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

Topics Discussed

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Useful Timestamps

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Additional Notes

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

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

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

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

Links and Social Media

Follow us on Twitter/X

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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

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

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 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.

• Engage with us! Leave a 5-star review on Apple or Spotify, like and subscribe on YouTube, and share your thoughts in the comments or on social media.

• Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more Big Ten content.

• Contact us: jrsrankings@gmail.com

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

In this episode of Big Ten Huddle, hosts JR and Zack dive into three major college football topics, delivering engaging analysis for Big Ten fans. Drawing from best podcast practices outlined by platforms like Spotify for Podcasters and Apple Podcasts, we ensure a clear structure, listener interaction, and actionable calls-to-action to boost engagement. Below is a detailed breakdown of the episode, including timestamps, topics, and additional resources.

1. Wisconsin’s NCAA Punishment (00:04:52 - 00:12:29)

   • The NCAA issued Wisconsin a $25,000 fine, one-year probation, and show-cause penalties for coaches Greg Scruggs and Max Stienecker due to 139 impermissible recruiting calls in 2023. JR and Zack question the punishment’s effectiveness, calling it a “slap on the wrist” and highlighting the NCAA’s inconsistent enforcement. They discuss how this adds to the narrative of Luke Fickell struggling to adapt to the Big Ten’s competitive demands.

2. Justice Haynes Compares Sherrone Moore to Nick Saban (00:12:29 - 00:14:28)

   • Former Alabama RB Justice Haynes, now at Michigan, compared Wolverines coach Sherrone Moore to Nick Saban, citing Moore’s discipline and focus on running the ball. JR and Zack analyze whether this comparison holds, noting Haynes’ limited experience with Saban (one year) and Moore’s early tenure. They discuss Moore’s 8-5 record in 2024 and his potential to emulate Saban’s leadership style.

   • Reference: On3 Interview with Justice Haynes.

3. ESPN’s College Football Future Power Rankings through 2026 (00:14:28 - 00:44:07)

   • The hosts debate Adam Rittenberg’s ESPN Future Power Rankings, focusing on Big Ten teams like Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State. They question Iowa’s high ranking at #23, citing defensive losses and an aging coaching staff, and argue Michigan State at #51 is too low given their quarterback and coaching potential. JR and Zack also highlight Indiana and Illinois as teams to watch.

• Listener Interaction: JR and Zack engage with fans in the YouTube comments, addressing Gopher, Wolverine, and Iowa fans (00:02:27 - 00:04:48). They respond to feedback about Iowa’s ranking and a Twitter poll about eliminating a Big Ten quarterback, humorously noting Adrian Martinez as the consensus pick (00:44:44 - 00:46:01).

• Community Engagement: Fans are encouraged to join the conversation on X with #BigTenHuddle and vote on polls at @BigTenHuddle.

• Podcast Best Practices: Following Spotify for Podcasters’ advice, we keep the intro concise (under 90 seconds) and include clear calls-to-action (like, subscribe, rate). Apple Podcasts’ guidelines inspired our detailed show notes with timestamps for easy navigation.

• 00:00:00 - 00:04:52: Intro, listener shoutouts, and episode overview

• 00:04:52 - 00:12:29: Wisconsin’s NCAA punishment discussion

• 00:12:29 - 00:14:28: Justice Haynes’ Moore-Saban comparison

• 00:14:28 - 00:44:07: ESPN Future Power Rankings debate

• 00:44:07 - 00:46:46: Twitter poll discussion and episode wrap-up

• Podcast Resources: Learn podcasting tips at Spotify for Podcasters and Apple Podcasts Creators.

• Big Ten Huddle Social Media:

  • X: @BigTenHuddle

  • Instagram: @BigTenHuddlePodcast

  • Email: jrsrankings@gmail.com

Share your thoughts on Wisconsin’s punishment, Moore’s comparison, or the 2026 rankings! Email us at bigtenhuddle@gmail.com or DM on X. Subscribe on YouTube, Apple, or Spotify for daily episodes Monday through Friday by 9 AM ET, or join our live YouTube shows at 9 PM ET on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Thanks for listening—go Big Ten!

In this episode of The Big Ten Huddle, host JR delivers a comprehensive preview of the Big Ten’s special teams for the 2025 season. From ranking all 18 special teams coordinators to spotlighting returning star players and projecting future standouts, this episode is packed with insights for Big Ten fans. JR also highlights Iowa’s consistent dominance in special teams and invites viewers to join live discussions.

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 LIVE 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

Podcasts are posted daily by 9 am Monday through Friday.

You can also expect videos by JR throughout the week covering news and other interesting topics.

*All times are Eastern time

Key Topics Covered

Special Teams Coordinator Rankings: JR evaluates the 18 Big Ten special teams coordinators, from Rob Keys (Ohio State) to LeVar Woods (Iowa), based on performance, efficiency metrics, and potential.

Returning Star Players: Key players returning for 2025 include kickers like Drew Stevens (Iowa) and Dominic Zavada (Michigan), punters like Rice Dawkins (Iowa), returners like Kaden Wetjen (Iowa), and long snappers like Luke Basso (Oregon).

Projections for 2025: JR predicts which coordinators, such as Andre Powell (Maryland) and Mike Eckler (Nebraska), might climb the rankings.

Iowa’s Special Teams Excellence: A deep dive into Iowa’s consistent success, with multiple All-Big Ten players.

Viewer Engagement: JR encourages live interaction via YouTube chat during broadcasts on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays at 9 PM, and promotes the daily podcast (Monday through Friday at 9 AM).

Additional Links

YouTube Channel: Subscribe to The Big Ten Huddle YouTube for live broadcasts and more.

Podcast: Listen on Apple Podcasts or other platforms.

Social Media:

Twitter/X

Instagram

Email: jrsrankings@gmail.com

Like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell on YouTube to stay updated with The Big Ten Huddle! Join our live broadcasts on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays at 9 PM, and tune into the daily podcast at 9 AM for more Big Ten insights.

JR is with Larry from @InsideMarylandSports in this episode, where he explores five key takeaways from how Big Ten schools are responding to the House vs NCAA Settlement. From Penn State and UCLA’s private equity deals to Ohio State and USC’s partnerships with Learfield, we cover the latest moves. We’ll address concerns about Penn State and UCLA’s stability and why the settlement’s foundation appears solid. We also discuss the challenges of cross-country travel in the Big Ten and potential conference restructuring for sports like football and basketball. Finally, we examine how NIL collectives are evolving, with markets, fanbases, and brands driving new opportunities for player endorsements an

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 LIVE 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

Podcasts are posted daily by 9 am Monday through Friday.

You can also expect videos by JR throughout the week covering news and other interesting topics.

*All times are Eastern time

Topics Discussed

Overview of the NCAA settlement (House v. NCAA)

Revenue-sharing model and its impact on college sports

Ohio State's plans: $18 million in direct payments, focus on football and basketball, addition of 91 scholarships

USC's preparations: increased investment in student-athletes, collaboration with Learfield

Penn State's strategy: funding revenue-sharing up to the cap, benefiting from increased roster limits, exploring private equity

UCLA's approach: maintaining scholarship limits to maximize revenue-sharing, exploring private equity deals

Potential challenges and opportunities for Big Ten schools in this new landscape

Additional Notes

The settlement is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, with schools able to start distributing revenue-sharing funds immediately.

The revenue-sharing cap for the 2025-26 academic year is approximately $20.5 million per school.

Schools are also adjusting scholarship limits, with some choosing to maintain current levels to maximize revenue-sharing distributions.

Private equity deals are becoming a trend among Big Ten schools to fund the new revenue-sharing model.

Social Media and Contact

Twitter/X

Apple

Spotify

YouTube Channel

Email us: jrsrankings@gmail.com

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