2025 Big Ten Media Days: Oregon Reloads, PSU’s Title Hopes Among Day 2 Storylines
Updated Jul. 18, 2025, 10:57 a.m. ET
As Day 1 of the Big Ten Media Days concludes, with the spotlight shining on Ohio State, the defending national champion, attention will now pivot to the reigning conference champion and another key contender anticipated to challenge for supremacy in 2025 96 jili casino. Oregon had a stellar Big Ten debut last fall, finishing the regular season undefeated and clinching the conference title at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Ducks were then given the No. 1 overall seed in last year’s College Football Playoff, but they faced the Buckeyes in a Rose Bowl that ended swiftly, well before halftime. Head coach Dan Lanning has made significant changes for another title run this fall, led by former five-star recruit and UCLA transfer Dante Moore, the expected starter. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Oregon back in the league championship game this December.
Between the Ducks and their potential championship repeat stands arguably the most talented team head coach James Franklin has assembled at Penn State since he took over in 2014. The squad, spearheaded by potential Heisman Trophy candidate Drew Allar at quarterback, along with what could be the best running back duo in the nation—Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen—will firmly be among the top five teams in this summer’s preseason AP Poll, possibly even breaking into the top three. Will this be the year Franklin finally breaks through?
These topics are sure to dominate discussions next week as the Big Ten captures national attention during a three-day media event in Las Vegas, a city that mirrors the conference’s broad geographic footprint. For the second year running, each day will spotlight the head coach and key players from six different programs:
- Day 1: Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Nebraska, Ohio State, Rutgers
- Day 2: Minnesota, Northwestern, Oregon, Penn State, Washington, Wisconsin
- Day 3: Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, Purdue, UCLA, USC
To get you ready for the event, we’ve analyzed each team ahead of the 2025 season. Here’s what to anticipate from Day 2 at Big Ten Media Days:
Minnesota
Last year: 8-5 overall, 5-4 Big Ten
Postseason: 24-10 win over Virginia Tech in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl
Head coach: P.J. Fleck, ninth season, 58-39 at Minnesota
Coordinators: Greg Harbaugh Jr. (offense); Danny Collins (defense)
Recruiting: No. 49 nationally, No. 15 in the Big Ten
Transfer portal: No. 29 nationally, No. 9 in the Big Ten
Key storyline: Minnesota enters the 2025 season with a quarterback who has not yet started a game at the FBS level. Under coach P.J. Fleck, last year’s one-season rental of former New Hampshire transfer Max Brosmer produced decent results, leading the Gophers to a bowl game for a fourth straight year. Brosmer even secured a spot with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent. However, the team now faces uncertainty due to an inexperienced quarterback depth chart.
Redshirt freshman Drake Lindsey, who had just 20 snaps last season, looks to have locked in the starting job following a strong spring performance. At 6-foot-5 and 230 pounds, Lindsey, a lightly recruited three-star from Arkansas, was the sole scholarship offer from power conference schools. Minnesota has relied on one of the league’s best running back tandems, featuring junior Darius Taylor and Marshall transfer A.J. Turner.
Northwestern
Last year: 4-8 overall, 2-7 Big Ten
Postseason: None
Head coach: David Braun, third season, 12-13 at Northwestern
Coordinators: Zach Lujan (offense); Tim McGarigle (defense)
Recruiting: No. 66 nationally, No. 17 in the Big Ten
Transfer portal: No. 68 nationally, No. 18 in the Big Ten
Key storyline: Northwestern has struggled to have one starting quarterback for an entire season since the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign. David Braun will seek to end this frustrating trend. The Wildcats shared playing time among three quarterbacks in 2021 and 2022 with disappointing results. Now, hopes are pinned on graduate transfer Preston Stone from SMU, who brings dual-threat capabilities and valuable experience to the position.
Oregon
Last year: 13-1 overall, 9-0 Big Ten
Postseason: 41-21 loss to Ohio State in the CFP quarterfinals
Head coach: Dan Lanning, fourth season, 35-6 at Oregon
Coordinators: Will Stein (offense); Tosh Lupoi (defense)
Recruiting: No. 5 nationally, No. 2 in the Big Ten
Transfer portal: No. 5 nationally, No. 1 in the Big Ten
Key storyline: After a standout season with a roster filled with veterans leading to a record number of players drafted, Oregon faces a different challenge heading into 2025. With only two offensive and three defensive starters returning, focus will be on player development. The Ducks aim to capitalize on their recent recruiting success, which has infused the roster with fresh talent, including five-star quarterback Dante Moore.
Penn State
Last year: 13-3 overall, 8-1 Big Ten
Postseason: 27-24 loss to Notre Dame in the CFP semifinals
Head coach: James Franklin, 12th season, 101-42 at Penn State
Coordinators: Andy Kotelnicki (offense); Jim Knowles (defense)
Recruiting: No. 15 nationally, No. 5 in the Big Ten
Transfer portal: No. phdream com log in 48 nationally, No. 15 in the Big Ten
Key storyline: Heading into this season, Coach Franklin has more resources than ever, bolstered by key coaching hires and a strong roster including former five-star quarterback Drew Allar. The staff will aim to lead Penn State as a top contender for the Big Ten and perhaps the national title.
Washington
Last year: 6-7 overall, 4-5 Big Ten
Postseason: 35-34 loss to Louisville in the Sun Bowl
Head coach: Jedd Fisch, second season, 6-7 at Washington
Coordinators: Jimmie Dougherty (offense); Ryan Walters (defense)
Recruiting: No. 23 nationally, No. 7 in the Big Ten
Transfer portal: No. 40 nationally, No phdream 44 login register. 12 in the Big Ten
Key storyline: Significant changes in Jedd Fisch’s staff punctuate the program’s 2025 outlook okbet download app. A revamped coaching lineup could impact preparations as the team transitions to new systems. Attention will also be on new starting quarterback Demond Williams Jr., who showcased immense promise during his appearances last season.
Wisconsin
Last year: 5-7 overall, 3-6 Big Ten
Postseason: None
Head coach: Luke Fickell, third season, 13-13 at Wisconsin
Coordinators: Jeff Grimes (offense); Mike Tressel (defense)
Recruiting: No. 27 nationally, No. 9 in the Big Ten
Transfer portal: No. 14 nationally, No 475 wowph. 3 in the Big Ten
Key storyline: After a rocky start to the Fickell era, the Badgers are looking to reclaim their traditional run-heavy play style. However, an arduous schedule may pose challenges as they strive to achieve a turnaround.
Michael Cohen covers college football and college basketball for FOX Sports. Follow him at @Michael_Cohen13.
What are your thoughts on the upcoming Big Ten Media Days and the storylines unfolding this season?