In this episode of the Big Ten Huddle, hosts JR and Zach dive into a comprehensive preview of the 2025 Big Ten linebacker rankings, spotlighting the top 20 players, their impact, and the best linebacker duos and trios in the conference. The discussion begins with a clarification on including hybrid edge players like Mikail Kamara (Indiana), Matayo Uiagalelei (Oregon), and Dani Dennis-Sutton (Penn State), who some view as defensive linemen, but are ranked due to their significant linebacker snaps (00:10:59.700 - 00:11:28.546). Gabe Jacas (Illinois) was excluded for primarily playing defensive line, ensuring ranking consistency.

The hosts reveal their top 20 linebacker rankings, starting with Kamara (Indiana) at #1, followed by Jacas (Illinois), Aiden Fisher (Indiana), Uiagalelei (Oregon), and Sonny Styles (Ohio State). Other notable players include Bryce Boettcher (Oregon), Arvell Reese (Ohio State), Amare Campbell (Penn State), Jaishawn Barham (Michigan), and Dariel Djabome (Rutgers), among others, down to Wayne Matthews III (Michigan State) at #20 (00:12:43.168 - 00:14:46.235). Zach corrects an error regarding Penn State’s Tony Rojas, initially misplaced at #6, and discusses other potential risers like Maverick Baranowski (Minnesota) (00:12:00.673 - 00:14:40.172).

The episode also explores standout linebacker duos and trios, highlighting Indiana, Oregon, Illinois, Ohio State, Penn State, Michigan, and Minnesota as teams with strong pairings (00:42:01.610 - 00:43:16.893). Potential breakout candidates like Dom DeLuca (Penn State), Darius Snow (Michigan State), and Yanni Karloftis (Northwestern) are mentioned for their upside (00:39:09.673 - 00:40:50.971).

A significant portion of the episode veers into a heated discussion about Iowa’s program and coach Kirk Ferentz, sparked by a listener question about his all-time Big Ten coaching rank (00:01:39.790 - 00:09:44.298). JR and Zach critique Iowa’s recent 8-4 season, missed opportunities, and Ferentz’s stubborn approach, while acknowledging his historical success (00:04:19.028 - 00:09:29.937). This leads to a broader conversation about fan expectations and Iowa’s underachievement, with Zach expressing frustration but clarifying his desire for Iowa to succeed (00:45:38.235 - 00:47:29.907).

The hosts also address listener interactions, responding to comments about viewership and fan criticism, emphasizing their commitment to constructive dialogue (00:47:39.510 - 00:49:59.500). They wrap up with plans for future episodes, including a Thursday premiere on team floors and ceilings and a Sunday episode on secondaries (00:51:24.105 - 00:52:16.231).

Useful Timestamps:

00:00:00.478 - 00:01:57.322: Intro and listener engagement prompts

00:01:39.790 - 00:09:44.298: Kirk Ferentz and Iowa discussion

00:10:59.700 - 00:11:28.546: Explanation of linebacker inclusion criteria

00:12:43.168 - 00:14:46.235: Top 20 linebacker rankings discussion

00:39:09.673 - 00:40:50.971: Breakout linebacker candidates

00:42:01.610 - 00:43:16.893: Best linebacker duos and trios

00:47:39.510 - 00:49:59.500: Addressing fan comments and viewership

00:51:24.105 - 00:52:16.231: Future episode plans

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