In this engaging episode of Big Ten Huddle, hosts JR and Zach deliver a comprehensive preview of the running back position in the Big Ten Conference for the 2025 college football season. The episode kicks off with an introduction emphasizing their goal to highlight the Big Ten’s talent and counter national biases, such as those favoring the SEC, by showcasing the depth of running backs in the conference.

The hosts explain their distinct ranking methodologies. JR bases his rankings primarily on past performance, focusing on proven players and avoiding heavy projection for those with limited playtime, such as Jordan Marshall or James Peoples. Zach, on the other hand, incorporates more projection, considering potential and flashes of talent even for less experienced players.

The core of the episode focuses on JR and Zach’s individual top 20 running back rankings for 2025. Key players discussed include:

Nicholas Singleton and Katon Allen (Penn State): Singleton is hailed as potentially the best running back in the nation, while Allen is praised as a reliable, versatile “lunch pail guy.”

Justice Haynes and Jordan Marshall (Michigan): The hosts debate who will emerge as Michigan’s starting running back, with Zach projecting Haynes to start but Marshall potentially splitting carries.

Waymon Jordan (USC): Noted for his impressive 7.4 yards per carry in Juco, he’s seen as a potential breakout star.

CJ Donaldson (Ohio State): Recognized for his versatility in blocking, running, and catching, though Zach questions his offensive impact compared to teammate James Peoples.

Darius Taylor and AJ Turner (Minnesota): Highlighted as a formidable duo in the Big Ten.

Other notable players include Jonah Coleman and Makai Hughes (Oregon), Roman Hemby (Indiana), Devin Mockobee (Purdue), Caden Fagan and Aiden Lowry (Illinois), Kamari Moulton and Jazz Patterson (Iowa), Eli Sanders (USC), Lee BB Jr. (Indiana), Emmett Johnson (Nebraska), Cam Porter (Northwestern), Anthony Woods and Jalen Berger (UCLA), and Dillin Jones and Cade Yacamelli (Wisconsin).

The hosts rank the top running back duos and rooms in the Big Ten, with the following standing out:

Penn State: Singleton and Allen form a dynamic duo.

Michigan: Haynes and Marshall are expected to share the load.

Minnesota: Taylor and Turner provide a strong backfield.

Indiana: Roman Hemby, Keelan Black, and Lee BB Jr. create a deep room.

Washington: Jonah Coleman and Adam Muhammad are highlighted as a top pair.

Sleeper running back rooms include:

Rutgers: CJ Campbell, Samuel Brown V, and Antoine Raymond show promise.

Wisconsin: Dylan Jones, Cade Giacomelli, and Darian Dupree are noted, though their talent is unproven.

The hosts express concerns about several teams’ running back situations:

Maryland: Limited depth raises questions.

UCLA: Jalen Berger and Anthony Woods face uncertainty.

Purdue: Despite Devin Mockobee’s talent, depth is a concern.

Northwestern and Michigan State: Both have unproven backfields.

Nebraska: Backup options are limited if Emmett Johnson is injured.

JR and Zach actively engage with their audience, addressing listener comments about the absence of Wisconsin running backs in their rankings (attributed to unproven talent) and discussing load management strategies, such as Penn State potentially mimicking Ohio State’s approach. They encourage listeners to comment, subscribe, and follow on social media, particularly via their X handle @TheBigTenHuddle.

The episode wraps up with a tease for future episodes covering other positions, including wide receivers, tight ends, and special teams coordinators, keeping listeners excited for more Big Ten content.

The hosts reference a significant announcement from a previous episode but do not provide details in this episode.

The episode is designed to appeal to Big Ten football fans, offering in-depth analysis and projections for the 2025 season.

Listener engagement is a key focus, with calls to action for comments, subscriptions, and social media interaction.

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