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

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:

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

Additional Notes

You can also expect videos by JR throughout the week covering news and interesting topics.

*All times are Eastern time

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