The Bottom Six: Big Ten Preview Part 1
From The Walk-On Redshirts by The Walk-On Redshirts
June 11, 2026 · 57 min
About this episode
Jake and Will preview the bottom six teams in the Big Ten for the 2026 season, discussing their projected records and key storylines.
Jake and Will kick off their 2026 Big Ten season preview series with the bottom six teams in the conference — and there are more compelling storylines here than you might expect. The guys break down teams 13 through 18 with projected records, conference records, and the one burning question defining each program heading into the fall. Rutgers needs a defensive identity under new coordinator Travis Johansen after finishing dead last in the Big Ten giving up 36 points per conference game. Northwestern brings in Chip Kelly as offensive coordinator and opens a brand new $850 million stadium — but faces the hardest schedule stretch in FBS football. UCLA's Bob Chesney makes the same jump Curt Cignetti made from JMU to the Big Ten, with Nico Iamaleava getting his best shot yet to show his first-round talent. Maryland's Mike Locksley is coaching for his job with sophomore quarterback Malik Washington as his best and only argument. Pat Fitzgerald brings credibility to a Michigan State program that hasn't been to a bowl since 2021. And Purdue enters the season with an 18-game Big Ten losing streak — the most remarkable stat in college football right now. Part 2 coming soon.
People in this episode
Hosts: Jake, Will
Topics covered
- Big Ten preview
- college football
- team analysis
- season predictions
- coaching changes
- team storylines
Keywords
- Big Ten
- football
- Rutgers
- Northwestern
- UCLA
- Maryland
- Michigan State
- Purdue
- season preview
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Rutgers, Northwestern, UCLA, Maryland, Michigan State, Purdue
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- The Linebacker Debate · May 20, 2026 · 40 min
- Living on the Edge: Our Top 10 Pass Rushers for 2026 · May 15, 2026 · 50 min
- Mismatches and Monsters: Ranking the Best TEs of 2026 · May 6, 2026 · 40 min
- Who Are the Best WRs in College Football Heading Into 2026? · April 29, 2026 · 52 min
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