25: JR has Ohio State No. 1, Texas No. 2, Oregon No. 3, Penn State No. 4, Miami No. 5, then LSU, Georgia, Notre Dame, Illinois, USC, and others down to Utah at No. 25. Zach has Ohio State No. 1, LSU No. 2, Oregon No. 3, Penn State No. 4, Miami No. 5, Texas No. 6, Georgia No. 7, Florida State No. 8, Illinois No. 9, Utah No. 10, and rounds out with teams like Minnesota, Vanderbilt, and Tennessee. They debate specifics, like Utah's ranking (Zach at No. 10 for dominating UCLA; JR at No. 25 as unimpressive) and USF's resume. Finally, CFP predictions: JR sees Ohio State as No. 1 seed (Big Ten champ), Georgia No. 2 (SEC), Texas No. 3, Oregon No. 4, Miami No. 5 (ACC), with at-large like Penn State, Notre Dame, LSU, Utah, Illinois, Ole Miss, and USF (G5). Zach has Ohio State No. 1, LSU No. 2 (SEC), Oregon No. 3, Penn State No. 4 (Big Ten runner-up), Miami No. 5, Texas No. 6, Georgia No. 7, Florida State No. 8, Illinois No. 9, Utah No. 10, Notre Dame No. 11, USF No. 12. They note potential rematches and committee biases. Episode ends with calls for likes, subs, and comments. More from JR: Personal Twitter: https://x.com/jrs_rankings Big Ten Twitter: https://x.com/TheBigTenHuddle Read JR's Ohio State coverage: https://scarletandgame.com/author/jrhoades1 Read JR's Illinois coverage: https://writingillini.com/author/jrhoades1 SPONSORS Bleav - https://bleav.com/ Fanduel - https://sportsbook.fanduel.com/navigation/ncaaf Catch The Big Ten Huddle Football Episodes 3 times a week. Here is when to catch our live or premiere episodes that are about an hour long (eastern time): Sunday at 9 PM w/ Zack Tuesday at 9 PM w/ Zack Thursday at 9 PM w/ Jeff You can also expect videos by JR throughout the week covering news and interesting topics. *All times are Eastern time AUDIO ONLY PLATFORMS The Big Ten Huddle is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon. LISTEN: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/TheBigTenHuddle LEAVE a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-college-huddle-podcast/id1703305789 STREAM on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tMaraKvafFzjUrXGq2c4w The Big Ten Huddle is a podcast dedicated to providing honest, humorous, and insightful analysis of Big Ten football and basketball. With a focus on challenging the national bias, especially against the SEC, hosts JR and Zack offer unfiltered discussions that engage fans of all Big Ten teams. Though critical at times, they always aim to defend the conference and give credit where it’s due, bringing humor and deep analysis together for a unique listening experience. Rooted in values of integrity, passion, and community, The Big Ten Huddle strives to become the go-to voice for Big Ten sports fans. There is no show out there like The Big Ten Huddle! 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5102755454124032 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

JR and Zack kick off with fun banter about Minnesota running out of fireworks after scoring big, then roast the AP poll for biases like underranking teams such as USC, Nebraska, and Minnesota while overhyping SEC squads. They critique voters like Pete Yannity and Reese Davis for odd rankings, including Notre Dame too high and Illinois inconsistently placed. Transitioning to the main topic, they share one lesson per Big Ten team: Illinois' Luke Altmyer emerges as a top QB needing to carry a middling run game; Iowa's Cade McNamara hasn't upgraded the passing attack despite NIL spending; Purdue looks powerful and well-coached under Barry Odom, poised for upsets; Washington's Jonah Coleman runs like the nation's best back so far; Rutgers' success hinges on QB Athan Kaliakmanis and explosive receivers like Ian Strong; Maryland's young QB Malik Washington needs more support to avoid freshman mistakes; Indiana's offense under Curt Cignetti shows promise but must prove consistency; Michigan's defense is elite but offense struggles with QB issues; Michigan State's Aidan Chiles has star potential if he cuts turnovers; Minnesota's Brosmer leads a potent attack but defense needs work; Nebraska's Raiola impresses as a true freshman leader; Northwestern's run game shines but passing lags; Ohio State's talent overwhelms, with a dominant defense; Oregon's Dillon Gabriel adapts well despite line concerns; Penn State's explosive offense could contend if defense steps up; UCLA battles injuries but shows grit; USC's Miller Moss and revamped defense signal a turnaround; Wisconsin's QB woes persist under Phil Longo. They touch on power rankings, Heisman chatter, and preview upcoming games like USC-Purdue. The episode wraps with appreciation for listeners and teases future content. More from JR: Personal Twitter: https://x.com/jrs_rankings Big Ten Twitter: https://x.com/TheBigTenHuddle Read JR's Ohio State coverage: https://scarletandgame.com/author/jrhoades1 Read JR's Illinois coverage: https://writingillini.com/author/jrhoades1 SPONSORS Bleav - https://bleav.com/ Homefield - https://www.homefieldapparel.com/?rfsn=7872586.e3e1d25 | Coupon Code: TBTH Catch The Big Ten Huddle Football Episodes 3 times a week. Here is when to catch our live or premiere episodes that are about an hour long (eastern time): Sunday at 9 PM w/ Zack Tuesday at 9 PM w/ Zack Thursday at 9 PM w/ Jeff You can also expect videos by JR throughout the week covering news and interesting topics. *All times are Eastern time AUDIO ONLY PLATFORMS The Big Ten Huddle is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon. LISTEN: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/TheBigTenHuddle LEAVE a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-college-huddle-podcast/id1703305789 STREAM on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tMaraKvafFzjUrXGq2c4w The Big Ten Huddle is a podcast dedicated to providing honest, humorous, and insightful analysis of Big Ten football and basketball. With a focus on challenging the national bias, especially against the SEC, hosts JR and Zack offer unfiltered discussions that engage fans of all Big Ten teams. Though critical at times, they always aim to defend the conference and give credit where it’s due, bringing humor and deep analysis together for a unique listening experience. Rooted in values of integrity, passion, and community, The Big Ten Huddle strives to become the go-to voice for Big Ten sports fans. There is no show out there like The Big Ten Huddle! 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5102755454124032 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

JR gives his Big Ten football power rankings following week 2, discussing each game and providing an overview of the entire Big Ten conference. He encourages viewers to share their thoughts on michigan football, Ohio State football, USC football, and more, while reminding them to like and subscribe for more college football and Big 10 football content. Be sure to tune in for more sports analysis throughout the week. More from JR: Personal Twitter: https://x.com/jrs_rankings Big Ten Twitter: https://x.com/TheBigTenHuddle Read JR's Ohio State coverage: https://scarletandgame.com/author/jrhoades1 Read JR's Illinois coverage: https://writingillini.com/author/jrhoades1 SPONSORS Bleav - https://bleav.com/ Homefield - https://www.homefieldapparel.com/?rfsn=7872586.e3e1d25 | Coupon Code: TBTH Catch The Big Ten Huddle Football Episodes 3 times a week. Here is when to catch our live or premiere episodes that are about an hour long (eastern time): Sunday at 9 PM w/ Zack Tuesday at 9 PM w/ Zack Thursday at 9 PM w/ Jeff You can also expect videos by JR throughout the week covering news and interesting topics. *All times are Eastern time AUDIO ONLY PLATFORMS The Big Ten Huddle is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon. LISTEN: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/TheBigTenHuddle LEAVE a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-college-huddle-podcast/id1703305789 STREAM on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tMaraKvafFzjUrXGq2c4w The Big Ten Huddle is a podcast dedicated to providing honest, humorous, and insightful analysis of Big Ten football and basketball. With a focus on challenging the national bias, especially against the SEC, hosts JR and Zack offer unfiltered discussions that engage fans of all Big Ten teams. Though critical at times, they always aim to defend the conference and give credit where it’s due, bringing humor and deep analysis together for a unique listening experience. Rooted in values of integrity, passion, and community, The Big Ten Huddle strives to become the go-to voice for Big Ten sports fans. There is no show out there like The Big Ten Huddle! 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5102755454124032 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

JR kicks off the episode welcoming Big Jeff, chatting about his road trip to Indiana for the Western Illinois game and fan interactions. They review Week 1 takeaways: avoid overreactions but watch trends in Week 2; Ohio State's defense under Matt Patricia impresses; Big Ten rankings are solid with room to grow; defenses dominated nationally with unders hitting often; new Big Ten QBs performed well with few turnovers. Jeff recaps his 3-2 Week 1 picks: Nebraska covered vs Cincinnati; Texas beat Ohio State; Maryland crushed UConn; Tulane topped Northwestern; Utah dominated UCLA. Lessons include quarterback experience and team matchups. They analyze Week 2's closest spreads: Illinois vs Duke: Jeff picks Duke to cover, citing Illinois' run game but Duke's defense and QB Darian Mansah. Iowa vs Iowa State: Jeff takes Iowa to cover, highlighting their elite defense and Iowa State's inconsistencies. Michigan vs Oklahoma: Jeff picks Michigan to cover, praising Bryce Underwood and run game despite losses. Michigan State vs Boston College: Jeff picks Boston College to cover but Michigan State wins, noting balanced offenses. UCLA vs UNLV: Jeff picks UCLA to cover and win big, calling it a bounce-back after Utah loss. Episode wraps with picks summary, chat shoutouts, and invites to future shows. Additional The Big Ten Huddle Channels: @TheBigTenHuddleBasketball @TheOhioStateHuddle More from JR: Personal Twitter: https://x.com/jrs_rankings Big Ten Twitter: https://x.com/TheBigTenHuddle Read JR's Ohio State coverage: https://scarletandgame.com/author/jrhoades1 Read JR's Illinois coverage: https://writingillini.com/author/jrhoades1 SPONSORS Coach's Film Room - Sign up for the Menace Army: Colonel tier at https://menace2sports.com/channels/coachs-film-room Bleav - https://bleav.com/ Homefield - https://www.homefieldapparel.com/?rfsn=7872586.e3e1d25 | Coupon Code: TBTH Catch The Big Ten Huddle Football Episodes 3 times a week. Here is when to catch our live or premiere episodes that are about an hour long (eastern time): Sunday at 9 PM w/ Zack Tuesday at 9 PM w/ Zack Thursday at 9 PM w/ Jeff You can also expect videos by JR throughout the week covering news and interesting topics. *All times are Eastern time AUDIO ONLY PLATFORMS The Big Ten Huddle is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon. LISTEN: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/TheBigTenHuddle LEAVE a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-college-huddle-podcast/id1703305789 STREAM on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tMaraKvafFzjUrXGq2c4w The Big Ten Huddle is a podcast dedicated to providing honest, humorous, and insightful analysis of Big Ten football and basketball. With a focus on challenging the national bias, especially against the SEC, hosts JR and Zack offer unfiltered discussions that engage fans of all Big Ten teams. Though critical at times, they always aim to defend the conference and give credit where it’s due, bringing humor and deep analysis together for a unique listening experience. Rooted in values of integrity, passion, and community, The Big Ten Huddle strives to become the go-to voice for Big Ten sports fans. There is no show out there like The Big Ten Huddle! 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5102755454124032 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hosts JR and Zack dive into Big Ten Week 2 previews, focusing on five teams facing Power Four foes. They start with Oregon vs. Oklahoma State, roasting Mike Gundy's press conference rants about Oregon's NIL spending (claiming $40M vs. OSU's $7M over three years) and his suggestions for budget-based scheduling. Gundy's quips, like duct-taping Nike logos, draw "loser mentality" criticism, while Dan Lanning's classy retort—"Some save to have excuses"—earns praise. Predictions: Oregon wins big (JR: 42-0; Zack: 38-3), citing OSU's poor Week 1 vs. UT Martin and Oregon's elite O-line protecting Dante Moore. Next, Michigan State vs. Maryland: MSU's Aidan Chiles impresses in Week 1, but Maryland's Billy Edwards Jr. poses threats. MSU's run game and defense could edge it; scores: JR 24-21 MSU, Zack 27-24 Maryland. Iowa vs. Iowa State: Iowa's Cade McNamara struggles passing, but run game shines. Cyclones' Rocco Becht is dual-threat; low-scoring predicted (JR: 20-17 Iowa; Zack: 17-10 Iowa State). Illinois vs. Kansas: Illini's Luke Altmyer efficient, but Kansas' Jalon Daniels is explosive. Illini's D could contain; JR: 24-21 Illinois, Zack: 27-24 Kansas. Michigan vs. Oklahoma: Wolverines' Bryce Underwood (freshman QB) faces SEC hype. Oklahoma's John Mateer timing off; Michigan's run duo (Marshall/Haynes) and D-line dominate. Barham's targeting suspension noted, but depth helps. Scores: JR 20-13 Michigan, Zack 16-10 Michigan, with Zavada's kicking MVP. Episode mixes humor (Bryce Underwood fan club jokes), analysis (player stats, schemes), and calls for respectful coaching. Additional The Big Ten Huddle Channels: @TheBigTenHuddleBasketball @TheOhioStateHuddle More from JR: Personal Twitter: https://x.com/jrs_rankings Big Ten Twitter: https://x.com/TheBigTenHuddle Read JR's Ohio State coverage: https://scarletandgame.com/author/jrhoades1 Read JR's Illinois coverage: https://writingillini.com/author/jrhoades1 SPONSORS Bleav - https://bleav.com/ Fanduel - https://sportsbook.fanduel.com/navigation/ncaaf Catch The Big Ten Huddle Football Episodes 3 times a week. Here is when to catch our live or premiere episodes that are about an hour long (eastern time): Sunday at 9 PM w/ Zack Tuesday at 9 PM w/ Zack Thursday at 9 PM w/ Jeff You can also expect videos by JR throughout the week covering news and interesting topics. *All times are Eastern time AUDIO ONLY PLATFORMS The Big Ten Huddle is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon. LISTEN: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/TheBigTenHuddle LEAVE a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-college-huddle-podcast/id1703305789 STREAM on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tMaraKvafFzjUrXGq2c4w The Big Ten Huddle is a podcast dedicated to providing honest, humorous, and insightful analysis of Big Ten football and basketball. With a focus on challenging the national bias, especially against the SEC, hosts JR and Zack offer unfiltered discussions that engage fans of all Big Ten teams. Though critical at times, they always aim to defend the conference and give credit where it’s due, bringing humor and deep analysis together for a unique listening experience. Rooted in values of integrity, passion, and community, The Big Ten Huddle strives to become the go-to voice for Big Ten sports fans. There is no show out there like The Big Ten Huddle! 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5102755454124032 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hosts JR and Zack kick off with an intro to Week 2 previews, focusing on Big Ten teams vs. G5/FCS foes. They rank games by largest victory margins: Ohio State over Grambling State (49-0), Minnesota over Northwestern State (45-0), Penn State over FIU (45-10), Washington over UC Davis (35-3), and Indiana over Kennesaw State (38-6). Discussions include PJ Fleck's scoring tendencies, Curt Cignetti's potential aggression, and USC's matchup with Georgia Southern under Clay Helton. They analyze spreads from FanDuel, like USC -28.5, and predict non-covers in some cases. Other previews: Purdue over Southern Illinois (27-3), Maryland over Northern Illinois (31-10), Rutgers over Miami (OH) (31-14), and UCLA over UNLV (31-28), with Zack picking UNLV upset. They review Week 1 pick contest (Zack 17 pts, JR 16) and chat fan comments on IU, Minnesota, and USC's Jadon Maiava. Episode ends with SEC upset picks: Zack on Michigan over Oklahoma, JR on Kansas over Missouri. Light-hearted banter on SEC bias, Paul Finebaum, and Big Ten dark horses. Additional The Big Ten Huddle Channels: @TheBigTenHuddleBasketball @TheOhioStateHuddle More from JR: Personal Twitter: https://x.com/jrs_rankings Big Ten Twitter: https://x.com/TheBigTenHuddle Read JR's Ohio State coverage: https://scarletandgame.com/author/jrhoades1 Read JR's Illinois coverage: https://writingillini.com/author/jrhoades1 SPONSORS Bleav - https://bleav.com/ Fanduel - https://sportsbook.fanduel.com/navigation/ncaaf Catch The Big Ten Huddle Football Episodes 3 times a week. Here is when to catch our live or premiere episodes that are about an hour long (eastern time): Sunday at 9 PM w/ Zack Tuesday at 9 PM w/ Zack Thursday at 9 PM w/ Jeff You can also expect videos by JR throughout the week covering news and interesting topics. *All times are Eastern time AUDIO ONLY PLATFORMS The Big Ten Huddle is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon. LISTEN: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/TheBigTenHuddle LEAVE a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-college-huddle-podcast/id1703305789 STREAM on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tMaraKvafFzjUrXGq2c4w The Big Ten Huddle is a podcast dedicated to providing honest, humorous, and insightful analysis of Big Ten football and basketball. With a focus on challenging the national bias, especially against the SEC, hosts JR and Zack offer unfiltered discussions that engage fans of all Big Ten teams. Though critical at times, they always aim to defend the conference and give credit where it’s due, bringing humor and deep analysis together for a unique listening experience. Rooted in values of integrity, passion, and community, The Big Ten Huddle strives to become the go-to voice for Big Ten sports fans. There is no show out there like The Big Ten Huddle! 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5102755454124032 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

JR and Zach kick off with a national perspective on college football, sharing their top 25 rankings ahead of the first in-season AP poll. Zach defends Ohio State at #1, praising their defense and win over Texas, while ranking LSU #2 for their road victory over Clemson but cautioning against overhyping it. He places Penn State #3, Texas #4, Miami #5, and continues down to Nebraska and Indiana at #24-25, snubbing Alabama and Tennessee. JR agrees on Ohio State #1 and Texas #2, with LSU #3, Penn State #4, and similar picks but differences like Georgia higher and Alabama included. They rant about media biases, SEC hype, and metrics favoring Ohio State. The duo debates team performances: Ohio State's conservative offense and elite defense, LSU's matchup edges, Texas's talent despite the loss, Miami's defensive line, Oregon's potential, and concerns for Clemson, Alabama (effort issues), and Florida State. They highlight Big Ten standouts like Illinois, Michigan, USC, and Minnesota, while noting Indiana's roster upgrades but yellow flags. Shifting to CFP predictions, Zach's bracket has Ohio State as #1 seed (Big Ten champ), LSU #2 (SEC), Penn State #3 (at-large), Miami #4 (ACC), Utah #5 (Big 12), Notre Dame #6, Texas #7, Georgia #8, Oregon #9, Clemson #10, Tulane #11 (Group of 5), and Illinois #12. JR's is similar: Ohio State #1, LSU #2, Penn State #3, Miami #4, Utah #5, Notre Dame #6, Texas #7, Georgia #8, Oregon #9, Florida State #10, Clemson #11, Tulane #12. They discuss odds, Alabama's tough schedule (35% playoff chance), USC as a dark horse, and Big Ten/SEC bid limits. They touch on betting odds (e.g., Ohio State -650 to make playoffs), potential upsets, and sleepers like Kansas. The episode ends with scheduling teases for future shows and appreciation for subscribers. Additional The Big Ten Huddle Channels: @TheBigTenHuddleBasketball @TheOhioStateHuddle More from JR: Personal Twitter: https://x.com/jrs_rankings Big Ten Twitter: https://x.com/TheBigTenHuddle Read JR's Ohio State coverage: https://scarletandgame.com/author/jrhoades1 Read JR's Illinois coverage: https://writingillini.com/author/jrhoades1 SPONSORS Bleav - https://bleav.com/ Fanduel Catch The Big Ten Huddle Football Episodes 3 times a week. Here is when to catch our live or premiere episodes that are about an hour long (eastern time): Sunday at 9 PM w/ Zack Tuesday at 9 PM w/ Zack Thursday at 9 PM w/ Jeff You can also expect videos by JR throughout the week covering news and interesting topics. *All times are Eastern time AUDIO ONLY PLATFORMS The Big Ten Huddle is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon. LISTEN: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/TheBigTenHuddle LEAVE a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-college-huddle-podcast/id1703305789 STREAM on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tMaraKvafFzjUrXGq2c4w The Big Ten Huddle is a podcast dedicated to providing honest, humorous, and insightful analysis of Big Ten football and basketball. With a focus on challenging the national bias, especially against the SEC, hosts JR and Zack offer unfiltered discussions that engage fans of all Big Ten teams. Though critical at times, they always aim to defend the conference and give credit where it’s due, bringing humor and deep analysis together for a unique listening experience. Rooted in values of integrity, passion, and community, The Big Ten Huddle strives to become the go-to voice for Big Ten sports fans. There is no show out there like The Big Ten Huddle! 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5102755454124032 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

JR kicks off by noting this episode dives into rivalry drama rather than pure football analysis, warning it's not for everyone but perfect for those who love juicy stories. He recaps the Michigan sign-stealing scandal involving Connor Stallions, who got an eight-year show cause from the NCAA. Recent penalties hit Michigan coaches, but new CBS News Detroit info revives the saga with sources alleging a student athlete lied about ex-coach Chris Partridge and recorded a call with Stallions without consent. This info allegedly went to a private investigation firm—rumored to be run by Ryan Day's brother in New Hampshire—which passed it to the NCAA, sparking the probe. JR explains Michigan fans' theory: the firm orchestrated it at Ryan Day's behest to undermine Michigan after losses. Key claims include unauthorized videos of staff computers and illegal evidence gathering. Fans point to Joey Velazquez, a former Michigan linebacker and baseball player who transferred to Ohio State as a walk-on, as the "rat." Velazquez, a childhood Buckeye fan and ex-OSU baseball commit, faces online harassment from Michigan supporters calling him a traitor. Rumors suggest OSU offered him money or perks to spy. JR discusses if this could lead to vacated wins or appeals, noting the NCAA might avoid admitting faulty evidence. He doubts major fallout for OSU, seeing it as fans' wishful thinking, and questions if Michigan pursues court action over "fruit of the poisonous tree." Overall, it's unconfirmed gossip, but entertaining Big Ten lore. Additional The Big Ten Huddle Channels: @TheBigTenHuddleBasketball @TheOhioStateHuddle More from JR: Personal Twitter: https://x.com/jrs_rankings Big Ten Twitter: https://x.com/TheBigTenHuddle Read JR's Ohio State coverage: https://scarletandgame.com/author/jrhoades1 Read JR's Illinois coverage: https://writingillini.com/author/jrhoades1 SPONSORS Coach's Film Room - Sign up for the Menace Army: Colonel tier at https://menace2sports.com/channels/coachs-film-room Bleav - https://bleav.com/ Homefield - https://www.homefieldapparel.com/?rfsn=7872586.e3e1d25 | Coupon Code: TBTH Catch The Big Ten Huddle Football Episodes 3 times a week. Here is when to catch our live or premiere episodes that are about an hour long (eastern time): Sunday at 9 PM w/ Zack Tuesday at 9 PM w/ Zack Thursday at 9 PM w/ Jeff You can also expect videos by JR throughout the week covering news and interesting topics. *All times are Eastern time AUDIO ONLY PLATFORMS The Big Ten Huddle is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon. LISTEN: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/TheBigTenHuddle LEAVE a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-college-huddle-podcast/id1703305789 STREAM on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tMaraKvafFzjUrXGq2c4w The Big Ten Huddle is a podcast dedicated to providing honest, humorous, and insightful analysis of Big Ten football and basketball. With a focus on challenging the national bias, especially against the SEC, hosts JR and Zack offer unfiltered discussions that engage fans of all Big Ten teams. Though critical at times, they always aim to defend the conference and give credit where it’s due, bringing humor and deep analysis together for a unique listening experience. Rooted in values of integrity, passion, and community, The Big Ten Huddle strives to become the go-to voice for Big Ten sports fans. There is no show out there like The Big Ten Huddle! 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5102755454124032 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

JR and Zach kick off The Big Ten Huddle reacting to Week 1 Big Ten football madness, from Northwestern's shocking loss to a Group of Five team to Ohio State's dominant performance that crushes Paul Finebaum's dreams. They share 10 key takeaways, labeling them as hype or panic: JR declares Ohio State the new king of college football after beating top teams and outcoaching rivals, but Zach questions their dynasty potential amid recruiting concerns. Discussions cover Alabama's cultural issues and potential coaching changes under Kalen DeBoer, LSU's strong showing, and Minnesota's misleading win over Drake. They debate Wisconsin's chances against Alabama, Purdue's improvement shutting out Ball State, and UCLA's woes predicting QB Nico Iamaleava might not finish the season. Other highlights include Rutgers' defensive struggles, Indiana's quarterback play, and fun side chats on MAC teams like Kent State. The hosts update a playoff tracker, shout out fans, and end with optimism for Purdue avoiding last place. Packed with analysis, predictions, and banter, this episode is essential for Big Ten fans. More from JR: Personal Twitter: https://x.com/jrs_rankings Big Ten Twitter: https://x.com/TheBigTenHuddle Read JR's Ohio State coverage: https://scarletandgame.com/author/jrhoades1 Read JR's Illinois coverage: https://writingillini.com/author/jrhoades1 SPONSORS Bleav - https://bleav.com/ Homefield - https://www.homefieldapparel.com/?rfsn=7872586.e3e1d25 | Coupon Code: TBTH Catch The Big Ten Huddle Football Episodes 3 times a week. Here is when to catch our live or premiere episodes that are about an hour long (eastern time): Sunday at 9 PM w/ Zack Tuesday at 9 PM w/ Zack Thursday at 9 PM w/ Jeff You can also expect videos by JR throughout the week covering news and interesting topics. *All times are Eastern time AUDIO ONLY PLATFORMS The Big Ten Huddle is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon. LISTEN: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/TheBigTenHuddle LEAVE a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-college-huddle-podcast/id1703305789 STREAM on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tMaraKvafFzjUrXGq2c4w The Big Ten Huddle is a podcast dedicated to providing honest, humorous, and insightful analysis of Big Ten football and basketball. With a focus on challenging the national bias, especially against the SEC, hosts JR and Zack offer unfiltered discussions that engage fans of all Big Ten teams. Though critical at times, they always aim to defend the conference and give credit where it’s due, bringing humor and deep analysis together for a unique listening experience. Rooted in values of integrity, passion, and community, The Big Ten Huddle strives to become the go-to voice for Big Ten sports fans. There is no show out there like The Big Ten Huddle! 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5102755454124032 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

JR rgives his Big Ten football power rankings following week 1, discussing each game and providing an overview of the entire Big Ten conference. He encourages viewers to share their thoughts on michigan football, Ohio State football, USC football, and more, while reminding them to like and subscribe for more college football and big 10 football content. Be sure to tune in for more sports analysis throughout the week. More from JR: Personal Twitter: https://x.com/jrs_rankings Big Ten Twitter: https://x.com/TheBigTenHuddle Read JR's Ohio State coverage: https://scarletandgame.com/author/jrhoades1 Read JR's Illinois coverage: https://writingillini.com/author/jrhoades1 SPONSORS Bleav - https://bleav.com/ Homefield - https://www.homefieldapparel.com/?rfsn=7872586.e3e1d25 | Coupon Code: TBTH Catch The Big Ten Huddle Football Episodes 3 times a week. Here is when to catch our live or premiere episodes that are about an hour long (eastern time): Sunday at 9 PM w/ Zack Tuesday at 9 PM w/ Zack Thursday at 9 PM w/ Jeff You can also expect videos by JR throughout the week covering news and interesting topics. *All times are Eastern time AUDIO ONLY PLATFORMS The Big Ten Huddle is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon. LISTEN: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/TheBigTenHuddle LEAVE a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-college-huddle-podcast/id1703305789 STREAM on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tMaraKvafFzjUrXGq2c4w The Big Ten Huddle is a podcast dedicated to providing honest, humorous, and insightful analysis of Big Ten football and basketball. With a focus on challenging the national bias, especially against the SEC, hosts JR and Zack offer unfiltered discussions that engage fans of all Big Ten teams. Though critical at times, they always aim to defend the conference and give credit where it’s due, bringing humor and deep analysis together for a unique listening experience. Rooted in values of integrity, passion, and community, The Big Ten Huddle strives to become the go-to voice for Big Ten sports fans. There is no show out there like The Big Ten Huddle! 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5102755454124032 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

JR kicks off with biggest takeaways: Big Ten's perfect 4-0 record, but MAC teams pushed hard with too-close games, and a reminder not to overreact to Week 1. For Nebraska vs Cincinnati, he covers the game-sealing INT by Hartzog redeeming a 4th-down slip, Matt Rhule's weight loss, and turning it into a home-like atmosphere for the Huskers. Pros include Raiola's improved zone coverage reads over last year's Indiana struggles and strong Nebraska corners with great recovery. Cons: Raiola's pressure issues with dropped INTs and a lucky fumble bounce, trouble containing Sorsby's mobility, and tempo disrupting the defense—how will Butler adjust? Takeaways: Team's vastly improved with sustained drives aiding defense but close turnover calls; DL concerns after struggling vs mid-tier Big 12 foe. On Rutgers vs Ohio, a frustrating close win (34-31 after 31-17 halftime lead). Pros: Athan Kaliakmanis shining with WRs, OL providing solid push. Cons: DL faltered vs smaller Ohio OL (Eric O'Neil, Bradley Weaver zero sacks), Jett Elad's rough day, undisciplined overpursuit—Navarro won't be the toughest QB (Gronowski, Williams, Sayin, Washington, Moore ahead). Takeaways: Maybe abandon Rutgers defense reliance; they'll need fast-paced offense leaning on Kaliakmanis to carry; Ohio's good but won't suffice in tougher Big Ten. Wisconsin vs Miami: Billy Edwards out, penalties on deep balls, 3-0 halftime fueling doubters with lowest attendance since 1992. Pros: Four 40+ yard drives sustained despite Miami stacking vs run; Alliegro, Cheeks, Reigerall strong at LB—a defensive strength; Zachman's ball-hawking safety play, noting Big Ten's elite safeties. Cons: Poor OL especially LT pass pro, QB inaccuracy though O'Neil shows promise. Takeaways: Can Fickell survive 3-4 win season? O'Neil potential upgrade over Locke despite bad plays. Minnesota vs Buffalo: Darius Taylor 3Q injury scare. Pros: Lindsey poised with tremendous arm, 290 yards/2 TDs, solid processing despite imperfect decisions; Anthony Smith's dominance; young team mistakes correctable by PJ. Cons: Offense stalled in red zone till Q4; Kerry Brown beaten on 40-yard TD. Takeaways: Taylor elite workhorse (141 rush yards/30 carries, X receptions, stronger as game went minus TD); Lindsey needs Big Ten proof but good start; Defense stellar holding Buffalo to 151 total/44 rush yards, 1/11 third downs despite one breakdown to Victor Snow. Like, subscribe, and listen on podcast for more Big Ten insights! More from JR: Personal Twitter: https://x.com/jrs_rankings Big Ten Twitter: https://x.com/TheBigTenHuddle Read JR's Ohio State coverage: https://scarletandgame.com/author/jrhoades1 Read JR's Illinois coverage: https://writingillini.com/author/jrhoades1 SPONSORS Bleav - https://bleav.com/ Homefield - https://www.homefieldapparel.com/?rfsn=7872586.e3e1d25 | Coupon Code: TBTH Catch The Big Ten Huddle Football Episodes 3 times a week. Here is when to catch our live or premiere episodes that are about an hour long (eastern time): Sunday at 9 PM w/ Zack Tuesday at 9 PM w/ Zack Thursday at 9 PM w/ Jeff You can also expect videos by JR throughout the week covering news and interesting topics. *All times are Eastern time AUDIO ONLY PLATFORMS The Big Ten Huddle is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon. LISTEN: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/TheBigTenHuddle LEAVE a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-college-huddle-podcast/id1703305789 STREAM on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tMaraKvafFzjUrXGq2c4w The Big Ten Huddle is a podcast dedicated to providing honest, humorous, and insightful analysis of Big Ten football and basketball. With a focus on challenging the national bias, especially against the SEC, hosts JR and Zack offer unfiltered discussions that engage fans of all Big Ten teams. Though critical at times, they always aim to defend the conference and give credit where it’s due, bringing humor and deep analysis together for a unique listening experience. Rooted in values of integrity, passion, and community, The Big Ten Huddle strives to become the go-to voice for Big Ten sports fans. There is no show out there like The Big Ten Huddle! 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5102755454124032 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

JR kicks off The Big Ten Huddle by introducing Big Jeff for a Week 1 preview, covering five key Big Ten games with betting lines, spreads, and winner picks. Jeff shares a personal story from a College Football Hall of Fame event in Atlanta tied to autism and Down syndrome support, featuring Tony Barnhart. He outlines his four rules: don't overreact to Week 1 games due to sloppiness and no preseason; refs aren't conspiring; understand Vegas spreads by predicting them first; focus on matchups and motivation. They dive into Nebraska vs Cincinnati (Nebraska -6.5, O/U 51.5), with Jeff favoring Nebraska due to Raiola's growth, home-like crowd in KC, and Rule's Year 3 impact, predicting 31-24. Next, Maryland vs Florida Atlantic (details truncated in script, but Jeff analyzes talent edges and motivations). For Northwestern vs Tulane (Tulane -5.5, O/U 45.5), he picks Tulane 27-20, citing their confidence, QB options, and Northwestern's offensive woes. Utah vs UCLA (Utah -5.5, O/U 51.5) sees Jeff taking Utah 27-20, praising their defense, O-line, and QB Dampier over UCLA's rebuilding offense with Nico Iamaleava. Ohio State vs Texas analysis focuses on matchups, with Jeff's bold calls. Episode wraps with JR and Jeff discussing potential MAC upsets and Big Ten non-con success, plus Jeff's site and Twitter for full write-ups. Additional The Big Ten Huddle Channels: @TheBigTenHuddleBasketball @TheOhioStateHuddle More from JR: Personal Twitter: https://x.com/jrs_rankings Big Ten Twitter: https://x.com/TheBigTenHuddle Read JR's Ohio State coverage: https://scarletandgame.com/author/jrhoades1 Read JR's Illinois coverage: https://writingillini.com/author/jrhoades1 SPONSORS Coach's Film Room - Sign up for the Menace Army: Colonel tier at https://menace2sports.com/channels/coachs-film-room Bleav - https://bleav.com/ Homefield - https://www.homefieldapparel.com/?rfsn=7872586.e3e1d25 | Coupon Code: TBTH Catch The Big Ten Huddle Football Episodes 3 times a week. Here is when to catch our live or premiere episodes that are about an hour long (eastern time): Sunday at 9 PM w/ Zack Tuesday at 9 PM w/ Zack Thursday at 9 PM w/ Jeff You can also expect videos by JR throughout the week covering news and interesting topics. *All times are Eastern time AUDIO ONLY PLATFORMS The Big Ten Huddle is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon. LISTEN: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/TheBigTenHuddle LEAVE a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-college-huddle-podcast/id1703305789 STREAM on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tMaraKvafFzjUrXGq2c4w The Big Ten Huddle is a podcast dedicated to providing honest, humorous, and insightful analysis of Big Ten football and basketball. With a focus on challenging the national bias, especially against the SEC, hosts JR and Zack offer unfiltered discussions that engage fans of all Big Ten teams. Though critical at times, they always aim to defend the conference and give credit where it’s due, bringing humor and deep analysis together for a unique listening experience. Rooted in values of integrity, passion, and community, The Big Ten Huddle strives to become the go-to voice for Big Ten sports fans. There is no show out there like The Big Ten Huddle! 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5102755454124032 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

JR and Zack kick off with lively banter, including a Paul Finebaum "leaving the country" tracker for teams out of playoff contention and chat shoutouts. They discuss Dave Portnoy's ban from Ohio Stadium, debating if it's Ohio State's call or Fox's, criticizing Fox's hiring as bringing a "clown show" amid Michigan rivalry tensions. They compare it to ESPN's Pat McAfee and suggest better analysts like Nick Saban or Urban Meyer. Shifting to football, they predict which Big Ten teams score the most in Week 1: Illinois 56-3 over Western Illinois (top pick for points), USC 52-6 vs Missouri State, Penn State 49-7 vs Nevada. Other previews include Iowa 35-0 vs Illinois State, Nebraska 42-10 vs UTEP, Michigan 45-3 vs Fresno State, Indiana 42-7 vs FIU, Oregon 45-7 vs Idaho, Ohio State 38-13 vs Akron, Maryland 45-10 vs UConn, and Michigan State 45-7 vs FAU. They analyze key matchups like UCLA at Hawaii (UCLA 35-21 win, Nico Iamaleava spotlight), Minnesota vs North Carolina (Minnesota 24-21 upset), Purdue vs Indiana State (Purdue 42-7), Rutgers vs Howard (Rutgers 45-10), Wisconsin vs Western Michigan (Wisconsin 35-17), and Northwestern at Tulane (Northwestern 21-17 win, defensive focus). The duo debates upsets, with Ohio State vs Georgia Tech as a mild candidate, but leans toward MAC games like Wisconsin or Rutgers. They end with off-topic rants on YouTube TV/Fox disputes, Taylor Swift's engagement to Travis Kelce invading football talk, and excitement for the season start. Upcoming: Big Jeff's Insight premieres Thursday; live post-game shows Thursday/Friday/Saturday. Thanks to chat, especially Dave for super chats. More from JR: Personal Twitter: https://x.com/jrs_rankings Big Ten Twitter: https://x.com/TheBigTenHuddle Read JR's Ohio State coverage: https://scarletandgame.com/author/jrhoades1 Read JR's Illinois coverage: https://writingillini.com/author/jrhoades1 SPONSORS Bleav - https://bleav.com/ Homefield - https://www.homefieldapparel.com/?rfsn=7872586.e3e1d25 | Coupon Code: TBTH Catch The Big Ten Huddle Football Episodes 3 times a week. Here is when to catch our live or premiere episodes that are about an hour long (eastern time): Sunday at 9 PM w/ Zack Tuesday at 9 PM w/ Zack Thursday at 9 PM w/ Jeff You can also expect videos by JR throughout the week covering news and interesting topics. *All times are Eastern time AUDIO ONLY PLATFORMS The Big Ten Huddle is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon. LISTEN: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/TheBigTenHuddle LEAVE a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-college-huddle-podcast/id1703305789 STREAM on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tMaraKvafFzjUrXGq2c4w The Big Ten Huddle is a podcast dedicated to providing honest, humorous, and insightful analysis of Big Ten football and basketball. With a focus on challenging the national bias, especially against the SEC, hosts JR and Zack offer unfiltered discussions that engage fans of all Big Ten teams. Though critical at times, they always aim to defend the conference and give credit where it’s due, bringing humor and deep analysis together for a unique listening experience. Rooted in values of integrity, passion, and community, The Big Ten Huddle strives to become the go-to voice for Big Ten sports fans. There is no show out there like The Big Ten Huddle! 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5102755454124032 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hosts JR and Zach kick off The Big Ten Huddle with excitement for the 2025 college football season, vowing not to overreact to Week 1 results. They preview Thursday/Friday Big Ten games: Rutgers favored by 14.5 over Ohio (predicting a close first half but Rutgers pull-away, 37-17 or 34-20); Minnesota by 18.5 vs Buffalo (expecting a tight game early due to new QB Drake Lindsey, final 28-13); Wisconsin by 17.5 vs Miami (OH); Michigan State by 19.5 vs Western Michigan; and Illinois by 45.5 vs Western Illinois (debating the high over/under of 63.5). They highlight Rutgers' veteran secondary challenges and strong edge rush, while noting Ohio's QB Parker Navarro facing former teammates. For Minnesota, they discuss Buffalo's strengths like RB LJ Henderson and edge Kobe Stewart testing new Gopher tackles, with optimism for RB Darius Taylor. The episode features a deep dive into Nebraska vs Cincinnati and Ohio State vs Texas, emphasizing key players and strategies. They introduce the weekly "SEC Stunners" segment, picking potential upsets like Syracuse over Tennessee (JR's choice, citing Fran Brown's coaching and Tennessee's overrated status) and Florida State over Alabama (Zach's bold pick, highlighting FSU's senior O-line and Alabama's hype under Kalen DeBoer). Banter includes corn puns for Nebraska fans, FanDuel odds, and chat interactions. The show wraps with thanks to viewers, nearing 2100 across platforms, and plugs for a Big Ten fantasy league. More from JR: Personal Twitter: https://x.com/jrs_rankings Big Ten Twitter: https://x.com/TheBigTenHuddle Read JR's Ohio State coverage: https://scarletandgame.com/author/jrhoades1 Read JR's Illinois coverage: https://writingillini.com/author/jrhoades1 SPONSORS Coach's Film Room - Sign up for the Menace Army: Colonel tier at https://menace2sports.com/channels/coachs-film-room Bleav - https://bleav.com/ Homefield - https://www.homefieldapparel.com/?rfsn=7872586.e3e1d25 | Coupon Code: TBTH Catch The Big Ten Huddle Football Episodes 3 times a week. Here is when to catch our live or premiere episodes that are about an hour long (eastern time): Sunday at 9 PM w/ Zack Tuesday at 9 PM w/ Zack Thursday at 9 PM w/ Jeff You can also expect videos by JR throughout the week covering news and interesting topics. *All times are Eastern time AUDIO ONLY PLATFORMS The Big Ten Huddle is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon. LISTEN: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/TheBigTenHuddle LEAVE a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-college-huddle-podcast/id1703305789 STREAM on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tMaraKvafFzjUrXGq2c4w The Big Ten Huddle is a podcast dedicated to providing honest, humorous, and insightful analysis of Big Ten football and basketball. With a focus on challenging the national bias, especially against the SEC, hosts JR and Zack offer unfiltered discussions that engage fans of all Big Ten teams. Though critical at times, they always aim to defend the conference and give credit where it’s due, bringing humor and deep analysis together for a unique listening experience. Rooted in values of integrity, passion, and community, The Big Ten Huddle strives to become the go-to voice for Big Ten sports fans. There is no show out there like The Big Ten Huddle! 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5102755454124032 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

00:31:19 - Main Topic Conference realignment talk ​ @InsideMarylandSports⁩ : https://www.youtube.com/live/21sSt5FfBn4?si=aRefPKKyXjqCWr02&t=2438 JR and Zack open with Week 0 reactions: Farmageddon's fumbles, Iowa State's comeback vs Kansas State, Dan Mullen's Florida defense flop vs Miami, and Georgia Tech's upset over Florida State. They highlight Bryce Underwood named Michigan's starting QB per Pete Nakos, with Underwood predicting a Heisman win. The duo previews Iowa State at Iowa (predicting low-scoring Iowa win) and UNLV at UCLA (UNLV edge due to UCLA's QB issues). The episode's highlight is Maryland AD Jim Smith's confirmation of Big Ten expanding to 20 teams by 2030, sparking realignment talk: potential adds like Clemson, FSU, UNC, Duke, Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech for academics/football boost; travel concerns with California schools; and playoff implications needing 24+ teams. They critique SEC's shift to 9 conference games, crediting Indiana's Curt Cignetti for bullying them. Chat interactions cover SEC insecurity, top-25 doubts for ISU/KSU, and Notre Dame's future. Hosts discuss competitive balance, NFL-like structure, and reject special treatment for independents. Episode ends with fantasy league invite and Week 1 preview tease. More from JR: Personal Twitter: https://x.com/jrs_rankings Big Ten Twitter: https://x.com/TheBigTenHuddle Read JR's Ohio State coverage: https://scarletandgame.com/author/jrhoades1 Read JR's Illinois coverage: https://writingillini.com/author/jrhoades1 SPONSORS Coach's Film Room - Sign up for the Menace Army: Colonel tier at https://menace2sports.com/channels/coachs-film-room Bleav - https://bleav.com/ Homefield - https://www.homefieldapparel.com/?rfsn=7872586.e3e1d25 | Coupon Code: TBTH Catch The Big Ten Huddle Football Episodes 3 times a week. Here is when to catch our live or premiere episodes that are about an hour long (eastern time): Sunday at 9 PM w/ Zack Tuesday at 9 PM w/ Zack Thursday at 9 PM w/ Jeff You can also expect videos by JR throughout the week covering news and interesting topics. *All times are Eastern time AUDIO ONLY PLATFORMS The Big Ten Huddle is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon. LISTEN: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/TheBigTenHuddle LEAVE a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-college-huddle-podcast/id1703305789 STREAM on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tMaraKvafFzjUrXGq2c4w The Big Ten Huddle is a podcast dedicated to providing honest, humorous, and insightful analysis of Big Ten football and basketball. With a focus on challenging the national bias, especially against the SEC, hosts JR and Zack offer unfiltered discussions that engage fans of all Big Ten teams. Though critical at times, they always aim to defend the conference and give credit where it’s due, bringing humor and deep analysis together for a unique listening experience. Rooted in values of integrity, passion, and community, The Big Ten Huddle strives to become the go-to voice for Big Ten sports fans. There is no show out there like The Big Ten Huddle! 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5102755454124032 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

JR analyzes the impact of conference realignment and scheduling changes on Notre Dame football, emphasizing that the team will not be iced out. College football realignment might even create more opportunities for big-time matchups, ensuring that the Fighting Irish remain competitive. The Big Ten schedule and other conference adjustments play a key role. What does the SEC 9 Game Conference Schedule mean for the Big Ten? https://youtu.be/5Bm1Da32HXE Join JR on The Big Ten Huddle as he breaks down the latest in college football conference realignment, focusing on Heather Dinich's ESPN report about the SEC's shift to a nine-game conference schedule in 2026. This move requires SEC teams to play at least one opponent from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, or Notre Dame annually, which sources say "further solidifies" Notre Dame's independence. JR explains why this is a huge win for the Fighting Irish, preserving their non-conference games against SEC powerhouses like Alabama, Texas, and Florida, while maintaining their rock-solid NBC Sports deal, ACC ties for Olympic sports, and clear path to the expanded College Football Playoff.From a Big Ten perspective, JR tackles the swirling Notre Dame Big Ten rumors, arguing that this SEC decision slams the door on any immediate move. He highlights how Notre Dame has thrived independently despite scheduling challenges—playing 8 Power 4 teams last year but 10 this season—and sees no derailment from the impact of conference realignment on Notre Dame football. Concerns like the Big Ten reducing out-of-conference games or USC potentially dropping its iconic rivalry with Notre Dame are addressed, but JR notes the SEC's inclusivity makes independence "bulletproof."Diving deeper, JR discusses how this pushes Notre Dame closer to the ACC, especially if the 17-team league adopts nine games. Citing Bret McMurphy's X post, he points out the mathematical impossibility and suggests counting Notre Dame's ACC games as league contests as a fix—absurd but fitting for college football's chaos. This shift torpedoes Big Ten hopes, putting rivalries like Michigan vs Notre Dame (resuming in 2033-34), Purdue vs Notre Dame (reinstated for five years), and USC vs Notre Dame at risk.JR speculates on Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti's response, sharing Petitti's June comments on The Joel Klatt Show affirming Notre Dame's playoff access. He predicts the Big Ten will likely mirror the SEC's approach for mutual benefits, like boosted TV ratings via their shared NBC tie-in. Ultimately, JR concludes Notre Dame won't join the Big Ten soon, thanks to their TV contract, playoff path, and the positive impact of conference expansion.Don't miss JR's insights on College Football Expansion and more Big Ten talk—power rankings, previews, reactions coming all season! Like, subscribe, and hit notifications for daily videos and live streams.Additional The Big Ten Huddle Channels:@TheBigTenHuddleBasketball@TheOhioStateHuddle More from JR:Personal Twitter: https://x.com/jrs_rankingsBig Ten Twitter: https://x.com/TheBigTenHuddleRead JR's Ohio State coverage: https://scarletandgame.com/author/jrhoades1Read JR's Illinois coverage: https://writingillini.com/author/jrhoades1SPONSORSCoach's Film Room - Sign up for the Menace Army: Colonel tier at https://menace2sports.com/channels/coachs-film-room Bleav - https://bleav.com/Homefield - https://www.homefieldapparel.com/?rfsn=7872586.e3e1d25 | Coupon Code: TBTHCatch The Big Ten Huddle Football Episodes 3 times a week. Here is when to catch our live or premiere episodes that are about an hour long (eastern time):- Sunday at 9 PM w/ Zack- Tuesday at 9 PM w/ Zack- Thursday at 9 PM w/ JeffYou can also expect videos by JR throughout the week covering news and interesting topics.*All times are Eastern timeAUDIO ONLY PLATFORMSThe Big Ten Huddle is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon.LISTEN: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/TheBigTenHuddleLEAVE a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-college-huddle-podcast/id1703305789STREAM on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tMaraKvafFzjUrXGq2c4w The Big Ten Huddle is a podcast dedicated to providing honest, humorous, and insightful analysis of Big Ten football and basketball. With a focus on challenging the national bias, especially against the SEC, hosts JR and Zack offer unfiltered discussions that engage fans of all Big Ten teams. Though critical at times, they always aim to defend the conference and give credit where it’s due, bringing humor and deep analysis together for a unique listening experience.Rooted in values of integrity, passion, and community, The Big Ten Huddle strives to become the go-to voice for Big Ten sports fans.There is no show out there like The Big Ten Huddle!🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5102755454124032 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswi

JR and Big Jeff kick off The Big Ten Huddle by recapping Jeff's earlier rant on the Coach of the Year award, where he initially called it the "dumbest" for rewarding media hype over excellence. Jeff admits he was wrong after researching 55 years of winners, sharing a table showing 31% went to blue-blood programs like Michigan and Ohio State with stellar records (e.g., Bo Schembechler won 4 times). Only 13 winners had 4+ losses, often for big turnarounds. They discuss implications for 2025, like if Purdue's Ryan Walters hits a bowl game or Illinois goes 10-2. Shifting to "Questions to Ponder," they debate the ideal Big Ten team for a retired Nick Saban. Jeff picks Maryland for its recruiting potential in the DMV area and underachievement under Mike Locksley, boosting conference supremacy vs. the SEC. JR counters with Nebraska or USC as blue-bloods not fully realizing potential under Matt Rhule or Lincoln Riley, ensuring quick national titles. The episode wraps with bold 2025 predictions from Twitter and chat: Russ says Purdue makes a bowl and wins Coach of the Year; Albert predicts Iowa beats Oregon at home; Dustin sees Nebraska's Jahcoy Barney as 1st-team All-Big Ten WR; T-Dub forecasts USC at 9+ wins and playoffs; C predicts Minnesota in playoffs; Cobalt envisions an all-SEC title with Bama/LSU/Texas/Georgia (maybe Notre Dame). JR and Jeff rate boldness, agreeing some like Minnesota's run are wild, while others like USC's wins are realistic. They tease next week's focus on spreads and picks, shifting to Wednesdays for game previews. More from JR: Personal Twitter: https://x.com/jrs_rankings Big Ten Twitter: https://x.com/TheBigTenHuddle Read JR's Ohio State coverage: https://scarletandgame.com/author/jrhoades1 Read JR's Illinois coverage: https://writingillini.com/author/jrhoades1 SPONSORS Coach's Film Room - Sign up for the Menace Army: Colonel tier at https://menace2sports.com/channels/coachs-film-room Bleav - https://bleav.com/ Homefield - https://www.homefieldapparel.com/?rfsn=7872586.e3e1d25 | Coupon Code: TBTH Catch The Big Ten Huddle Football Episodes 3 times a week. Here is when to catch our live or premiere episodes that are about an hour long (eastern time): Sunday at 9 PM w/ Zack Tuesday at 9 PM w/ Zack Thursday at 9 PM w/ Jeff You can also expect videos by JR throughout the week covering news and interesting topics. *All times are Eastern time AUDIO ONLY PLATFORMS The Big Ten Huddle is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon. LISTEN: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/TheBigTenHuddle LEAVE a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-college-huddle-podcast/id1703305789 STREAM on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tMaraKvafFzjUrXGq2c4w The Big Ten Huddle is a podcast dedicated to providing honest, humorous, and insightful analysis of Big Ten football and basketball. With a focus on challenging the national bias, especially against the SEC, hosts JR and Zack offer unfiltered discussions that engage fans of all Big Ten teams. Though critical at times, they always aim to defend the conference and give credit where it’s due, bringing humor and deep analysis together for a unique listening experience. Rooted in values of integrity, passion, and community, The Big Ten Huddle strives to become the go-to voice for Big Ten sports fans. There is no show out there like The Big Ten Huddle! 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5102755454124032 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join JR and Jeff on The Big Ten Huddle as they analyze the SEC's major shift to a 9-game conference schedule announced on August 21, 2025, effective 2026. Without divisions, teams will play 3 annual rivals to preserve traditions like Georgia-Auburn, with the other 6 games rotating—ensuring every opponent is faced at least once every 2 years and home/away every 4. Plus, SEC schools must schedule one high-quality non-con foe from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, or Notre Dame, tying into enhanced playoff strength-of-schedule metrics. The duo debates the Big Ten's response: matching the SEC by requiring a power non-con game for all teams to avoid tiebreaker losses in playoff selections. They highlight needs like protected rivalries (e.g., for USC, Oregon, Washington, UCLA to ease travel) and consistent rotations for fairness, especially for teams like Penn State. Impacts on specific Big Ten squads: Indiana must toughen non-con schedules (e.g., drop weak opponents like Howard for ACC/Big 12 matchups) after canceling Virginia; USC should retain Notre Dame as their power rival; Michigan could revive periodic Notre Dame games alongside series like Oklahoma. They advocate a Big Ten-SEC challenge with balanced matchups (e.g., Ohio State vs. Georgia, Iowa vs. Texas) for exciting early-season games, better fan engagement, and iron-sharpens-iron preparation—while keeping 2 easier non-con games to support smaller programs financially. This move levels the playing field, boosts college football quality, and could end talks of expanding playoffs beyond 16 teams. Good for rivalries, playoffs, and the sport overall! Additional The Big Ten Huddle Channels: @TheBigTenHuddleBasketball @TheOhioStateHuddle More from JR: Personal Twitter: https://x.com/jrs_rankings Big Ten Twitter: https://x.com/TheBigTenHuddle Read JR's Ohio State coverage: https://scarletandgame.com/author/jrhoades1 Read JR's Illinois coverage: https://writingillini.com/author/jrhoades1 SPONSORS Coach's Film Room - Sign up for the Menace Army: Colonel tier at https://menace2sports.com/channels/coachs-film-room Bleav - https://bleav.com/ Homefield - https://www.homefieldapparel.com/?rfsn=7872586.e3e1d25 | Coupon Code: TBTH Catch The Big Ten Huddle Football Episodes 3 times a week. Here is when to catch our live or premiere episodes that are about an hour long (eastern time): Sunday at 9 PM w/ Zack Tuesday at 9 PM w/ Zack Thursday at 9 PM w/ Jeff You can also expect videos by JR throughout the week covering news and interesting topics. *All times are Eastern time AUDIO ONLY PLATFORMS The Big Ten Huddle is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon. LISTEN: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/TheBigTenHuddle LEAVE a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-college-huddle-podcast/id1703305789 STREAM on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tMaraKvafFzjUrXGq2c4w The Big Ten Huddle is a podcast dedicated to providing honest, humorous, and insightful analysis of Big Ten football and basketball. With a focus on challenging the national bias, especially against the SEC, hosts JR and Zack offer unfiltered discussions that engage fans of all Big Ten teams. Though critical at times, they always aim to defend the conference and give credit where it’s due, bringing humor and deep analysis together for a unique listening experience. Rooted in values of integrity, passion, and community, The Big Ten Huddle strives to become the go-to voice for Big Ten sports fans. There is no show out there like The Big Ten Huddle! 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5102755454124032 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

JR and Zach kick off with intros, promoting the channel and upcoming content like power rankings. They banter about music and dancing before diving into reevaluating their Top 25 rankings post-spring. Zach shares his list, emphasizing teams like Penn State, Ohio State, Texas, and Clemson as top-tier due to depth and talent, while expressing uncertainty about Alabama, LSU, Georgia, and Oregon. He highlights parity in college football and questions around many teams. JR agrees on parity, shares his adjusted Top 25 with Ohio State at #1, Penn State #2, Texas #3, Clemson #4, and others like Notre Dame, Oregon, Georgia, Alabama, LSU, and Illinois in the mix. He moves Illinois down slightly due to talent vs. experience debates but praises their potential. Both discuss biases, like JR's skepticism of Texas hype and Steve Sarkisian comparisons to James Franklin. They critique coaching rankings, schedules (e.g., Texas's tough slate), and teams like Vanderbilt, Nebraska, Indiana, and USC. Zach notes Clemson's underrated QB Cade Klubnik and receiving corps. They agree Penn State has fewer holes but flag concerns like linebacker depth. Shifting to playoff predictions, JR seeds Ohio State #1 (Big Ten champ), Clemson #2 (ACC), Oregon #3 (at-large), Notre Dame #4 (at-large), with others like Penn State #5, Miami #6, Alabama #7, Illinois #8, Boise State #9, Utah #10, Texas #11, Liberty #12. His bracket: Ohio State beats Alabama, Penn State tops Miami, Oregon defeats Notre Dame, Clemson over Texas. Semis: Penn State beats Oregon, Clemson edges Ohio State. Clemson wins title over Penn State. Zach's seeds: Penn State #1 (Big Ten), Clemson #2 (ACC), Notre Dame #3 (at-large), Texas #4 (SEC), Ohio State #5, Georgia #6, Alabama #7, Oregon #8, Boise State #9, Nebraska #10, Illinois #11, Arizona State #12. Bracket: Ohio State crushes Boise, Arizona State upsets Georgia, Alabama beats Nebraska, Oregon over Illinois. Quarters: Ohio State tops Texas, Clemson beats Arizona State, Notre Dame defeats Alabama, Penn State over Oregon. Semis: Ohio State avenges Clemson losses, Penn State beats Notre Dame. Final: Penn State wins over Ohio State for James Franklin's first title. They discuss pushback on Illinois, experience vs. talent, potential 9-3 teams sneaking in, and chaos from schedules/parity. No SEC in either final four sparks SEC-bashing fun. Episode ends with excitement for week zero games and future updates. Additional The Big Ten Huddle Channels: @TheBigTenHuddleBasketball @TheOhioStateHuddle More from JR: Personal Twitter: https://x.com/jrs_rankings Big Ten Twitter: https://x.com/TheBigTenHuddle Read JR's Ohio State coverage: https://scarletandgame.com/author/jrhoades1 Read JR's Illinois coverage: https://writingillini.com/author/jrhoades1 SPONSORS Coach's Film Room - Sign up for the Menace Army: Colonel tier at https://menace2sports.com/channels/coachs-film-room Bleav - https://bleav.com/ Homefield - https://www.homefieldapparel.com/?rfsn=7872586.e3e1d25 | Coupon Code: TBTH Catch The Big Ten Huddle Football Episodes 3 times a week. Here is when to catch our live or premiere episodes that are about an hour long (eastern time): Sunday at 9 PM w/ Zack Tuesday at 9 PM w/ Zack Thursday at 9 PM w/ Jeff You can also expect videos by JR throughout the week covering news and interesting topics. *All times are Eastern time AUDIO ONLY PLATFORMS The Big Ten Huddle is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon. LISTEN: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/TheBigTenHuddle LEAVE a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-college-huddle-podcast/id1703305789 STREAM on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tMaraKvafFzjUrXGq2c4w The Big Ten Huddle is a podcast dedicated to providing honest, humorous, and insightful analysis of Big Ten football and basketball. With a focus on challenging the national bias, especially against the SEC, hosts JR and Zack offer unfiltered discussions that engage fans of all Big Ten teams. Though critical at times, they always aim to defend the conference and give credit where it’s due, bringing humor and deep analysis together for a unique listening experience. Rooted in values of integrity, passion, and community, The Big Ten Huddle strives to become the go-to voice for Big Ten sports fans. There is no show out there like The Big Ten Huddle! 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5102755454124032 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

JR dives deep into the College Football Playoff's (CFP) recent adjustments to their selection process, sparking buzz across the sport. He outlines the basics: a revamped strength of schedule metric that prioritizes games against top opponents, and a new "record strength" factor that rewards quality wins but softens penalties for tough losses—while cracking down on bad defeats and cupcake blowouts. JR explains how these tweaks encourage high-stakes matchups, making the regular season more exciting by nudging teams away from padding resumes with easy wins like against FCS teams. He uses examples from recent seasons, such as Michigan's upset over Ohio State in 2023 and Alabama's loss to Texas, to illustrate potential impacts. However, he cautions that the changes aren't a slam dunk for the SEC, as their lighter conference slates and late-season weak opponents could backfire under the new scrutiny. The discussion weighs benefits for both conferences: the Big Ten's tougher schedules might shine brighter, while the SEC's strategy of avoiding intra-league heavyweights gets exposed. JR critiques Alabama fans' complaints about last year's snubs, highlighting the Tide's inconsistent play and poor losses (e.g., to Vanderbilt and Oklahoma) compared to teams like Indiana and SMU, who dominated their schedules. He also unpacks the messiness of strength-of-schedule metrics (Sagarin, FPI, FEI), noting flaws like ignoring travel or timing, and calls for transparency from the committee on their formulas. JR argues for more intersectional games, like a Big Ten-SEC challenge, over expanding the playoff further, which he sees as diluting stakes. Ultimately, these changes punish sloppiness and reward big moments but fall short without fixing root issues like uneven conference games. JR invites debate on whether this levels the playing field or maintains SEC favoritism. If you're a college football fan, this episode cuts through the hype—subscribe for more Big Ten insights! Additional The Big Ten Huddle Channels: @TheBigTenHuddleBasketball @TheOhioStateHuddle More from JR: Personal Twitter: https://x.com/jrs_rankings Big Ten Twitter: https://x.com/TheBigTenHuddle Read JR's Ohio State coverage: https://scarletandgame.com/author/jrhoades1 Read JR's Illinois coverage: https://writingillini.com/author/jrhoades1 SPONSORS Coach's Film Room - Sign up for the Menace Army: Colonel tier at https://menace2sports.com/channels/coachs-film-room Bleav - https://bleav.com/ Homefield - https://www.homefieldapparel.com/?rfsn=7872586.e3e1d25 | Coupon Code: TBTH Catch The Big Ten Huddle Football Episodes 3 times a week. Here is when to catch our live or premiere episodes that are about an hour long (eastern time): Sunday at 9 PM w/ Zack Tuesday at 9 PM w/ Zack Thursday at 9 PM w/ Jeff You can also expect videos by JR throughout the week covering news and interesting topics. *All times are Eastern time AUDIO ONLY PLATFORMS The Big Ten Huddle is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon. LISTEN: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/TheBigTenHuddle LEAVE a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-college-huddle-podcast/id1703305789 STREAM on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tMaraKvafFzjUrXGq2c4w The Big Ten Huddle is a podcast dedicated to providing honest, humorous, and insightful analysis of Big Ten football and basketball. With a focus on challenging the national bias, especially against the SEC, hosts JR and Zack offer unfiltered discussions that engage fans of all Big Ten teams. Though critical at times, they always aim to defend the conference and give credit where it’s due, bringing humor and deep analysis together for a unique listening experience. Rooted in values of integrity, passion, and community, The Big Ten Huddle strives to become the go-to voice for Big Ten sports fans. There is no show out there like The Big Ten Huddle! 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5102755454124032 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

JR and Zack kick off The Big Ten Huddle with the latest fall camp buzz shaking up Big Ten Football ahead of the 2025 season. They start with the bombshell at Ohio State: freshman phenom Julian Sayin has clinched the starting QB job, edging out veterans in a move that could redefine the Buckeyes' offense. The discussion heats up around eligibility woes—USC's DJ Wingfield and UCLA's Kaedin Robinson were denied preliminary injunctions, sidelining them and impacting team depth. Heartbreak hits Michigan as five-star freshman Andrew Babalola suffers a potential season-ending injury, raising questions about the Wolverines' line stability. Shifting to Oregon, the hosts dissect ESPN's Pete Thamel's insights on QB Austin Novosad: "Austin Novosad this year. Really talented young guy coming in. I would think that Dante Moore is ahead there right now, but I don’t know if it’s a hammer-lock on the job." JR and Zack speculate on how this competition could evolve, potentially giving the Ducks a dynamic edge. The core topic dives deep: Will every Big Ten team have a better or worse defense in 2025? They analyze each squad—Iowa's stout unit might hold steady or improve with returning talent; Ohio State's could elevate under new schemes but risks regression from losses; Michigan faces challenges post-injury but boasts veteran leadership; Penn State looks primed for gains with athletic recruits; Oregon's speed could make them elite, though inexperience looms; USC and UCLA might struggle with personnel hits, predicting slight declines; Wisconsin and Nebraska aim for rebounds via coaching tweaks; while teams like Indiana and Purdue could surprise with underrated additions. JR argues for overall conference improvement due to expanded recruiting, while Zack warns of growing pains from realignment. Packed with predictions, hot takes, and fan insights, this episode is a must-watch for Big Ten enthusiasts. What do you think—better defenses across the board? Drop your thoughts below! #BigTenFootball #CollegeFootball2025 #FallCampBuzz More from JR: Personal Twitter: https://x.com/jrs_rankings Big Ten Twitter: https://x.com/TheBigTenHuddle Read JR's Ohio State coverage: https://scarletandgame.com/author/jrhoades1 Read JR's Illinois coverage: https://writingillini.com/author/jrhoades1 SPONSORS Coach's Film Room - Sign up for the Menace Army: Colonel tier at https://menace2sports.com/channels/coachs-film-room Bleav - https://bleav.com/ Homefield - https://www.homefieldapparel.com/?rfsn=7872586.e3e1d25 | Coupon Code: TBTH Catch The Big Ten Huddle Football Episodes 3 times a week. Here is when to catch our live or premiere episodes that are about an hour long (eastern time): Sunday at 9 PM w/ Zack Tuesday at 9 PM w/ Zack Thursday at 9 PM w/ Jeff You can also expect videos by JR throughout the week covering news and interesting topics. *All times are Eastern time AUDIO ONLY PLATFORMS The Big Ten Huddle is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon. LISTEN: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/TheBigTenHuddle LEAVE a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-college-huddle-podcast/id1703305789 STREAM on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tMaraKvafFzjUrXGq2c4w The Big Ten Huddle is a podcast dedicated to providing honest, humorous, and insightful analysis of Big Ten football and basketball. With a focus on challenging the national bias, especially against the SEC, hosts JR and Zack offer unfiltered discussions that engage fans of all Big Ten teams. Though critical at times, they always aim to defend the conference and give credit where it’s due, bringing humor and deep analysis together for a unique listening experience. Rooted in values of integrity, passion, and community, The Big Ten Huddle strives to become the go-to voice for Big Ten sports fans. There is no show out there like The Big Ten Huddle! 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5102755454124032 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of The Big Ten Huddle, hosts JR, Big Jeff, and Zack Gugenheim dive into their predictions for the 2025 Big Ten superlatives, covering sleeper teams, breakout players, underrated games, and more while challenging SEC bias with insightful analysis and plenty of laughs. They share picks like Rutgers as a sleeper, Jeremiah Smith for offensive player of the year, and Bret Bielema for coach of the year, encouraging viewers to engage with their own thoughts. We kick things off by going superlative by superlative, with each of us sharing our picks for which player or team best fits. Starting with Most Underrated Game: JR picks Indiana vs. Iowa for its potential defensive slugfest and implications for the middle of the pack. Big Jeff goes with Michigan vs. USC, highlighting the clash of styles between a rebuilding Michigan and a flashy USC offense. Zack chooses Wisconsin vs. Washington, noting the cross-conference intrigue and coaching storylines that could make it a sleeper hit. Next, The Team You Think Your Predictions Are Too Low On (Sleeper Team): JR tabs Rutgers, citing their underrated defense and schedule advantages that could lead to a surprise bowl run. Big Jeff picks USC, believing their talent influx will exceed expectations in a transitional year. Zack selects UCLA, pointing to their recruiting momentum and potential to upset in the Pac-12 remnants. For The Team You Think Your Predictions Are Too High On (Disappointing Team): JR warns about Michigan, with coaching changes and roster turnover potentially leading to a step back. Big Jeff calls out Oregon, suggesting hype around their stars might not translate against a brutal schedule. Zack highlights Nebraska, where early promise could fizzle amid tough road games. Coach of the Year: JR votes for Bret Bielema at Illinois, praising his steady build and potential for an overachieving season. Big Jeff backs Matt Rhule at Nebraska, if they turn the corner with his recruiting class. Zack supports Jedd Fisch at Washington, for navigating a rebuild with poise and early wins. Offensive Player of the Year: JR picks Jeremiah Smith at Ohio State, expecting the freshman wideout to explode in a high-powered attack. Big Jeff goes with Drew Allar at Penn State, predicting a breakout under better protection. Zack chooses Jayden Maiava at USC, for his dual-threat upside in Lincoln Riley's system. Defensive Player of the Year: We had a bit of debate here—JR selects Koi Perich at Minnesota for his versatility in the secondary. Big Jeff picks Caleb Downs at Ohio State, the transfer safety set to anchor the Buckeyes. Zack ties between Gabe Jacas at Illinois and Makail Kamara at Rutgers, but leans Jacas for his edge-rushing impact. Finally, Breakout Player of the Year: JR highlights Jordan Marshall at Michigan, the running back ready to carry the load. Big Jeff picks Demond Williams at Arizona (wait, Big Ten now?), wait no—actually, we clarify it's Big Ten-focused, but he means the QB transfer potential. Zack goes with Aidan Chiles at Michigan State, the young signal-caller poised for stardom. Additional The Big Ten Huddle Channels: @TheBigTenHuddleBasketball @TheOhioStateHuddle More from JR: Personal Twitter: https://x.com/jrs_rankings Big Ten Twitter: https://x.com/TheBigTenHuddle Read JR's Ohio State coverage: https://scarletandgame.com/author/jrhoades1 Read JR's Illinois coverage: https://writingillini.com/author/jrhoades1 SPONSORS Coach's Film Room - Sign up for the Menace Army: Colonel tier at https://menace2sports.com/channels/coachs-film-room Bleav - https://bleav.com/ Homefield - https://www.homefieldapparel.com/?rfsn=7872586.e3e1d25 | Coupon Code: TBTH Catch The Big Ten Huddle Football Episodes 3 times a week. Here is when to catch our live or premiere episodes that are about an hour long (eastern time): Sunday at 9 PM w/ Zack Tuesday at 9 PM w/ Zack Thursday at 9 PM w/ Jeff You can also expect videos by JR throughout the week covering news and interesting topics. *All times are Eastern time AUDIO ONLY PLATFORMS The Big Ten Huddle is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon. LISTEN: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/TheBigTenHuddle LEAVE a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-college-huddle-podcast/id1703305789 STREAM on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tMaraKvafFzjUrXGq2c4w The Big Ten Huddle is a podcast dedicated to providing honest, humorous, and insightful analysis of Big Ten football and basketball. With a focus on challenging the national bias, especially against the SEC, hosts JR and Zack offer unfiltered discussions that engage fans of all Big Ten teams. Though critical at times, they always aim to defend the conference and give credit where it’s due, bringing humor and deep analysis together for a unique listening experience. Rooted in values of integrity, passion, and community, The Big Ten Huddle strives to become the go-to voice for Big Ten sports fans. There is no show out there li

JR and Zack kick off the episode with a deep dive into the Michigan sign-stealing scandal involving Connor Stalions. They recap the NCAA's investigation, which revealed unauthorized advance scouting and signal decoding during games, leading to penalties including a three-game suspension for former coach Jim Harbaugh (already served), probation for the program, and recruiting restrictions. JR argues the punishment feels light given the competitive edge gained, pointing out how it potentially influenced key wins en route to Michigan's 2023 national championship. Zack counters that while unethical, the scandal didn't directly alter on-field plays enough to warrant harsher measures like vacating the title, emphasizing the gray areas in college football rules. The discussion heats up on whether Michigan's title is tainted. JR leans yes, comparing it to past scandals like Reggie Bush's Heisman forfeiture, suggesting the asterisk will linger in fan debates and recruiting battles. Zack pushes back, noting the team's dominant performance post-suspension and how rivals like Ohio State couldn't capitalize, framing it as overblown media hype rather than a core integrity issue. They agree the real impact moving forward is on recruiting and morale—Michigan might face tougher scrutiny from prospects wary of program instability, but under new coach Sherrone Moore, the Wolverines' strong NIL deals and tradition could mitigate losses, potentially fueling a "us vs. the world" mentality for 2025. Transitioning to the Big Ten's early deliberations on a 24 or 28-team playoff, inspired by Commissioner Tony Petitti's vision for conference dominance amid SEC rivalry. JR expresses excitement, seeing it as a way to showcase depth with auto-bids for top teams and at-large spots for underdogs. Zack is more cautious, highlighting logistical nightmares like scheduling conflicts and player fatigue in an already expanded 18-team league. On likelihood, they peg it at 40-50% within five years, citing Petitti's push for revenue growth but noting resistance from smaller schools and NCAA oversight. For winners and losers, JR names powerhouses like Ohio State, Penn State, and Oregon as big beneficiaries, gaining more postseason shots without grueling qualifiers. Michigan could rebound stronger, too, using the scandal as motivation. Losers? Mid-tier teams like Purdue or Northwestern, diluted in a massive field, and potentially the SEC if the Big Ten locks in more playoff revenue. Zack adds fans win with more games, but lose if it waters down regular-season stakes. The episode wraps with calls for listener feedback on these hot topics, urging subscriptions for future Big Ten breakdowns. More from JR: Personal Twitter: https://x.com/jrs_rankings Big Ten Twitter: https://x.com/TheBigTenHuddle Read JR's Ohio State coverage: https://scarletandgame.com/author/jrhoades1 Read JR's Illinois coverage: https://writingillini.com/author/jrhoades1 SPONSORS Coach's Film Room - Sign up for the Menace Army: Colonel tier at https://menace2sports.com/channels/coachs-film-room Bleav - https://bleav.com/ Homefield - https://www.homefieldapparel.com/?rfsn=7872586.e3e1d25 | Coupon Code: TBTH Catch The Big Ten Huddle Football Episodes 3 times a week. Here is when to catch our live or premiere episodes that are about an hour long (eastern time): Sunday at 9 PM w/ Zack Tuesday at 9 PM w/ Zack Thursday at 9 PM w/ Jeff You can also expect videos by JR throughout the week covering news and interesting topics. *All times are Eastern time AUDIO ONLY PLATFORMS The Big Ten Huddle is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon. LISTEN: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/TheBigTenHuddle LEAVE a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-college-huddle-podcast/id1703305789 STREAM on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tMaraKvafFzjUrXGq2c4w The Big Ten Huddle is a podcast dedicated to providing honest, humorous, and insightful analysis of Big Ten football and basketball. With a focus on challenging the national bias, especially against the SEC, hosts JR and Zack offer unfiltered discussions that engage fans of all Big Ten teams. Though critical at times, they always aim to defend the conference and give credit where it’s due, bringing humor and deep analysis together for a unique listening experience. Rooted in values of integrity, passion, and community, The Big Ten Huddle strives to become the go-to voice for Big Ten sports fans. There is no show out there like The Big Ten Huddle! 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5102755454124032 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of The Big Ten Huddle, host JR and guest Big Jeff analyze predictions for the bottom half of the Big Ten football conference, breaking down team records, schedules, and reasons for optimism and pessimism. They discuss bowl eligibility, potential upsets, and key players for teams like Washington, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and more. JR welcomes listeners to The Big Ten Huddle, emphasizing coverage of all Big Ten teams and challenging SEC bias. He introduces Big Jeff for his insights on the bottom half predictions, noting how many teams might miss bowl eligibility. They encourage likes, subscriptions, comments, and podcast reviews. JR mentions emailing feedback to [email protected]. They chat about upcoming Michigan news, Big Ten's "new era" tweet tying into Taylor Swift, and technical issues with Jeff streaming via phone. Jeff clarifies these rankings reflect tough schedules, not just power, and promotes his site bigjeffsfootball.com for full write-ups. Starting with Washington (10th, 8-4 overall, 5-4 Big Ten): Jeff predicts an upset over Ohio State but losses to Michigan and Oregon. Optimism: Talented roster, strong pass defense (2nd nationally last year), QB Demond Williams' upside, favorable schedule with 5 home games. Pessimism: Offensive line struggles, coaching decisions in close games. JR agrees, sees playoff potential with stars like Denzel Boston and Jonah Coleman. Minnesota (11th, 8-4, 5-4): Losses to Ohio State, Nebraska, Iowa, Oregon. Optimism: Favorable schedule (5 home games vs. weaker opponents), top-5 national defense, RB Darius Taylor's versatility. Pessimism: Young QB Drake Lindsey, reconfigured O-line. JR highlights close games last year and trusts the defense. Wisconsin (12th, 5-7, 3-6): Toughest schedule in nation, including at Alabama. Optimism: Returning production, recruiting (34th nationally), QB Billy Edwards' stability, return to run game. Pessimism: Brutal opponents, defense regression, early confidence loss. JR predicts 6-6, notes culture and home upsets possible. UCLA (13th, 5-7, 3-6): Under 5.5 wins. Optimism: QB Nikhil Iyamaeva's potential, reasonable schedule (avoids top teams), new OC Tino Sunseri. Pessimism: Low returning production, defense losses, coach Deshaun Foster learning. JR sees wildcard potential, 4-8 floor or 7-8 ceiling. Michigan State (14th, 5-7, 2-7): Year away from contention. Optimism: High returning production, QB Aidan Chiles and WR Nick Marsh upside. Pessimism: Tough road schedule, turnover issues, weak run game. JR defends talent, portal additions; predicts better than expected. Rutgers (14th tie, 5-7, 2-7): Tougher schedule than last year. Optimism: Talent retention, QB Athan Kaliakmanis' ball security, offensive jump. Pessimism: Plays top teams, defense regression from injuries. JR sees 6-8 win upside despite injuries last year. Maryland (16th, 4-8, 1-8): Avoids top-3 teams. Optimism: Favorable schedule, recruiting (30th nationally), new coordinators. Pessimism: Young QB, weak rush, locker room stability. JR excited for youth, big year for coach Mike Locksley. Northwestern (17th, 3-9, 1-8): Sole win vs. Purdue. Optimism: QB Preston Stone's experience, solid defense, returning production. Pessimism: Dreadful offense, challenging schedule. JR notes young WRs, trenches strength; Braun safe. Purdue (18th, 2-10, 0-9): Massive turnover (54 transfers). Optimism: New coach Barry Odom's experience, RB Devin Mockobee. Pessimism: Rough schedule, poor offense/defense/turnovers. JR low on Purdue, hopes for surprise. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The episode kicks off with JR welcoming co-hosts Zach Guggenheim and Big Jeff, setting the stage for in-depth Big Ten football predictions while poking fun at SEC bias. They dive straight into week-by-week breakdowns, starting with non-conference games like Rutgers vs. Ohio (Rutgers win) and Ohio State vs. Texas (Buckeyes edge it out despite Jeff's Texas pick). Early weeks feature quick consensus on blowouts, such as Michigan over New Mexico and Oregon over Montana State, but debates heat up on trickier matchups like Northwestern vs. Tulane (Tulane majority) and UCLA vs. Utah (Utah sweep). As they progress to conference play in week four, discussions intensify with games like Iowa at Rutgers (Iowa) and Illinois at Indiana (Indiana mild upset via home-field edge). Key rivalries spark banter: Oregon over Oregon State, USC over Michigan State, and Michigan at Nebraska (Nebraska upset with young QB concerns for Michigan). They highlight potential traps, like Ohio State's tough mid-season road stretch (Illinois, Wisconsin, Washington), where upsets could lurk. Mid-episode, they tackle big clashes: Penn State at Michigan (Penn State), Ohio State at Oregon (Buckeyes in a close one), and USC at Michigan (USC). Fun moments include Zach's Northwestern loyalty clashing with picks, Jeff's Godfather references, and JR's vow not to pick Ohio State over Michigan until it happens again (leading to a tiebreaker favoring Buckeyes). Later weeks cover revenge games like Iowa over Michigan State and rivalry week fireworks: Nebraska over Iowa, Indiana over Purdue, and Oregon over Washington (despite Zach's Husky upset call). The trio resolves splits by majority vote or chat input, emphasizing Big Ten depth and young QBs' impact. They wrap with projected standings: Ohio State 12-0 (though all doubt perfection), Penn State 11-1, Oregon 10-2, Michigan 10-2, Nebraska 10-2 (playoff bubble with USC/Michigan wins but UCLA loss). Thoughts on playoff chances, like Nebraska needing help at 10-2, and optimism for mid-tier teams like Illinois (9-3) close out. Banter flows with anti-SEC jabs, family mentions (Jeff attending Indiana game), and calls for subscriptions. A lively, insightful session blending analysis, laughs, and bold forecasts for Big Ten fans. More from JR: Personal Twitter: https://x.com/jrs_rankings Big Ten Twitter: https://x.com/TheBigTenHuddle Read JR's Ohio State coverage: https://scarletandgame.com/author/jrhoades1 Read JR's Illinois coverage: https://writingillini.com/author/jrhoades1 SPONSORS Coach's Film Room - Sign up for the Menace Army: Colonel tier at https://menace2sports.com/channels/coachs-film-room Bleav - https://bleav.com/ Homefield - https://www.homefieldapparel.com/?rfsn=7872586.e3e1d25 | Coupon Code: TBTH Catch The Big Ten Huddle Football Episodes 3 times a week. Here is when to catch our live or premiere episodes that are about an hour long (eastern time): Sunday at 9 PM w/ Zack Tuesday at 9 PM w/ Zack Thursday at 9 PM w/ Jeff You can also expect videos by JR throughout the week covering news and interesting topics. *All times are Eastern time AUDIO ONLY PLATFORMS The Big Ten Huddle is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon. LISTEN: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/TheBigTenHuddle LEAVE a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-college-huddle-podcast/id1703305789 STREAM on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tMaraKvafFzjUrXGq2c4w The Big Ten Huddle is a podcast dedicated to providing honest, humorous, and insightful analysis of Big Ten football and basketball. With a focus on challenging the national bias, especially against the SEC, hosts JR and Zack offer unfiltered discussions that engage fans of all Big Ten teams. Though critical at times, they always aim to defend the conference and give credit where it’s due, bringing humor and deep analysis together for a unique listening experience. Rooted in values of integrity, passion, and community, The Big Ten Huddle strives to become the go-to voice for Big Ten sports fans. There is no show out there like The Big Ten Huddle! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this jam-packed episode of The Big Ten Huddle, hosts JR and Zack dive into the electrifying preseason developments shaking up Big Ten football ahead of the 2025 season. They start with the hottest camp buzz, highlighting key storylines from across the conference. Kicking off the discussion, JR and Zack analyze Ohio State's quarterback competition, where head coach Ryan Day draws striking comparisons to the 2018 battle between Joe Burrow and Dwayne Haskins, noting similarities in talent depth and decision-making pressure. They express optimism for the Buckeyes' offense but debate how the ongoing battle could impact early-season chemistry. Next, the duo turns to Oregon, where five-star freshman safety Trey McNutt's broken right leg in fall camp deals a blow to the Ducks' secondary. JR laments the timing for the highly touted recruit, while Zack discusses how Oregon's depth at safety might mitigate the loss, though it could force adjustments in nickel packages. At Michigan State, Jonathan Smith provides an optimistic update on tight end Jack Velling, who has been sidelined with a left foot injury but is expected to return to practice by the end of the week following the team's first scrimmage. JR and Zack praise Velling's receiving skills and speculate on his role in expanding the Spartans' playbook. Over at Michigan, Sherrone Moore highlights the offensive line's progress, describing intense back-and-forth battles where the OL is now pushing the defensive line and winning days. The hosts commend Moore's emphasis on competition, with Zack predicting this could solidify Michigan's run game despite roster turnover. Back to Ohio State, rumors abound about transfer offensive tackle Ethan Onianwa, who appears to have lost the left tackle position to Austin Siereveld and is now competing with Phillip Daniels for the right tackle spot. JR questions the Buckeyes' line stability, while Zack sees it as a sign of depth in a loaded unit. Illinois' wide receiver group earns high marks, with Collin Dixon, Hank Beatty, Malik Elzy, Hudson Clement, Justin Bowick, Brayden Trimble, Mario Sanders, and Alexander Capka-Jones all impressing in camp, though the Illini are still hunting for a definitive No. 1 target. The pair debates potential breakouts, with JR favoring Elzy's upside. Finally in buzz, Iowa's transfer quarterback Mark Gronowski. Shifting gears, JR and Zack unpack takeaways from the preseason AP Top 25 poll, where Texas claims No. 1, Penn State edges in at No. 2, and Ohio State sits at No. 3, with Clemson at 4. They marvel at Penn State's high ranking amid quarterback questions, debate Ohio State's drop despite talent, and highlight Big Ten strength with multiple teams in the top 10. Surprises like Texas atop the list spark discussion on SEC vs. Big Ten narratives, and they touch on snubs for teams like Oregon and Michigan. Wrapping up, JR delivers his bold rankings on whether each Big Ten team's offense will be better or worse in 2025, factoring in transfers, coaching shifts, and camp vibes. For example, he predicts improvements for Iowa with Gronowski's dynamism, declines for Oregon amid injuries, and stability for powerhouses like Ohio State and Penn State. Zack reacts passionately, agreeing on Michigan State's uptick with Velling but pushing back on Illinois' receiver uncertainty hindering progress. They cover all 18 teams, emphasizing key factors like quarterback stability and line play. More from JR: Personal Twitter: https://x.com/jrs_rankings Big Ten Twitter: https://x.com/TheBigTenHuddle Read JR's Ohio State coverage: https://scarletandgame.com/author/jrhoades1 Read JR's Illinois coverage: https://writingillini.com/author/jrhoades1 SPONSORS Bleav - https://bleav.com/ FanDuel - https://sportsbook.fanduel.com/ Homefield - https://www.homefieldapparel.com/?rfsn=7872586.e3e1d25 | Coupon Code: TBTH Catch The Big Ten Huddle Football Episodes 3 times a week. Here is when to catch our live or premiere episodes that are about an hour long (eastern time): Sunday at 9 PM w/ Zack Tuesday at 9 PM w/ Zack Thursday at 9 PM w/ Jeff You can also expect videos by JR throughout the week covering news and interesting topics. *All times are Eastern time AUDIO ONLY PLATFORMS The Big Ten Huddle is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon. LISTEN: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/TheBigTenHuddle LEAVE a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-college-huddle-podcast/id1703305789 STREAM on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tMaraKvafFzjUrXGq2c4w Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join JR and Zack on The Big Ten Huddle as they dive into the latest Big Ten football buzz with honest, entertaining analysis. This episode kicks off with a hilarious takedown of SEC pundit Paul Finebaum, who accused Big Ten fans of thinking they invented college football (spoiler: Rutgers literally did) and vowed to flee the U.S. if a non-SEC team claims the national title. The hosts introduce a fun "Paul Finebaum Tracker" graphic to monitor Big Ten teams' progress toward potentially forcing his exit, complete with banter about his potential destinations like France or England. They speculate on meltdown scenarios if underdogs like Illinois or Indiana knock off SEC giants, and address viewer comments on expanding the tracker beyond the Big Ten. Next, the conversation shifts to Iowa quarterback Mark Gronowski's underwhelming scrimmage stats (9/21 passing, 121 yards, and a pick-six), tempering hype around his Tim Tebow comparisons. JR and Zack debate if it's cause for concern or just a blip, emphasizing Iowa's defense-first identity under Kirk Ferentz and the need for steady, ball-protecting play rather than stardom. The bulk of the episode features the hosts unveiling their First Team All-Big Ten selections, position by position, with live chat input for tough calls. Highlights include Drew Allar (QB, Penn State), Nicholas Singleton and Jonah Coleman (RBs), Jeremiah Smith, Makai Lemon, and Elijah Surratt (WRs), Max Klare (TE, Purdue), and a stacked offensive line led by Caleb Tiernan (Oregon). On defense, standouts like Mikail Kamara (Edge, Oregon), Aaron Graves and Zane Durant (DTs), Mateo Uiagalelei (LB, Oregon), D'Angelo Ponds and Xavier Scott (CBs), and Caleb Downs and Koi Perich (Safeties) make the cut. Special teams nods go to Dominic Zevada (K, Michigan), Ryan Eckley (P, Michigan State), Koi Perich (Returner, Minnesota), and Luke Basso (Long Snapper, Oregon). They discuss snubs, projections, and why the Big Ten's safety depth is unmatched nationally. Throughout, the hosts interact with the live chat, apologize for audio glitches, and plug upcoming episodes. No real football analysis in the Finebaum segment—it's all laughs—but the All-Big Ten picks offer deep insights into the conference's talent. Useful Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro and show overview 00:01:05 - Paul Finebaum's "Big Ten invented football" rant and Rutgers history 00:02:02 - Finebaum's national championship exile promise and tracker reveal 00:04:46 - Banter on Finebaum's potential destinations and SEC bias 00:09:59 - Iowa QB Mark Gronowski's scrimmage struggles analysis 00:13:12 - Expectations for Gronowski and Iowa's offense under Tim Lester 00:18:55 - First Team All-Big Ten: Offense picks (QB through OL) 00:25:30 - First Team All-Big Ten: Defense picks (Edge through Safety) 00:32:30 - First Team All-Big Ten: Special teams and final list recap 00:42:55 - Closing thoughts, plugs, and pizza banter Catch us live on YouTube Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays at 9 PM ET, or listen to podcasts Monday-Friday mornings. Hit like, subscribe, and leave a 5-star review! More from JR: Personal Twitter: https://x.com/jrs_rankings Big Ten Twitter: https://x.com/TheBigTenHuddle Read JR's Ohio State coverage: https://scarletandgame.com/author/jrhoades1 Read JR's Illinois coverage: https://writingillini.com/author/jrhoades1 SPONSORS Coach's Film Room - Sign up for the Menace Army: Colonel tier at https://menace2sports.com/channels/coachs-film-room Bleav - https://bleav.com/ Homefield - https://www.homefieldapparel.com/?rfsn=7872586.e3e1d25 | Coupon Code: TBTH Catch The Big Ten Huddle Football Episodes 3 times a week. Here is when to catch our live or premiere episodes that are about an hour long (eastern time): Sunday at 9 PM w/ Zack Tuesday at 9 PM w/ Zack Thursday at 9 PM w/ Jeff You can also expect videos by JR throughout the week covering news and interesting topics. *All times are Eastern time AUDIO ONLY PLATFORMS The Big Ten Huddle is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon. LISTEN: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/TheBigTenHuddle LEAVE a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-college-huddle-podcast/id1703305789 STREAM on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tMaraKvafFzjUrXGq2c4w The Big Ten Huddle is a podcast dedicated to providing honest, humorous, and insightful analysis of Big Ten football and basketball. With a focus on challenging the national bias, especially against the SEC, hosts JR and Zack offer unfiltered discussions that engage fans of all Big Ten teams. Though critical at times, they always aim to defend the conference and give credit where it’s due, bringing humor and deep analysis together for a unique listening experience. Rooted in values of integrity, passion, and community, The Big Ten Huddle strives to become the go-to voice for Big Ten sports fans. There is no show out there like The Big Ten Huddle! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.co

In this action-packed episode of The Big Ten Huddle, JR and Zack tackle the latest developments from Big Ten fall camps, focusing on critical injuries, the implications of restricted media access, and the freshmen who could steal the spotlight in 2025. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the episode: Topics Discussed Injury Updates Across the Big Ten: JR presents a rundown of significant injury situations, and Zack weighs in with his insights on their potential impact on the season. Key injuries include: Eddrick Houston (Ohio State): Expected to return to full practice soon, a positive sign for the Buckeyes’ defensive line. Read more. Malik Washington (Maryland): Limited with lower-body ailment. Washington has been managing a lower-body ailment that has limited him in practice. Nebraska’s Blye Hill and Gage Stenger: Both sidelined for the season due to knee injuries, a major blow to the Cornhuskers’ depth. Read more. Prophet Brown (USC): Suffered a non-contact lower body injury but is expected to return mid-season, offering hope for the Trojans’ secondary. Read more. J.C. Davis (Illinois): Dealing with a foot injury but likely to be cleared for the season opener. Read more. Jake Renfro (Wisconsin): Status uncertain for the opener due to an injury, raising concerns for the Badgers’ offensive line. Read more. Key Lawrence (UCLA): Helped off the field during practice, leaving Bruins fans anxious about his availability. Read more. Anthony Donkoh (Penn State): Back in practice and vying for a starting role, a boost for the Nittany Lions. Read more. Ja'Kobi Lane (USC): Limited in practice, with no participation in individual drills, sparking questions about his role. Read more. Closed Practices at Michigan: The Wolverines’ decision to bar media from practices has sparked debate about transparency and its impact on team preparation. Zack and JR discuss how this secrecy could affect fan and analyst expectations. See the tweet. Top 25 Big Ten Freshmen to Watch in 2025: JR unveils his list of the top freshmen to watch, and Zack reacts, highlighting potential breakout stars who could shape the conference’s future. Check the rankings. Useful Timestamps Introduction and episode overview Injury roundup: Eddrick Houston, Nebraska’s setbacks, and USC’s Prophet Brown Wisconsin and UCLA injury concerns: Jake Renfro and Key Lawrence Penn State and USC updates: Anthony Donkoh and Ja'Kobi Lane Michigan’s closed practices: What’s behind the secrecy? Top 25 Big Ten Freshmen: JR’s list and Zack’s reactions Closing thoughts and what to watch for in the coming weeks Additional Notes JR and Zack bring their signature blend of analysis and passion, breaking down how these injuries could reshape team strategies and the Big Ten’s competitive landscape. The discussion on Michigan’s closed practices highlights the balance between team privacy and public interest, a hot topic for fans and media alike. The freshmen segment is a must-listen for fans eager to spot the next big names in Big Ten football. More from JR: Personal Twitter: https://x.com/jrs_rankings Big Ten Twitter: https://x.com/TheBigTenHuddle Read JR's Ohio State coverage: https://scarletandgame.com/author/jrhoades1 Read JR's Illinois coverage: https://writingillini.com/author/jrhoades1 SPONSORS Coach's Film Room - Sign up for the Menace Army: Colonel tier at https://menace2sports.com/channels/coachs-film-room Bleav - https://bleav.com/ Homefield - https://www.homefieldapparel.com/?rfsn=7872586.e3e1d25 | Coupon Code: TBTH Catch The Big Ten Huddle Football Episodes 3 times a week. Here is when to catch our live or premiere episodes that are about an hour long (eastern time): Sunday at 9 PM w/ Zack Tuesday at 9 PM w/ Zack Thursday at 9 PM w/ Jeff You can also expect videos by JR throughout the week covering news and interesting topics. *All times are Eastern time AUDIO ONLY PLATFORMS The Big Ten Huddle is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon. LISTEN: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/TheBigTenHuddle LEAVE a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-college-huddle-podcast/id1703305789 STREAM on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tMaraKvafFzjUrXGq2c4w The Big Ten Huddle is a podcast dedicated to providing honest, humorous, and insightful analysis of Big Ten football and basketball. With a focus on challenging the national bias, especially against the SEC, hosts JR and Zack offer unfiltered discussions that engage fans of all Big Ten teams. Though critical at times, they always aim to defend the conference and give credit where it’s due, bringing humor and deep analysis together for a unique listening experience. Rooted in values of integrity, passion, and community, The Big Ten Huddle strives to become the go-to voice for Big Ten sports fans. There is no show out there like The Big Ten Huddle! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this exciting episode of The Big Ten Huddle, hosts JR and Zack dive into Part 1 of Big Jeff’s 2025 Big Ten record predictions, focusing on the top half of the conference: Ohio State, Penn State, Oregon, Michigan, USC, Indiana, Illinois, Nebraska, and Iowa. Jeff breaks down his predictions with a streamlined approach, presenting a main table featuring three key stats: FanDuel’s Over/Under win totals, odds to win the Big Ten title, and his projected overall and conference records for each team. For comparison, the table also includes JR and Zack’s predictions, though Jeff keeps the focus on his own analysis without diving into the differences. Big Jeff's Article: https://bigjeffsfootball.com/big-jeffs-2025-big-ten-season-record-predictions-and-background-data/ For each team, Jeff highlights expected losses and provides three reasons for optimism and three for pessimism, offering a balanced perspective on their 2025 season outlook. JR and Zack then jump in with quick comments, sharing where their predictions align or diverge from Jeff’s and why, keeping the conversation lively and engaging. The episode moves at a brisk pace, ensuring fans get a clear, concise breakdown of the top teams’ prospects. Jeff also mentions additional background tables with detailed stats, which will be available on his website for fans who want to dig deeper. These tables provide the supporting data behind his predictions and are referenced briefly during the episode. Listeners are encouraged to visit Jeff’s site for the full scoop. Key Topics Discussed: Overview of the top nine Big Ten teams’ projected performance in 2025. Analysis of FanDuel’s Over/Under and Big Ten title odds. Jeff’s predicted wins, losses, and conference records for each team. Three reasons for optimism and pessimism for Ohio State, Penn State, Oregon, Michigan, USC, Indiana, Illinois, Nebraska, and Iowa. JR and Zack’s reactions and differing perspectives on Jeff’s picks. More from JR: Personal Twitter: https://x.com/jrs_rankings Big Ten Twitter: https://x.com/TheBigTenHuddle Read JR's Ohio State coverage: https://scarletandgame.com/author/jrhoades1 Read JR's Illinois coverage: https://writingillini.com/author/jrhoades1 SPONSORS Coach's Film Room - Sign up for the Menace Army: Colonel tier at https://menace2sports.com/channels/coachs-film-room Bleav - https://bleav.com/ Homefield - https://www.homefieldapparel.com/?rfsn=7872586.e3e1d25 | Coupon Code: TBTH Catch The Big Ten Huddle Football Episodes 3 times a week. Here is when to catch our live or premiere episodes that are about an hour long (eastern time): Sunday at 9 PM w/ Zack Tuesday at 9 PM w/ Zack Thursday at 9 PM w/ Jeff You can also expect videos by JR throughout the week covering news and interesting topics. *All times are Eastern time AUDIO ONLY PLATFORMS The Big Ten Huddle is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon. LISTEN: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/TheBigTenHuddle LEAVE a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-college-huddle-podcast/id1703305789 STREAM on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tMaraKvafFzjUrXGq2c4w The Big Ten Huddle is a podcast dedicated to providing honest, humorous, and insightful analysis of Big Ten football and basketball. With a focus on challenging the national bias, especially against the SEC, hosts JR and Zack offer unfiltered discussions that engage fans of all Big Ten teams. Though critical at times, they always aim to defend the conference and give credit where it’s due, bringing humor and deep analysis together for a unique listening experience. Rooted in values of integrity, passion, and community, The Big Ten Huddle strives to become the go-to voice for Big Ten sports fans. There is no show out there like The Big Ten Huddle! 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5102755454124032 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this engaging episode of The Big Ten Huddle, hosts JR and Zach Guggenheim tackle the hotly debated 4+4+2+2+1 playoff format proposed by Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti, which grants four automatic bids each to the Big Ten and SEC, two each to the ACC and Big 12, and one to the top Group of Five champion, with three at-large bids. They discuss why this model, which includes intra-conference play-in games, has drawn opposition from the SEC, ACC, and Big 12 commissioners, who favor a 5+11 model with more at-large bids (06:06–08:14). JR and Zach argue that Petitti’s push for objectivity counters the subjective biases favoring SEC teams, like Alabama, in past playoffs (04:13–05:53). They also express concerns about unequal scheduling, particularly the SEC’s resistance to nine conference games, and how it impacts fairness (09:01–12:15). The episode shifts to the newly released coaches poll, revealing Texas, Ohio State, Penn State, Georgia, and Notre Dame in the top five, with Indiana ranked 19th and Illinois at 12th (25:24–27:26). The hosts critique media biases, noting the SEC’s nine teams in the top 25 compared to the Big Ten’s six, and question overrated teams like LSU and Tennessee (27:27–33:38). They highlight Indiana’s undervaluation despite strong returning players and contrast it with Arizona State’s higher ranking due to a competitive playoff performance (34:57–36:36). The discussion wraps with excitement for upcoming football and plans for a future All-American team selection (37:06–39:45). Useful Timestamps: 00:00: Introduction and episode overview. 01:16: Deep dive into Tony Petitti’s 4+4+2+2+1 playoff model and opposition from other commissioners. 09:01: Discussion on unequal scheduling and the need for nine conference games. 14:24: Critique of SEC bias in playoff selections, citing Florida’s 8-4 record. 25:24: Breakdown of the coaches poll and Big Ten representation. 27:27: Analysis of overrated SEC teams like LSU and Tennessee. 34:57: Comparing Indiana and Arizona State’s rankings and perceptions. 37:06: Closing thoughts and plans for All-American team discussion. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this exciting episode of The Big Ten Huddle, hosts JR and Zach Guggenheim tackle the latest developments in Big Ten football, focusing on the ongoing quarterback battles and the players under the most pressure to perform in the 2025 season. The episode kicks off with a lively discussion about the competitive landscape of Big Ten football, blending humor, fan engagement, and in-depth analysis. Topics Discussed Big Ten Quarterback Battles (00:04:46 - 00:13:24) The hosts dive into the quarterback competitions, starting with Maryland’s battle between UCLA transfer Justin Martin, redshirt freshman Christian Martin, and true freshman Malik Washington, who’s been sidelined by a minor injury (00:04:46 - 00:08:41). Purdue’s chaotic six-man quarterback race is dissected, featuring Ryan Browning, Malachi Singleton, Evans Chubba, EJ Colson, Garrett Odom, and Bennett Meredith, with no clear frontrunner (00:09:06 - 00:13:24). The discussion highlights the importance of continuity and the challenges of having multiple quarterbacks vying for the starting role. Top 25 Big Ten Players with the Most to Prove (00:29:19 - 00:44:16) JR presents his list of 25 players who need to step up in 2025, including stars like Ricardo Hallman, Rod Moore, Giovanni El-Hadi, Drew Aller, Aiden Childs, Jaden Maiava, and Luke Altmyer (00:30:20 - 00:40:39). Zach suggests Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola should rank higher due to his five-star pedigree and the pressure to turn around the program (00:37:33 - 00:39:58). The hosts debate the expectations for veterans versus young talents and how players like Fernando Mendoza and Malik Benson could shape their teams’ seasons (00:36:21 - 00:37:01). Honorable mentions include players like Anto Saka, Jaden Ballard, and Iowa’s receivers, with a focus on their potential to break out (00:34:46 - 00:35:57). Fan Engagement and Shenanigans (00:01:09 - 00:04:01) The episode features humorous banter about gas station rivalries (Wawa vs. Sheetz vs. Buc-ee’s) and a playful nod to Philly fans’ reputation (00:01:34 - 00:03:18). JR and Zach engage with the live chat, responding to comments from fans like Max and Alibaba Mike, adding a fun, interactive element (00:03:34 - 00:04:34). Useful Timestamps 00:00:01 - 00:01:09: Introduction and welcome to The Big Ten Huddle. 00:01:34 - 00:03:18: Fun banter about gas stations and Philly fans. 00:04:46 - 00:08:41: Maryland QB battle discussion. 00:09:06 - 00:13:24: Purdue QB battle analysis. 00:29:19 - 00:44:16: Top 25 players with the most to prove. 00:43:33 - 00:44:16: Closing remarks and preview of the next episode. Additional The Big Ten Huddle Channels: @TheBigTenHuddleBasketball @TheOhioStateHuddle More from JR: Personal Twitter: https://x.com/jrs_rankings Big Ten Twitter: https://x.com/TheBigTenHuddle Read JR's Ohio State coverage: https://scarletandgame.com/author/jrhoades1 Read JR's Illinois coverage: https://writingillini.com/author/jrhoades1 SPONSORS Bleav - https://bleav.com/ Homefield - https://www.homefieldapparel.com/?rfsn=7872586.e3e1d25 | Coupon Code: TBTH Catch The Big Ten Huddle Football Episodes 3 times a week. Here is when to catch our live or premiere episodes that are about an hour long (eastern time): Sunday at 9 PM w/ Zack Tuesday at 9 PM w/ Zack Thursday at 9 PM w/ Jeff You can also expect videos by JR throughout the week covering news and interesting topics. *All times are Eastern time AUDIO ONLY PLATFORMS The Big Ten Huddle is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon. LISTEN: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/TheBigTenHuddle LEAVE a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-college-huddle-podcast/id1703305789 STREAM on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tMaraKvafFzjUrXGq2c4w The Big Ten Huddle is a podcast dedicated to providing honest, humorous, and insightful analysis of Big Ten football and basketball. With a focus on challenging the national bias, especially against the SEC, hosts JR and Zack offer unfiltered discussions that engage fans of all Big Ten teams. Though critical at times, they always aim to defend the conference and give credit where it’s due, bringing humor and deep analysis together for a unique listening experience. Rooted in values of integrity, passion, and community, The Big Ten Huddle strives to become the go-to voice for Big Ten sports fans. There is no show out there like The Big Ten Huddle! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of The Big Ten Huddle, hosts JR and Jeff tackle an in-depth analysis of the top 5 players for each Big Ten team in the 2025 college football season. JR has curated a list of the top 5 players for every team, focusing on their expected impact for the upcoming season rather than their NFL draft potential. Jeff then takes these lists and ranks the players from 1 to 5 based on their perceived talent and importance to their respective teams. The episode covers all 18 Big Ten teams, from Illinois to Wisconsin, in alphabetical order, providing a comprehensive look at the conference’s standout athletes. Key Topics Discussed Player Rankings: JR shares his top 5 players for each Big Ten team, highlighting key performers like Gabe Yakis (Illinois), Mikel Kamara (Indiana), Logan Jones (Iowa), Jaleel Farouk (Maryland), and more. Jeff provides his rankings, often referencing insights from Lindy’s magazine and AllAccessFootball.com for additional context. Team Analysis: The hosts discuss the strengths of each team’s roster, emphasizing the importance of linemen, safeties, and other key positions. For example, Iowa’s dominance in the trenches and the Big Ten’s exceptional safety talent are recurring themes. Fan Engagement: JR and Jeff interact with fan comments, addressing feedback from USC, Wisconsin, and other fanbases. They discuss players like Caden Robinson’s eligibility concerns (UCLA) and potential breakout stars like Elijah Page (USC). Big Ten’s Competitive Landscape: The episode touches on the Big Ten’s ambition to surpass the SEC as the top conference, bolstered by the addition of four former Pac-12 teams (UCLA, USC, Washington, Oregon). Additional The Big Ten Huddle Channels: @TheBigTenHuddleBasketball @TheOhioStateHuddle More from JR: Personal Twitter: https://x.com/jrs_rankings Big Ten Twitter: https://x.com/TheBigTenHuddle Read JR's Ohio State coverage: https://scarletandgame.com/author/jrhoades1 Read JR's Illinois coverage: https://writingillini.com/author/jrhoades1 SPONSORS Coach's Film Room - Sign up for the Menace Army: Colonel tier at https://menace2sports.com/channels/coachs-film-room Bleav - https://bleav.com/ Homefield - https://www.homefieldapparel.com/?rfsn=7872586.e3e1d25 | Coupon Code: TBTH Catch The Big Ten Huddle Football Episodes 3 times a week. Here is when to catch our live or premiere episodes that are about an hour long (eastern time): Sunday at 9 PM w/ Zack Tuesday at 9 PM w/ Zack Thursday at 9 PM w/ Jeff You can also expect videos by JR throughout the week covering news and interesting topics. *All times are Eastern time AUDIO ONLY PLATFORMS The Big Ten Huddle is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon. LISTEN: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/TheBigTenHuddle LEAVE a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-college-huddle-podcast/id1703305789 STREAM on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tMaraKvafFzjUrXGq2c4w The Big Ten Huddle is a podcast dedicated to providing honest, humorous, and insightful analysis of Big Ten football and basketball. With a focus on challenging the national bias, especially against the SEC, hosts JR and Zack offer unfiltered discussions that engage fans of all Big Ten teams. Though critical at times, they always aim to defend the conference and give credit where it’s due, bringing humor and deep analysis together for a unique listening experience. Rooted in values of integrity, passion, and community, The Big Ten Huddle strives to become the go-to voice for Big Ten sports fans. There is no show out there like The Big Ten Huddle! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this action-packed episode of The Big Ten Huddle, hosts JR and Jeff deliver the latest insights from Big Ten fall camp, spotlight key position battles, name the top 5 players for every Big Ten team, and break down the 10 most dangerous Group of 5 (G5) matchups that could trip up conference teams in the 2025 season. From surprising positional shifts to intense competitions, this episode is a must-listen for Big Ten football fans gearing up for the season. Topics Discussed Fall Camp Updates: The hosts dive into the latest from Big Ten fall camps, including standout performances and key position battles. Ohio State’s Caleb Downs is experimenting at nickel, showcasing his versatility in the secondary. At Alabama, Elijah Pritchett is locked in a “tremendous battle” for the starting left tackle spot, raising questions about the Crimson Tide’s offensive line stability. Minnesota’s Koi Perich turns heads with his impressive wide receiver skills during open practice, hinting at a potential two-way role. Indiana’s second starting cornerback position remains a three-horse race between Jamari Sharpe, Ryland Gandy, and Jaylen Bell, with coaches still undecided. Top 5 Players per Big Ten Team: JR and Jeff reveal their picks for the top 5 players on each of the 18 Big Ten teams, highlighting stars like Ohio State’s Caleb Downs, Minnesota’s Koi Perich, and Penn State’s Drew Allar. They discuss NFL potential, breakout candidates, and how these players could shape the 2025 season. 10 Most Dangerous Group of 5 Matchups: The hosts rank the G5 games posing the biggest threats to Big Ten teams, analyzing why these matchups could lead to upsets. The list includes: Northwestern at Tulane UCLA at UNLV Washington at Washington State Northern Illinois at Maryland Ohio at Rutgers Miami of Ohio at Wisconsin Miami of Ohio at Rutgers Buffalo at Minnesota Colorado State at Washington New Mexico at Michigan Honorable Mentions: Oregon State at Oregon, New Mexico at UCLA, Western Michigan at Illinois, Old Dominion at Indiana, Ohio at Ohio State, Georgia Southern at USC. The hosts break down why these games are risky, citing factors like road environments, G5 team momentum, and Big Ten vulnerabilities. Fan Interaction and Season Outlook: JR and Jeff engage with live YouTube chat, answering fan questions about camp surprises and upset potential. They also discuss the Big Ten’s competitive depth, predicting a chaotic season with no undefeated teams. Additional The Big Ten Huddle Channels: @TheBigTenHuddleBasketball @TheOhioStateHuddle More from JR: Personal Twitter: https://x.com/jrs_rankings Big Ten Twitter: https://x.com/TheBigTenHuddle Read JR's Ohio State coverage: https://scarletandgame.com/author/jrhoades1 Read JR's Illinois coverage: https://writingillini.com/author/jrhoades1 SPONSORS Coach's Film Room - Sign up for the Menace Army: Colonel tier at https://menace2sports.com/channels/coachs-film-room Bleav - https://bleav.com/ Homefield - https://www.homefieldapparel.com/?rfsn=7872586.e3e1d25 | Coupon Code: TBTH Catch The Big Ten Huddle Football Episodes 3 times a week. Here is when to catch our live or premiere episodes that are about an hour long (eastern time): Sunday at 9 PM w/ Zack Tuesday at 9 PM w/ Zack Thursday at 9 PM w/ Jeff You can also expect videos by JR throughout the week covering news and interesting topics. *All times are Eastern time AUDIO ONLY PLATFORMS The Big Ten Huddle is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon. LISTEN: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/TheBigTenHuddle LEAVE a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-college-huddle-podcast/id1703305789 STREAM on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tMaraKvafFzjUrXGq2c4w The Big Ten Huddle is a podcast dedicated to providing honest, humorous, and insightful analysis of Big Ten football and basketball. With a focus on challenging the national bias, especially against the SEC, hosts JR and Zack offer unfiltered discussions that engage fans of all Big Ten teams. Though critical at times, they always aim to defend the conference and give credit where it’s due, bringing humor and deep analysis together for a unique listening experience. Rooted in values of integrity, passion, and community, The Big Ten Huddle strives to become the go-to voice for Big Ten sports fans. There is no show out there like The Big Ten Huddle! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

JR and Jeff dive into Jeff’s article, “Big Jeff’s Top 10 Storylines for 2025 Big Ten Football,” exploring whether the Big Ten can secure a third straight national title and dominate the SEC. They discuss Penn State’s pressure, Ohio State’s Michigan curse, and emerging stars like Michigan’s Bryce Underwood. Jeff's Article: https://bigjeffsfootball.com/top-10-storylines-for-2025-big-ten-football/ In this electrifying episode of The Big Ten Huddle, JR and Jeff break down Jeff’s latest article, “Big Jeff’s Top 10 Storylines for 2025 Big Ten Football”, published on July 30, 2025. With the Big Ten riding high after back-to-back national championships, the duo debates whether the conference can cement its dominance over the SEC in the 2025 season. From playoff aspirations to coaching hot seats, this episode is packed with insights for Big Ten fans and college football enthusiasts alike. Below are the key topics discussed, timestamps for easy navigation, and additional resources to dive deeper. Topics Discussed Big Ten vs. SEC Supremacy Jeff argues that the Big Ten’s ability to place four teams in the 12-team playoff and win a third consecutive national title could solidify its status as the nation’s top conference. JR challenges whether cross-conference bowl games still matter in the era of player opt-outs and portal transfers. Penn State’s “Natty or Bust” Pressure Is it truly “National Championship or Bust” for Penn State and coach James Franklin? The hosts debate whether a playoff run without a title would still be a success, especially if Penn State beats Ohio State. They reference FanDuel odds (+750) and discuss what “bust” means for Happy Valley. Ohio State’s Michigan Streak and Repeat Hopes Can Ryan Day break Ohio State’s four-game losing streak to Michigan and lead the Buckeyes to a repeat title? JR highlights the mental hurdle Michigan poses, while Jeff emphasizes the significance of Ohio State’s season opener against Texas for conference perception. Oregon’s Title Quest Jeff posits Oregon as the best program without a national title, citing their recruiting prowess and Dan Lanning’s leadership. JR questions whether young QB Dante Moore can deliver in 2025 but agrees Oregon is poised for a breakthrough within five years. Michigan’s Bryce Underwood Hype Is 5-star freshman QB Bryce Underwood the next Trevor Lawrence? The hosts discuss whether he can elevate Michigan’s offense to playoff contention and validate Sherrone Moore as Jim Harbaugh’s successor. They note Michigan’s +3600 title odds. Illinois’ Playoff Potential Jeff admires Brett Bielema’s bold promotion of Illinois as a playoff contender, but JR cautions that their 10-3 record last year was inflated by close wins. They analyze Illinois’ easy schedule and returning production. Indiana’s Culture Shift After a historic 11-2 season, can Indiana and coach Curt Cignetti prove last year wasn’t a fluke? The hosts discuss the importance of an 8-4 record to change national perceptions and boost recruiting. Surprise Playoff Contenders Which teams could pull an “Indiana” in 2025? Jeff highlights Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, USC, and Washington, with USC and Nebraska boasting the best recruiting and title odds (+7500). JR leans toward Nebraska’s Matt Rhule for a year-three leap. USC and Nebraska’s Blueblood Revival Can USC and Nebraska reclaim their blueblood status? Jeff praises USC’s 2026 recruiting class and Lincoln Riley’s potential, while JR sees Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola as a catalyst for Matt Rhule’s turnaround. Coaching Hot Seats Who’s at risk of being fired? Jeff lists Maryland’s Mike Locksley, Wisconsin’s Luke Fickell, Northwestern’s David Braun, and USC’s Lincoln Riley as candidates, with Locksley most vulnerable after a 4-8 season. JR questions Wisconsin’s patience with Fickell. More from JR: Personal Twitter: https://x.com/jrs_rankings Big Ten Twitter: https://x.com/TheBigTenHuddle Read JR's Ohio State coverage: https://scarletandgame.com/author/jrhoades1 Read JR's Illinois coverage: https://writingillini.com/author/jrhoades1 You can also expect videos by JR throughout the week covering news and interesting topics. *All times are Eastern time AUDIO ONLY PLATFORMS The Big Ten Huddle is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon. LISTEN: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/TheBigTenHuddle LEAVE a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-college-huddle-podcast/id1703305789 STREAM on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tMaraKvafFzjUrXGq2c4w Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of The Big Ten Huddle, hosts JR and Jeff McMichael unpack the significant injury to Ohio State’s promising defensive lineman, Eddrick Houston, which occurred on the first day of fall camp. The discussion centers on how this injury could affect the Buckeyes’ defensive line, a position group already lacking depth, and what it means for their national championship aspirations in the 2025 season. Key Topics Discussed: Injury Overview: Houston’s injury is introduced, with initial reports suggesting it’s not season-ending, per Pete Thamel’s tweet (00:00:27.690). However, the lack of clarity fuels speculation about its severity. Impact on Ohio State: Jeff highlights the defensive line, particularly defensive tackles, as the Buckeyes’ primary concern due to limited depth (00:00:57.911). Houston, a sophomore five-star recruit from Buford, Georgia, was expected to be a key contributor (00:01:23.207). Potential Diagnosis: JR shares insights from sports medicine physician Jesse Morse, who speculated on social media that the injury could range from a right knee hyperextension with a bone bruise (4-week recovery) to a worst-case ACL/MCL tear (00:07:23.065). The hosts lean toward a less severe outcome, estimating a 3-6 week recovery (00:08:05.122). Depth Concerns: The conversation explores Ohio State’s backup options, including Eric Mensah and Ole Miss transfer Tyjuan Malone, with Jeff noting Malone’s lack of significant playing time as a red flag (00:13:46.802). Will Smith Jr. is mentioned as a potential one-tech replacement (00:14:42.682). Texas Game Implications: The hosts debate whether Houston will be ready for the season opener against Texas, a non-conference game, and whether Ohio State might limit his snaps to avoid re-injury (00:04:14.580). They also discuss the betting odds, with Ohio State favored by 2.5 points (00:10:49.442). Transfer Irony: The episode touches on the transfer of Hiro Kanu to Texas, which could create a compelling storyline if he performs well against Ohio State (00:15:08.692). Useful Timestamps: 00:00:03.492 – Introduction to Eddrick Houston’s injury. 00:00:57.911 – Discussion on Ohio State’s defensive line depth issues. 00:07:23.065 – Speculation on the injury’s nature, citing Dr. Jesse Morse. 00:10:49.442 – Betting odds for Ohio State vs. Texas. 00:13:00.625 – Analysis of Ohio State’s backup defensive linemen. 00:15:08.692 – Mention of Hiro Kanu’s transfer to Texas. 00:15:31.749 – Closing remarks and upcoming show schedule. Additional Notes: The episode emphasizes the importance of fall camp for young players like Houston, a sophomore who needs practice reps to develop (00:04:05.655). JR and Jeff reference past Ohio State injuries, like Jackson Smith-Njigba’s hamstring issue, to underscore the risks of rushing players back (00:05:31.290). The hosts encourage fans not to overreact to early-season games, citing the 2022 Ohio State vs. Notre Dame game as an example (00:12:39.306). Additional The Big Ten Huddle Channels: @TheBigTenHuddleBasketball @TheOhioStateHuddle More from JR: Personal Twitter: https://x.com/jrs_rankings Big Ten Twitter: https://x.com/TheBigTenHuddle Read JR's Ohio State coverage: https://scarletandgame.com/author/jrhoades1 Read JR's Illinois coverage: https://writingillini.com/author/jrhoades1 SPONSORS Coach's Film Room - Sign up for the Menace Army: Colonel tier at https://menace2sports.com/channels/coachs-film-room Bleav - https://bleav.com/ Homefield - https://www.homefieldapparel.com/?rfsn=7872586.e3e1d25 | Coupon Code: TBTH Catch The Big Ten Huddle Football Episodes 3 times a week. Here is when to catch our live or premiere episodes that are about an hour long (eastern time): Sunday at 9 PM w/ Zack Tuesday at 9 PM w/ Zack Thursday at 9 PM w/ Jeff You can also expect videos by JR throughout the week covering news and interesting topics. *All times are Eastern time AUDIO ONLY PLATFORMS The Big Ten Huddle is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon. LISTEN: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/TheBigTenHuddle LEAVE a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-college-huddle-podcast/id1703305789 STREAM on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tMaraKvafFzjUrXGq2c4w The Big Ten Huddle is a podcast dedicated to providing honest, humorous, and insightful analysis of Big Ten football and basketball. With a focus on challenging the national bias, especially against the SEC, hosts JR and Zack offer unfiltered discussions that engage fans of all Big Ten teams. Though critical at times, they always aim to defend the conference and give credit where it’s due, bringing humor and deep analysis together for a unique listening experience. Rooted in values of integrity, passion, and community, The Big Ten Huddle strives to become the go-to voice for Big Ten sports fans. There is no show out there like The Big Ten Huddle! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of

In this exciting episode of The Big Ten Huddle, hosts JR and Zach Guggenheim preview the 2025 Big Ten football season by discussing one pivotal question for each team as fall camps begin. Recorded on July 30, 2025, the episode captures the anticipation of the season, now less than 30 days away, and celebrates the show’s milestone of reaching 3,000 YouTube subscribers. The hosts engage with their audience, share their excitement for the upcoming season, and provide insightful questions that could define each team’s performance. Topics Discussed Introduction and Show Overview: JR introduces the episode, joined by Zach, and highlights the start of Big Ten fall camps, noting their month-long duration (00:00:00 - 00:00:29). Audience Engagement: The hosts encourage likes, subscriptions, and five-star podcast ratings, humorously requesting negative feedback be sent to JR’s email ([email protected]) instead of one-star reviews (00:00:29 - 00:01:01). Big Ten Team Questions: Indiana (00:05:21 - 00:07:39): Will Fernando Mendoza’s mobility add a new dimension to Indiana’s offense, especially with an improved offensive line and Mike Shanahan’s system? Rutgers (00:08:32 - 00:10:59): Can the offensive and defensive lines exceed expectations, with new starters and transfers like Blue Eli potentially impacting games against teams like Iowa and Minnesota? Illinois (00:11:00 - 00:13:23): Who will defensive line coach Terrence Jamison develop as the next standout, with players like Curt Neal and James Thompson Jr. stepping up? Michigan State (00:13:30 - 00:14:23): Can transfers like Eaton and Martinez solidify the Spartans’ secondary to make it more reliable under Joe Rossi’s defensive scheme? USC (00:36:47 - 00:37:24): Will quarterback Maiava become more consistent play-to-play, avoiding turnovers to lead the Trojans effectively? Penn State (00:37:30 - 00:38:55): Can Nolan Rusi live up to his five-star recruiting hype and secure the right tackle position after a strong playoff performance? Northwestern (00:38:59 - 00:41:27): Will receivers like Griffin Wild and tight end Alex Lyons capitalize on Preston Stone’s big arm, supported by a robust offensive line? Oregon (00:42:30 - 00:44:14): Who will emerge as Dante Moore’s go-to receiver with Evan Stewart likely out, with candidates like Malik Benson and Justice Lowe in the mix? Nebraska (00:44:18 - 00:45:08): Can the running backs produce at a Big Ten level, and how will the front seven, with new starters, perform in camp? Fan Interaction and Questions: The hosts address fan comments, including a suggestion from Max for an episode on Big Ten streaks (00:03:08 - 00:03:36). They respond to a super chat from Dave about the Paul Bunyan Axe trophy and membership issues (00:04:17 - 00:05:01). JR and Zach discuss the possibility of a Big Ten Huddle meetup, potentially at the Big Ten Championship in Indianapolis (00:02:46 - 00:03:03). Max’s question about Indiana’s 30-game losing streak to Ohio State sparks debate on when it might end, with optimism for Indiana under coach Kirk Cignetti (00:46:00 - 00:49:08). Closing Remarks: The hosts wrap up with excitement for the season, promising a call-in show in August and thanking listeners for their support (00:49:11 - 00:50:01). Useful Timestamps 00:00:00 - Introduction to the Big Ten Huddle 00:05:21 - Indiana: Fernando Mendoza’s mobility 00:08:32 - Rutgers: Offensive and defensive line performance 00:11:00 - Illinois: Defensive line development 00:13:30 - Michigan State: Secondary reliability 00:36:47 - USC: Maiava’s consistency 00:37:30 - Penn State: Nolan Rusi’s potential 00:38:59 - Northwestern: Receivers and Preston Stone’s arm 00:42:30 - Oregon: Go-to receiver for Dante Moore 00:44:18 - Nebraska: Running backs and front seven 00:46:00 - Fan question: Indiana’s Ohio State streak 00:49:11 - Closing and call-in show announcement Additional Notes The hosts express gratitude to fans like Doreen and Steely for sharing the stream and acknowledge new commenter Joshua Justice (00:41:30). They humorously discuss avoiding sharing personal addresses online and their love for the Paul Bunyan Axe trophy (00:02:14 - 00:05:01). Zach shares his plans for smoked buffalo wings for the season opener, adding a fun, personal touch (00:01:54 - 00:02:15). The episode highlights the growing excitement around Indiana’s program and debates Ohio State’s recruiting dip and schedule challenges (00:46:46 - 00:49:08). You can also expect videos by JR throughout the week covering news and interesting topics. *All times are Eastern time AUDIO ONLY PLATFORMS The Big Ten Huddle is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon. LISTEN: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/TheBigTenHuddle LEAVE a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-college-huddle-podcast/id1703305789 STREAM on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tMaraKvafFzjUrXGq2c4w Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our coll

In this lively episode of The Big Ten Huddle, hosts JR and Zack tackle the latest Big Ten football storylines, blending humor and analysis for college football fans. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the episode, incorporating the provided transcript and updated discussion points: Topics Discussed Central Michigan’s NCAA Notice of Allegations: Will It Impact Michigan? JR and Zack dive into the controversy surrounding Connor Stallions, who was allegedly on the sidelines of the Central Michigan vs. Michigan State game in 2023, potentially scouting for Michigan. They discuss whether this NCAA notice of allegations against Central Michigan could affect Michigan, citing concerns about "lack of institutional control" (07:51-08:01). The hosts debate if Michigan’s staff knew of Stallions’ actions or if he acted independently, and whether the NCAA will hold Michigan accountable (05:15-08:29). They express frustration with the ongoing Stallions saga, with Zack humorously calling for him to be “fired into the sun” (08:42-08:45). Paul Finebaum’s Critique of Big Ten Media Days The hosts react to Paul Finebaum’s appearance on McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning, where he called Big Ten Media Days a “bust” and criticized Commissioner Tony Petitti for pushing a narrative against the SEC (12:04-13:30). JR and Zack counter Finebaum’s claims, arguing that the SEC feels threatened by the Big Ten’s nine-game conference schedule and Petitti’s push for four automatic CFP bids (31:48-32:05). They highlight Finebaum’s SEC bias, noting that ESPN sent reporters to both SEC and Big Ten Media Days, undermining his claim that the latter was unnecessary (32:25-32:58). Top 10 Nonconference Games the Big Ten Must Win JR presents a list of the 10 most critical nonconference games against Power 4 opponents for the Big Ten to assert conference supremacy in 2025 (33:14-39:14). The list includes high-stakes matchups like Texas at Ohio State (No. 1, Ohio State favored by 2.5 points) and Michigan at Oklahoma (No. 2, Oklahoma favored by 2.5 points). Zack emphasizes games like Illinois at Duke (No. 3) and Wisconsin at Alabama (No. 5) for their playoff implications, noting that losses in these games could hurt the Big Ten’s reputation (37:09-39:13). The hosts discuss how these games impact conference perception and playoff chances, with JR focusing on bragging rights and Zack on avoiding losses that weaken the middle of the Big Ten (39:11-41:06). Useful Timestamps 00:00 - 02:30: Intro and episode overview 02:31 - 11:04: Central Michigan’s NCAA notice and potential impact on Michigan 11:05 - 32:41: Paul Finebaum’s critique of Big Ten Media Days and the SEC-Big Ten rivalry 32:42 - 44:45: Top 10 nonconference games the Big Ten must win 44:46 - 46:07: Outro and call to action (subscribe, follow, etc.) 46:08 - End: Preview of the next segment (fall camp questions, YouTube only) Additional Notes The episode references the ongoing Connor Stallions controversy, with JR and Zack noting his appearance in a Netflix documentary and Dave Portnoy’s defense of him (04:17-04:26). They question why some Michigan fans celebrate Stallions despite the team’s talent not needing his actions (09:52-10:54). The hosts touch on the Big Ten-SEC rivalry, with Finebaum’s comments framed as a “media hit” driven by SEC insecurity (31:51-31:57). They cite Petitti’s push for a 4+4 CFP model (four automatic bids for Big Ten and SEC) versus the SEC’s 5+11 preference. JR’s nonconference game list excludes Group of 5 and FCS opponents, but the hosts acknowledge viewer comments about games like Maryland vs. Northern Illinois and Washington vs. Washington State as notable (43:40-44:28). For more on the Stallions controversy, check ESPN’s coverage or The Athletic. For Big Ten Media Days analysis, visit CBS Sports. Connect with The Big Ten Huddle Twitter/X: @TheBigTenHuddle Instagram: @TheBigTenHuddle TikTok: @TheBigTenHuddle Subscribe: Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Contact: Reach out at [email protected] for feedback or inquiries. Why Listen? This episode is packed with insights for Big Ten fans, covering everything from bold coaching statements to playoff predictions and recruiting drama. Whether you’re rooting for Minnesota, Northwestern, Wisconsin, Oregon, Washington, or Penn State, JR and Zack deliver expert analysis and lively discussion to keep you informed and entertained. Don’t miss out—subscribe and join the conversation! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this exciting episode of The Big Ten Huddle, host JR and guest Zach Guggenheim break down their predictions for the 2025 Big Ten football season, offering a game-by-game analysis for every team in the conference. Recorded post-media days, the duo shares their insights on team records, key matchups, and potential playoff contenders, while also engaging in lively debates over differing predictions. From Ohio State’s elite roster to surprising upset picks like Illinois over Indiana, this episode is packed with hot takes and thoughtful commentary. The hosts also address fan questions from the chat and discuss why certain fanbases, like Michigan, might not be thrilled with their predictions. Topics Discussed Introduction and Setup: JR introduces the show and Zach, setting the stage for their 2025 Big Ten predictions, emphasizing a game-by-game approach rather than vague win-loss records. JR’s Big Ten Predictions: JR shares his detailed standings, predicting Ohio State at 11-1 (8-1 in conference), Penn State at 11-1, Illinois at 10-2, Michigan at 9-3, and others down to Purdue at 2-10. Key points include Ohio State’s tough road games and Michigan’s potential upset over Ohio State. Zach’s Big Ten Predictions: Zach counters with his predictions, placing Penn State at the top with one loss to Ohio State, a five-way tie for second including Illinois, Oregon, USC, Ohio State, and Nebraska, all at 10-2 or 9-3. He highlights Illinois upsetting Ohio State and Nebraska’s favorable schedule. Debate on Key Teams: JR and Zach debate their differing predictions, particularly on Illinois vs. Indiana, Michigan’s outlook, and Nebraska’s surprising placement. They discuss fan reactions and potential backlash from fanbases like Michigan, UCLA, and Maryland. Ohio State vs. Texas Analysis: A deep dive into the Ohio State-Texas matchup, with JR and Zach arguing why Ohio State has the edge due to home-field advantage, defensive line strength, and Texas’ inexperienced offensive line and quarterback Arch Manning. They challenge media narratives favoring Texas. Closing Thoughts and Fan Interaction: The hosts wrap up with a lighthearted acknowledgment that their predictions won’t be perfect, encourage fan feedback, and share excitement for the upcoming season, just 30 days away. They also address a fan question about Lee Corso’s potential Ohio State pick. Useful Timestamps 00:00:00: Show introduction and welcome. 00:02:45: JR’s 2025 Big Ten predictions. 00:08:59: Zach’s 2025 Big Ten predictions. 00:43:51: Ohio State vs. Texas matchup discussion. 00:56:12: Closing remarks and fan interaction. Additional Notes The episode emphasizes a detailed, game-by-game approach to predictions, making it a must-watch for Big Ten fans eager for in-depth analysis. Fans are encouraged to join the live chat during future episodes to share their thoughts and questions. The hosts reference media personalities like Doug LaMaurice and Bill Landis, praising their independent analysis while challenging their Texas-favored predictions. Additional The Big Ten Huddle Channels: @TheBigTenHuddleBasketball @TheOhioStateHuddle More from JR: Personal Twitter: https://x.com/jrs_rankings Big Ten Twitter: https://x.com/TheBigTenHuddle Read JR's Ohio State coverage: https://scarletandgame.com/author/jrhoades1 Read JR's Illinois coverage: https://writingillini.com/author/jrhoades1 SPONSORS Coach's Film Room - Sign up for the Menace Army: Colonel tier at https://menace2sports.com/channels/coachs-film-room Bleav - https://bleav.com/ Homefield - https://www.homefieldapparel.com/?rfsn=7872586.e3e1d25 | Coupon Code: TBTH Catch The Big Ten Huddle Football Episodes 3 times a week. Here is when to catch our live or premiere episodes that are about an hour long (eastern time): Sunday at 9 PM w/ Zack Tuesday at 9 PM w/ Zack Thursday at 9 PM w/ Jeff You can also expect videos by JR throughout the week covering news and interesting topics. *All times are Eastern time AUDIO ONLY PLATFORMS The Big Ten Huddle is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon. LISTEN: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/TheBigTenHuddle LEAVE a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-college-huddle-podcast/id1703305789 STREAM on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tMaraKvafFzjUrXGq2c4w The Big Ten Huddle is a podcast dedicated to providing honest, humorous, and insightful analysis of Big Ten football and basketball. With a focus on challenging the national bias, especially against the SEC, hosts JR and Zack offer unfiltered discussions that engage fans of all Big Ten teams. Though critical at times, they always aim to defend the conference and give credit where it’s due, bringing humor and deep analysis together for a unique listening experience. Rooted in values of integrity, passion, and community, The Big Ten Huddle strives to become the go-to voice for Big Ten sports fans. There is no show out there like The Big Ten Huddle! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz com

In this episode of The Big Ten Huddle, JR and Zack dive into the latest Big Ten football news and analysis, covering key developments and debates for the 2025 season. Below is a detailed breakdown of the episode, including the full transcript, key topics with timestamps, and additional resources. Topics Discussed Introduction and Episode Overview (Timestamp: 00:00:01.683 - 00:00:55.378) JR introduces the show with co-host Zack Guggenheim, outlining the episode's topics: Michigan's 2026 game in Germany, Rutgers' recruiting news with Wydeek Collier, the Big Ten's biggest wild card teams, and the conference's desire to eliminate preseason polls. They encourage audience engagement through likes, subscriptions, and comments. Michigan's 2026 Game in Germany (Timestamp: 00:06:50.781 - 00:10:33.836) The hosts discuss Michigan's scheduled game against Western Michigan in Frankfurt, Germany, in 2026, a Week Zero matchup. They highlight the positives, such as the experience for players like German natives Manuel Beigel and Marlon Klein, the recruiting pitch, and the scheduling advantage of a bye week before facing Oklahoma. Initially skeptical, they come around to the idea for its benefits to student-athletes and international exposure. Source: ESPN Rutgers' Wydeek Collier Reclassification (Timestamp: 00:10:59.509 - 00:14:05.346) Rutgers secures a major recruiting win as their top 2026 commit, Wydeek Collier, a 6-foot-6, 215-pound, four-star defensive end ranked No. 92 in the Rivals300, reclassifies to join the 2025 roster. The hosts discuss how this move locks in a high-profile recruit, dodging potential flips to Ohio State or Penn State, and sets Collier up for development in Rutgers' strength program, potentially making him a key contributor by 2026. Source: On3 Big Ten's Biggest Wild Cards (Timestamp: 00:05:50.533 - 00:06:09.961, continued in later segment) JR and Zack analyze which Big Ten teams have the widest range of potential outcomes for 2025, such as Michigan State and Rutgers, due to factors like quarterback play, transfers, and schedule difficulty. They mention their upcoming segment on Big Ten standings predictions, where they reveal game-by-game picks. Source: ESPN Big Ten's Push to "Obliterate" Preseason Polls (Timestamp: 00:30:53.632 - 00:44:14.161) The hosts passionately discuss the Big Ten's push, led by coaches and administrators like Tony Petitti, to eliminate preseason polls, inspired by the Big 12's decision. They argue that polls create biased narratives, inflate strength-of-schedule metrics, and unfairly favor conferences like the SEC. Examples like Florida State’s 2024 misranking and Indiana’s tough 2025 schedule highlight the flaws. They advocate for objectivity in rankings and scheduling to level the playing field. Source: CBSSports.comConnect with The Big Ten Huddle Twitter/X: @TheBigTenHuddle Instagram: @TheBigTenHuddle TikTok: @TheBigTenHuddle Subscribe: Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Contact: Reach out at [email protected] for feedback or inquiries. Why Listen? This episode is packed with insights for Big Ten fans, covering everything from bold coaching statements to playoff predictions and recruiting drama. Whether you’re rooting for Minnesota, Northwestern, Wisconsin, Oregon, Washington, or Penn State, JR and Zack deliver expert analysis and lively discussion to keep you informed and entertained. Don’t miss out—subscribe and join the conversation! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this solo episode of the Big Ten Huddle, host JR tackles the hottest topics in college football. First, we explore the swirling rumors of North Carolina's potential jump to the SEC, analyzing the financial and competitive factors driving realignment and the ACC's grant of rights hurdle. Then, JR ranks the top 10 teams most likely to join the Big Ten, with surprises like Virginia and Georgia Tech making the list. Next, we break down the travel miles for all 18 Big Ten teams, revealing how grueling schedules could impact Oregon, UCLA, and others in 2025. Finally, JR dissects President Trump's executive order aimed at fixing the chaotic NIL landscape, protecting non-revenue sports, and stabilizing college athletics. Tune in for a deep dive into conference realignment, team travel challenges, and the future of college sports! Don’t forget to rate us five stars and catch the full episode on your favorite podcast platform. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of The Big Ten Huddle, hosts JR and Zack break down the highlights from Day 3 of the 2025 Big Ten Media Days in Las Vegas, covering Iowa, UCLA, Purdue, Michigan State, USC, and Michigan. From Kirk Ferentz’s pursuit of Big Ten history to Lincoln Riley’s advocacy for the USC-Notre Dame rivalry, this episode is packed with insights, player updates, and bold takes on the upcoming college football season. Topics Discussed Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz Nears History: Kirk Ferentz, Iowa’s head coach, is one win away from tying Woody Hayes for the most wins in Big Ten history. JR and Zack discuss his incredible consistency and the Hawkeyes’ upgraded quarterback room, with Ferentz noting, “The whole room is an upgrade from what we’ve had the last two years.” Mark Gronowski is the anticipated starter, but a competitive QB battle looms for 2026. Source: The Athletic Purdue’s Massive Rebuild Under Barry Odom: First-year Purdue coach Barry Odom faces a daunting task with 54 transfers and only one returning starter. The Boilermakers’ roster includes 82 transfers or freshmen, and they’ll take on three 2024 playoff teams: Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Indiana. JR and Zack analyze Odom’s strategy to rebuild the program. Source: FOX Sports UCLA’s Nico Iamaleava on His Tennessee Exit: UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava addressed misconceptions about his spring transfer from Tennessee, emphasizing family and his goal to “bring a championship back to Westwood.” JR and Zack explore how Iamaleava’s leadership could elevate the Bruins. Source: On3 Michigan State’s Jonathan Smith on Retention: Coach Jonathan Smith highlighted the importance of retaining players and coaches, noting “leaps and bounds” in progress from year one to year two at Michigan State. The hosts discuss how this stability could impact the Spartans’ 2025 season. Lincoln Riley on USC-Notre Dame and Automatic Qualifiers: USC coach Lincoln Riley passionately advocated for preserving the USC-Notre Dame rivalry, citing it as a reason to adopt automatic qualifiers in the College Football Playoff. JR and Zack debate the implications for USC’s schedule and the broader playoff format. Tweet from Brett McMurphy Michigan’s Derrick Moore vs. Sherrone Moore on Ohio State’s Title: Michigan edge rusher Derrick Moore questioned the legitimacy of Ohio State’s national championship, while coach Sherrone Moore gave credit, saying, “They won the national title. They were the best team.” The hosts unpack this intra-conference tension and what it means for the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry. Tweet from Brett McMurphy Useful Timestamps Intro and overview of Big Ten Media Days Day 3 Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz and the QB room upgrade Purdue’s Barry Odom and the transfer-heavy roster UCLA’s Nico Iamaleava and his championship vision Michigan State’s Jonathan Smith on team retention Lincoln Riley on USC-Notre Dame and playoff qualifiers Michigan’s conflicting views on Ohio State’s title Closing thoughts and listener Q&A Additional Notes The episode dives into the evolving dynamics of the Big Ten, with new faces like Nico Iamaleava at UCLA and Barry Odom at Purdue shaking up the conference. JR and Zack answer listener questions from the YouTube live chat, offering predictions on how these teams will fare in the 2025 season. For more Big Ten insights, check out our previous episodes on Apple Podcasts and follow our live shows on YouTube. Connect with The Big Ten Huddle Twitter/X: @TheBigTenHuddle Instagram: @TheBigTenHuddle TikTok: @TheBigTenHuddle Subscribe: Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Contact: Reach out at [email protected] for feedback or inquiries. Why Listen? This episode is packed with insights for Big Ten fans, covering everything from bold coaching statements to playoff predictions and recruiting drama. Whether you’re rooting for Minnesota, Northwestern, Wisconsin, Oregon, Washington, or Penn State, JR and Zack deliver expert analysis and lively discussion to keep you informed and entertained. Don’t miss out—subscribe and join the conversation! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to another exciting episode of The Big Ten Huddle, your go-to podcast for in-depth Big Ten football and basketball coverage! In this episode, hosts JR and Zack break down the highlights from Day 2 of the 2025 Big Ten Football Media Days, held at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. From fiery quotes to bold predictions, the episode covers Minnesota, Northwestern, Wisconsin, Oregon, Washington, and Penn State, with a focus on key storylines shaping the 2025 college football season. Below are the key topics discussed, complete with timestamps and additional details to keep you in the loop. Check out Rian's channel: @SportsChat503 Key Topics Discussed Viva Las Vegas! Minnesota’s head coach P.J. Fleck kicked off Day 2 with enthusiasm, declaring, “Viva Las Vegas, baby! I actually love this city.” His energy set the tone for a vibrant media day. Follow @TheBigTenHuddle on X for more. P.J. Fleck’s “Delusional” Playoff Hopes Fleck encouraged his players to be “delusional” in their pursuit of College Football Playoff (CFP) dreams, emphasizing high aspirations for the Golden Gophers. He also shared that freshman Koi Perich’s recruitment came down to the wire with Ohio State. See the tweet here. Northwestern’s Ambitious Stadium Plans Northwestern’s David Braun made waves by claiming their new football stadium will “truly be the best football stadium in the country.” He also announced that quarterback Jack Lausch is stepping away from football to focus on baseball. Agent Certification Proposal Braun called for a “certification process” for agents in college athletics to address the chaotic landscape of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. Read more in this post. Wisconsin’s Traditional Identity Wisconsin’s Luke Fickell reaffirmed, “Wisconsin is and will continue to be a traditional football program.” He also addressed the shift from the Big Ten West, saying, “This isn’t the Big Ten West anymore... Everybody knows what they signed up for.” Check out the tweet. Fickell also discussed filing an NCAA appeal for player Nyzier Fourqurean. Oregon’s “Double Down” Mentality Oregon’s Dan Lanning introduced the team’s 2025 theme, “Double Down,” and took a subtle jab at Ohio State and Penn State hype, saying, “I don’t mind being the silent assassin.” He also commented on Wisconsin’s lawsuit against Miami for tampering, stressing the need for consequences. All Oregon’s NIL deals have been approved, Lanning noted. See the post. Big Ten’s National Dominance The hosts highlighted that three of the last four teams in the past two national championships were from the Big Ten, underscoring the conference’s strength. They also discussed the need for four automatic CFP bids to reflect the conference’s national prominence. Jedd Fisch’s Scheduling Critique Washington’s Jedd Fisch fired shots at the SEC, saying, “The NFL doesn’t play the CFL in the middle of the season,” advocating for a more cohesive college football schedule. Read the tweet. Penn State’s High Expectations Penn State’s James Franklin praised his team’s personnel, including hires like Jim Knowles and Stan Drayton, calling it the best in his tenure. He addressed national championship expectations, saying, “These are always the expectations at Penn State,” and expressed confidence in quarterback Drew Allar’s growth. Franklin also noted the unique vibe of holding Media Days in Las Vegas. See the tweet. Additional Notes The hosts discussed the broader implications of conference realignment, the transfer portal, and the need for a structured college football calendar. They emphasized keeping the school year focused on academics and the portal for transfers, advocating for a “national football league” approach over regional models. Additional Notes The episode was recorded live from Las Vegas during the 2025 Big Ten Football Media Days, July 23, 2025. For more on the event, visit BigTen.org. JR and Zack encourage listeners to engage with the show on social media for updates and to share their thoughts on the Big Ten’s 2025 season outlook. Connect with The Big Ten Huddle Twitter/X: @TheBigTenHuddle Instagram: @TheBigTenHuddle TikTok: @TheBigTenHuddle Subscribe: Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Contact: Reach out at bigbantersports.com for feedback or inquiries. Why Listen? This episode is packed with insights for Big Ten fans, covering everything from bold coaching statements to playoff predictions and recruiting drama. Whether you’re rooting for Minnesota, Northwestern, Wisconsin, Oregon, Washington, or Penn State, JR and Zack deliver expert analysis and lively discussion to keep you informed and entertained. Don’t miss out—subscribe and join the conversation! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of The Big Ten Huddle, host JR delivers a compelling breakdown of the recent reinstatement of NIL collectives in college football, addressing listener messages claiming he was wrong about their future. He sets the record straight, emphasizing that he never predicted their demise but instead highlighted the House settlement’s role in providing structure until federal legislation is passed. JR dives into the agreement between House plaintiff attorneys and power conferences, reported by Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports on July 22, 2025, which relaxed restrictions on collectives, allowing them to operate like other businesses under the College Sports Commission’s NIL Go clearinghouse. He explains how this creates a “soft cap” on athlete compensation, with fair-market value rules preventing outrageous deals, like a $2.5 million payment for a single signing. Key topics include: The House Settlement and NIL Collectives: JR details how the settlement, finalized June 6, 2025, introduced a $20.5 million revenue-sharing cap and how collectives can supplement this through legitimate NIL deals. Fair-Market Value and Guardrails: He clarifies that collectives must justify payments as fair-market value, ensuring compliance with CSC rules, as emphasized by SEC commissioner Greg Sankey and Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti. In-House Collectives: JR discusses schools like Ohio State integrating collectives into university operations, such as the “Buckeye Sports Group,” as noted by AD Ross Bjork. Player Contracts and Decommitments: Starting August 1, 2025, signed contracts will reduce player mobility, impacting recruiting and transfer strategies. Market Advantages: Schools in larger markets gain an edge due to bigger booster networks, though all deals must pass NIL Go scrutiny. Useful Timestamps: 00:00–02:00: Introduction and addressing listener “gotcha” messages. 02:01–08:00: Overview of the House settlement and the CSC’s initial strict stance on collectives. 08:01–14:00: Details of the July 22, 2025, agreement to treat collectives like businesses. 14:01–20:00: Explanation of the “soft cap,” fair-market value, and examples of compliant deals. 20:01–25:00: Discussion on in-house collectives and Ohio State’s approach. 25:01–30:00: Impact of player contracts starting August 1, 2025, and market advantages. 30:01–End: Closing remarks on the settlement’s stability and call to continue the conversation. Additional Notes: JR’s confident delivery makes this episode a must-listen for college football fans seeking clarity on the evolving NIL landscape. He cites credible sources, including Yahoo Sports, Front Office Sports, and comments from Ohio State’s Ryan Day and Ross Bjork, to ground his analysis. The episode reflects The Big Ten Huddle’s commitment to delivering in-depth, fan-focused insights into Big Ten and college football news. Links: Yahoo Sports Article by Ross Dellenger Front Office Sports Coverage Big Ten Huddle Podcast Archive Follow us on Twitter Follow us on Instagram Follow us on TikTok Contact us: Email Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Join the huddle for more unfiltered college football discussions! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Big Ten Huddle, JR and Zack dive into the highlights from Day 1 of the 2025 Big Ten Football Media Days in Las Vegas, covering key moments from Indiana, Ohio State, Illinois, Nebraska, Rutgers, and Maryland, along with insights from Commissioner Tony Petitti. Here’s a breakdown of the topics discussed: Maryland’s Culture Shift: Mike Locksley addressed Maryland’s challenging 4-8 season, admitting he lost the locker room last year but emphasized a culture overhaul this offseason to rebuild player relationships and trust. He also shared a colorful analogy, comparing his quarterback room to a “snake and a baby,” highlighting the mix of experience and youth. SI.com Recap Rutgers’ Championship Ambition: Greg Schiano acknowledged Rutgers’ financial constraints compared to Big Ten peers but stressed finding players who fit the program’s culture. He set a bold goal, stating, “I came back to win the championship,” signaling Rutgers’ climb from the bottom of the league. Schiano also reflected, “This wasn’t a good job. But we’ve made it a good job. We’re about to make it a great job.” News-Gazette Nebraska’s Progress: Matt Rhule discussed sophomore QB Dylan Raiola’s development, praising his ability to take responsibility and stay composed after mistakes, which led to a 2024 bowl victory. Rhule expressed confidence that Nebraska is “close to fixed” and ready to compete at a higher level. SI.com Recap Ohio State’s Mindset: Ryan Day emphasized an aggressive approach, saying he’s “not defending a national championship” but “attacking” the new season. He updated the ongoing QB battle, noting the focus is on who had the better offseason. Star WR Jeremiah Smith also made waves, calling those who downplay the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry in the CFP era “crazy.” 247Sports Illinois’ Resilience and Playoff Hopes: Bret Bielema reflected on Illinois’ 10-win 2024 season, noting losses to Oregon and Minnesota showed the team’s grit. He advocated for a 16-team playoff expansion and shared a lighthearted story about meeting his wife in Vegas. News-Gazette Indiana’s Bold Vision: Curt Cignetti, fresh off a CFP appearance, dismissed “fluke” talk and doubled down on improving Indiana’s 11-win season. He took a swipe at SEC scheduling, saying, “We figured we would just adopt SEC scheduling philosophies,” and stressed the need for a standardized, objective playoff system. SFGate Tony Petitti’s Playoff Push: Commissioner Tony Petitti advocated for an objective playoff selection process, criticizing the 5+11 format as too subjective. He confirmed sending a letter to address playoff concerns but declined to share details, emphasizing that college football should align with other sports’ postseason clarity. SI.com Recap Additional Notes: The episode captures the electric atmosphere of Big Ten Media Days, with coaches like Curt Cignetti and Ryan Day bringing unfiltered energy. JR and Zack discuss how these storylines set the stage for the 2025 season, especially for teams like Indiana and Illinois aiming for CFP contention. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for live updates and fan reactions. Have feedback or questions? Email us at [email protected] or DM us on social media! Additional The Big Ten Huddle Channels: @TheBigTenHuddleBasketball @TheOhioStateHuddle More from JR: Personal Twitter: https://x.com/jrs_rankings Big Ten Twitter: https://x.com/TheBigTenHuddle Read JR's Ohio State coverage: https://scarletandgame.com/author/jrhoades1 Read JR's Illinois coverage: https://writingillini.com/author/jrhoades1 SPONSORS Coach's Film Room - Sign up for the Menace Army: Colonel tier at https://menace2sports.com/channels/coachs-film-room Bleav - https://bleav.com/ Homefield - https://www.homefieldapparel.com/?rfsn=7872586.e3e1d25 | Coupon Code: TBTH Catch The Big Ten Huddle Football Episodes 3 times a week. Here is when to catch our live or premiere episodes that are about an hour long (eastern time): Sunday at 9 PM w/ Zack Tuesday at 9 PM w/ Zack Thursday at 9 PM w/ Jeff You can also expect videos by JR throughout the week covering news and interesting topics. *All times are Eastern time AUDIO ONLY PLATFORMS The Big Ten Huddle is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon. LISTEN: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/TheBigTenHuddle LEAVE a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-college-huddle-podcast/id1703305789 STREAM on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tMaraKvafFzjUrXGq2c4w Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Big Ten Huddle, hosts JR and Zack dive into Big Ten Media Days with a unique twist: they pose one tough, bold question they’d ask each Big Ten coach if given the chance with truth serum. Recorded on the morning of Media Days, this episode is packed with unfiltered discussions about team performance, recruiting strategies, coaching challenges, and championship aspirations. The hosts also engage with live chat comments, adding humor and fan interaction to the mix. Topics Discussed: Ohio State (Ryan Day): Why is Ohio State conservative with NIL money despite available funds, risking a drop in recruiting rankings? (Timestamp: 00:05:35.358 - 00:09:50.534) Wisconsin (Luke Fickell): What must Fickell do to prove he’s the right coach for Wisconsin after a disappointing first season? (Timestamp: 00:09:52.095 - 00:12:58.131) Illinois (Bret Bielema): Which SEC coaches does Bielema consider overrated, drawing on his past SEC experience? (Timestamp: 00:13:14.149 - 00:14:17.049) Purdue (Barry Odom): How will Odom handle a brutal 2025 schedule in his first year as coach? (Timestamp: 00:47:46.286 - 00:49:43.434) Rutgers (Greg Schiano): Is Rutgers prepared for the NFL-light model with a new athletic director hire? (Timestamp: 00:49:46.014 - 00:52:20.838) UCLA (DeShaun Foster): Can Foster manage drama around quarterback Nico Iamaleava and prove he deserves more than one season? (Timestamp: 00:52:24.501 - 00:55:04.137) Washington (Jed Fish): Can Fish lead Washington to a national championship, given their rollercoaster history? (Timestamp: 00:55:08.862 - 00:58:30.510) Penn State (James Franklin): What must Franklin and QB Drew Allar change to become championship winners? (Timestamp: 00:58:42.887 - 01:01:08.822) Fan Interaction: The hosts react to live chat comments, including humorous jabs about Kent State and brisket (Timestamp: 00:01:25.126 - 00:05:02.221). Additional Notes: The episode is a blend of serious analysis and lighthearted banter, with references to Zach’s supposed Kent State fandom and Penn State’s press box brisket. The hosts discuss the evolving landscape of college football, including NIL deals, revenue sharing, and the NFL-light model. Listeners are encouraged to engage with the Big Ten Huddle on social media for updates and merchandise, like the anti-SEC hat. Links and Social Media: Follow us on Twitter/X, TikTok, and Instagram @TheBigTenHuddle Subscribe to our YouTube channel for live episodes every Monday through Friday at 9 PM, with special Wednesday coverage of Media Days. Check out our merchandise at Big Ten Huddle Merch Store. Leave a five-star review on Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Contact us at [email protected] for feedback or inquiries. Join JR and Zack every week for more Big Ten insights, and don’t miss our next episode recapping all the Media Days action! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this explosive episode of the Big Ten Huddle, hosts JR and Zack tackle three major controversies shaking up the Big Ten conference. The episode kicks off with a deep dive into a former Michigan quarterback's allegations that Michigan illegally obtained and shared signals with Tennessee, sparking a heated debate about ethics in college football. Next, the hosts discuss Minnesota's decision to charge students an additional $200 fee to fund revenue sharing for athletes, analyzing the implications for students and the program's financial future. Finally, they explore Washington Athletic Director Pat Chun's surprising comments suggesting the Big Ten may move toward unequal revenue sharing among schools, debating whether this is a strategic misstep or a bold, genius move for the conference's future. Topics Discussed Michigan QB Signal-Sharing Accusations: A former Michigan quarterback claims the Wolverines illegally obtained signals and shared them with Tennessee, raising questions about fair play and competitive integrity in the Big Ten. JR and Zack break down the accusations, discuss potential NCAA violations, and debate the impact on Michigan's and Tennessee's reputations. Minnesota's $200 Student Fee for Revenue Sharing: Minnesota announces a new $200 student fee to support revenue sharing for athletes, a move that has sparked backlash among students. The hosts examine the financial pressures driving this decision and its potential effects on student affordability and athletic program sustainability. Washington AD on Unequal Big Ten Shares: Washington Athletic Director Pat Chun hints at the Big Ten exploring unequal revenue sharing among its schools. JR and Zack analyze whether this could fracture conference unity or strategically position top programs for greater success. Useful Timestamps Introduction – JR and Zack set the stage for the episode and outline the three major topics. Michigan QB Signal-Sharing Controversy – Detailed discussion on the accusations, including potential NCAA implications and team reactions. Minnesota’s Student Fee for Revenue Sharing – Analysis of the $200 fee, its justification, and student responses. Washington AD’s Unequal Shares Comments – Debate on Pat Chun’s remarks and the future of Big Ten revenue distribution. Closing Thoughts – JR and Zack share final takes and preview the next episode. Additional Notes The signal-sharing controversy could have far-reaching implications for NCAA investigations and Big Ten rivalries. Stay tuned for updates as more details emerge. Minnesota’s student fee decision reflects broader trends in college athletics as programs grapple with funding revenue sharing post the House vs. NCAA settlement. Pat Chun’s comments on unequal shares have sparked speculation about the Big Ten’s financial future. Could this lead to a power shift in the conference? Connect with Big Ten Huddle Follow us on Twitter: @TheBigTenHuddle Follow us on Instagram: @TheBigTenHuddle Subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify Send feedback or questions to: [email protected] Visit our website for merch: https://the-big-ten-huddle-shop.fourthwall.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Big Ten Huddle, hosts JR and Jeff dive into the recruiting data behind college football national champions from 2005 to 2025, focusing on how recruiting rankings, NIL deals, the transfer portal, and conference realignment have reshaped the sport. The episode centers on a key question: Can Penn State win a national championship in the modern era of college football? They examine Penn State’s recruiting under Coach James Franklin, the team’s historical performance, and the challenges of competing with elite programs like Ohio State and Michigan. The discussion also covers the five Big Ten teams—Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State, Michigan, and USC—identified as having the best shot at a national title based on recruiting trends. Jeff's Article: https://bigjeffsfootball.com/national-championship-level-recruiting/ Key Topics Discussed Recruiting Trends (00:07:50 - 00:20:00): JR and Jeff review data from 247Sports, revealing that 16 of the last 20 national champions had an average four-year recruiting rank of 7.8 or better. They highlight Ohio State’s 2024 championship class (averaging 3.8) and Michigan’s 2023 title team (12.3 average), noting Penn State’s recent classes (e.g., 2025 ranked 13th) fall short of consistent top-10 status (00:09:01 - 00:09:17). College Football Changes (00:20:00 - 00:33:00): The hosts discuss how NIL, the transfer portal, and the expanded 12-team playoff have raised the bar for roster depth. They note Penn State’s struggles to land elite quarterbacks and wide receivers, despite strong defensive recruiting, as a barrier to championship contention (00:41:00 - 00:41:58). Penn State’s Title Prospects (00:33:00 - 00:47:00): JR and Jeff debate Penn State’s potential, citing their consistent 10-2 or 11-1 seasons but lack of elite recruiting (e.g., 2023-2025 classes ranked 14th, 13th, and 15th). They highlight quarterback Drew Allar’s development and the 2025 signing of 4-star RB Kiandrea Barker as positives, but argue Penn State needs a top-10 class and a high-end QB to compete with Ohio State or Georgia (00:14:22 - 00:14:36). Big Ten Contenders (00:47:00 - 00:53:00): The hosts defend their take that only five Big Ten teams (Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State, Michigan, USC) are positioned to win a title, emphasizing Penn State’s need for better offensive skill players to complement their stout defense (00:51:52 - 00:51:56). Listener Interaction (00:53:00 - 00:57:00): JR responds to fans like Pit Snipe and Trojan Fight, addressing comments about Penn State’s recruiting challenges and Kirby Smart’s perceived Big Ten disrespect, tying it to Indiana’s scheduling decisions (00:13:05 - 00:13:20). Additional Notes Husker Throwback Segment (00:57:00 - 01:00:00): The hosts share a nostalgic moment about Penn State’s 1994 undefeated season, led by Kerry Collins, and discuss how that team’s recruiting (top-15 classes) mirrors today’s challenges. Data Source: Full recruiting data and analysis are available at https://247sports.com/ Article Link: Jeff’s detailed write-up is on https://bigjeffsfootball.com. Social Media: Stay connected with Big Ten Huddle: Twitter: https://twitter.com/BigTenHuddle Instagram: https://instagram.com/bigtenhuddle Contact: [email protected] Subscribe: Catch the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube. Live streams air Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 9 PM on YouTube. Check out Big Ten Media Days coverage next week for more insights! More from JR: Personal Twitter: https://x.com/jrs_rankings Big Ten Twitter: https://x.com/TheBigTenHuddle Read JR's Ohio State coverage: https://scarletandgame.com/author/jrhoades1 Read JR's Illinois coverage: https://writingillini.com/author/jrhoades1 You can also expect videos by JR throughout the week covering news and interesting topics. *All times are Eastern time AUDIO ONLY PLATFORMS The Big Ten Huddle is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon. LISTEN: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/TheBigTenHuddle LEAVE a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-college-huddle-podcast/id1703305789 STREAM on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tMaraKvafFzjUrXGq2c4w Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.