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

AUDIO ONLY PLATFORMS

In this lively episode of The Big Ten Huddle, hosts JR and Zack tackle the latest Big Ten football storylines, blending humor and analysis for college football fans. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the episode, incorporating the provided transcript and updated discussion points:

Topics Discussed

Central Michigan’s NCAA Notice of Allegations: Will It Impact Michigan?

Paul Finebaum’s Critique of Big Ten Media Days

Top 10 Nonconference Games the Big Ten Must Win

Useful Timestamps

00:00 - 02:30: Intro and episode overview

02:31 - 11:04: Central Michigan’s NCAA notice and potential impact on Michigan

11:05 - 32:41: Paul Finebaum’s critique of Big Ten Media Days and the SEC-Big Ten rivalry

32:42 - 44:45: Top 10 nonconference games the Big Ten must win

44:46 - 46:07: Outro and call to action (subscribe, follow, etc.)

46:08 - End: Preview of the next segment (fall camp questions, YouTube only)

Additional Notes

The episode references the ongoing Connor Stallions controversy, with JR and Zack noting his appearance in a Netflix documentary and Dave Portnoy’s defense of him (04:17-04:26). They question why some Michigan fans celebrate Stallions despite the team’s talent not needing his actions (09:52-10:54).

The hosts touch on the Big Ten-SEC rivalry, with Finebaum’s comments framed as a “media hit” driven by SEC insecurity (31:51-31:57). They cite Petitti’s push for a 4+4 CFP model (four automatic bids for Big Ten and SEC) versus the SEC’s 5+11 preference.

JR’s nonconference game list excludes Group of 5 and FCS opponents, but the hosts acknowledge viewer comments about games like Maryland vs. Northern Illinois and Washington vs. Washington State as notable (43:40-44:28).

For more on the Stallions controversy, check ESPN’s coverage or The Athletic. For Big Ten Media Days analysis, visit CBS Sports.

Connect with The Big Ten Huddle Twitter/X: @TheBigTenHuddle Instagram: @TheBigTenHuddle TikTok: @TheBigTenHuddle Subscribe: Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Contact: Reach out at [email protected] for feedback or inquiries. Why Listen? This episode is packed with insights for Big Ten fans, covering everything from bold coaching statements to playoff predictions and recruiting drama. Whether you’re rooting for Minnesota, Northwestern, Wisconsin, Oregon, Washington, or Penn State, JR and Zack deliver expert analysis and lively discussion to keep you informed and entertained. Don’t miss out—subscribe and join the conversation!

In this exciting episode of The Big Ten Huddle, host JR and guest Zach Guggenheim break down their predictions for the 2025 Big Ten football season, offering a game-by-game analysis for every team in the conference. Recorded post-media days, the duo shares their insights on team records, key matchups, and potential playoff contenders, while also engaging in lively debates over differing predictions. From Ohio State’s elite roster to surprising upset picks like Illinois over Indiana, this episode is packed with hot takes and thoughtful commentary. The hosts also address fan questions from the chat and discuss why certain fanbases, like Michigan, might not be thrilled with their predictions.

Topics Discussed

JR’s Big Ten Predictions: JR shares his detailed standings, predicting Ohio State at 11-1 (8-1 in conference), Penn State at 11-1, Illinois at 10-2, Michigan at 9-3, and others down to Purdue at 2-10. Key points include Ohio State’s tough road games and Michigan’s potential upset over Ohio State.

Zach’s Big Ten Predictions: Zach counters with his predictions, placing Penn State at the top with one loss to Ohio State, a five-way tie for second including Illinois, Oregon, USC, Ohio State, and Nebraska, all at 10-2 or 9-3. He highlights Illinois upsetting Ohio State and Nebraska’s favorable schedule.

Debate on Key Teams: JR and Zach debate their differing predictions, particularly on Illinois vs. Indiana, Michigan’s outlook, and Nebraska’s surprising placement. They discuss fan reactions and potential backlash from fanbases like Michigan, UCLA, and Maryland.

Ohio State vs. Texas Analysis: A deep dive into the Ohio State-Texas matchup, with JR and Zach arguing why Ohio State has the edge due to home-field advantage, defensive line strength, and Texas’ inexperienced offensive line and quarterback Arch Manning. They challenge media narratives favoring Texas.

Closing Thoughts and Fan Interaction: The hosts wrap up with a lighthearted acknowledgment that their predictions won’t be perfect, encourage fan feedback, and share excitement for the upcoming season, just 30 days away. They also address a fan question about Lee Corso’s potential Ohio State pick.

Useful Timestamps

Additional Notes

Fans are encouraged to join the live chat during future episodes to share their thoughts and questions.

The hosts reference media personalities like Doug LaMaurice and Bill Landis, praising their independent analysis while challenging their Texas-favored predictions.

Additional The Big Ten Huddle Channels:

More from JR:

SPONSORS

Catch The Big Ten Huddle Football Episodes 3 times a week. Here is when to catch our live or premiere episodes that are about an hour long (eastern time):

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

*All times are Eastern time

AUDIO ONLY PLATFORMS

The Big Ten Huddle is a podcast dedicated to providing honest, humorous, and insightful analysis of Big Ten football and basketball. With a focus on challenging the national bias, especially against the SEC, hosts JR and Zack offer unfiltered discussions that engage fans of all Big Ten teams. Though critical at times, they always aim to defend the conference and give credit where it’s due, bringing humor and deep analysis together for a unique listening experience.

Rooted in values of integrity, passion, and community, The Big Ten Huddle strives to become the go-to voice for Big Ten sports fans.

There is no show out there like The Big Ten Huddle!

In this episode of The Big Ten Huddle, JR and Zack dive into the latest Big Ten football news and analysis, covering key developments and debates for the 2025 season. Below is a detailed breakdown of the episode, including the full transcript, key topics with timestamps, and additional resources.

Introduction and Episode Overview (Timestamp: 00:00:01.683 - 00:00:55.378)

Michigan's 2026 Game in Germany (Timestamp: 00:06:50.781 - 00:10:33.836)

Rutgers' Wydeek Collier Reclassification (Timestamp: 00:10:59.509 - 00:14:05.346)

Big Ten's Biggest Wild Cards (Timestamp: 00:05:50.533 - 00:06:09.961, continued in later segment)

In this solo episode of the Big Ten Huddle, host JR tackles the hottest topics in college football. First, we explore the swirling rumors of North Carolina's potential jump to the SEC, analyzing the financial and competitive factors driving realignment and the ACC's grant of rights hurdle. Then, JR ranks the top 10 teams most likely to join the Big Ten, with surprises like Virginia and Georgia Tech making the list. Next, we break down the travel miles for all 18 Big Ten teams, revealing how grueling schedules could impact Oregon, UCLA, and others in 2025. Finally, JR dissects President Trump's executive order aimed at fixing the chaotic NIL landscape, protecting non-revenue sports, and stabilizing college athletics. Tune in for a deep dive into conference realignment, team travel challenges, and the future of college sports! Don’t forget to rate us five stars and catch the full episode on your favorite podcast platform.

In this episode of The Big Ten Huddle, hosts JR and Zack break down the highlights from Day 3 of the 2025 Big Ten Media Days in Las Vegas, covering Iowa, UCLA, Purdue, Michigan State, USC, and Michigan. From Kirk Ferentz’s pursuit of Big Ten history to Lincoln Riley’s advocacy for the USC-Notre Dame rivalry, this episode is packed with insights, player updates, and bold takes on the upcoming college football season.

Topics Discussed

Purdue’s Massive Rebuild Under Barry Odom: First-year Purdue coach Barry Odom faces a daunting task with 54 transfers and only one returning starter. The Boilermakers’ roster includes 82 transfers or freshmen, and they’ll take on three 2024 playoff teams: Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Indiana. JR and Zack analyze Odom’s strategy to rebuild the program. Source: FOX Sports

UCLA’s Nico Iamaleava on His Tennessee Exit: UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava addressed misconceptions about his spring transfer from Tennessee, emphasizing family and his goal to “bring a championship back to Westwood.” JR and Zack explore how Iamaleava’s leadership could elevate the Bruins. Source: On3

Michigan State’s Jonathan Smith on Retention: Coach Jonathan Smith highlighted the importance of retaining players and coaches, noting “leaps and bounds” in progress from year one to year two at Michigan State. The hosts discuss how this stability could impact the Spartans’ 2025 season.

Lincoln Riley on USC-Notre Dame and Automatic Qualifiers: USC coach Lincoln Riley passionately advocated for preserving the USC-Notre Dame rivalry, citing it as a reason to adopt automatic qualifiers in the College Football Playoff. JR and Zack debate the implications for USC’s schedule and the broader playoff format. Tweet from Brett McMurphy

Michigan’s Derrick Moore vs. Sherrone Moore on Ohio State’s Title: Michigan edge rusher Derrick Moore questioned the legitimacy of Ohio State’s national championship, while coach Sherrone Moore gave credit, saying, “They won the national title. They were the best team.” The hosts unpack this intra-conference tension and what it means for the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry. Tweet from Brett McMurphy

Useful Timestamps

Additional Notes

The episode dives into the evolving dynamics of the Big Ten, with new faces like Nico Iamaleava at UCLA and Barry Odom at Purdue shaking up the conference.

JR and Zack answer listener questions from the YouTube live chat, offering predictions on how these teams will fare in the 2025 season.

For more Big Ten insights, check out our previous episodes on Apple Podcasts and follow our live shows on YouTube.

Connect with The Big Ten Huddle

Why Listen? This episode is packed with insights for Big Ten fans, covering everything from bold coaching statements to playoff predictions and recruiting drama. Whether you’re rooting for Minnesota, Northwestern, Wisconsin, Oregon, Washington, or Penn State, JR and Zack deliver expert analysis and lively discussion to keep you informed and entertained. Don’t miss out—subscribe and join the conversation!

Welcome to another exciting episode of The Big Ten Huddle, your go-to podcast for in-depth Big Ten football and basketball coverage! In this episode, hosts JR and Zack break down the highlights from Day 2 of the 2025 Big Ten Football Media Days, held at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. From fiery quotes to bold predictions, the episode covers Minnesota, Northwestern, Wisconsin, Oregon, Washington, and Penn State, with a focus on key storylines shaping the 2025 college football season. Below are the key topics discussed, complete with timestamps and additional details to keep you in the loop.

Check out Rian's channel: @SportsChat503

Key Topics Discussed

Viva Las Vegas!

P.J. Fleck’s “Delusional” Playoff Hopes

Northwestern’s Ambitious Stadium Plans

Agent Certification Proposal

Wisconsin’s Traditional Identity

Oregon’s “Double Down” Mentality

Big Ten’s National Dominance

Jedd Fisch’s Scheduling Critique

Penn State’s High Expectations

Additional Notes

Additional Notes

Connect with The Big Ten Huddle

Why Listen? This episode is packed with insights for Big Ten fans, covering everything from bold coaching statements to playoff predictions and recruiting drama. Whether you’re rooting for Minnesota, Northwestern, Wisconsin, Oregon, Washington, or Penn State, JR and Zack deliver expert analysis and lively discussion to keep you informed and entertained. Don’t miss out—subscribe and join the conversation!

In this episode of The Big Ten Huddle, host JR delivers a compelling breakdown of the recent reinstatement of NIL collectives in college football, addressing listener messages claiming he was wrong about their future. He sets the record straight, emphasizing that he never predicted their demise but instead highlighted the House settlement’s role in providing structure until federal legislation is passed. JR dives into the agreement between House plaintiff attorneys and power conferences, reported by Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports on July 22, 2025, which relaxed restrictions on collectives, allowing them to operate like other businesses under the College Sports Commission’s NIL Go clearinghouse. He explains how this creates a “soft cap” on athlete compensation, with fair-market value rules preventing outrageous deals, like a $2.5 million payment for a single signing.

Key topics include:

The House Settlement and NIL Collectives: JR details how the settlement, finalized June 6, 2025, introduced a $20.5 million revenue-sharing cap and how collectives can supplement this through legitimate NIL deals.

Fair-Market Value and Guardrails: He clarifies that collectives must justify payments as fair-market value, ensuring compliance with CSC rules, as emphasized by SEC commissioner Greg Sankey and Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti.

In-House Collectives: JR discusses schools like Ohio State integrating collectives into university operations, such as the “Buckeye Sports Group,” as noted by AD Ross Bjork.

Player Contracts and Decommitments: Starting August 1, 2025, signed contracts will reduce player mobility, impacting recruiting and transfer strategies.

Market Advantages: Schools in larger markets gain an edge due to bigger booster networks, though all deals must pass NIL Go scrutiny.

Useful Timestamps:

00:00–02:00: Introduction and addressing listener “gotcha” messages.

02:01–08:00: Overview of the House settlement and the CSC’s initial strict stance on collectives.

08:01–14:00: Details of the July 22, 2025, agreement to treat collectives like businesses.

14:01–20:00: Explanation of the “soft cap,” fair-market value, and examples of compliant deals.

20:01–25:00: Discussion on in-house collectives and Ohio State’s approach.

25:01–30:00: Impact of player contracts starting August 1, 2025, and market advantages.

30:01–End: Closing remarks on the settlement’s stability and call to continue the conversation.

Additional Notes: JR’s confident delivery makes this episode a must-listen for college football fans seeking clarity on the evolving NIL landscape. He cites credible sources, including Yahoo Sports, Front Office Sports, and comments from Ohio State’s Ryan Day and Ross Bjork, to ground his analysis. The episode reflects The Big Ten Huddle’s commitment to delivering in-depth, fan-focused insights into Big Ten and college football news.

Links:

Yahoo Sports Article by Ross Dellenger

Front Office Sports Coverage

Big Ten Huddle Podcast Archive

Follow us on Twitter

Follow us on Instagram

Follow us on TikTok

Contact us: Email

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Join the huddle for more unfiltered college football discussions!

In this episode of Big Ten Huddle, JR and Zack dive into the highlights from Day 1 of the 2025 Big Ten Football Media Days in Las Vegas, covering key moments from Indiana, Ohio State, Illinois, Nebraska, Rutgers, and Maryland, along with insights from Commissioner Tony Petitti. Here’s a breakdown of the topics discussed:

Maryland’s Culture Shift: Mike Locksley addressed Maryland’s challenging 4-8 season, admitting he lost the locker room last year but emphasized a culture overhaul this offseason to rebuild player relationships and trust. He also shared a colorful analogy, comparing his quarterback room to a “snake and a baby,” highlighting the mix of experience and youth. SI.com Recap

Rutgers’ Championship Ambition: Greg Schiano acknowledged Rutgers’ financial constraints compared to Big Ten peers but stressed finding players who fit the program’s culture. He set a bold goal, stating, “I came back to win the championship,” signaling Rutgers’ climb from the bottom of the league. Schiano also reflected, “This wasn’t a good job. But we’ve made it a good job. We’re about to make it a great job.” News-Gazette

Nebraska’s Progress: Matt Rhule discussed sophomore QB Dylan Raiola’s development, praising his ability to take responsibility and stay composed after mistakes, which led to a 2024 bowl victory. Rhule expressed confidence that Nebraska is “close to fixed” and ready to compete at a higher level. SI.com Recap

Ohio State’s Mindset: Ryan Day emphasized an aggressive approach, saying he’s “not defending a national championship” but “attacking” the new season. He updated the ongoing QB battle, noting the focus is on who had the better offseason. Star WR Jeremiah Smith also made waves, calling those who downplay the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry in the CFP era “crazy.” 247Sports

Illinois’ Resilience and Playoff Hopes: Bret Bielema reflected on Illinois’ 10-win 2024 season, noting losses to Oregon and Minnesota showed the team’s grit. He advocated for a 16-team playoff expansion and shared a lighthearted story about meeting his wife in Vegas. News-Gazette

Indiana’s Bold Vision: Curt Cignetti, fresh off a CFP appearance, dismissed “fluke” talk and doubled down on improving Indiana’s 11-win season. He took a swipe at SEC scheduling, saying, “We figured we would just adopt SEC scheduling philosophies,” and stressed the need for a standardized, objective playoff system. SFGate

Tony Petitti’s Playoff Push: Commissioner Tony Petitti advocated for an objective playoff selection process, criticizing the 5+11 format as too subjective. He confirmed sending a letter to address playoff concerns but declined to share details, emphasizing that college football should align with other sports’ postseason clarity. SI.com Recap

Additional Notes:

The episode captures the electric atmosphere of Big Ten Media Days, with coaches like Curt Cignetti and Ryan Day bringing unfiltered energy.

JR and Zack discuss how these storylines set the stage for the 2025 season, especially for teams like Indiana and Illinois aiming for CFP contention.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for live updates and fan reactions.

Have feedback or questions? Email us at [email protected] or DM us on social media!

Additional The Big Ten Huddle Channels:

More from JR:

SPONSORS

Catch The Big Ten Huddle Football Episodes 3 times a week. Here is when to catch our live or premiere episodes that are about an hour long (eastern time):

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

*All times are Eastern time

AUDIO ONLY PLATFORMS

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.

Links and Social Media:

Follow us on Twitter/X, TikTok, and Instagram @TheBigTenHuddle

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for live episodes every Monday through Friday at 9 PM, with special Wednesday coverage of Media Days.

Check out our merchandise at Big Ten Huddle Merch Store.

Leave a five-star review on Spotify or your favorite podcast platform.

Contact us at [email protected] for feedback or inquiries.

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