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.

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Join JR and Zack every week for more Big Ten insights, and don’t miss our next episode recapping all the Media Days action!