In this exciting episode of the Big Ten Huddle, JR and Zack dive deep into the Big Ten Conference’s top secondaries for the 2025 college football season. They discuss their individual rankings, highlight standout players, and identify hidden gems who could make a significant impact. The episode covers key teams like Ohio State, Illinois, Penn State, Michigan, and more, analyzing their defensive backfields’ strengths, continuity, and potential. The hosts also spotlight players like Caleb Downs, Coy Parrish, and Ricardo Hallman, while debating team rankings and breakout candidates.
Key Topics Discussed
Ranking the Big Ten Secondaries: JR and Zack share their top secondary rankings, with Ohio State leading due to stars like Caleb Downs and Denzel Igbenosun, followed by teams like Penn State, Illinois, and Michigan (00:02:01 - 00:12:01).
Elite Players: The hosts highlight top players like Caleb Downs (Ohio State), Coy Parrish (Minnesota), and Rod Moore (Michigan), discussing their NFL potential and impact (00:22:12 - 00:27:54).
Hidden Gems: Potential breakout stars like DJ Harvey (USC), Malik Hartford (Ohio State), and RJ Sermons (USC) are spotlighted as players to watch (00:28:34 - 00:30:02).
Team Analysis: Detailed breakdowns of secondaries from teams like Wisconsin, USC, and Washington, including concerns about continuity and player performance (00:12:01 - 00:21:16).
Big Ten’s Safety Depth: The episode emphasizes the conference’s exceptional safety talent, with up to 13-20 players potentially NFL-bound (00:24:44 - 00:26:44).
Useful Timestamps
00:00:00 - 00:01:36: Introduction and episode overview
00:02:01 - 00:06:00: Zack’s secondary rankings (Ohio State, Illinois, Penn State, etc.)
00:07:28 - 00:12:01: JR’s secondary rankings and player highlights
00:17:10 - 00:21:16: Discussion on ranking differences (Wisconsin, USC, Washington)
00:22:12 - 00:27:54: Highlighting the best Big Ten secondary players
00:28:34 - 00:30:02: Breakout players and hidden gems to watch
00:30:06 - 00:31:20: Closing remarks and channel promotion
Additional Notes
This episode was pre-recorded, so live chat interaction was not available (00:00:16 - 00:00:21).
The hosts encourage listeners to like, subscribe, and leave five-star reviews on YouTube or podcast platforms to support the channel’s growth (00:00:28 - 00:00:35).
Follow the Big Ten Huddle on social media for updates and additional content.
Links and Social Media
Twitter/X: @TheBigTenHuddle
TikTok: @TheBigTenHuddle
Instagram: @TheBigTenHuddle
YouTube: Subscribe to the Big Ten Huddle YouTube Channel
Contact: Reach out via The Big Ten Huddle Contact Page

<description>&lt;p&gt;In this exciting episode of the Big Ten Huddle, JR and Zack dive deep into the Big Ten Conference’s top secondaries for the 2025 college football season. They discuss their individual rankings, highlight standout players, and identify hidden gems who could make a significant impact. The episode covers key teams like Ohio State, Illinois, Penn State, Michigan, and more, analyzing their defensive backfields’ strengths, continuity, and potential. The hosts also spotlight players like Caleb Downs, Coy Parrish, and Ricardo Hallman, while debating team rankings and breakout candidates.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Key Topics Discussed&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Ranking the Big Ten Secondaries: JR and Zack share their top secondary rankings, with Ohio State leading due to stars like Caleb Downs and Denzel Igbenosun, followed by teams like Penn State, Illinois, and Michigan (00:02:01 - 00:12:01).&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Elite Players: The hosts highlight top players like Caleb Downs (Ohio State), Coy Parrish (Minnesota), and Rod Moore (Michigan), discussing their NFL potential and impact (00:22:12 - 00:27:54).&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Hidden Gems: Potential breakout stars like DJ Harvey (USC), Malik Hartford (Ohio State), and RJ Sermons (USC) are spotlighted as players to watch (00:28:34 - 00:30:02).&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Team Analysis: Detailed breakdowns of secondaries from teams like Wisconsin, USC, and Washington, including concerns about continuity and player performance (00:12:01 - 00:21:16).&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Big Ten’s Safety Depth: The episode emphasizes the conference’s exceptional safety talent, with up to 13-20 players potentially NFL-bound (00:24:44 - 00:26:44).&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Useful Timestamps&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;00:00:00 - 00:01:36: Introduction and episode overview&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;00:02:01 - 00:06:00: Zack’s secondary rankings (Ohio State, Illinois, Penn State, etc.)&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;00:07:28 - 00:12:01: JR’s secondary rankings and player highlights&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;00:17:10 - 00:21:16: Discussion on ranking differences (Wisconsin, USC, Washington)&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;00:22:12 - 00:27:54: Highlighting the best Big Ten secondary players&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;00:28:34 - 00:30:02: Breakout players and hidden gems to watch&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;00:30:06 - 00:31:20: Closing remarks and channel promotion&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Additional Notes&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This episode was pre-recorded, so live chat interaction was not available (00:00:16 - 00:00:21).&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The hosts encourage listeners to like, subscribe, and leave five-star reviews on YouTube or podcast platforms to support the channel’s growth (00:00:28 - 00:00:35).&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Follow the Big Ten Huddle on social media for updates and additional content.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Links and Social Media&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Twitter/X: @TheBigTenHuddle&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;TikTok: @TheBigTenHuddle&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Instagram: @TheBigTenHuddle&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;YouTube: Subscribe to the Big Ten Huddle YouTube Channel&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Contact: Reach out via The Big Ten Huddle Contact Page&lt;/p&gt;
</description>

JR and Zack rank the Big Ten’s top secondaries for 2025, spotlighting elite players and breakout hidden gems. Dive into the best defensive backs and surprises awaiting this season.

Top Big Ten Secondaries for 2025: Stars & Hidden Gems

In this episode of the Big Ten Huddle, hosts JR and Zach Guggenheim provide an in-depth analysis of the 2025 Big Ten football season, focusing on the best and worst-case scenarios for all 18 teams. They explore each team's potential &quot;floor&quot; (worst-case record) and &quot;ceiling&quot; (best-case record), while also discussing which teams have a shot at the College Football Playoff and which might face significant challenges. The episode is pre-recorded, so live chat interaction is not available, but listeners are encouraged to leave comments and engage with the show on social media.
Key Topics Discussed
Introduction and Show Overview: JR and Zach introduce the episode and outline their goal to predict the floor and ceiling for every Big Ten team in the 2025 season (00:00:00 - 00:01:00).
Why Floor and Ceiling Predictions Matter: Zach explains why he loves this exercise, highlighting how it reveals tantalizing best-case scenarios and terrifying worst-case outcomes, with a reference to a past Ohio State prediction (00:01:00 - 00:03:34).
Reflecting on 2024 Season: The hosts discuss teams from the 2024 season that hit their floor (e.g., Purdue, Northwestern, Washington) or ceiling (e.g., Oregon, possibly Penn State), setting the stage for 2025 predictions (00:03:34 - 00:06:43).
Team-by-Team Breakdown:
Wisconsin: Floor of 3-9 due to a tough schedule, ceiling of 8-4 with potential for an upset (00:06:43 - 00:10:36).
Washington: Floor of 6-6, ceiling of 10-2, with key games against Ohio State and Oregon discussed (00:10:36 - 00:13:27).
Michigan: Floor of 7-5, ceiling of 11-1, with a focus on their ability to control games (00:46:45 - 00:47:57).
Maryland: Floor of 2-10 due to a favorable but challenging schedule, ceiling of 8-4 if key players perform (00:47:57 - 00:50:30).
Iowa: Floor of 5-7, ceiling of 9-3, with a tough schedule potentially leading to slip-ups (00:50:30 - 00:52:41).
Indiana: Floor of 6-6, ceiling of 10-2, with a much tougher schedule than 2024 (00:52:41 - 00:56:58).
Illinois: Floor of 7-5, ceiling of 11-1, with a favorable schedule but close games as a factor (00:56:58 - 00:59:57).
Michigan State: Floor of 3-9, ceiling of 7-5, briefly mentioned (00:59:57 - 01:00:24).
Playoff Contention and Challenges: The hosts identify teams with playoff potential (e.g., Indiana, Illinois) and those at risk of crashing (e.g., Maryland, Wisconsin) due to tough schedules or team uncertainties.
Closing Remarks: The episode wraps up with a call to action for listeners to engage on social media and a teaser for the next episode on secondary rankings (01:00:24 - 01:00:57).
Additional Notes
This episode is pre-recorded, so live chat interaction is not available. Listeners are encouraged to leave comments on YouTube or reach out via social media.
The hosts emphasize the importance of realistic expectations, particularly for teams like Indiana, which faces a significantly tougher schedule in 2025.
The episode is designed to be engaging for Big Ten fans, with a mix of optimism and cautionary analysis based on schedules, team talent, and past performance.
For the latest updates and to join the conversation, follow the Big Ten Huddle on social media:
X/Twitter: @BigTenHuddle
Instagram: @BigTenHuddle
TikTok: @BigTenHuddle
To support the show, listeners are encouraged to like, subscribe, and leave a 5-star review on platforms like Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
For more information about the Big Ten Huddle or to contact the hosts, visit BigTenHuddle.com (placeholder link, replace with actual website if available).

<description>&lt;p&gt;In this episode of the Big Ten Huddle, hosts JR and Zach Guggenheim provide an in-depth analysis of the 2025 Big Ten football season, focusing on the best and worst-case scenarios for all 18 teams. They explore each team's potential &amp;quot;floor&amp;quot; (worst-case record) and &amp;quot;ceiling&amp;quot; (best-case record), while also discussing which teams have a shot at the College Football Playoff and which might face significant challenges. The episode is pre-recorded, so live chat interaction is not available, but listeners are encouraged to leave comments and engage with the show on social media.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Key Topics Discussed&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Introduction and Show Overview: JR and Zach introduce the episode and outline their goal to predict the floor and ceiling for every Big Ten team in the 2025 season (00:00:00 - 00:01:00).&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Why Floor and Ceiling Predictions Matter: Zach explains why he loves this exercise, highlighting how it reveals tantalizing best-case scenarios and terrifying worst-case outcomes, with a reference to a past Ohio State prediction (00:01:00 - 00:03:34).&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Reflecting on 2024 Season: The hosts discuss teams from the 2024 season that hit their floor (e.g., Purdue, Northwestern, Washington) or ceiling (e.g., Oregon, possibly Penn State), setting the stage for 2025 predictions (00:03:34 - 00:06:43).&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Team-by-Team Breakdown:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Wisconsin: Floor of 3-9 due to a tough schedule, ceiling of 8-4 with potential for an upset (00:06:43 - 00:10:36).&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Washington: Floor of 6-6, ceiling of 10-2, with key games against Ohio State and Oregon discussed (00:10:36 - 00:13:27).&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Michigan: Floor of 7-5, ceiling of 11-1, with a focus on their ability to control games (00:46:45 - 00:47:57).&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Maryland: Floor of 2-10 due to a favorable but challenging schedule, ceiling of 8-4 if key players perform (00:47:57 - 00:50:30).&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Iowa: Floor of 5-7, ceiling of 9-3, with a tough schedule potentially leading to slip-ups (00:50:30 - 00:52:41).&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Indiana: Floor of 6-6, ceiling of 10-2, with a much tougher schedule than 2024 (00:52:41 - 00:56:58).&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Illinois: Floor of 7-5, ceiling of 11-1, with a favorable schedule but close games as a factor (00:56:58 - 00:59:57).&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Michigan State: Floor of 3-9, ceiling of 7-5, briefly mentioned (00:59:57 - 01:00:24).&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Playoff Contention and Challenges: The hosts identify teams with playoff potential (e.g., Indiana, Illinois) and those at risk of crashing (e.g., Maryland, Wisconsin) due to tough schedules or team uncertainties.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Closing Remarks: The episode wraps up with a call to action for listeners to engage on social media and a teaser for the next episode on secondary rankings (01:00:24 - 01:00:57).&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Additional Notes&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This episode is pre-recorded, so live chat interaction is not available. Listeners are encouraged to leave comments on YouTube or reach out via social media.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The hosts emphasize the importance of realistic expectations, particularly for teams like Indiana, which faces a significantly tougher schedule in 2025.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The episode is designed to be engaging for Big Ten fans, with a mix of optimism and cautionary analysis based on schedules, team talent, and past performance.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;For the latest updates and to join the conversation, follow the Big Ten Huddle on social media:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;X/Twitter: @BigTenHuddle&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Instagram: @BigTenHuddle&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;TikTok: @BigTenHuddle&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;To support the show, listeners are encouraged to like, subscribe, and leave a 5-star review on platforms like Apple Podcasts or Spotify.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;For more information about the Big Ten Huddle or to contact the hosts, visit BigTenHuddle.com (placeholder link, replace with actual website if available).&lt;/p&gt;
</description>

JR and Zach dive into the 2025 Big Ten football season, predicting the floor and ceiling for each team, discussing potential playoff contenders, and identifying teams at risk of crashing.

Big Ten Football Records in 2025 Floor, Ceiling, Playoff Hopes & Crashes

In this episode of the Big Ten Huddle podcast, hosts JR and Zack team up with Big Jeff for part two of the Big Jeff Insights series. They dive into a detailed comparison of nine Big Ten teams: Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan State, Minnesota, Northwestern, Purdue, Rutgers, and Wisconsin. For each team, they analyze three key aspects:
The program they’re most like now: A current counterpart reflecting their present state.
The program they should strive to be like: A realistic goal for improvement.
The program they most want to be like: A stretch goal representing their ultimate aspiration.
This episode builds on part one (check it out if you missed it!) and focuses on the &quot;bottom half&quot; of the Big Ten, based on conference win rates since 1970. Big Jeff brings data-driven insights, blending historical performance, recruiting trends, and NFL draft production to frame each comparison.
Key Topics Discussed
Historical Performance: Conference win rates since 1970 provide context for each team’s trajectory.
Recruiting Trends: Five-year national recruiting averages highlight talent acquisition.
Player Development: NFL draft pick production over the last five years measures success in developing talent.
Program Comparisons: Each team is matched to programs reflecting their current status, realistic goals, and dream scenarios.
Team Comparisons
Here’s a breakdown of the teams discussed, with Big Jeff and JR’s insights:
Michigan State
Most like now: Auburn – Both have past success but recent struggles, overshadowed by in-state giants (Michigan and Alabama).
Should be like: Texas A&amp;M – Bright future potential with strong coaching (Jonathan Smith vs. Mike Elko).
Most want to be like: Penn State – Seeking top-15 consistency within the Big Ten.
Indiana
Most like now: Not fully detailed, but implied as a historically struggling program with recent upticks (e.g., 8-1 season).
Should be like: TBD (transcript truncated).
Most want to be like: TBD (transcript truncated).
Note: Indiana’s 29% win rate since 1970 and poor NFL draft production (tied for 77th nationally) underscore their challenges.
Wisconsin
Most like now: Oklahoma State – Solid but not elite, with a strong coach (Mike Gundy vs. Wisconsin’s tradition).
Should be like: Utah – Consistent, physical football with a stout defense.
Most want to be like: Clemson – Aiming for top-10 status and playoff appearances.
Purdue
Most like now: Mississippi State – Sporadic success under standout coaches (Joe Tiller, Jeff Brohm vs. Dan Mullen, Mike Leach).
Should be like: Kentucky – Consistent bowl appearances (8 straight years until recently).
Most want to be like: Washington – 60% win rate and playoff contention.
Northwestern
Most like now: Vanderbilt – Academic focus, inconsistent winning, though Northwestern has higher highs.
Should be like: Iowa – Consistent success despite modest recruiting.
Most want to be like: Stanford (David Shaw era) – Top-10 teams and Rose Bowl runs.
Rutgers
Most like now: Virginia – Underperforming despite talent-rich regions (New Jersey vs. Virginia/Maryland).
Should be like: Kentucky – Physical style and bowl consistency under Greg Schiano.
Most want to be like: Iowa – Doubling their win rate with steady success.
JR’s alternative: Tennessee – A lofty goal inspired by recent win percentage parity.
7-9. Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota
Due to the truncated transcript, these teams were not fully detailed but were introduced as part of the episode’s scope. They follow the same comparison framework.
Useful Timestamps
00:00:00 - 00:06:07: Introduction – JR and Big Jeff set the stage, explaining the comparison methodology.
00:06:07 - 00:12:34: Michigan State – Detailed analysis of their comparisons.
00:12:34 - 00:13:49: Indiana – Discussion begins, focusing on historical struggles and recent gains.
00:37:20 - 00:38:30: Wisconsin – Comparisons to Oklahoma State, Utah, and Clemson.
00:39:23 - 00:42:12: Purdue – Breakdown of Mississippi State, Kentucky, and Washington comps.
00:42:28 - 00:46:11: Northwestern – Vanderbilt, Iowa, and Stanford comparisons.
00:46:45 - 00:49:19: Rutgers – Virginia, Kentucky, and Iowa (plus JR’s Tennessee twist).
00:49:20 - 00:51:00: Wrap-up – Final thoughts and teaser for future episodes.
Note: Timestamps are approximate due to the truncated transcript; remaining teams (Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota) likely follow in sequence.
Additional Notes
The episode emphasizes historical context (since 1970) to set realistic expectations, not current power rankings (e.g., Indiana’s playoff run doesn’t change their &quot;bottom half&quot; status here).
Big Jeff’s data includes win rates, recruiting ranks, and NFL draft stats, offering a unique lens on team potential.
JR and Jeff debate alternatives (e.g., Arizona State for Michigan State, Duke for Rutgers), adding depth to the conversation.
This sets up future episodes on 2025 predictions, leveraging this historical baseline.
Follow Us
Twitter: @thebigtenhuddle
Instagram: @thebigtenhuddle
TikTok: @thebigtenhuddle
Contact Us
Email: jrsrankings@gmail.com
Website: https://the-big-ten-huddle-shop.fourthwall.com/

<description>&lt;p&gt;In this episode of the Big Ten Huddle podcast, hosts JR and Zack team up with Big Jeff for part two of the Big Jeff Insights series. They dive into a detailed comparison of nine Big Ten teams: Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan State, Minnesota, Northwestern, Purdue, Rutgers, and Wisconsin. For each team, they analyze three key aspects:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The program they’re most like now: A current counterpart reflecting their present state.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The program they should strive to be like: A realistic goal for improvement.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The program they most want to be like: A stretch goal representing their ultimate aspiration.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This episode builds on part one (check it out if you missed it!) and focuses on the &amp;quot;bottom half&amp;quot; of the Big Ten, based on conference win rates since 1970. Big Jeff brings data-driven insights, blending historical performance, recruiting trends, and NFL draft production to frame each comparison.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Key Topics Discussed&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Historical Performance: Conference win rates since 1970 provide context for each team’s trajectory.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Recruiting Trends: Five-year national recruiting averages highlight talent acquisition.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Player Development: NFL draft pick production over the last five years measures success in developing talent.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Program Comparisons: Each team is matched to programs reflecting their current status, realistic goals, and dream scenarios.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Team Comparisons&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Here’s a breakdown of the teams discussed, with Big Jeff and JR’s insights:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Michigan State&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Most like now: Auburn – Both have past success but recent struggles, overshadowed by in-state giants (Michigan and Alabama).&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Should be like: Texas A&amp;amp;M – Bright future potential with strong coaching (Jonathan Smith vs. Mike Elko).&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Most want to be like: Penn State – Seeking top-15 consistency within the Big Ten.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Indiana&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Most like now: Not fully detailed, but implied as a historically struggling program with recent upticks (e.g., 8-1 season).&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Should be like: TBD (transcript truncated).&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Most want to be like: TBD (transcript truncated).&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Note: Indiana’s 29% win rate since 1970 and poor NFL draft production (tied for 77th nationally) underscore their challenges.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Wisconsin&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Most like now: Oklahoma State – Solid but not elite, with a strong coach (Mike Gundy vs. Wisconsin’s tradition).&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Should be like: Utah – Consistent, physical football with a stout defense.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Most want to be like: Clemson – Aiming for top-10 status and playoff appearances.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Purdue&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Most like now: Mississippi State – Sporadic success under standout coaches (Joe Tiller, Jeff Brohm vs. Dan Mullen, Mike Leach).&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Should be like: Kentucky – Consistent bowl appearances (8 straight years until recently).&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Most want to be like: Washington – 60% win rate and playoff contention.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Northwestern&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Most like now: Vanderbilt – Academic focus, inconsistent winning, though Northwestern has higher highs.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Should be like: Iowa – Consistent success despite modest recruiting.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Most want to be like: Stanford (David Shaw era) – Top-10 teams and Rose Bowl runs.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Rutgers&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Most like now: Virginia – Underperforming despite talent-rich regions (New Jersey vs. Virginia/Maryland).&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Should be like: Kentucky – Physical style and bowl consistency under Greg Schiano.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Most want to be like: Iowa – Doubling their win rate with steady success.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;JR’s alternative: Tennessee – A lofty goal inspired by recent win percentage parity.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;7-9. Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Due to the truncated transcript, these teams were not fully detailed but were introduced as part of the episode’s scope. They follow the same comparison framework.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Useful Timestamps&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;00:00:00 - 00:06:07: Introduction – JR and Big Jeff set the stage, explaining the comparison methodology.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;00:06:07 - 00:12:34: Michigan State – Detailed analysis of their comparisons.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;00:12:34 - 00:13:49: Indiana – Discussion begins, focusing on historical struggles and recent gains.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;00:37:20 - 00:38:30: Wisconsin – Comparisons to Oklahoma State, Utah, and Clemson.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;00:39:23 - 00:42:12: Purdue – Breakdown of Mississippi State, Kentucky, and Washington comps.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;00:42:28 - 00:46:11: Northwestern – Vanderbilt, Iowa, and Stanford comparisons.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;00:46:45 - 00:49:19: Rutgers – Virginia, Kentucky, and Iowa (plus JR’s Tennessee twist).&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;00:49:20 - 00:51:00: Wrap-up – Final thoughts and teaser for future episodes.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Note: Timestamps are approximate due to the truncated transcript; remaining teams (Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota) likely follow in sequence.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Additional Notes&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The episode emphasizes historical context (since 1970) to set realistic expectations, not current power rankings (e.g., Indiana’s playoff run doesn’t change their &amp;quot;bottom half&amp;quot; status here).&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Big Jeff’s data includes win rates, recruiting ranks, and NFL draft stats, offering a unique lens on team potential.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;JR and Jeff debate alternatives (e.g., Arizona State for Michigan State, Duke for Rutgers), adding depth to the conversation.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;This sets up future episodes on 2025 predictions, leveraging this historical baseline.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Follow Us&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Twitter: @thebigtenhuddle&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Instagram: @thebigtenhuddle&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;TikTok: @thebigtenhuddle&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Contact Us&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Email: jrsrankings@gmail.com&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Website: https://the-big-ten-huddle-shop.fourthwall.com/&lt;/p&gt;
</description>

JR with Big Jeff, explore part two of Big Jeff Insights, comparing Big Ten teams—Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan State, Minnesota, Northwestern, Purdue, Rutgers, and Wisconsin—to programs they resemble now, aspire to be, and dream of becoming.

What Big Ten Teams Should Strive to Be? (Part 2) | Big Jeff's Insights

In this episode of the Big Ten Huddle, hosts JR and Zach dive into a comprehensive preview of the 2025 Big Ten linebacker rankings, spotlighting the top 20 players, their impact, and the best linebacker duos and trios in the conference. The discussion begins with a clarification on including hybrid edge players like Mikail Kamara (Indiana), Matayo Uiagalelei (Oregon), and Dani Dennis-Sutton (Penn State), who some view as defensive linemen, but are ranked due to their significant linebacker snaps (00:10:59.700 - 00:11:28.546). Gabe Jacas (Illinois) was excluded for primarily playing defensive line, ensuring ranking consistency.
The hosts reveal their top 20 linebacker rankings, starting with Kamara (Indiana) at #1, followed by Jacas (Illinois), Aiden Fisher (Indiana), Uiagalelei (Oregon), and Sonny Styles (Ohio State). Other notable players include Bryce Boettcher (Oregon), Arvell Reese (Ohio State), Amare Campbell (Penn State), Jaishawn Barham (Michigan), and Dariel Djabome (Rutgers), among others, down to Wayne Matthews III (Michigan State) at #20 (00:12:43.168 - 00:14:46.235). Zach corrects an error regarding Penn State’s Tony Rojas, initially misplaced at #6, and discusses other potential risers like Maverick Baranowski (Minnesota) (00:12:00.673 - 00:14:40.172).
The episode also explores standout linebacker duos and trios, highlighting Indiana, Oregon, Illinois, Ohio State, Penn State, Michigan, and Minnesota as teams with strong pairings (00:42:01.610 - 00:43:16.893). Potential breakout candidates like Dom DeLuca (Penn State), Darius Snow (Michigan State), and Yanni Karloftis (Northwestern) are mentioned for their upside (00:39:09.673 - 00:40:50.971).
A significant portion of the episode veers into a heated discussion about Iowa’s program and coach Kirk Ferentz, sparked by a listener question about his all-time Big Ten coaching rank (00:01:39.790 - 00:09:44.298). JR and Zach critique Iowa’s recent 8-4 season, missed opportunities, and Ferentz’s stubborn approach, while acknowledging his historical success (00:04:19.028 - 00:09:29.937). This leads to a broader conversation about fan expectations and Iowa’s underachievement, with Zach expressing frustration but clarifying his desire for Iowa to succeed (00:45:38.235 - 00:47:29.907).
The hosts also address listener interactions, responding to comments about viewership and fan criticism, emphasizing their commitment to constructive dialogue (00:47:39.510 - 00:49:59.500). They wrap up with plans for future episodes, including a Thursday premiere on team floors and ceilings and a Sunday episode on secondaries (00:51:24.105 - 00:52:16.231).
Useful Timestamps:
<ul>
 	<li>
00:00:00.478 - 00:01:57.322: Intro and listener engagement prompts
</li>
 	<li>
00:01:39.790 - 00:09:44.298: Kirk Ferentz and Iowa discussion
</li>
 	<li>
00:10:59.700 - 00:11:28.546: Explanation of linebacker inclusion criteria
</li>
 	<li>
00:12:43.168 - 00:14:46.235: Top 20 linebacker rankings discussion
</li>
 	<li>
00:39:09.673 - 00:40:50.971: Breakout linebacker candidates
</li>
 	<li>
00:42:01.610 - 00:43:16.893: Best linebacker duos and trios
</li>
 	<li>
00:47:39.510 - 00:49:59.500: Addressing fan comments and viewership
</li>
 	<li>
00:51:24.105 - 00:52:16.231: Future episode plans
</li>
</ul>
Additional Links:
<ul>
 	<li>
Follow us on Twitter/X, Instagram, and TikTok for updates and highlights.
</li>
 	<li>
Subscribe on YouTube and leave a comment about your favorite Big Ten team.
</li>
 	<li>
For podcast listeners, leave a five-star rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
</li>
 	<li>
Contact us at bigtenhuddle@gmail.com for feedback or inquiries.
</li>
</ul>

<description>&lt;p&gt;In this episode of the &lt;em&gt;Big Ten Huddle&lt;/em&gt;, hosts JR and Zach dive into a comprehensive preview of the 2025 Big Ten linebacker rankings, spotlighting the top 20 players, their impact, and the best linebacker duos and trios in the conference. The discussion begins with a clarification on including hybrid edge players like Mikail Kamara (Indiana), Matayo Uiagalelei (Oregon), and Dani Dennis-Sutton (Penn State), who some view as defensive linemen, but are ranked due to their significant linebacker snaps (00:10:59.700 - 00:11:28.546). Gabe Jacas (Illinois) was excluded for primarily playing defensive line, ensuring ranking consistency.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The hosts reveal their top 20 linebacker rankings, starting with Kamara (Indiana) at #1, followed by Jacas (Illinois), Aiden Fisher (Indiana), Uiagalelei (Oregon), and Sonny Styles (Ohio State). Other notable players include Bryce Boettcher (Oregon), Arvell Reese (Ohio State), Amare Campbell (Penn State), Jaishawn Barham (Michigan), and Dariel Djabome (Rutgers), among others, down to Wayne Matthews III (Michigan State) at #20 (00:12:43.168 - 00:14:46.235). Zach corrects an error regarding Penn State’s Tony Rojas, initially misplaced at #6, and discusses other potential risers like Maverick Baranowski (Minnesota) (00:12:00.673 - 00:14:40.172).&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The episode also explores standout linebacker duos and trios, highlighting Indiana, Oregon, Illinois, Ohio State, Penn State, Michigan, and Minnesota as teams with strong pairings (00:42:01.610 - 00:43:16.893). Potential breakout candidates like Dom DeLuca (Penn State), Darius Snow (Michigan State), and Yanni Karloftis (Northwestern) are mentioned for their upside (00:39:09.673 - 00:40:50.971).&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A significant portion of the episode veers into a heated discussion about Iowa’s program and coach Kirk Ferentz, sparked by a listener question about his all-time Big Ten coaching rank (00:01:39.790 - 00:09:44.298). JR and Zach critique Iowa’s recent 8-4 season, missed opportunities, and Ferentz’s stubborn approach, while acknowledging his historical success (00:04:19.028 - 00:09:29.937). This leads to a broader conversation about fan expectations and Iowa’s underachievement, with Zach expressing frustration but clarifying his desire for Iowa to succeed (00:45:38.235 - 00:47:29.907).&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The hosts also address listener interactions, responding to comments about viewership and fan criticism, emphasizing their commitment to constructive dialogue (00:47:39.510 - 00:49:59.500). They wrap up with plans for future episodes, including a Thursday premiere on team floors and ceilings and a Sunday episode on secondaries (00:51:24.105 - 00:52:16.231).&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Useful Timestamps:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
 	&lt;li&gt;
&lt;p&gt;00:00:00.478 - 00:01:57.322: Intro and listener engagement prompts&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
 	&lt;li&gt;
&lt;p&gt;00:01:39.790 - 00:09:44.298: Kirk Ferentz and Iowa discussion&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
 	&lt;li&gt;
&lt;p&gt;00:10:59.700 - 00:11:28.546: Explanation of linebacker inclusion criteria&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
 	&lt;li&gt;
&lt;p&gt;00:12:43.168 - 00:14:46.235: Top 20 linebacker rankings discussion&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
 	&lt;li&gt;
&lt;p&gt;00:39:09.673 - 00:40:50.971: Breakout linebacker candidates&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
 	&lt;li&gt;
&lt;p&gt;00:42:01.610 - 00:43:16.893: Best linebacker duos and trios&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
 	&lt;li&gt;
&lt;p&gt;00:47:39.510 - 00:49:59.500: Addressing fan comments and viewership&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
 	&lt;li&gt;
&lt;p&gt;00:51:24.105 - 00:52:16.231: Future episode plans&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Additional Links:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
 	&lt;li&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Follow us on Twitter/X, Instagram, and TikTok for updates and highlights.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
 	&lt;li&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Subscribe on YouTube and leave a comment about your favorite Big Ten team.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
 	&lt;li&gt;
&lt;p&gt;For podcast listeners, leave a five-star rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
 	&lt;li&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Contact us at bigtenhuddle@gmail.com for feedback or inquiries.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
</description>

JR and Zach rank the top 20 Big Ten linebackers for 2025, discuss key duos and trios, and debate Kirk Ferentz’s coaching legacy. The episode also touches on Iowa’s performance and fan reactions.

Big Ten Linebacker Rankings 2025: Top 20, Duos, and Kirk Ferentz Debate

In this episode of Big Ten Huddle, hosts JR and Zack dive into a comprehensive recap of the Big Ten's June recruiting cycle, framed as a &quot;Winners and Losers&quot; showdown. They analyze the most notable commitments, highlight underrated prospects who deserve more attention, and evaluate which teams made the biggest splash in the recruiting landscape. Whether you're a die-hard college football fan or just love the recruiting game, this episode unpacks the key moves shaping the future of Big Ten football.
Key Topics Discussed
Notable Commits: JR and Zack spotlight the top recruits who committed to Big Ten schools in June, discussing their potential impact. For example, they highlight a 4-star quarterback commit to Ohio State, whose dual-threat ability could redefine their offense, and a top linebacker to Michigan, bolstering their defense.
Underrated Prospects: The hosts identify lower-rated recruits who they believe are undervalued, such as a 3-star offensive lineman to Wisconsin with exceptional technique and a 3-star wide receiver to Purdue with elite speed.
Winners: Teams like Ohio State and Michigan are praised for securing high-profile recruits, while Penn State and Iowa surprised with strategic additions that fit their systems perfectly.
Losers: Some programs, like Nebraska and Illinois, struggled to land top targets, missing out on key positions that could hurt their 2026 outlook.
Impressive Teams: JR and Zack crown the most impressive teams of June, with Ohio State leading for their star-studded class and Iowa earning nods for under-the-radar steals.
Additional Notes 
Why Listen? This episode is a must for Big Ten fans wanting to stay ahead of the recruiting curve. Get insights into the players and programs shaping the conference's future.
Call to Action: Loved this episode? Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help us reach more fans! Share your thoughts on who you think the biggest winners were on social media using #BigTenHuddle.
Connect With Us 
Twitter: @BigTenHuddle 
Instagram: @BigTenHuddle 
Email: Contact us at bigtenhuddle@gmail.com for feedback or guest suggestions. 
Website: Check out more episodes and recruiting updates at BigTenHuddle.com
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):
<ul>
<li>Sunday at 9 PM w/ Zack</li>
<li>Tuesday at 9 PM w/ Zack</li>
<li>Thursday at 9 PM w/ Jeff</li>
</ul>
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

<description>&lt;p&gt;In this episode of Big Ten Huddle, hosts JR and Zack dive into a comprehensive recap of the Big Ten's June recruiting cycle, framed as a &amp;quot;Winners and Losers&amp;quot; showdown. They analyze the most notable commitments, highlight underrated prospects who deserve more attention, and evaluate which teams made the biggest splash in the recruiting landscape. Whether you're a die-hard college football fan or just love the recruiting game, this episode unpacks the key moves shaping the future of Big Ten football.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Key Topics Discussed&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Notable Commits: JR and Zack spotlight the top recruits who committed to Big Ten schools in June, discussing their potential impact. For example, they highlight a 4-star quarterback commit to Ohio State, whose dual-threat ability could redefine their offense, and a top linebacker to Michigan, bolstering their defense.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Underrated Prospects: The hosts identify lower-rated recruits who they believe are undervalued, such as a 3-star offensive lineman to Wisconsin with exceptional technique and a 3-star wide receiver to Purdue with elite speed.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Winners: Teams like Ohio State and Michigan are praised for securing high-profile recruits, while Penn State and Iowa surprised with strategic additions that fit their systems perfectly.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Losers: Some programs, like Nebraska and Illinois, struggled to land top targets, missing out on key positions that could hurt their 2026 outlook.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Impressive Teams: JR and Zack crown the most impressive teams of June, with Ohio State leading for their star-studded class and Iowa earning nods for under-the-radar steals.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Additional Notes&lt;br /&gt;
Why Listen? This episode is a must for Big Ten fans wanting to stay ahead of the recruiting curve. Get insights into the players and programs shaping the conference's future.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Call to Action: Loved this episode? Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help us reach more fans! Share your thoughts on who you think the biggest winners were on social media using #BigTenHuddle.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Connect With Us&lt;br /&gt;
Twitter: @BigTenHuddle&lt;br /&gt;
Instagram: @BigTenHuddle&lt;br /&gt;
Email: Contact us at bigtenhuddle@gmail.com for feedback or guest suggestions.&lt;br /&gt;
Website: Check out more episodes and recruiting updates at BigTenHuddle.com&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;More from JR:&lt;br /&gt;
Personal Twitter: https://x.com/jrs_rankings&lt;br /&gt;
Big Ten Twitter: https://x.com/TheBigTenHuddle&lt;br /&gt;
Read JR's Ohio State coverage: https://scarletandgame.com/author/jrhoades1&lt;br /&gt;
Read JR's Illinois coverage: https://writingillini.com/author/jrhoades1&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;SPONSORS&lt;br /&gt;
Coach's Film Room - Sign up for the Menace Army: Colonel tier at https://menace2sports.com/channels/coachs-film-room&lt;br /&gt;
Bleav - https://bleav.com/&lt;br /&gt;
Homefield - https://www.homefieldapparel.com/?rfsn=7872586.e3e1d25 | Coupon Code: TBTH&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;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):&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Sunday at 9 PM w/ Zack&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Tuesday at 9 PM w/ Zack&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Thursday at 9 PM w/ Jeff&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;You can also expect videos by JR throughout the week covering news and interesting topics.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;*All times are Eastern time&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;AUDIO ONLY PLATFORMS&lt;br /&gt;
The Big Ten Huddle is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon.&lt;br /&gt;
LISTEN: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/TheBigTenHuddle&lt;br /&gt;
LEAVE a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-college-huddle-podcast/id1703305789&lt;br /&gt;
STREAM on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tMaraKvafFzjUrXGq2c4w&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Rooted in values of integrity, passion, and community, The Big Ten Huddle strives to become the go-to voice for Big Ten sports fans.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;There is no show out there like The Big Ten Huddle!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5102755454124032&lt;/p&gt;
</description>

JR and Zack break down the Big Ten's June recruiting, spotlighting winners, losers, notable commits, and underrated talents. Discover which teams dominated and why.

Big Ten Recruiting with Juck on Bucks: June's Winners, Losers, and Hidden Gems

The Big Ten Huddle covers EVERY Big Ten football and basketball team by rotating in all of our partner podcast hosts to touch on viewpoints from all over the Big Ten. The Big Ten Huddle hosts a LIVE episode ever THURSDAY @ 9:00 pm. *All times are Eastern time. Mini episodes and additional long-form live episodes can also appear throughout the week.

The Big Ten Huddle Podcast

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