On episode 122, Blake Biscardi and Grant Kincaid preview the Big Ten and discuss Penn State’s expectations, Ryan Day naming Julian Sayin the starting quarterback, and react to the NCAA’s ruling on Michigan.
The 2025 college football season is right around the corner, and the Big Ten is once again poised to be at the center of the national championship conversation. Episode 122 of Saturday Cadence takes a deep dive into the league, breaking down the top contenders, new faces, and the storylines that are shaping the year ahead.
Fresh off their 2024 national title, the Buckeyes enter the 2025 season with sky-high expectations and a new leader under center. Head coach Ryan Day officially named Julian Sayin as Ohio State’s starting quarterback, bringing clarity to a position battle that defined fall camp. Sayin steps into massive shoes, but his talent and poise make him the right choice to guide the Buckeyes’ title defense.
On defense, Caleb Downs headlines as one of the best players in the nation. Ohio State also welcomes former NFL head coach Matt Patricia as defensive coordinator, adding even more intrigue to an already stacked roster. While the Buckeyes were picked second in the Big Ten preseason media poll, they remain the standard-bearer until proven otherwise.
If there’s a program poised to challenge Ohio State for Big Ten supremacy, it’s Penn State. The Nittany Lions topped the preseason media poll, edging out the Buckeyes by a slim margin.
Penn State returns a veteran core, including quarterback Drew Allar and running backs Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen, forming one of the most balanced offenses in the country. On defense, head coach James Franklin made a splash by bringing in former Ohio State coordinator Jim Knowles, giving the Nittany Lions even more firepower on that side of the ball.
Penn State enters 2025 with the experience, depth, and coaching staff to finally take the next step and win the conference outright and contend for a National title.
Oregon wasted no time making an impression in its debut Big Ten season, winning the 2024 conference championship game. Now, the Ducks are ready to prove they belong among the league’s elite.
Ranked third in the preseason media poll, Oregon brings back a strong mix of talent. Head coach Dan Lanning has built a tough, physical team capable of competing in the trenches with the Big Ten’s traditional powers while maintaining Oregon’s explosive playmaking ability.
Michigan sits fifth in the preseason media poll but is still expected to be a major factor in the league race. The Wolverines enter a new era with freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood, one of the most hyped recruits in college football history.
Defensively, Michigan remains one of the most disciplined and well-coached units in the nation, bolstered by veteran leadership. However, the program’s outlook is complicated by recent NCAA sanctions stemming from a sign-stealing scandal. The penalties cast a shadow over Ann Arbor, raising questions about whether the Wolverines can stay focused amid distractions.
Listen to Episode 122 of Saturday Cadence on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
The Big Ten will once again be at the center of the College Football Playoff conversation, with multiple teams capable of making a run. Ohio State and Penn State look like the clear frontrunners, Oregon is fully capable of crashing the party, and Michigan’s season hinges on how quickly Underwood develops.
Stay locked in with The Silver Bulletin (@tSilverBulletin) and follow @SaturdayCadence on social media for coverage, clips, and weekly picks throughout the season.
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Blake Biscardi is the Lead Sports Reporter and Senior Editor at The Silver Bulletin, focusing on Ohio State athletics, primarily football, the Big Ten, and the College Football Playoff. He’s the Creator & Host of the Saturday Cadence podcast, and also a member of the FWAA. Biscardi has degrees in Business Administration and Strategic Communication & Leadership.