The Big Ten Huddle Podcast

JR and Zach kick off The Big Ten Huddle reacting to Week 1 Big Ten football madness, from Northwestern's shocking loss to a Group of Five team to Ohio State's dominant performance that crushes Paul Finebaum's dreams. They share 10 key takeaways, labeling them as hype or panic: JR declares Ohio State the new king of college football after beating top teams and outcoaching rivals, but Zach questions their dynasty potential amid recruiting concerns. Discussions cover Alabama's cultural issues and potential coaching changes under Kalen DeBoer, LSU's strong showing, and Minnesota's misleading win over Drake. They debate Wisconsin's chances against Alabama, Purdue's improvement shutting out Ball State, and UCLA's woes predicting QB Nico Iamaleava might not finish the season. Other highlights include Rutgers' defensive struggles, Indiana's quarterback play, and fun side chats on MAC teams like Kent State. The hosts update a playoff tracker, shout out fans, and end with optimism for Purdue avoiding last place. Packed with analysis, predictions, and banter, this episode is essential for Big Ten fans. More from JR: Personal Twitter: https://x.com/jrs_rankings Big Ten Twitter: https://x.com/TheBigTenHuddle Read JR's Ohio State coverage: https://scarletandgame.com/author/jrhoades1 Read JR's Illinois coverage: https://writingillini.com/author/jrhoades1 SPONSORS Bleav - https://bleav.com/ Homefield - https://www.homefieldapparel.com/?rfsn=7872586.e3e1d25 | Coupon Code: TBTH 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): Sunday at 9 PM w/ Zack Tuesday at 9 PM w/ Zack Thursday at 9 PM w/ Jeff 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 available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon. LISTEN: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/TheBigTenHuddle LEAVE a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-college-huddle-podcast/id1703305789 STREAM on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tMaraKvafFzjUrXGq2c4w 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

JR rgives his Big Ten football power rankings following week 1, discussing each game and providing an overview of the entire Big Ten conference. He encourages viewers to share their thoughts on michigan football, Ohio State football, USC football, and more, while reminding them to like and subscribe for more college football and big 10 football content. Be sure to tune in for more sports analysis throughout the week. More from JR: Personal Twitter: https://x.com/jrs_rankings Big Ten Twitter: https://x.com/TheBigTenHuddle Read JR's Ohio State coverage: https://scarletandgame.com/author/jrhoades1 Read JR's Illinois coverage: https://writingillini.com/author/jrhoades1 SPONSORS Bleav - https://bleav.com/ Homefield - https://www.homefieldapparel.com/?rfsn=7872586.e3e1d25 | Coupon Code: TBTH 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): Sunday at 9 PM w/ Zack Tuesday at 9 PM w/ Zack Thursday at 9 PM w/ Jeff 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 available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon. LISTEN: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/TheBigTenHuddle LEAVE a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-college-huddle-podcast/id1703305789 STREAM on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tMaraKvafFzjUrXGq2c4w 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

JR kicks off with biggest takeaways: Big Ten's perfect 4-0 record, but MAC teams pushed hard with too-close games, and a reminder not to overreact to Week 1. For Nebraska vs Cincinnati, he covers the game-sealing INT by Hartzog redeeming a 4th-down slip, Matt Rhule's weight loss, and turning it into a home-like atmosphere for the Huskers. Pros include Raiola's improved zone coverage reads over last year's Indiana struggles and strong Nebraska corners with great recovery. Cons: Raiola's pressure issues with dropped INTs and a lucky fumble bounce, trouble containing Sorsby's mobility, and tempo disrupting the defense—how will Butler adjust? Takeaways: Team's vastly improved with sustained drives aiding defense but close turnover calls; DL concerns after struggling vs mid-tier Big 12 foe. On Rutgers vs Ohio, a frustrating close win (34-31 after 31-17 halftime lead). Pros: Athan Kaliakmanis shining with WRs, OL providing solid push. Cons: DL faltered vs smaller Ohio OL (Eric O'Neil, Bradley Weaver zero sacks), Jett Elad's rough day, undisciplined overpursuit—Navarro won't be the toughest QB (Gronowski, Williams, Sayin, Washington, Moore ahead). Takeaways: Maybe abandon Rutgers defense reliance; they'll need fast-paced offense leaning on Kaliakmanis to carry; Ohio's good but won't suffice in tougher Big Ten. Wisconsin vs Miami: Billy Edwards out, penalties on deep balls, 3-0 halftime fueling doubters with lowest attendance since 1992. Pros: Four 40+ yard drives sustained despite Miami stacking vs run; Alliegro, Cheeks, Reigerall strong at LB—a defensive strength; Zachman's ball-hawking safety play, noting Big Ten's elite safeties. Cons: Poor OL especially LT pass pro, QB inaccuracy though O'Neil shows promise. Takeaways: Can Fickell survive 3-4 win season? O'Neil potential upgrade over Locke despite bad plays. Minnesota vs Buffalo: Darius Taylor 3Q injury scare. Pros: Lindsey poised with tremendous arm, 290 yards/2 TDs, solid processing despite imperfect decisions; Anthony Smith's dominance; young team mistakes correctable by PJ. Cons: Offense stalled in red zone till Q4; Kerry Brown beaten on 40-yard TD. Takeaways: Taylor elite workhorse (141 rush yards/30 carries, X receptions, stronger as game went minus TD); Lindsey needs Big Ten proof but good start; Defense stellar holding Buffalo to 151 total/44 rush yards, 1/11 third downs despite one breakdown to Victor Snow. Like, subscribe, and listen on podcast for more Big Ten insights! More from JR: Personal Twitter: https://x.com/jrs_rankings Big Ten Twitter: https://x.com/TheBigTenHuddle Read JR's Ohio State coverage: https://scarletandgame.com/author/jrhoades1 Read JR's Illinois coverage: https://writingillini.com/author/jrhoades1 SPONSORS Bleav - https://bleav.com/ Homefield - https://www.homefieldapparel.com/?rfsn=7872586.e3e1d25 | Coupon Code: TBTH 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): Sunday at 9 PM w/ Zack Tuesday at 9 PM w/ Zack Thursday at 9 PM w/ Jeff 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 available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon. LISTEN: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/TheBigTenHuddle LEAVE a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-college-huddle-podcast/id1703305789 STREAM on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tMaraKvafFzjUrXGq2c4w 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

JR kicks off The Big Ten Huddle by introducing Big Jeff for a Week 1 preview, covering five key Big Ten games with betting lines, spreads, and winner picks. Jeff shares a personal story from a College Football Hall of Fame event in Atlanta tied to autism and Down syndrome support, featuring Tony Barnhart. He outlines his four rules: don't overreact to Week 1 games due to sloppiness and no preseason; refs aren't conspiring; understand Vegas spreads by predicting them first; focus on matchups and motivation. They dive into Nebraska vs Cincinnati (Nebraska -6.5, O/U 51.5), with Jeff favoring Nebraska due to Raiola's growth, home-like crowd in KC, and Rule's Year 3 impact, predicting 31-24. Next, Maryland vs Florida Atlantic (details truncated in script, but Jeff analyzes talent edges and motivations). For Northwestern vs Tulane (Tulane -5.5, O/U 45.5), he picks Tulane 27-20, citing their confidence, QB options, and Northwestern's offensive woes. Utah vs UCLA (Utah -5.5, O/U 51.5) sees Jeff taking Utah 27-20, praising their defense, O-line, and QB Dampier over UCLA's rebuilding offense with Nico Iamaleava. Ohio State vs Texas analysis focuses on matchups, with Jeff's bold calls. Episode wraps with JR and Jeff discussing potential MAC upsets and Big Ten non-con success, plus Jeff's site and Twitter for full write-ups. Additional The Big Ten Huddle Channels: @TheBigTenHuddleBasketball @TheOhioStateHuddle More from JR: Personal Twitter: https://x.com/jrs_rankings Big Ten Twitter: https://x.com/TheBigTenHuddle Read JR's Ohio State coverage: https://scarletandgame.com/author/jrhoades1 Read JR's Illinois coverage: https://writingillini.com/author/jrhoades1 SPONSORS Coach's Film Room - Sign up for the Menace Army: Colonel tier at https://menace2sports.com/channels/coachs-film-room Bleav - https://bleav.com/ Homefield - https://www.homefieldapparel.com/?rfsn=7872586.e3e1d25 | Coupon Code: TBTH 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): Sunday at 9 PM w/ Zack Tuesday at 9 PM w/ Zack Thursday at 9 PM w/ Jeff 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 available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon. LISTEN: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/TheBigTenHuddle LEAVE a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-college-huddle-podcast/id1703305789 STREAM on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tMaraKvafFzjUrXGq2c4w 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

JR and Zack kick off with lively banter, including a Paul Finebaum "leaving the country" tracker for teams out of playoff contention and chat shoutouts. They discuss Dave Portnoy's ban from Ohio Stadium, debating if it's Ohio State's call or Fox's, criticizing Fox's hiring as bringing a "clown show" amid Michigan rivalry tensions. They compare it to ESPN's Pat McAfee and suggest better analysts like Nick Saban or Urban Meyer. Shifting to football, they predict which Big Ten teams score the most in Week 1: Illinois 56-3 over Western Illinois (top pick for points), USC 52-6 vs Missouri State, Penn State 49-7 vs Nevada. Other previews include Iowa 35-0 vs Illinois State, Nebraska 42-10 vs UTEP, Michigan 45-3 vs Fresno State, Indiana 42-7 vs FIU, Oregon 45-7 vs Idaho, Ohio State 38-13 vs Akron, Maryland 45-10 vs UConn, and Michigan State 45-7 vs FAU. They analyze key matchups like UCLA at Hawaii (UCLA 35-21 win, Nico Iamaleava spotlight), Minnesota vs North Carolina (Minnesota 24-21 upset), Purdue vs Indiana State (Purdue 42-7), Rutgers vs Howard (Rutgers 45-10), Wisconsin vs Western Michigan (Wisconsin 35-17), and Northwestern at Tulane (Northwestern 21-17 win, defensive focus). The duo debates upsets, with Ohio State vs Georgia Tech as a mild candidate, but leans toward MAC games like Wisconsin or Rutgers. They end with off-topic rants on YouTube TV/Fox disputes, Taylor Swift's engagement to Travis Kelce invading football talk, and excitement for the season start. Upcoming: Big Jeff's Insight premieres Thursday; live post-game shows Thursday/Friday/Saturday. Thanks to chat, especially Dave for super chats. More from JR: Personal Twitter: https://x.com/jrs_rankings Big Ten Twitter: https://x.com/TheBigTenHuddle Read JR's Ohio State coverage: https://scarletandgame.com/author/jrhoades1 Read JR's Illinois coverage: https://writingillini.com/author/jrhoades1 SPONSORS Bleav - https://bleav.com/ Homefield - https://www.homefieldapparel.com/?rfsn=7872586.e3e1d25 | Coupon Code: TBTH 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): Sunday at 9 PM w/ Zack Tuesday at 9 PM w/ Zack Thursday at 9 PM w/ Jeff 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 available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon. LISTEN: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/TheBigTenHuddle LEAVE a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-college-huddle-podcast/id1703305789 STREAM on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tMaraKvafFzjUrXGq2c4w 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

Hosts JR and Zach kick off The Big Ten Huddle with excitement for the 2025 college football season, vowing not to overreact to Week 1 results. They preview Thursday/Friday Big Ten games: Rutgers favored by 14.5 over Ohio (predicting a close first half but Rutgers pull-away, 37-17 or 34-20); Minnesota by 18.5 vs Buffalo (expecting a tight game early due to new QB Drake Lindsey, final 28-13); Wisconsin by 17.5 vs Miami (OH); Michigan State by 19.5 vs Western Michigan; and Illinois by 45.5 vs Western Illinois (debating the high over/under of 63.5). They highlight Rutgers' veteran secondary challenges and strong edge rush, while noting Ohio's QB Parker Navarro facing former teammates. For Minnesota, they discuss Buffalo's strengths like RB LJ Henderson and edge Kobe Stewart testing new Gopher tackles, with optimism for RB Darius Taylor. The episode features a deep dive into Nebraska vs Cincinnati and Ohio State vs Texas, emphasizing key players and strategies. They introduce the weekly "SEC Stunners" segment, picking potential upsets like Syracuse over Tennessee (JR's choice, citing Fran Brown's coaching and Tennessee's overrated status) and Florida State over Alabama (Zach's bold pick, highlighting FSU's senior O-line and Alabama's hype under Kalen DeBoer). Banter includes corn puns for Nebraska fans, FanDuel odds, and chat interactions. The show wraps with thanks to viewers, nearing 2100 across platforms, and plugs for a Big Ten fantasy league. More from JR: Personal Twitter: https://x.com/jrs_rankings Big Ten Twitter: https://x.com/TheBigTenHuddle Read JR's Ohio State coverage: https://scarletandgame.com/author/jrhoades1 Read JR's Illinois coverage: https://writingillini.com/author/jrhoades1 SPONSORS Coach's Film Room - Sign up for the Menace Army: Colonel tier at https://menace2sports.com/channels/coachs-film-room Bleav - https://bleav.com/ Homefield - https://www.homefieldapparel.com/?rfsn=7872586.e3e1d25 | Coupon Code: TBTH 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): Sunday at 9 PM w/ Zack Tuesday at 9 PM w/ Zack Thursday at 9 PM w/ Jeff 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 available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon. LISTEN: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/TheBigTenHuddle LEAVE a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-college-huddle-podcast/id1703305789 STREAM on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tMaraKvafFzjUrXGq2c4w 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

00:31:19 - Main Topic Conference realignment talk ​ @InsideMarylandSports⁩ : https://www.youtube.com/live/21sSt5FfBn4?si=aRefPKKyXjqCWr02&t=2438 JR and Zack open with Week 0 reactions: Farmageddon's fumbles, Iowa State's comeback vs Kansas State, Dan Mullen's Florida defense flop vs Miami, and Georgia Tech's upset over Florida State. They highlight Bryce Underwood named Michigan's starting QB per Pete Nakos, with Underwood predicting a Heisman win. The duo previews Iowa State at Iowa (predicting low-scoring Iowa win) and UNLV at UCLA (UNLV edge due to UCLA's QB issues). The episode's highlight is Maryland AD Jim Smith's confirmation of Big Ten expanding to 20 teams by 2030, sparking realignment talk: potential adds like Clemson, FSU, UNC, Duke, Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech for academics/football boost; travel concerns with California schools; and playoff implications needing 24+ teams. They critique SEC's shift to 9 conference games, crediting Indiana's Curt Cignetti for bullying them. Chat interactions cover SEC insecurity, top-25 doubts for ISU/KSU, and Notre Dame's future. Hosts discuss competitive balance, NFL-like structure, and reject special treatment for independents. Episode ends with fantasy league invite and Week 1 preview tease. More from JR: Personal Twitter: https://x.com/jrs_rankings Big Ten Twitter: https://x.com/TheBigTenHuddle Read JR's Ohio State coverage: https://scarletandgame.com/author/jrhoades1 Read JR's Illinois coverage: https://writingillini.com/author/jrhoades1 SPONSORS Coach's Film Room - Sign up for the Menace Army: Colonel tier at https://menace2sports.com/channels/coachs-film-room Bleav - https://bleav.com/ Homefield - https://www.homefieldapparel.com/?rfsn=7872586.e3e1d25 | Coupon Code: TBTH 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): Sunday at 9 PM w/ Zack Tuesday at 9 PM w/ Zack Thursday at 9 PM w/ Jeff 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 available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon. LISTEN: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/TheBigTenHuddle LEAVE a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-college-huddle-podcast/id1703305789 STREAM on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tMaraKvafFzjUrXGq2c4w 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

JR analyzes the impact of conference realignment and scheduling changes on Notre Dame football, emphasizing that the team will not be iced out. College football realignment might even create more opportunities for big-time matchups, ensuring that the Fighting Irish remain competitive. The Big Ten schedule and other conference adjustments play a key role. What does the SEC 9 Game Conference Schedule mean for the Big Ten? https://youtu.be/5Bm1Da32HXE Join JR on The Big Ten Huddle as he breaks down the latest in college football conference realignment, focusing on Heather Dinich's ESPN report about the SEC's shift to a nine-game conference schedule in 2026. This move requires SEC teams to play at least one opponent from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, or Notre Dame annually, which sources say "further solidifies" Notre Dame's independence. JR explains why this is a huge win for the Fighting Irish, preserving their non-conference games against SEC powerhouses like Alabama, Texas, and Florida, while maintaining their rock-solid NBC Sports deal, ACC ties for Olympic sports, and clear path to the expanded College Football Playoff.From a Big Ten perspective, JR tackles the swirling Notre Dame Big Ten rumors, arguing that this SEC decision slams the door on any immediate move. He highlights how Notre Dame has thrived independently despite scheduling challenges—playing 8 Power 4 teams last year but 10 this season—and sees no derailment from the impact of conference realignment on Notre Dame football. Concerns like the Big Ten reducing out-of-conference games or USC potentially dropping its iconic rivalry with Notre Dame are addressed, but JR notes the SEC's inclusivity makes independence "bulletproof."Diving deeper, JR discusses how this pushes Notre Dame closer to the ACC, especially if the 17-team league adopts nine games. Citing Bret McMurphy's X post, he points out the mathematical impossibility and suggests counting Notre Dame's ACC games as league contests as a fix—absurd but fitting for college football's chaos. This shift torpedoes Big Ten hopes, putting rivalries like Michigan vs Notre Dame (resuming in 2033-34), Purdue vs Notre Dame (reinstated for five years), and USC vs Notre Dame at risk.JR speculates on Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti's response, sharing Petitti's June comments on The Joel Klatt Show affirming Notre Dame's playoff access. He predicts the Big Ten will likely mirror the SEC's approach for mutual benefits, like boosted TV ratings via their shared NBC tie-in. Ultimately, JR concludes Notre Dame won't join the Big Ten soon, thanks to their TV contract, playoff path, and the positive impact of conference expansion.Don't miss JR's insights on College Football Expansion and more Big Ten talk—power rankings, previews, reactions coming all season! Like, subscribe, and hit notifications for daily videos and live streams.Additional The Big Ten Huddle Channels:@TheBigTenHuddleBasketball@TheOhioStateHuddle More from JR:Personal Twitter: https://x.com/jrs_rankingsBig Ten Twitter: https://x.com/TheBigTenHuddleRead JR's Ohio State coverage: https://scarletandgame.com/author/jrhoades1Read JR's Illinois coverage: https://writingillini.com/author/jrhoades1SPONSORSCoach's Film Room - Sign up for the Menace Army: Colonel tier at https://menace2sports.com/channels/coachs-film-room Bleav - https://bleav.com/Homefield - https://www.homefieldapparel.com/?rfsn=7872586.e3e1d25 | Coupon Code: TBTHCatch 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):- Sunday at 9 PM w/ Zack- Tuesday at 9 PM w/ Zack- Thursday at 9 PM w/ JeffYou can also expect videos by JR throughout the week covering news and interesting topics.*All times are Eastern timeAUDIO ONLY PLATFORMSThe Big Ten Huddle is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon.LISTEN: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/TheBigTenHuddleLEAVE a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-college-huddle-podcast/id1703305789STREAM on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tMaraKvafFzjUrXGq2c4w 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

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: Personal Twitter: https://x.com/jrs_rankings Big Ten Twitter: https://x.com/TheBigTenHuddle Read JR's Ohio State coverage: https://scarletandgame.com/author/jrhoades1 Read JR's Illinois coverage: https://writingillini.com/author/jrhoades1 SPONSORS Coach's Film Room - Sign up for the Menace Army: Colonel tier at https://menace2sports.com/channels/coachs-film-room Bleav - https://bleav.com/ Homefield - https://www.homefieldapparel.com/?rfsn=7872586.e3e1d25 | Coupon Code: TBTH 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): Sunday at 9 PM w/ Zack Tuesday at 9 PM w/ Zack Thursday at 9 PM w/ Jeff 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 available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon. LISTEN: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/TheBigTenHuddle LEAVE a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-college-huddle-podcast/id1703305789 STREAM on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tMaraKvafFzjUrXGq2c4w 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

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: @TheBigTenHuddleBasketball @TheOhioStateHuddle More from JR: Personal Twitter: https://x.com/jrs_rankings Big Ten Twitter: https://x.com/TheBigTenHuddle Read JR's Ohio State coverage: https://scarletandgame.com/author/jrhoades1 Read JR's Illinois coverage: https://writingillini.com/author/jrhoades1 SPONSORS Coach's Film Room - Sign up for the Menace Army: Colonel tier at https://menace2sports.com/channels/coachs-film-room Bleav - https://bleav.com/ Homefield - https://www.homefieldapparel.com/?rfsn=7872586.e3e1d25 | Coupon Code: TBTH 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): Sunday at 9 PM w/ Zack Tuesday at 9 PM w/ Zack Thursday at 9 PM w/ Jeff 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 available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon. LISTEN: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/TheBigTenHuddle LEAVE a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-college-huddle-podcast/id1703305789 STREAM on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tMaraKvafFzjUrXGq2c4w 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

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: @TheBigTenHuddleBasketball @TheOhioStateHuddle More from JR: Personal Twitter: https://x.com/jrs_rankings Big Ten Twitter: https://x.com/TheBigTenHuddle Read JR's Ohio State coverage: https://scarletandgame.com/author/jrhoades1 Read JR's Illinois coverage: https://writingillini.com/author/jrhoades1 SPONSORS Coach's Film Room - Sign up for the Menace Army: Colonel tier at https://menace2sports.com/channels/coachs-film-room Bleav - https://bleav.com/ Homefield - https://www.homefieldapparel.com/?rfsn=7872586.e3e1d25 | Coupon Code: TBTH 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): Sunday at 9 PM w/ Zack Tuesday at 9 PM w/ Zack Thursday at 9 PM w/ Jeff 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 available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon. LISTEN: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/TheBigTenHuddle LEAVE a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-college-huddle-podcast/id1703305789 STREAM on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tMaraKvafFzjUrXGq2c4w 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

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: @TheBigTenHuddleBasketball @TheOhioStateHuddle More from JR: Personal Twitter: https://x.com/jrs_rankings Big Ten Twitter: https://x.com/TheBigTenHuddle Read JR's Ohio State coverage: https://scarletandgame.com/author/jrhoades1 Read JR's Illinois coverage: https://writingillini.com/author/jrhoades1 SPONSORS Coach's Film Room - Sign up for the Menace Army: Colonel tier at https://menace2sports.com/channels/coachs-film-room Bleav - https://bleav.com/ Homefield - https://www.homefieldapparel.com/?rfsn=7872586.e3e1d25 | Coupon Code: TBTH 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): Sunday at 9 PM w/ Zack Tuesday at 9 PM w/ Zack Thursday at 9 PM w/ Jeff 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 available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon. LISTEN: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/TheBigTenHuddle LEAVE a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-college-huddle-podcast/id1703305789 STREAM on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tMaraKvafFzjUrXGq2c4w 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

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: Personal Twitter: https://x.com/jrs_rankings Big Ten Twitter: https://x.com/TheBigTenHuddle Read JR's Ohio State coverage: https://scarletandgame.com/author/jrhoades1 Read JR's Illinois coverage: https://writingillini.com/author/jrhoades1 SPONSORS Coach's Film Room - Sign up for the Menace Army: Colonel tier at https://menace2sports.com/channels/coachs-film-room Bleav - https://bleav.com/ Homefield - https://www.homefieldapparel.com/?rfsn=7872586.e3e1d25 | Coupon Code: TBTH 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): Sunday at 9 PM w/ Zack Tuesday at 9 PM w/ Zack Thursday at 9 PM w/ Jeff 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 available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon. LISTEN: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/TheBigTenHuddle LEAVE a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-college-huddle-podcast/id1703305789 STREAM on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tMaraKvafFzjUrXGq2c4w 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, 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. We kick things off by going superlative by superlative, with each of us sharing our picks for which player or team best fits. 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: @TheBigTenHuddleBasketball @TheOhioStateHuddle More from JR: Personal Twitter: https://x.com/jrs_rankings Big Ten Twitter: https://x.com/TheBigTenHuddle Read JR's Ohio State coverage: https://scarletandgame.com/author/jrhoades1 Read JR's Illinois coverage: https://writingillini.com/author/jrhoades1 SPONSORS Coach's Film Room - Sign up for the Menace Army: Colonel tier at https://menace2sports.com/channels/coachs-film-room Bleav - https://bleav.com/ Homefield - https://www.homefieldapparel.com/?rfsn=7872586.e3e1d25 | Coupon Code: TBTH 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): Sunday at 9 PM w/ Zack Tuesday at 9 PM w/ Zack Thursday at 9 PM w/ Jeff 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 available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon. LISTEN: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/TheBigTenHuddle LEAVE a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-college-huddle-podcast/id1703305789 STREAM on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tMaraKvafFzjUrXGq2c4w 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

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: Personal Twitter: https://x.com/jrs_rankings Big Ten Twitter: https://x.com/TheBigTenHuddle Read JR's Ohio State coverage: https://scarletandgame.com/author/jrhoades1 Read JR's Illinois coverage: https://writingillini.com/author/jrhoades1 SPONSORS Coach's Film Room - Sign up for the Menace Army: Colonel tier at https://menace2sports.com/channels/coachs-film-room Bleav - https://bleav.com/ Homefield - https://www.homefieldapparel.com/?rfsn=7872586.e3e1d25 | Coupon Code: TBTH 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): Sunday at 9 PM w/ Zack Tuesday at 9 PM w/ Zack Thursday at 9 PM w/ Jeff 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 available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon. LISTEN: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/TheBigTenHuddle LEAVE a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-college-huddle-podcast/id1703305789 STREAM on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tMaraKvafFzjUrXGq2c4w 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