JR and Big Jeff kick off The Big Ten Huddle by recapping Jeff's earlier rant on the Coach of the Year award, where he initially called it the "dumbest" for rewarding media hype over excellence. Jeff admits he was wrong after researching 55 years of winners, sharing a table showing 31% went to blue-blood programs like Michigan and Ohio State with stellar records (e.g., Bo Schembechler won 4 times). Only 13 winners had 4+ losses, often for big turnarounds. They discuss implications for 2025, like if Purdue's Ryan Walters hits a bowl game or Illinois goes 10-2.

Shifting to "Questions to Ponder," they debate the ideal Big Ten team for a retired Nick Saban. Jeff picks Maryland for its recruiting potential in the DMV area and underachievement under Mike Locksley, boosting conference supremacy vs. the SEC. JR counters with Nebraska or USC as blue-bloods not fully realizing potential under Matt Rhule or Lincoln Riley, ensuring quick national titles.

The episode wraps with bold 2025 predictions from Twitter and chat: Russ says Purdue makes a bowl and wins Coach of the Year; Albert predicts Iowa beats Oregon at home; Dustin sees Nebraska's Jahcoy Barney as 1st-team All-Big Ten WR; T-Dub forecasts USC at 9+ wins and playoffs; C predicts Minnesota in playoffs; Cobalt envisions an all-SEC title with Bama/LSU/Texas/Georgia (maybe Notre Dame). JR and Jeff rate boldness, agreeing some like Minnesota's run are wild, while others like USC's wins are realistic. They tease next week's focus on spreads and picks, shifting to Wednesdays for game 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

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

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join JR and Jeff on The Big Ten Huddle as they analyze the SEC's major shift to a 9-game conference schedule announced on August 21, 2025, effective 2026. Without divisions, teams will play 3 annual rivals to preserve traditions like Georgia-Auburn, with the other 6 games rotating—ensuring every opponent is faced at least once every 2 years and home/away every 4. Plus, SEC schools must schedule one high-quality non-con foe from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, or Notre Dame, tying into enhanced playoff strength-of-schedule metrics.

The duo debates the Big Ten's response: matching the SEC by requiring a power non-con game for all teams to avoid tiebreaker losses in playoff selections. They highlight needs like protected rivalries (e.g., for USC, Oregon, Washington, UCLA to ease travel) and consistent rotations for fairness, especially for teams like Penn State. Impacts on specific Big Ten squads: Indiana must toughen non-con schedules (e.g., drop weak opponents like Howard for ACC/Big 12 matchups) after canceling Virginia; USC should retain Notre Dame as their power rival; Michigan could revive periodic Notre Dame games alongside series like Oklahoma.

They advocate a Big Ten-SEC challenge with balanced matchups (e.g., Ohio State vs. Georgia, Iowa vs. Texas) for exciting early-season games, better fan engagement, and iron-sharpens-iron preparation—while keeping 2 easier non-con games to support smaller programs financially. This move levels the playing field, boosts college football quality, and could end talks of expanding playoffs beyond 16 teams. Good for rivalries, playoffs, and the sport overall!

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!

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

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

JR and Zach kick off with intros, promoting the channel and upcoming content like power rankings. They banter about music and dancing before diving into reevaluating their Top 25 rankings post-spring. Zach shares his list, emphasizing teams like Penn State, Ohio State, Texas, and Clemson as top-tier due to depth and talent, while expressing uncertainty about Alabama, LSU, Georgia, and Oregon. He highlights parity in college football and questions around many teams.

JR agrees on parity, shares his adjusted Top 25 with Ohio State at #1, Penn State #2, Texas #3, Clemson #4, and others like Notre Dame, Oregon, Georgia, Alabama, LSU, and Illinois in the mix. He moves Illinois down slightly due to talent vs. experience debates but praises their potential. Both discuss biases, like JR's skepticism of Texas hype and Steve Sarkisian comparisons to James Franklin.

They critique coaching rankings, schedules (e.g., Texas's tough slate), and teams like Vanderbilt, Nebraska, Indiana, and USC. Zach notes Clemson's underrated QB Cade Klubnik and receiving corps. They agree Penn State has fewer holes but flag concerns like linebacker depth.

Shifting to playoff predictions, JR seeds Ohio State #1 (Big Ten champ), Clemson #2 (ACC), Oregon #3 (at-large), Notre Dame #4 (at-large), with others like Penn State #5, Miami #6, Alabama #7, Illinois #8, Boise State #9, Utah #10, Texas #11, Liberty #12. His bracket: Ohio State beats Alabama, Penn State tops Miami, Oregon defeats Notre Dame, Clemson over Texas. Semis: Penn State beats Oregon, Clemson edges Ohio State. Clemson wins title over Penn State.

Zach's seeds: Penn State #1 (Big Ten), Clemson #2 (ACC), Notre Dame #3 (at-large), Texas #4 (SEC), Ohio State #5, Georgia #6, Alabama #7, Oregon #8, Boise State #9, Nebraska #10, Illinois #11, Arizona State #12. Bracket: Ohio State crushes Boise, Arizona State upsets Georgia, Alabama beats Nebraska, Oregon over Illinois. Quarters: Ohio State tops Texas, Clemson beats Arizona State, Notre Dame defeats Alabama, Penn State over Oregon. Semis: Ohio State avenges Clemson losses, Penn State beats Notre Dame. Final: Penn State wins over Ohio State for James Franklin's first title.

They discuss pushback on Illinois, experience vs. talent, potential 9-3 teams sneaking in, and chaos from schedules/parity. No SEC in either final four sparks SEC-bashing fun. Episode ends with excitement for week zero games and future updates.

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!

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

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

JR dives deep into the College Football Playoff's (CFP) recent adjustments to their selection process, sparking buzz across the sport. He outlines the basics: a revamped strength of schedule metric that prioritizes games against top opponents, and a new "record strength" factor that rewards quality wins but softens penalties for tough losses—while cracking down on bad defeats and cupcake blowouts.

JR explains how these tweaks encourage high-stakes matchups, making the regular season more exciting by nudging teams away from padding resumes with easy wins like against FCS teams. He uses examples from recent seasons, such as Michigan's upset over Ohio State in 2023 and Alabama's loss to Texas, to illustrate potential impacts. However, he cautions that the changes aren't a slam dunk for the SEC, as their lighter conference slates and late-season weak opponents could backfire under the new scrutiny.

The discussion weighs benefits for both conferences: the Big Ten's tougher schedules might shine brighter, while the SEC's strategy of avoiding intra-league heavyweights gets exposed. JR critiques Alabama fans' complaints about last year's snubs, highlighting the Tide's inconsistent play and poor losses (e.g., to Vanderbilt and Oklahoma) compared to teams like Indiana and SMU, who dominated their schedules.

He also unpacks the messiness of strength-of-schedule metrics (Sagarin, FPI, FEI), noting flaws like ignoring travel or timing, and calls for transparency from the committee on their formulas. JR argues for more intersectional games, like a Big Ten-SEC challenge, over expanding the playoff further, which he sees as diluting stakes.

Ultimately, these changes punish sloppiness and reward big moments but fall short without fixing root issues like uneven conference games. JR invites debate on whether this levels the playing field or maintains SEC favoritism. If you're a college football fan, this episode cuts through the hype—subscribe for more Big Ten insights!

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!

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

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

JR and Zack kick off The Big Ten Huddle with the latest fall camp buzz shaking up Big Ten Football ahead of the 2025 season. They start with the bombshell at Ohio State: freshman phenom Julian Sayin has clinched the starting QB job, edging out veterans in a move that could redefine the Buckeyes' offense. The discussion heats up around eligibility woes—USC's DJ Wingfield and UCLA's Kaedin Robinson were denied preliminary injunctions, sidelining them and impacting team depth. Heartbreak hits Michigan as five-star freshman Andrew Babalola suffers a potential season-ending injury, raising questions about the Wolverines' line stability.

Shifting to Oregon, the hosts dissect ESPN's Pete Thamel's insights on QB Austin Novosad: "Austin Novosad this year. Really talented young guy coming in. I would think that Dante Moore is ahead there right now, but I don’t know if it’s a hammer-lock on the job." JR and Zack speculate on how this competition could evolve, potentially giving the Ducks a dynamic edge.

The core topic dives deep: Will every Big Ten team have a better or worse defense in 2025? They analyze each squad—Iowa's stout unit might hold steady or improve with returning talent; Ohio State's could elevate under new schemes but risks regression from losses; Michigan faces challenges post-injury but boasts veteran leadership; Penn State looks primed for gains with athletic recruits; Oregon's speed could make them elite, though inexperience looms; USC and UCLA might struggle with personnel hits, predicting slight declines; Wisconsin and Nebraska aim for rebounds via coaching tweaks; while teams like Indiana and Purdue could surprise with underrated additions. JR argues for overall conference improvement due to expanded recruiting, while Zack warns of growing pains from realignment.

Packed with predictions, hot takes, and fan insights, this episode is a must-watch for Big Ten enthusiasts. What do you think—better defenses across the board? Drop your thoughts below! #BigTenFootball #CollegeFootball2025 #FallCampBuzz

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

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of The Big Ten Huddle, hosts JR, Big Jeff, and Zack Gugenheim dive into their predictions for the 2025 Big Ten superlatives, covering sleeper teams, breakout players, underrated games, and more while challenging SEC bias with insightful analysis and plenty of laughs. They share picks like Rutgers as a sleeper, Jeremiah Smith for offensive player of the year, and Bret Bielema for coach of the year, encouraging viewers to engage with their own thoughts.

Starting with Most Underrated Game: JR picks Indiana vs. Iowa for its potential defensive slugfest and implications for the middle of the pack. Big Jeff goes with Michigan vs. USC, highlighting the clash of styles between a rebuilding Michigan and a flashy USC offense. Zack chooses Wisconsin vs. Washington, noting the cross-conference intrigue and coaching storylines that could make it a sleeper hit.

Next, The Team You Think Your Predictions Are Too Low On (Sleeper Team): JR tabs Rutgers, citing their underrated defense and schedule advantages that could lead to a surprise bowl run. Big Jeff picks USC, believing their talent influx will exceed expectations in a transitional year. Zack selects UCLA, pointing to their recruiting momentum and potential to upset in the Pac-12 remnants.

For The Team You Think Your Predictions Are Too High On (Disappointing Team): JR warns about Michigan, with coaching changes and roster turnover potentially leading to a step back. Big Jeff calls out Oregon, suggesting hype around their stars might not translate against a brutal schedule. Zack highlights Nebraska, where early promise could fizzle amid tough road games.

Coach of the Year: JR votes for Bret Bielema at Illinois, praising his steady build and potential for an overachieving season. Big Jeff backs Matt Rhule at Nebraska, if they turn the corner with his recruiting class. Zack supports Jedd Fisch at Washington, for navigating a rebuild with poise and early wins.

Offensive Player of the Year: JR picks Jeremiah Smith at Ohio State, expecting the freshman wideout to explode in a high-powered attack. Big Jeff goes with Drew Allar at Penn State, predicting a breakout under better protection. Zack chooses Jayden Maiava at USC, for his dual-threat upside in Lincoln Riley's system.

Defensive Player of the Year: We had a bit of debate here—JR selects Koi Perich at Minnesota for his versatility in the secondary. Big Jeff picks Caleb Downs at Ohio State, the transfer safety set to anchor the Buckeyes. Zack ties between Gabe Jacas at Illinois and Makail Kamara at Rutgers, but leans Jacas for his edge-rushing impact.

Finally, Breakout Player of the Year: JR highlights Jordan Marshall at Michigan, the running back ready to carry the load. Big Jeff picks Demond Williams at Arizona (wait, Big Ten now?), wait no—actually, we clarify it's Big Ten-focused, but he means the QB transfer potential. Zack goes with Aidan Chiles at Michigan State, the young signal-caller poised for stardom.

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!

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

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

JR and Zack kick off the episode with a deep dive into the Michigan sign-stealing scandal involving Connor Stalions. They recap the NCAA's investigation, which revealed unauthorized advance scouting and signal decoding during games, leading to penalties including a three-game suspension for former coach Jim Harbaugh (already served), probation for the program, and recruiting restrictions. JR argues the punishment feels light given the competitive edge gained, pointing out how it potentially influenced key wins en route to Michigan's 2023 national championship. Zack counters that while unethical, the scandal didn't directly alter on-field plays enough to warrant harsher measures like vacating the title, emphasizing the gray areas in college football rules.

The discussion heats up on whether Michigan's title is tainted. JR leans yes, comparing it to past scandals like Reggie Bush's Heisman forfeiture, suggesting the asterisk will linger in fan debates and recruiting battles. Zack pushes back, noting the team's dominant performance post-suspension and how rivals like Ohio State couldn't capitalize, framing it as overblown media hype rather than a core integrity issue. They agree the real impact moving forward is on recruiting and morale—Michigan might face tougher scrutiny from prospects wary of program instability, but under new coach Sherrone Moore, the Wolverines' strong NIL deals and tradition could mitigate losses, potentially fueling a "us vs. the world" mentality for 2025.

Transitioning to the Big Ten's early deliberations on a 24 or 28-team playoff, inspired by Commissioner Tony Petitti's vision for conference dominance amid SEC rivalry. JR expresses excitement, seeing it as a way to showcase depth with auto-bids for top teams and at-large spots for underdogs. Zack is more cautious, highlighting logistical nightmares like scheduling conflicts and player fatigue in an already expanded 18-team league. On likelihood, they peg it at 40-50% within five years, citing Petitti's push for revenue growth but noting resistance from smaller schools and NCAA oversight.

For winners and losers, JR names powerhouses like Ohio State, Penn State, and Oregon as big beneficiaries, gaining more postseason shots without grueling qualifiers. Michigan could rebound stronger, too, using the scandal as motivation. Losers? Mid-tier teams like Purdue or Northwestern, diluted in a massive field, and potentially the SEC if the Big Ten locks in more playoff revenue. Zack adds fans win with more games, but lose if it waters down regular-season stakes. The episode wraps with calls for listener feedback on these hot topics, urging subscriptions for future Big Ten breakdowns.

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

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of The Big Ten Huddle, host JR and guest Big Jeff analyze predictions for the bottom half of the Big Ten football conference, breaking down team records, schedules, and reasons for optimism and pessimism. They discuss bowl eligibility, potential upsets, and key players for teams like Washington, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and more.

JR welcomes listeners to The Big Ten Huddle, emphasizing coverage of all Big Ten teams and challenging SEC bias. He introduces Big Jeff for his insights on the bottom half predictions, noting how many teams might miss bowl eligibility. They encourage likes, subscriptions, comments, and podcast reviews. JR mentions emailing feedback to [email protected].

They chat about upcoming Michigan news, Big Ten's "new era" tweet tying into Taylor Swift, and technical issues with Jeff streaming via phone.

Jeff clarifies these rankings reflect tough schedules, not just power, and promotes his site bigjeffsfootball.com for full write-ups.

Starting with Washington (10th, 8-4 overall, 5-4 Big Ten): Jeff predicts an upset over Ohio State but losses to Michigan and Oregon. Optimism: Talented roster, strong pass defense (2nd nationally last year), QB Demond Williams' upside, favorable schedule with 5 home games. Pessimism: Offensive line struggles, coaching decisions in close games. JR agrees, sees playoff potential with stars like Denzel Boston and Jonah Coleman.

Minnesota (11th, 8-4, 5-4): Losses to Ohio State, Nebraska, Iowa, Oregon. Optimism: Favorable schedule (5 home games vs. weaker opponents), top-5 national defense, RB Darius Taylor's versatility. Pessimism: Young QB Drake Lindsey, reconfigured O-line. JR highlights close games last year and trusts the defense.

Wisconsin (12th, 5-7, 3-6): Toughest schedule in nation, including at Alabama. Optimism: Returning production, recruiting (34th nationally), QB Billy Edwards' stability, return to run game. Pessimism: Brutal opponents, defense regression, early confidence loss. JR predicts 6-6, notes culture and home upsets possible.

UCLA (13th, 5-7, 3-6): Under 5.5 wins. Optimism: QB Nikhil Iyamaeva's potential, reasonable schedule (avoids top teams), new OC Tino Sunseri. Pessimism: Low returning production, defense losses, coach Deshaun Foster learning. JR sees wildcard potential, 4-8 floor or 7-8 ceiling.

Michigan State (14th, 5-7, 2-7): Year away from contention. Optimism: High returning production, QB Aidan Chiles and WR Nick Marsh upside. Pessimism: Tough road schedule, turnover issues, weak run game. JR defends talent, portal additions; predicts better than expected.

Rutgers (14th tie, 5-7, 2-7): Tougher schedule than last year. Optimism: Talent retention, QB Athan Kaliakmanis' ball security, offensive jump. Pessimism: Plays top teams, defense regression from injuries. JR sees 6-8 win upside despite injuries last year.

Maryland (16th, 4-8, 1-8): Avoids top-3 teams. Optimism: Favorable schedule, recruiting (30th nationally), new coordinators. Pessimism: Young QB, weak rush, locker room stability. JR excited for youth, big year for coach Mike Locksley.

Northwestern (17th, 3-9, 1-8): Sole win vs. Purdue. Optimism: QB Preston Stone's experience, solid defense, returning production. Pessimism: Dreadful offense, challenging schedule. JR notes young WRs, trenches strength; Braun safe.

Purdue (18th, 2-10, 0-9): Massive turnover (54 transfers). Optimism: New coach Barry Odom's experience, RB Devin Mockobee. Pessimism: Rough schedule, poor offense/defense/turnovers. JR low on Purdue, hopes for surprise.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The episode kicks off with JR welcoming co-hosts Zach Guggenheim and Big Jeff, setting the stage for in-depth Big Ten football predictions while poking fun at SEC bias. They dive straight into week-by-week breakdowns, starting with non-conference games like Rutgers vs. Ohio (Rutgers win) and Ohio State vs. Texas (Buckeyes edge it out despite Jeff's Texas pick). Early weeks feature quick consensus on blowouts, such as Michigan over New Mexico and Oregon over Montana State, but debates heat up on trickier matchups like Northwestern vs. Tulane (Tulane majority) and UCLA vs. Utah (Utah sweep).

As they progress to conference play in week four, discussions intensify with games like Iowa at Rutgers (Iowa) and Illinois at Indiana (Indiana mild upset via home-field edge). Key rivalries spark banter: Oregon over Oregon State, USC over Michigan State, and Michigan at Nebraska (Nebraska upset with young QB concerns for Michigan). They highlight potential traps, like Ohio State's tough mid-season road stretch (Illinois, Wisconsin, Washington), where upsets could lurk.

Mid-episode, they tackle big clashes: Penn State at Michigan (Penn State), Ohio State at Oregon (Buckeyes in a close one), and USC at Michigan (USC). Fun moments include Zach's Northwestern loyalty clashing with picks, Jeff's Godfather references, and JR's vow not to pick Ohio State over Michigan until it happens again (leading to a tiebreaker favoring Buckeyes). Later weeks cover revenge games like Iowa over Michigan State and rivalry week fireworks: Nebraska over Iowa, Indiana over Purdue, and Oregon over Washington (despite Zach's Husky upset call).

The trio resolves splits by majority vote or chat input, emphasizing Big Ten depth and young QBs' impact. They wrap with projected standings: Ohio State 12-0 (though all doubt perfection), Penn State 11-1, Oregon 10-2, Michigan 10-2, Nebraska 10-2 (playoff bubble with USC/Michigan wins but UCLA loss). Thoughts on playoff chances, like Nebraska needing help at 10-2, and optimism for mid-tier teams like Illinois (9-3) close out. Banter flows with anti-SEC jabs, family mentions (Jeff attending Indiana game), and calls for subscriptions. A lively, insightful session blending analysis, laughs, and bold forecasts for Big Ten fans.

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!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this jam-packed episode of The Big Ten Huddle, hosts JR and Zack dive into the electrifying preseason developments shaking up Big Ten football ahead of the 2025 season. They start with the hottest camp buzz, highlighting key storylines from across the conference.

Kicking off the discussion, JR and Zack analyze Ohio State's quarterback competition, where head coach Ryan Day draws striking comparisons to the 2018 battle between Joe Burrow and Dwayne Haskins, noting similarities in talent depth and decision-making pressure. They express optimism for the Buckeyes' offense but debate how the ongoing battle could impact early-season chemistry.

Next, the duo turns to Oregon, where five-star freshman safety Trey McNutt's broken right leg in fall camp deals a blow to the Ducks' secondary. JR laments the timing for the highly touted recruit, while Zack discusses how Oregon's depth at safety might mitigate the loss, though it could force adjustments in nickel packages.

At Michigan State, Jonathan Smith provides an optimistic update on tight end Jack Velling, who has been sidelined with a left foot injury but is expected to return to practice by the end of the week following the team's first scrimmage. JR and Zack praise Velling's receiving skills and speculate on his role in expanding the Spartans' playbook.

Over at Michigan, Sherrone Moore highlights the offensive line's progress, describing intense back-and-forth battles where the OL is now pushing the defensive line and winning days. The hosts commend Moore's emphasis on competition, with Zack predicting this could solidify Michigan's run game despite roster turnover.

Back to Ohio State, rumors abound about transfer offensive tackle Ethan Onianwa, who appears to have lost the left tackle position to Austin Siereveld and is now competing with Phillip Daniels for the right tackle spot. JR questions the Buckeyes' line stability, while Zack sees it as a sign of depth in a loaded unit.

Illinois' wide receiver group earns high marks, with Collin Dixon, Hank Beatty, Malik Elzy, Hudson Clement, Justin Bowick, Brayden Trimble, Mario Sanders, and Alexander Capka-Jones all impressing in camp, though the Illini are still hunting for a definitive No. 1 target. The pair debates potential breakouts, with JR favoring Elzy's upside.

Finally in buzz, Iowa's transfer quarterback Mark Gronowski.

Shifting gears, JR and Zack unpack takeaways from the preseason AP Top 25 poll, where Texas claims No. 1, Penn State edges in at No. 2, and Ohio State sits at No. 3, with Clemson at 4. They marvel at Penn State's high ranking amid quarterback questions, debate Ohio State's drop despite talent, and highlight Big Ten strength with multiple teams in the top 10. Surprises like Texas atop the list spark discussion on SEC vs. Big Ten narratives, and they touch on snubs for teams like Oregon and Michigan.

Wrapping up, JR delivers his bold rankings on whether each Big Ten team's offense will be better or worse in 2025, factoring in transfers, coaching shifts, and camp vibes. For example, he predicts improvements for Iowa with Gronowski's dynamism, declines for Oregon amid injuries, and stability for powerhouses like Ohio State and Penn State. Zack reacts passionately, agreeing on Michigan State's uptick with Velling but pushing back on Illinois' receiver uncertainty hindering progress. They cover all 18 teams, emphasizing key factors like quarterback stability and line play.

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

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.