2025 Big 10 Preview | Can Penn State Finally Win The Big One?

·1 hr 4 min·5 clips

Can Penn State finally break through and win the Big Ten, or will Ohio State's loaded roster secure a third straight national championship?

Brad Wakai and Tyson Gentri, hosts of 'I Said What I Said,' deliver a comprehensive 2025 Big Ten football preview. They open by dismissing conference loyalty debates and immediately frame the race as between Ohio State, Penn State, and Oregon, citing FanDuel odds. The hosts then methodically analyze each team in alphabetical order, starting with Illinois, whom they highlight as a potential playoff dark horse due to high returning production but question marks at receiver. They discuss Indiana's momentum under coach Kirk Cignetti and new QB Fernando Mendoza. Iowa's hopes with FCS transfer QB Mark Gronowski are examined, alongside concerns about their offensive line. Maryland's struggles and reliance on freshman QB Malik Washington are noted. A significant portion is dedicated to Michigan, where the season hinges on highly-touted freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood and his $10 million NIL deal. Michigan State's erratic QB Aiden Chiles and Minnesota's run-heavy approach under P.J. Fleck are covered. Nebraska's potential 'Matt Rhule bump' with QB Dylan Raiola and a bolstered offensive line is a key topic. Northwestern's rebuild and Ohio State's championship roster reload, now led by QB Julian Sayin, are analyzed. Oregon's title aspirations with new QB Dante Moore and the loss of WR Evan Stewart are discussed. A deep dive into Penn State focuses on QB Drew Allar, a dominant running back duo, a transformed offensive line, and the impactful hiring of defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. Purdue's bleak outlook under new coach Barry Odom, Rutgers' tough schedule, UCLA's new era with QB Nico Iamaleava, USC's bounce-back hopes with QB Jaden Rashada, Washington's faith in QB Demond Williams Jr., and Wisconsin's brutal schedule under pressure for Luke Fickell round out the team reviews. The episode concludes with the hosts' betting picks for win totals on Nebraska (over 7.5), Washington (over 7.5), and USC (over 7.5).

As heard by us

A broad Big Ten preview anchored by Penn State's title question.

Penn State's shot at entering the Big Ten title picture gives this conference preview its spine, while Brad Wakai and Tyson Gentry use it to open up the rest of the league.

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Why you'd press play

You want Big Ten stakes, Penn State pressure, and a little money-making edge before football season gets here.

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