In this episode of the Big Ten Huddle, host JR, joined by Jeff from Big Jeff's Football, explores the critical position groups that will define the 2025 season for each Big Ten team. They discuss why these positions are pivotal for success, offering insights into team strategies, player performances, and statistical trends. The episode covers all 18 Big Ten teams in alphabetical order, highlighting specific players and challenges.

Key Topics Discussed
Illinois (00:03:10 - 00:06:26): Wide receivers as the make-or-break group, with JR emphasizing the need for consistent targets for QB Luke Altmyer. Jeff agrees but prioritizes the offensive line due to Illinois' poor rushing stats.

Indiana (00:06:26 - 00:09:09): Defensive line depth is crucial, with Mikel Kamara as a standout, but JR and Jeff note the loss of C.J. West and a tougher schedule. Wide receivers are a secondary concern.

Iowa (00:10:17 - 00:13:17): Quarterback Mark Gronowski is the focal point, with JR comparing him to a "Tim Tebow light" for his leadership. Jeff highlights Iowa's poor passing stats, stressing improvement.

Purdue (00:41:50 - 00:42:35): JR humorously suggests "everything" due to massive roster turnover, while Jeff agrees, noting Purdue's challenging schedule and lack of standout positions.

Rutgers (00:42:35 - 00:44:24): Edge rushers like Eric O’Neal and Bradley Weaver are critical to support a weaker secondary. Jeff prioritizes defensive backs but aligns with the need for pass rush.

UCLA (00:44:24 - 00:46:15): Wide receivers are JR’s pick due to limited depth, while Jeff emphasizes the offensive line’s role in protecting QB Nico and boosting the run game.

USC (00:46:15 - 00:48:49): JR focuses on QB Jadon Maiava avoiding turnovers, while Jeff highlights the defensive line’s improvement under coach D’Anton Lynn as key.

Washington (00:48:49 - 00:50:33): Offensive line is critical for protecting QB DeMond Williams and enabling RB Jonah Coleman. Jeff agrees, citing poor rushing stats from last year.

Wisconsin (00:50:33 - 00:53:31): Defensive line, with transfers like Charles Perkins, is vital for run-stopping and pass rush. Jeff notes Wisconsin’s regression in total defense.

Useful Timestamps
00:00:00 - 00:03:10: Intro and episode overview.
00:03:10 - 00:06:26: Illinois wide receivers discussion.
00:06:26 - 00:09:09: Indiana defensive line analysis.
00:10:17 - 00:13:17: Iowa quarterback focus.
00:41:50 - 00:42:35: Purdue’s overall challenges.
00:42:35 - 00:44:24: Rutgers edge rushers.
00:44:24 - 00:46:15: UCLA wide receivers.
00:46:15 - 00:48:49: USC quarterback and defensive line.
00:48:49 - 00:50:33: Washington offensive line.
00:50:33 - 00:53:31: Wisconsin defensive line.
00:53:31 - 00:55:13: Closing remarks and upcoming episodes.

Additional Notes
JR and Jeff reference insights from other Big Ten podcasts, including Hoosier Huddle, The Night Report, Sound the Sirens, and The Bucky Report.

The episode previews an upcoming Thursday night show, "Ten Surprising Truths and Lies about Big Ten Football" (00:01:25 - 00:02:05).

Listener engagement is encouraged with calls for YouTube likes, subscriptions, and podcast five-star ratings (00:00:40 - 00:00:53).

The hosts discuss fan comments and nicknames like "Sergeant Equations" for Jeff, reflecting his data-driven approach (00:02:06 - 00:02:55).

Links and Social Media
YouTube: Subscribe to Big Ten Huddle for live episodes and more content.
Podcast: Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
X: Follow us on X for updates and fan interaction.
Contact: Reach out via email at bigtenhuddle@gmail.com for feedback or inquiries.

Join us for the next episode on Thursday night for Jeff’s "Ten Truths and Lies" and Sunday night with Zach’s return for live reactions!
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