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.