The Big Ten Huddle Podcast

JR, Bleav
  • 4.3 (39)
  • Football
  • Updated Daily

The Big Ten Huddle is your go-to podcast for deep-dive coverage of Big Ten football and basketball. With expert analysis, game previews, and recaps from all 18 teams — including powerhouses like Michigan, Ohio State, USC, and Oregon — this show offers fans everything from recruiting updates to player breakdowns and coaching strategies. Our rotating lineup of partner podcast hosts brings fresh perspectives from across the conference, ensuring no team is left behind. Catch live episodes on YouTube every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 9 PM ET, or listen to daily highlights released each weekday morning. Whether you’re tracking playoff odds, transfer news, or bowl projections, The Big Ten Huddle delivers timely, engaging content to keep fans informed year-round. Subscribe today and stay plugged into all things Big Ten.

  1. 1d ago

    Stop Calling Penn State “Iowa State East” + 5 Other Lazy Big Ten Narratives in 2026

    Big Ten football news: JR and Zach break down why they’re not buying the “Penn State is Iowa State East” narrative and 5 other lazy media takes about the Big Ten in 2026. Matt Campbell Penn State, Curt Cignetti Indiana, Ohio State football, Big Ten vs SEC, and more — we’re calling out the disrespect with real data. In this episode of The Big Ten Huddle we scope tightly on the viral claim that Matt Campbell’s 2026 Nittany Lions are just a veteran Iowa State roster with better facilities and dismantle it with roster construction, infrastructure gaps, Campbell’s track record at a true blue-blood, schedule advantages, and portal impact. Then JR and Zach rapid-fire five more lazy narratives (Indiana regression, Big Ten top-heavy myth, realignment dilution, SEC superiority, and traditional powers in decline), each owning three with honest agree/disagree debate and bold predictions. Lazy Narratives We’re Not Buying: Penn State = Iowa State East Indiana’s success is a fluke Julian Sayin is weak and has not heart Dan Lanning is just like James Franklin (He isn’t) Washington is a mid-tier program that can’t make the playoff (they can) Bob Chesney will not be like Curt Cignetti (He will, sort of) 0:00 Intro 7:54 Penn State = Iowa State East 17:56 Dan Lanning Is Just Like James Franklin — He Isn’t 26:39 Indiana’s Success Is a Fluke 34:31 Washington Is a Mid-Tier Program That Can’t Make the Playoff 40:25 Julian Sayin Is Weak and Has No Heart 49:56 Bob Chesney Won’t Be Like Curt Cignetti — He Will, Sort OfChapters The Big Ten Huddle delivers honest, analytical Big Ten football coverage every week. Hosted by JR and Zach. Subscribe for recruiting, portal, and narrative-busting episodes all season long. ️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5102755454124032 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  2. 4d ago

    What If Penn State Had Paid? The WR Class That Got Away in 2026 | Penn State Recruiting Class Grades

    See how Penn State recruiting is evolving under new leadership. We analyze the latest roster moves and what they mean for the future. This breakdown focuses on the shift in Penn State recruiting strategy compared to the James Franklin era. If you follow Nittany Lions football, understanding these philosophical changes is essential to predicting team performance. We examine the profiles and current rankings of key targets like Jamir Dean, Will Wood, and Kei'Shjuan Telfair to see how the coaching staff is prioritizing talent. Whether you are a casual fan or a dedicated follower of college football recruiting, this analysis provides the context you need. We break down the specific traits the staff is targeting and how these player profiles differ from previous cycles. By looking at the data, you get a clearer picture of the trajectory for the program. Big Ten football news, Penn State 2026 recruiting, Matt Campbell NIL strategy, Penn State wide receiver disaster, Jameer Dean flip to Georgia, Deshaun Hall Auburn Durango, Khalil Taylor Nebraska NIL, silent commits gone wrong, Case Alexander linebacker, Will Wood quarterback | The Big Ten Huddle exposes the Silent Commit Massacre that defined Penn State's class. In this episode we scope in on one shocking trend: Penn State thought they had locked three elite wide receivers after official visits... then lost them all in rapid succession. From silent commits to secret Georgia trips, a Dodge Durango sweetener, and Nebraska's massive NIL upgrade — this is the unfiltered story of how a conservative NIL philosophy collided with the new era of college football. We debate the bigger question: Is the "Indiana Model" of fit-first, low-risk spending on unproven talent viable for a blue-blood like Penn State, or does it risk falling behind programs willing to take bigger swings? Chris breaks down the learning curve for Matt Campbell, validates the insider rumors, and gives position grades (including one brutal F). Plus the bright spots like Case Alexander (potential best LB since Parsons?) and Will Wood that give reason for optimism — if the staff adjusts. Main words featured: Penn State NIL Meltdown, Silent Commit Disaster Timestamps 00:00:00 - Intro: Penn State Recruiting Philosophy & NIL Approach 00:15:19 - Wide Receiver: From Potential Best Class to Nightmare (The Hook) 00:17:17 - Jameer Dean's Secret Georgia Visit & Flip 00:18:49 - Deshaun Hall's Silent Commit... Then Auburn's Dodge Durango 00:19:42 - Khalil Taylor: Silent Commit to Agent Leverage & Nebraska 00:20:57 - Khalil Taylor Commits to Nebraska 00:21:43 - The Baldwin Official Visit Cancellation Mistake 00:23:12 - Wide Receiver Position Grade: F 00:26:17 - Running Backs Grade: B (Chukwuma Odu as Riser) 00:30:15 - Quarterbacks: The Craziest Position (Peter Bork Miss & Will Wood) 00:33:53 - Why Will Wood Stands Out as a Gamer 00:50:58 - Linebackers B+: Case Alexander (Best Recruit in the Class?) 00:56:54 - Safeties: C+ After Missing Top 3 Targets 01:00:42 - Corners B+: Keyshawn Telfair & Late Additions 01:07:32 - Closing: Campbell's NIL Learning Curve & 2027 Outlook Subscribe for weekly Big Ten recruiting deep dives and Change the Scope episodes that cut through the noise. Drop your take: Could more aggressive NIL have saved those three WRs? Subscribe for weekly Penn State analysis, and let us know in the comments which recruit you are most excited to see join the team next. Shop at Homefield: https://www.homefieldapparel.com/?rfsn=7872586.e3e1d25 Shop Big Ten Huddle Merch: https://the-big-ten-huddle-shop.fourthwall.com/ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-big-ten-huddle-podcast/id1703305789 Subscribe for more Big Ten content! More Big Ten Football News: ⁨@jrs_BigTenFootballNews⁩ Big Ten Basketball News: ⁨@JRs_BigTenBasketballNews⁩ Follow us on social media: @TheBigTenHuddle Contact: jrsrankings@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    What If Penn State Had Paid? The WR Class That Got Away in 2026 | Penn State Recruiting Class Grades

  3. 5d ago

    Big Ten Forced a Sports Bill Rewrite and Nobody Noticed

    The Big Ten just forced a major rewrite of the pending college sports bill. Learn how they maneuvered behind the scenes to protect their interests. This video details the specific legislative changes the Big Ten demanded after meeting with key decision makers. If you follow college athletics, this breakdown explains exactly how one conference successfully pushed back against new regulations designed to limit their power. We analyze the recent joint statement and what it means for the future of the college sports bill. Understanding how the Big Ten wields its influence is essential for anyone tracking the shifting landscape of NCAA legislation and conference power dynamics. Big Ten football news: Four Big Ten presidents (Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State, USC) just forced a major rewrite of the Protect College Sports Act after meeting with Senators Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell. Media rights control and expansion flexibility protected. The original bill contained two provisions that were dead on arrival for the Big Ten: a 75% vote trigger that could have forced schools to pull media rights into a national pool, and language that would have prohibited Power conference expansion. After the presidents’ meeting and a follow-up call with more than 25 Division I commissioners, those pieces are being revised. Pulling media rights is being clarified as voluntary. Expansion is being adjusted so traditional school movement stays open while third-party “Super League” poaching is blocked. This is not abstract. It is about whether Ohio State’s brand gets diluted inside a forced national package, whether the conference can still add the right school when the moment comes, and whether the revenue that funds facilities, coaching salaries, and the NIL environment stays under Big Ten control. The SEC complained loudly for months. The Big Ten sent its presidents into the room and got movement. Ross Dellinger has already reported the shift. Higher-ups inside Big Ten universities are starting to call the revised language “workable.” The Senate is still looking at a floor vote before the August recess. Momentum exists, but it is not finished. Timestamps: 0:00 – Big Ten Forced a Rewrite of the Sports Bill 0:59 – Four Big Ten Presidents Sit Down with Cruz & Cantwell 1:49 – Why the Original Bill Was Dead on Arrival 2:24 – The Non-Negotiables: Media Rights & Expansion Flexibility 3:50 – Ross Dellinger Reports the Actual Changes 4:40 – Big Ten Playing Hardball with Congress 5:34 – Why This Matters for Your Saturdays 7:42 – The Real Timeline Pressure Before August Recess 8:36 – Expansion Language: Keeping the Door Open 10:53 – Big Ten Method vs. SEC Method 12:00 – Ohio State’s Key Role (Michigan, Penn State, USC) 14:12 – Why Indiana, Illinois, Iowa & the Rest Still Win 15:49 – Remaining Risks If the Bill Stalls 16:24 – Self-Governance Has Failed (Jim Phillips) 17:53 – Outro & Question for the Comments Subscribe for weekly college athletics breakdowns, and comment below on how you think these legislative changes will impact the rest of the conferences. Shop at Homefield: https://www.homefieldapparel.com/?rfsn=7872586.e3e1d25 Shop Big Ten Huddle Merch: https://the-big-ten-huddle-shop.fourthwall.com/ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-big-ten-huddle-podcast/id1703305789 Subscribe for more Big Ten content! More Big Ten Football News: ⁨@jrs_BigTenFootballNews⁩ Big Ten Basketball News: ⁨@JRs_BigTenBasketballNews⁩ Follow us on social media: @TheBigTenHuddle Contact: jrsrankings@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  4. 5d ago

    Iowa 2026 Preview | Playoff or Bust?

    Get ready for the 2026 Iowa Hawkeyes football season with a full breakdown of the roster, portal additions, and schedule expectations. We analyze whether the current squad has enough firepower to compete in the expanded Big Ten football landscape this year. This preview is built for Hawkeye fans looking for a realistic assessment of the team following significant player turnover. We break down the key narratives surrounding the program, evaluating how the new portal class integrates with returning stars to shape the offense and defense. By the end of this video, you will have a clear picture of the team's strengths and the specific challenges they face in the upcoming 2026 college football season. Our analysis covers the primary storylines that will define Iowa football schedule performance, examining confidence levels across the coaching staff and player groups. We look past the noise to focus on what matters for the upcoming games and how this year's roster compares to previous iterations of the program. Iowa Hawkeyes 2026 season preview: fewest returning starters in the Big Ten, unresolved quarterback battle between Hank Brown and Ryan Heklinski, best skill position group in years, Phil Parker secondary, soft schedule, floor vs ceiling, and real playoff odds. Big Ten football news, Iowa football, Kirk Ferentz, Tim Lester, transfer portal, Big Ten preview Zach and JR break down every major storyline for the 2026 Iowa Hawkeyes — the massive roster turnover, why the offensive line still looks elite, the Kamari Moulton / LJ Phillips backfield, Reese Vanderzee’s breakout potential, the completely new special teams unit after LeVar Woods left, and the extremely favorable early schedule that gives Iowa three games to solve the quarterback job before the Michigan-Ohio State-Washington stretch. Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro & high expectations despite roster turnover 0:46 – Biggest storylines: Playoffs realistic or too soon? 2:08 – Best skill positions since before COVID? 4:06 – Offense: Why we’re most confident in the offensive line & tight ends 8:00 – Least confident: Unresolved quarterback competition 10:21 – Defense: Phil Parker’s secondary & youth on the D-line 12:44 – Special teams overhaul (new coordinator, new kicker Eli Ozig) 17:30 – Schedule breakdown: Floor 8-4 / Ceiling 11-1 23:55 – Final record predictions & closing The Big Ten Huddle drops honest Big Ten analysis every week. Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss a preview, recruiting breakdown, or live show. Subscribe for weekly Iowa Hawkeyes football breakdowns, and comment below with your prediction for the team's total win count this season. Shop at Homefield: https://www.homefieldapparel.com/?rfsn=7872586.e3e1d25 Shop Big Ten Huddle Merch: https://the-big-ten-huddle-shop.fourthwall.com/ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-big-ten-huddle-podcast/id1703305789 Subscribe for more Big Ten content! More Big Ten Football News: ⁨@jrs_BigTenFootballNews⁩ Big Ten Basketball News: ⁨@JRs_BigTenBasketballNews⁩ Follow us on social media: @TheBigTenHuddle Contact: jrsrankings@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  5. 6d ago

    SEC’s ‘More Depth’ Claim Exposed by This Big Ten vs SEC Tier List

    Big Ten vs SEC tier list 2026 that challenges everything. We combine every team from both conferences and the results highlight Big Ten football news, SEC football tiers, sec power rankings, Big Ten Power rankings, Big Ten vs SEC, Big Ten depth, Big Ten Surge, and the real elite contender gap in the expanded playoff era. Is the SEC depth advantage real or one of the biggest myths in college football? JR and Zack tier every team and let the data speak in this live episode of The Big Ten Huddle. Big Ten Surge or SEC Exposed? This is the tier list that separates true national title threats from the broad middle class — and it has major implications for 2026. We use FPI, SP+, returning production, and recent playoff trends for an unfiltered breakdown. If you’re tired of the same recycled conference power rankings and want straight talk on what actually matters for the playoff, this one’s for you. Drop your tier takes in the comments. ️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5102755454124032 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    SEC’s ‘More Depth’ Claim Exposed by This Big Ten vs SEC Tier List

  6. 6d ago

    Illinois 2026 Preview | Is Illinois About to Become the Next Nebraska?

    Big Ten football news, Illinois Fighting Illini 2026 preview, Bret Bielema, Caden Houser, Luke Altmyer, Bobby Hawk, FanDuel win totals, Big Ten schedule, Khalil Valentine, Aiden Laughery, Hudson Clement, Colin Dixon, Matthew Bailey, Xavier Scott, Juice Clark, Jaquan Morris, 3-3-5 defense, Illinois front seven, Big Ten Huddle The media and FanDuel just dropped the most disrespectful 7.5 win total in the entire Big Ten on Bret Bielema’s Illinois. After back-to-back historic seasons, is this the year the Illini finally get the respect… or are they about to become the next Purdue? JR and Zach go deep on every major storyline for the 2026 Illinois Fighting Illini: Can Katin Houser replace Luke Altmyer (and maybe elevate the offense)? Why the front seven is the biggest red flag in the conference The sneaky-tough schedule that looks easy on paper Floor/ceiling records and why the under is getting hammered Exactly how Illinois can silence the doubters for a third straight year Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro: Back-to-Back Historic Seasons… Now the Drop-Off Talk 1:18 – Biggest Storylines: Can Bielema Change the Narrative Forever? 4:18 – Offense: Houser, Running Backs, O-Line JUCOs, Receivers & Tight Ends 10:05 – Defense: Speedy 3-3-5 Front Seven vs Elite Secondary 14:42 – Schedule Breakdown (Why It’s Sneakier Than You Think) 18:38 – Floor, Ceiling & Win Total Predictions (6-6? 8-4? 9-3?) 26:10 – Final Thoughts: Why Illinois Fans Should Still Be Excited The Big Ten Huddle – presented by FanDuel Hosted by JR & Zach Guggenheim Subscribe for every Big Ten team preview, recruiting, portal, and real talk that the national media won’t give you. #BigTen #Illinois #FightingIllini #BretBielema #CollegeFootball #BigTenFootball Shop at Homefield: https://www.homefieldapparel.com/?rfsn=7872586.e3e1d25 Shop Big Ten Huddle Merch: https://the-big-ten-huddle-shop.fourthwall.com/ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-big-ten-huddle-podcast/id1703305789 Subscribe for more Big Ten content! More Big Ten Football News: ⁨@jrs_BigTenFootballNews⁩ Big Ten Basketball News: ⁨@JRs_BigTenBasketballNews⁩ Follow us on social media: @TheBigTenHuddle Contact: jrsrankings@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  7. Jul 13

    Indiana Szn Preview | How Indiana’s Rise is REALIGNING the Entire Big Ten Power Structure

    Indiana football news | 2026 season preview under Curt Cignetti: Is the national champion Hoosiers already the Big Ten’s permanent big dog? Josh Hoover development, coaching alignment superpower, schedule floor/ceiling & bold 11-1/12-0 prediction! Can the 2026 Indiana Hoosiers repeat their success? We analyze the team outlook and the schedule following their championship run. After a historic 2025 national championship win, expectations for the 2026 Indiana Hoosiers have shifted dramatically. Many fans and analysts are questioning whether this program is poised for a regression or if they can maintain their elite status in the Big Ten. This breakdown assesses the current roster dynamics and external perceptions surrounding the team as they prepare for the upcoming season. We review the official Indiana football schedule to see which matchups will define their path forward. Whether you are a die-hard fan or a college football enthusiast tracking the landscape, this analysis provides a clear look at the challenges ahead. We also break down the factors influencing the current narrative around the program after their unexpected title last year. Subscribe for weekly college football analysis and let us know in the comments if you think the Hoosiers will defend their title this year. Coming off a national title in 2025, everybody said Indiana would take a step back. They said the same thing last year. On this episode of The Big Ten Huddle, JR and Zach scope it down to the only question that matters: Is Indiana here to stay as the conference’s (and maybe the country’s) new big dog… and can they surpass Georgia? We break down: • Can Josh Hoover be developed like Fernando Mendoza and Curtis Roark? • Why coaching continuity + full organizational alignment is Indiana’s unmatched superpower • The loaded offense (most productive returning QB in FBS, potentially best WR room in the Big Ten, Carter Smith, etc.) • Defense strengths (Hardy/Jones linebackers, secondary, DL) and the real question marks (TE experience, RT, LB depth, DE pass rush) • Schedule floor (9-3) vs ceiling (12-0) and the brutal 6-game October-November stretch • FanDuel national championship odds parity with Georgia • Our official record prediction + the fun Ohio State dads connection If you’re an Indiana fan, Big Ten fan, or just hate the SEC narrative machine, this one is for you. Timestamps: 0:00 - Indiana Hoosiers 2026: Coming Off a National Title 0:28 - Preface: Why I’m Not Predicting Another National Championship (Yet) 1:17 - Zach’s Two Main Storylines 1:41 - Can Josh Hoover Be Developed Like Mendoza & Roark? 2:01 - Is Indiana Here to Stay as the Big Ten’s Big Dog? 4:20 - The Superpower: Coaching Continuity & Full Alignment 5:42 - Why This Offense Is Loaded 7:45 - “This Offense Is Loaded, Zach” 8:23 - Wide Receivers: Potentially the Best Room in the Big Ten 10:30 - Least Confident Offensive Groups (Tight Ends & Right Tackle) 12:59 - Defense: Who Are You Most Confident In? 13:23 - Most Confident: Linebackers Elijah Hardy & Isaiah Jones 14:31 - Secondary as the Other Strength 15:38 - Least Confident on Defense: Defensive End Pass Rush 16:51 - Linebacker Depth Concerns (All Freshmen Behind Jones & Hardy) 18:23 - Floor & Ceiling of the Schedule 20:24 - Ceiling: 12-0 20:38 - The Make-or-Break 6-Game Stretch (Oct 10 – Nov 21) 23:11 - Floor: 9-3 27:57 - Official Prediction: 11-1 (Heart Says 12-0) 31:09 - Fun Fact: Two Indiana Star Players Whose Dads Played at Ohio State 32:42 - Outro Presented by FanDuel. Follow Zach, shoutout to College Football Sam for the alignment conversation, and Punt & Rally for the odds data. The Big Ten Huddle – honest analysis for the common fan (early-to-mid 30s, young kids, no fluff). New episodes all offseason and all season. Subscribe so you never miss Indiana, Ohio State, Michigan, Illinois, and the rest of the conference. #IndianaFootball #Hoosiers #CurtCignetti #BigTenFootball #CollegeFootball #SeasonPreview #JoshHoover Shop at Homefield: https://www.homefieldapparel.com/?rfsn=7872586.e3e1d25 Shop Big Ten Huddle Merch: https://the-big-ten-huddle-shop.fourthwall.com/ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-big-ten-huddle-podcast/id1703305789 Subscribe for more Big Ten content! More Big Ten Football News: ⁨@jrs_BigTenFootballNews⁩ Big Ten Basketball News: ⁨@JRs_BigTenBasketballNews⁩ Follow us on social media: @TheBigTenHuddle Contact: jrsrankings@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  8. Jul 13

    Annual Big Ten Player Draft: One Pick for Every Team in 2026

    Big Ten football player draft 2026: JR & Zack’s annual one-per-team college football draft for the upcoming season. Every Big Ten team must have exactly one player taken — Ohio State Jeremiah Smith, Oregon Dante Moore, Indiana Josh Hoover, Julian Sayin, Bo Jackson and more. The shocking fantasy pick that changes everything. JR and Zack are back on The Buckeye Huddle for their annual Big Ten Player Draft — the one-per-team format that forces hard choices across all 18 rosters for the 2026 season. This isn’t a normal mock. It’s a pure fantasy constraint: draft exactly one player from every Big Ten team to build the ultimate super roster. What starts as fun turns into the most revealing exercise of the offseason when one mid-tier or portal-driven pick flips the entire board. We go deep on the shocking “what if” moment of the draft — the selection that makes you question which teams actually have real stars vs. portal window dressing — and then build out the full fantasy roster and the ripple effects for real 2026 power rankings, Heisman races, and CFP contenders. Main focus words: Big Ten Player Draft • One Per Team Huge thanks to Marc and the entire Buckeye Huddle crew for having us, and to everyone in the chat who made the live draft chaos perfect. This is The Big Ten Huddle style analysis (honest, no hype) dropping on The Buckeye Huddle. Subscribe to both channels so you never miss the next one. #BigTenFootball #BigTenPlayerDraft #CollegeFootballDraft #OnePerTeam #2026BigTen #JeremiahSmith #JoshHoover #DanteMoore #BuckeyeHuddle #BigTenHuddle ️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5102755454124032 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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4.3
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About

The Big Ten Huddle is your go-to podcast for deep-dive coverage of Big Ten football and basketball. With expert analysis, game previews, and recaps from all 18 teams — including powerhouses like Michigan, Ohio State, USC, and Oregon — this show offers fans everything from recruiting updates to player breakdowns and coaching strategies. Our rotating lineup of partner podcast hosts brings fresh perspectives from across the conference, ensuring no team is left behind. Catch live episodes on YouTube every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 9 PM ET, or listen to daily highlights released each weekday morning. Whether you’re tracking playoff odds, transfer news, or bowl projections, The Big Ten Huddle delivers timely, engaging content to keep fans informed year-round. Subscribe today and stay plugged into all things Big Ten.

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