Predicting Big Ten Football Sleepers, Busts, and Breakouts That Could Flip the Script

The Big Ten Huddle Podcast

In this episode of The Big Ten Huddle, hosts JR, Big Jeff, and Zack Gugenheim dive into their predictions for the 2025 Big Ten superlatives, covering sleeper teams, breakout players, underrated games, and more while challenging SEC bias with insightful analysis and plenty of laughs. They share picks like Rutgers as a sleeper, Jeremiah Smith for offensive player of the year, and Bret Bielema for coach of the year, encouraging viewers to engage with their own thoughts.

We kick things off by going superlative by superlative, with each of us sharing our picks for which player or team best fits.

Starting with Most Underrated Game: JR picks Indiana vs. Iowa for its potential defensive slugfest and implications for the middle of the pack. Big Jeff goes with Michigan vs. USC, highlighting the clash of styles between a rebuilding Michigan and a flashy USC offense. Zack chooses Wisconsin vs. Washington, noting the cross-conference intrigue and coaching storylines that could make it a sleeper hit.

Next, The Team You Think Your Predictions Are Too Low On (Sleeper Team): JR tabs Rutgers, citing their underrated defense and schedule advantages that could lead to a surprise bowl run. Big Jeff picks USC, believing their talent influx will exceed expectations in a transitional year. Zack selects UCLA, pointing to their recruiting momentum and potential to upset in the Pac-12 remnants.

For The Team You Think Your Predictions Are Too High On (Disappointing Team): JR warns about Michigan, with coaching changes and roster turnover potentially leading to a step back. Big Jeff calls out Oregon, suggesting hype around their stars might not translate against a brutal schedule. Zack highlights Nebraska, where early promise could fizzle amid tough road games.

Coach of the Year: JR votes for Bret Bielema at Illinois, praising his steady build and potential for an overachieving season. Big Jeff backs Matt Rhule at Nebraska, if they turn the corner with his recruiting class. Zack supports Jedd Fisch at Washington, for navigating a rebuild with poise and early wins.

Offensive Player of the Year: JR picks Jeremiah Smith at Ohio State, expecting the freshman wideout to explode in a high-powered attack. Big Jeff goes with Drew Allar at Penn State, predicting a breakout under better protection. Zack chooses Jayden Maiava at USC, for his dual-threat upside in Lincoln Riley's system.

Defensive Player of the Year: We had a bit of debate here—JR selects Koi Perich at Minnesota for his versatility in the secondary. Big Jeff picks Caleb Downs at Ohio State, the transfer safety set to anchor the Buckeyes. Zack ties between Gabe Jacas at Illinois and Makail Kamara at Rutgers, but leans Jacas for his edge-rushing impact.

Finally, Breakout Player of the Year: JR highlights Jordan Marshall at Michigan, the running back ready to carry the load. Big Jeff picks Demond Williams at Arizona (wait, Big Ten now?), wait no—actually, we clarify it's Big Ten-focused, but he means the QB transfer potential. Zack goes with Aidan Chiles at Michigan State, the young signal-caller poised for stardom.

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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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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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