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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More from JR:
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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

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