The Big Ten Huddle Podcast

Big Ten QB rankings entering Week 9 put Northwestern football, Aidan Chiles and Chip Kelly at No. 1. Ohio State football faces Luke Fahey uncertainty, Indiana's Josh Hoover raises questions, and UCLA, Nebraska and USC round out the debate.

Can any Big Ten quarterback situation deliver a national championship in 2026?

On The Big Ten Huddle, JR and Zack rank all 18 Big Ten quarterback situations heading into Week 9. We explain why Northwestern takes the top spot, debate Ohio State's uncertainty with Luke Fahey, evaluate Indiana's Josh Hoover and UCLA's quarterback situation, and examine why Oregon, Michigan and Penn State are struggling so badly at the position.

Plus, we react to the latest AP Top 25 rankings, question the difference in how Big Ten and SEC teams are evaluated, and reveal our updated Big Ten football power rankings after Week 8.

Is Northwestern actually the most dangerous emerging contender in the Big Ten? And which traditional powerhouse has the biggest quarterback problem?

Subscribe to The Big Ten Huddle for Big Ten football analysis, rankings, predictions and conference-wide debates with JR and Zack.

0:00 Big Ten QB Rankings: A Championship Problem?

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Aidan Chiles is changing Northwestern football under Chip Kelly, and Oregon Ducks football is about to find out why. After his Michigan State benching, Chiles powered Northwestern past Rutgers 42-14. Can Oregon stop the Wildcats?

This isn't just an Aidan Chiles redemption story. It's about how Chip Kelly has built an offense around Chiles' dual-threat ability—and why Northwestern could become a serious problem in the Big Ten race.

In this episode of The Big Ten Huddle, presented by FanDuel, JR breaks down Chiles' five-touchdown performance against Rutgers, Northwestern's read-option offense, his improved passing decisions, and how Caleb Komolafe and Griffin Wilde make the Wildcats difficult to defend.

We also examine Oregon's defensive challenges, the uncertainty surrounding Dante Moore, Chip Kelly's return to Oregon, and whether Northwestern is becoming a legitimate College Football Playoff contender.

Can the Ducks slow down this Northwestern offense, or will Aidan Chiles deliver another statement performance at Autzen Stadium?

#NorthwesternFootball #AidanChiles #OregonDucks

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0:00 The Evolution of Aidan Chiles

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Illinois football shocked the Oregon Ducks 21-10, but the real Illinois vs Oregon story is Bret Bielema and Roger Cooper's defensive reset. How did Illinois' defense contain Dylan Raiola and give Michael Clayton II a chance to win?

In this episode of The Big Ten Huddle, we break down why Illinois' defense struggled earlier this season, what changed under Roger Cooper after Bobby Hauck's departure, and how the Illini held Dan Lanning's Oregon offense scoreless in the second half.

We'll explain the defensive communication adjustments, Illinois' 3-3-5 structure, Oregon's 4-for-15 performance on third down, and why 426 yards allowed didn't tell the entire story. We'll also address Oregon's three missed field goals and the impact of Aidan Laughery and freshman quarterback Michael Clayton II.

Now the biggest question is whether Illinois has found a sustainable defensive identity heading into its matchup with Maryland. Was this the beginning of a November turnaround or simply the perfect opponent at the perfect time?

#IllinoisFootball #OregonDucks #BigTenFootball

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0:00 The Quiet Defensive Shift in Champaign

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Indiana football nearly replaced injured Josh Hoover with Grant Wilson against Michigan football. Curt Cignetti considered a QB change before the Hoosiers’ 13–6 OT win. Does IU football have a College Football Playoff backup plan?

In this episode of The Big Ten Huddle, we explain why Curt Cignetti stuck with Josh Hoover against Michigan, how Hoover's injury affected Indiana's passing attack, and why Grant Wilson could give offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan a valuable alternative if the Hoosiers need one.

We break down Wilson's experience, the potential of a quarterback run package, the role of Indiana's defense, and what the win means for the Hoosiers' national championship hopes. Plus, what should Indiana do with Hoover heading into Minnesota, USC, and Washington?

This isn't about starting a quarterback controversy. It's about understanding how Indiana can protect its championship chances.

Would you have made the quarterback switch against Michigan, or did Cignetti make the right call?

Subscribe to The Big Ten Huddle for Big Ten football analysis, game breakdowns, and college football news.

#IndianaFootball #JoshHoover #BigTenFootball

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0:00 The Quarterback Dilemma in Ann Arbor

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Oregon football just lost 21-10 to Illinois in Big Ten football Week 8. Dan Lanning's Ducks face major questions as Northwestern football surges, Wisconsin football beats USC football, and the College Football Playoff picture shifts.

On The Big Ten Huddle, JR and Zach Guggenheim break down why Illinois dominated Oregon on the ground, whether Dan Lanning needs major coaching changes, and what the Ducks' struggles mean for the Big Ten playoff race.

We also discuss Lincoln Riley's future after USC's ugly loss to Wisconsin, Luke Fickell's turnaround, Indiana surviving Michigan with an injured Josh Hoover, Minnesota upsetting Iowa, UCLA staying undefeated, and Aidan Chiles and Chip Kelly turning Northwestern into a serious threat.

Are Oregon's championship hopes effectively over? And could Northwestern or Wisconsin take advantage of the chaos?

Let us know who you believe the Big Ten's strongest playoff contenders are!

0:00 Big Ten Week 8 Reactions & Illinois-Oregon Upset

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Big changes are hitting Maryland football. We break down the fallout from the staff changes and the future of the program.

We analyze the recent coaching staff shakeup, specifically the departure of Ted Montalcino and the mutual parting of ways between Mike Locksley and the Maryland Terrapins. This situation raises immediate questions about the stability of the program and the direction the team will take moving forward.

We also evaluate the attractiveness of the Maryland football job for potential candidates. With the landscape of college football coaching shifting rapidly, we look at what this means for the team's recruiting efforts and competitive standing in the Big Ten.

Subscribe for weekly Big Ten breakdowns, and let us know in the comments how you think the university should handle this transition.

0:00 The Maryland Coaching Change

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Big Ten football news: Julian Sayin's injury update puts Ohio State's national championship hopes under the microscope. Ryan Day, Luke Fahey, Tavien St. Clair, and Jeremiah Smith are central to the Buckeyes' next move. Plus, Big Ten Week 8 picks and predictions.

Can Ohio State still win a national championship if Julian Sayin misses significant time? Ryan Day faces a massive challenge, but the Buckeyes may still have enough talent to compete for a title. JR and Zack Guggenheim discuss Ohio State's quarterback situation, the possibility of changing the offense, and what the injury means for the rest of the Big Ten.

Big Ten Week 8 game previews and score predictions:

The Big Ten Huddle, presented by FanDuel, brings you Big Ten football analysis, Week 8 predictions, and the biggest storylines across the conference.

Who do you trust most to win this weekend, and can Ohio State still win it all?

#BigTenFootball #OhioStateFootball #CollegeFootball

00:00 Big Ten Week 8 Preview

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Oregon football is facing critical questions after their recent performance. We examine the adjustments needed to get the team back on track.

We analyze the development of Dylan Raiola and the tactical shifts required for the offense. This breakdown looks at the offensive line snap counts that hindered progress against Nebraska football and the specific 4th-down struggles that defined the game.

Beyond the immediate analysis, we look at the current Big Ten odds for the Oregon Ducks and USC Trojans. Understanding these metrics helps clarify where the team stands in the conference race and whether their current trajectory is sustainable for the remainder of the season.

Subscribe for weekly Big Ten breakdowns, and let us know in the comments if you think these offensive changes are enough to salvage the season.

0:00 A New Strategy for Dylan Raiola

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Michigan football offensive improvements are fueling a second-half resurgence. We analyze how Tommy Carr is making a difference.

After a slow start, the Wolverines found new life against Penn State. We break down the specific strategic shifts led by Jason Beck that allowed the offense to find its rhythm. This analysis covers the tactical adjustments that turned the game around and what these changes mean for the team's trajectory as they look toward their season win total predictions.

We also examine how the defensive performance provided the necessary support to secure the comeback. By looking at the coaching decisions and the execution on the field, we determine if this Michigan football turnaround is sustainable for the rest of the conference schedule.

Subscribe for weekly Big Ten breakdowns, and let us know in the comments if you think this offensive adjustment is enough to salvage the season.

0:00 A Turning Point for Michigan's Offense

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Penn State football is facing a tough reality after falling into a slump. We analyze the team's ongoing struggles.

The program is currently reeling from four consecutive Big Ten losses, raising serious questions about the direction of the team. We break down the recent performance issues that have left fans frustrated and wondering where the coaching staff goes from here to salvage the season.

A major focal point of this decline has been the play under center. We take a close look at the decision to keep Rocco Becht as the starter, specifically analyzing how his turnover issues directly contributed to the recent comeback loss against Michigan. These quarterback struggles are defining the current narrative, and we discuss whether a change is necessary to spark any life into the offense.

Subscribe for weekly Big Ten breakdowns, and let us know in the comments if you think it is time to make a change at quarterback.

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0:00 Penn State at a Crossroads

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