In this episode of Big Ten Huddle, hosts JR and Zack dive into a comprehensive recap of the Big Ten's June recruiting cycle, framed as a "Winners and Losers" showdown. They analyze the most notable commitments, highlight underrated prospects who deserve more attention, and evaluate which teams made the biggest splash in the recruiting landscape. Whether you're a die-hard college football fan or just love the recruiting game, this episode unpacks the key moves shaping the future of Big Ten football.

Key Topics Discussed

Notable Commits: JR and Zack spotlight the top recruits who committed to Big Ten schools in June, discussing their potential impact. For example, they highlight a 4-star quarterback commit to Ohio State, whose dual-threat ability could redefine their offense, and a top linebacker to Michigan, bolstering their defense.

Underrated Prospects: The hosts identify lower-rated recruits who they believe are undervalued, such as a 3-star offensive lineman to Wisconsin with exceptional technique and a 3-star wide receiver to Purdue with elite speed.

Winners: Teams like Ohio State and Michigan are praised for securing high-profile recruits, while Penn State and Iowa surprised with strategic additions that fit their systems perfectly.

Losers: Some programs, like Nebraska and Illinois, struggled to land top targets, missing out on key positions that could hurt their 2026 outlook.

Impressive Teams: JR and Zack crown the most impressive teams of June, with Ohio State leading for their star-studded class and Iowa earning nods for under-the-radar steals.

Additional Notes

Call to Action: Loved this episode? Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help us reach more fans! Share your thoughts on who you think the biggest winners were on social media using #BigTenHuddle.

Connect With Us

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!

🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5102755454124032

In this episode of The Big Ten Huddle, hosts JR and Zack dive into a comprehensive preview of the tight end position in the Big Ten for the 2025 college football season. The episode focuses on ranking the top 20 tight ends, analyzing their 2024 performances, highlighting breakout candidates, and identifying the strongest tight end duos across Big Ten teams. The hosts also discuss challenges in evaluating tight ends, particularly due to injuries and the balance between receiving and blocking roles.

Key Topics Discussed

Top 20 Tight End Rankings: JR and Zach share their individual rankings (00:03:50–00:09:31), with differences outside the top four. Notable players include:

Max Klare (Ohio State): Praised for his receiving ability but needs blocking improvement (00:03:50).

Kenyon Sadiq (Oregon): A breakout candidate compared to Brock Bowers (00:04:39).

Jack Velling (Michigan State): Noted for past production but a dip in 2024 (00:04:13).

Luke Reynolds (Penn State): Expected to emerge as a top option by season’s end (00:05:20).

Injury Concerns: Players like Hudson Habermehl (UCLA, ACL tear), Cole Rusk (Illinois), and Lake McRee (USC, undisclosed spring injury) face recovery challenges (00:06:34, 00:06:47, 00:03:24).

Tight End Duos: Discussion of potent duos, with Penn State (Reynolds and Dinkins) and Oregon (Sadiq and Johnson) highlighted as top pairs (00:11:49, 00:27:49).

Breakout Potential: Players like Marlin Klein (Michigan) and Jameson Greer (Minnesota) are seen as having high upside (00:10:14, 00:22:22).

Challenges in Ranking: The hosts admit difficulty ranking beyond the top 8–10 due to limited data on blocking tight ends and injuries (00:02:06–00:02:29).

Useful Timestamps

00:00:00–00:01:11: Introduction and episode overview.

00:03:50–00:09:31: JR’s top 20 tight end rankings.

00:09:32–00:13:19: Zach’s top 20 tight end rankings.

00:20:08–00:23:24: Discussion on Holden Staes and Jameson Greer’s potential.

00:27:49–00:30:01: Analysis of top tight end duos in the Big Ten.

00:31:01–00:31:36: Proposal for a Big Ten fantasy football league.

Additional Notes

The hosts encourage listener engagement, suggesting comments on YouTube or emails to [email protected] for feedback (00:00:56–00:01:04).

They propose a mid-season update to revisit rankings and a potential Big Ten fantasy football league (00:30:27–00:31:36).

Zack mentions upcoming appearances on other podcasts, including the OHIO podcast and Out of the Blue podcast, discussing the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry (00:32:00–00:32:56).

Links and Contact Information

Follow Us:

Twitter: @TheBigTenHuddle

Instagram: @TheBigTenHuddle

Contact: Email feedback to [email protected]

In this episode of Big Ten Huddle, hosts JR and Zack break down the latest controversies and developments in Big Ten football. They tackle three major topics shaking up the college football landscape:

Bret Bielema’s Tampering Allegations Against Georgia (3:15 - 15:30)

EA Sports College Football 25 Team Rankings (16:00 - 30:45)

Jim Harbaugh and Warde Manuel in Hacking Lawsuit (31:10 - 45:20)

Additional Notes:

The hosts share their takes on how these stories reflect broader trends in college football, including the evolving landscape of NIL, transfer portal dynamics, and off-field controversies.

Listener questions from X are addressed at 46:00, focusing on fan reactions to Bielema’s outspokenness and Michigan’s legal troubles.

Stay tuned for next week’s episode, where JR and Zack will preview Big Ten media days!

Links and Social Media:

Follow us on X: @TheBigTenHuddle

Email us: [email protected]

Check out The Triple Option podcast for more on Bielema’s comments: The Triple Option

Explore EA Sports College Football 25 rankings: EA Sports Official Site

For updates on the Michigan lawsuit, visit: Sports Illustrated

Contact Us: Have feedback or topics you’d like us to cover? Reach out via X or email!

Additional Notes

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!

🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5102755454124032

Welcome to the Big Ten Huddle with hosts Jeff and JR for "Big Jeff's Insights" - Part 1 of our deep dive into what makes Big Ten teams thrive. In this episode, we explore the historical and recent performance of nine Big Ten programs—Ohio State, Michigan, USC, Nebraska, Penn State, Washington, Oregon, UCLA, and Iowa—focusing on key metrics that define their success: conference win percentages since the 1970s, recent 5-year (2020-2024) conference win percentages, 5-year average national recruiting rankings, and 5-year average national rankings in NFL draft picks.

Big Jeff's Article: https://bigjeffsfootball.com/what-big-ten-teams-should-strive-to-be/

Topics Discussed

Recent Performance (2020-2024): A look at the last five years of conference win percentages reveals which teams are trending upward or struggling to maintain their legacy.

Recruiting Power: Using 5-year average national recruiting rankings from sources like Rivals and 247Sports, we discuss how teams like Ohio State and Penn State attract top talent, and whether teams like Nebraska and Iowa are keeping pace.

NFL Draft Impact: We analyze 5-year average national rankings in NFL draft picks to see which programs are producing professional talent. Ohio State leads, but surprises like Iowa shine here.

Program Comparisons: Jeff and JR compare these metrics to other top programs outside the Big Ten, offering insights into what Big Ten teams should strive for to compete nationally.

Additional Notes

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we cover the remaining Big Ten teams and dive deeper into strategies for sustained success.

We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your favorite Big Ten team or insights using #BigTenHuddle.

Links and Contact Information

Join us weekly on YouTube (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday at 9 PM) or listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Drop a five-star review to help grow the show!

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

In this episode of the Big Ten Huddle, host JR, joined by Mike from We Live for Saturday podcast, delivers an in-depth preview of the Big Ten offensive lines for the 2025 college football season. The discussion covers JR’s offensive line rankings, potential surprise teams, the impact of size, and whether the Big Ten boasts the best offensive lines in college football. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Topics Discussed

Surprise Offensive Lines: JR and Mike discuss teams like Illinois, Minnesota, Nebraska, Washington, Michigan State, and USC that could outperform expectations. Illinois benefits from veteran chemistry, Minnesota from increased athleticism, and Nebraska from star power like Elijah Pritchett, though their running backs raise questions.

Biggest Offensive Lines in College Football: Using data from crescentcitysports.com, JR reveals Penn State as the largest offensive line (6'5.2", 319.4 lbs), followed by Ohio State (#5), Oregon (#8), Illinois (#11), USC (#13), Indiana (#17), and Michigan (#20). The hosts discuss how size, combined with athleticism, impacts performance.

Big Ten vs. College Football: The episode concludes with a debate on whether the Big Ten has the best offensive lines in college football. While the SEC leads in size, the Big Ten’s depth and upperclassmen give it a slight edge, with teams like Illinois potentially ranking in the national top 20.

Useful Timestamps

Additional Notes

The episode emphasizes the importance of chemistry, experience, and coaching in offensive line performance, with a nod to fans like Dave, a Minnesota Gophers supporter, in the live chat.

Listeners are encouraged to engage with the Big Ten Huddle on YouTube (like, comment, subscribe) or follow on X at @BigTenHuddle. Email feedback to [email protected].

Links

Join us weekly on YouTube (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday at 9 PM) or listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Drop a five-star review to help grow the show!

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.

In this action-packed episode of the Big Ten Huddle, host JR breaks down the hottest topics in Big Ten football. The episode kicks off with the brewing controversy over whether Michigan and Michigan State could face expulsion from the Big Ten if they leverage legal loopholes to bypass the House settlement’s NIL rules. JR then examines how schools like USC and SEC programs are flouting these regulations, putting rule-following teams like Ohio State and Penn State at a disadvantage.

Topics Discussed

Big Ten Expulsion Threats: Could Michigan and Michigan State’s legal tactics lead to their ousting from the conference?

NIL Compliance Challenges: How USC and SEC schools’ disregard for NIL rules complicates life for compliant programs like Ohio State and Penn State.

Timestamps

Additional Notes

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!

🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5102755454124032

In this lively episode of Big Ten Huddle, hosts JR and Dylan (DK) from Boiler Express unleash ten bold predictions for the 2025 Big Ten football season. These aren’t safe bets but spicy possibilities that could redefine the conference, from Wisconsin’s surprising wins to Purdue’s potential to shock Ohio State. Recorded on June 20, 2025, this episode is a must-listen for fans craving bold takes and spirited banter.

Topics Discussed

Key Timestamps

Other Episode Notes

Additional Links

Connect with Us

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!

🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5102755454124032

Welcome to the Big Ten Huddle! Hosts JR and Dylan (DK) from Boiler Express bring you the latest in Big Ten football with humor and engaging insights.

Topics Discussed:

NCAA Football Video Game Top 100 Players

Coaching Drama: Comments on Michigan and Jim Harbaugh

Wisconsin’s Lawsuit Against Miami

Additional Notes:

The episode blends lively banter with DK’s Purdue-fan perspective, including playful jabs at rivals like Indiana.

Listener interaction shines through comments from fans like Yankee Wolverine and Max, adding to the show’s dynamic feel.

Share your thoughts in the comments or at [email protected]

Follow on X: @BigTenHuddle and @BoilerExpress_

Email us at [email protected]

In this episode of the Big Ten Huddle, hosts JR and Zach deliver an engaging discussion on two major topics: Bret Bielema's recent comments on the college football playoff structure and a detailed preview of the Big Ten's defensive lines for the 2025 season. The episode kicks off with a lively introduction, setting the stage for a deep dive into college football's hottest topics (00:00:00 - 00:01:47).

Topics Discussed

Bret Bielema's Playoff Comments (00:01:47 - 00:15:18)

The hosts analyze Bielema's remarks about the proposed six-team playoff and the SEC's reluctance to adopt a nine-game conference schedule, contrasting it with the Big Ten's unanimous vote to maintain nine games (00:02:23 - 00:06:01).

They discuss Bielema's subtle jab at Brian Kelly for suggesting a Big Ten-SEC challenge, questioning the SEC's commitment to fair scheduling (00:03:00 - 00:04:05).

The conversation highlights the perceived scheduling advantages of SEC teams and the need for standardized schedules across Power Four conferences (00:06:26 - 00:13:00).

Listener questions, like Larry's inquiry about ranking Big Ten teams for an SEC challenge, are addressed, suggesting matchups based on previous season standings (00:14:47 - 00:15:18).

Big Ten Defensive Line Preview and Rankings (00:15:18 - End)

The second half focuses on ranking and previewing the Big Ten's defensive lines for 2025, covering top teams like Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State, Oregon, Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Indiana (00:37:28 - 00:48:31).

Key players highlighted include Ohio State's Caden McDonald and Edric Houston (00:37:45 - 00:38:12), Penn State's Dani Dennis-Sutton (00:45:46 - 00:46:24), and Indiana's Stephen Daly and Kellen Wyatt (00:46:43 - 00:47:00).

The hosts debate overrated defensive lines, with JR pointing to Wisconsin (00:39:24 - 00:41:13) and Zach questioning Iowa's hype (00:41:44 - 00:43:31).

Illinois' defensive line is discussed, with JR defending their high ranking due to experienced players like James Thompson Jr. and Curt Neal, despite lacking a star (00:43:35 - 00:45:01).

Listener comments, such as Illini Bubba's surprise at Illinois' ranking and Connor's question about Mikel Kamara's potential to lead in sacks, spark further analysis (00:49:09 - 00:49:36).

Useful Timestamps

00:00:00 - 00:01:47: Episode introduction and overview.

00:01:47 - 00:15:18: Discussion on Bret Bielema’s playoff comments and the Big Ten-SEC scheduling debate.

00:37:28 - 00:39:00: Ohio State defensive line analysis and potential breakout players.

00:39:24 - 00:41:13: JR on why Wisconsin’s defensive line may be overrated.

00:41:44 - 00:43:31: Zach on Iowa’s defensive line and its limitations.

00:43:35 - 00:45:01: Illinois defensive line discussion and justification for high ranking.

00:45:46 - 00:47:00: Highlighting exciting defensive linemen for 2025, including Penn State’s Danai Dennis-Sutton and Indiana’s transfers.

00:49:09 - 00:49:36: Addressing listener questions about sack leaders and Kamara’s potential.

Additional Notes

The hosts encourage listener engagement, urging YouTube viewers to like, subscribe, and comment with their defensive line rankings (00:00:57 - 00:01:04) and podcast listeners to leave five-star reviews (00:01:05 - 00:01:08).

The episode features humorous banter, including Zach’s playful jab at Brian Kelly’s accent (00:04:01 - 00:04:05) and a lighthearted discussion about Zach’s “suspension” for a free Wawa sandwich (00:49:47 - 00:50:37).

The Big Ten Huddle airs daily episodes Monday through Friday at 9 AM on Apple, Spotify, and Amazon, with live YouTube shows on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 9 PM (00:01:12 - 00:01:27).

Upcoming episodes include a premiere with Jeff on Thursday and a “bold predictions” episode with Dylan from Boiler Express on Sunday (00:51:37 - 00:51:56).

Links and Social Media

Follow us on Twitter/X

Follow us on Instagram

Subscribe on YouTube

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Listen on Spotify

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

Phil Steele’s Preseason Magazine: Referenced by Zach as a top resource for season prep (00:50:56 - 00:51:17). Check it out at Phil Steele’s Website.

Thanks for tuning in to the Big Ten Huddle! Join us for more in-depth college football analysis and vibrant discussions.

JR and Zack select five key Big Ten rematches expected to flip from their 2024 results. They discuss why teams like Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State, Oregon, and Indiana could see different outcomes due to roster changes, coaching adjustments, and strategic shifts. Each game is broken down with insights into what went wrong last year and what could go right in 2025. Expect heated debates on whether Indiana’s momentum carries forward and if Michigan can rebound under new leadership.

DL PREVIEWS

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

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!

🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5102755454124032