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

Topics Discussed

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Useful Timestamps

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Additional Notes

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

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

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

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

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Contact Us: Email us at jrsrankings@gmail.com for feedback or inquiries.

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

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

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

DL PREVIEWS

• Michigan: Despite losing some talent, Lou Esposito’s coaching and players like Derrick Moore keep them elite.
• Ohio State: Beau Atkinson’s addition and Kayden McDonald’s underrated impact are highlighted.
• Penn State: Danni Dennis-Sutton and Zane Durant lead a strong unit, but depth is questioned.
• Oregon: Matayo Uiagalelei and Bear Alexander form a formidable front.
• Iowa: Depth and experience with Max Llewellyn and Aaron Graves shine.
• Illinois: Gabe Jacas is a potential NFL draft steal.
• Minnesota: Anthony Smith’s star potential is a focal point.
• Indiana: Mikail Kamara could be the best EDGE in the conference. They also touch on lower-ranked teams like Purdue and UCLA, discussing challenges and potential breakout players. The hosts emphasize how defensive lines will shape the 2025 season, especially in physical Big Ten matchups.

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

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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

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.

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In this exciting episode of The Big Ten Huddle, hosts JR and Zack dive into a comprehensive preview of the Big Ten’s wide receiver talent for the 2025 season. They kick off with their definitive top 25 wide receiver rankings, spotlighting standout players like Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate, who they rank as the top two (00:08:00). The hosts discuss game-changers expected to dominate, such as Indiana’s Elijah Surratt and USC’s Makai Lemon, while also identifying sleepers like Rutgers’ Ian Strong and DT Sheffield, who could surprise this season (00:11:19, 00:19:56).

The episode also explores the best and most underrated wide receiver rooms in the Big Ten, with Ohio State, USC, Penn State, Indiana, and Rutgers emerging as top contenders (00:25:58). JR and Zack debate the impact of young talent, transfers, and quarterback play on these rankings, noting Oregon’s potential despite uncertainties with their second receiver (00:26:10). They address fan feedback, incorporating projections for freshmen and unproven players, as requested by their audience (00:02:33).

Additional topics include Wisconsin’s wide receiver room, which has generated buzz but raises concerns if it’s their strongest position group (00:32:19), and a lighthearted mention of Kansas State chatter in the context of conference realignment (00:38:05). The episode wraps with a nod to Father’s Day and a call to action for listeners to engage with the show (00:39:49).

Useful Timestamps:

• 00:00:00 - Intro and episode overview

• 00:03:13 - Top 25 wide receiver rankings discussion begins

• 00:08:00 - Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate ranked #1 and #2

• 00:19:56 - Rutgers’ underrated receiver room highlighted

• 00:25:58 - Best wide receiver duos in the Big Ten

• 00:32:19 - Wisconsin’s wide receiver room analysis

• 00:39:49 - Father’s Day shoutout and closing remarks

Additional Notes:

• Catch The Big Ten Huddle daily Monday through Friday by 9 AM, or join live on YouTube Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 9 PM Eastern.

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Thanks for listening, and let’s keep the Big Ten conversation going!