Big Ten Media Days Outlook
Big Ten Media Days Rosters Unveiled: Players Discuss Quarterback Competitions, Defensive Strengths, and Transfers
Anonymous
Key Points
1
A notable factual error appears in the Michigan Media Days coverage: it lists head coach Kyle Whittingham as Michigan's coach, which would actually be Utah's head coach; Jim Harbaugh remains Michigan's head coach.
2
Becht's Penn State transition is tied to a broader Iowa State connection: he followed Matt Campbell from Iowa State to PSU, and the staff from Ames—offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser and quarterbacks coach Jake Waters—also moved to State College to work with him.
3
Iowa's defense is framed around Lutmer as a versatile defensive back and Montgomery as the middle linebacker, emphasizing reliance on returning pieces to anchor a unit with a defensive focus.
4
Michigan's At-Release note on Underwood: he was the program's starting quarterback as a true freshman last season, throwing for 2,428 yards and 11 touchdowns, while Jordan Marshall posted a breakout season with 932 rushing yards.
5
Penn State will be on Day 1 of the Big Ten Media Days (July 28) with Becht and his PSU teammates, as part of the first day’s slate that includes USC, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois and Rutgers.
The Big Ten Conference will hold its 2026 Media Days at the Hilton Chicago from July 28–30, with all 18 schools sending a head coach and three player representatives Big Ten Conference. The event spotlights major storylines across the conference — Michigan's new coaching era under Kyle Whittingham, Penn State's "Cyclone invasion" from Iowa State, Ohio State's star-studded trio, and Iowa's ongoing quarterback battle.
A total of 54 student-athletes will attend, representing a mix of veteran leaders, breakout stars, and high-profile transfers 247sports. Day 1 on July 28 opens with Penn State, USC, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Rutgers.
Michigan Enters a New Era Under Whittingham
Michigan arrives in Chicago under first-year head coach Kyle Whittingham, who signed a five-year, $41 million contract after taking over from Jim Harbaugh in late 2025 MWolverine. The Wolverines send sophomore quarterback Bryce Underwood, junior running back Jordan Marshall, and senior defensive tackle Trey Pierce.
Underwood put up 2,428 passing yards as a true freshman last season, earning the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year award Michigan Athletics. Marshall added 932 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. CBS Sports frames this as a "rebuilding" season, while local outlets stress roster continuity under Whittingham.
Penn State's Iowa State Takeover in State College
Penn State made one of the offseason's biggest splashes by hiring Matt Campbell away from Iowa State in January 2026 Sports Illustrated. Quarterback Rocco Becht followed Campbell out of the transfer portal. Offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser and quarterbacks coach Jake Waters also made the move from Ames to State College.
Becht threw for 2,584 yards in his final season at Iowa State Sports Illustrated. He joins linebacker Tony Rojas — returning from a 2025 ACL injury — and offensive lineman Anthony Donkoh, whom Campbell calls the "leader of the offensive line." Penn State's 2026 schedule is seen by some analysts as one of the softest in the Big Ten, raising early CFP chatter.
Ohio State's Star Trio Ready to Make History
Ohio State sends three players entering their third seasons: wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, quarterback Julian Sayin, and safety Jaylen McClain Eleven Warriors. Smith already has 2,558 career receiving yards — closing in on the Ohio State record of 2,898. He holds the first-ever 99-overall rating in EA Sports College Football 26.
Sayin was a Heisman Trophy finalist last season as a redshirt freshman Eleven Warriors. McClain started all 14 games in 2025 and earned Academic All-Big Ten honors. The trio is expected to anchor a team riding three straight College Football Playoff championships.
Iowa's Defense Anchors a Team With No Set Quarterback
Iowa arrives in Chicago with a clear defensive identity but a wide-open quarterback battle SI. Defensive back Zach Lutmer — named to the 2026 Lott IMPACT Trophy Watch List — and middle linebacker Jayden Montgomery lead the player delegation. Tight end Addison Ostrenga rounds out the trio as the expected top target for whoever wins the starting job.
The QB competition pits Jeremy Hecklinski, a transfer from Wake Forest, against Hank Brown, who came from Auburn Sports Illustrated. Riley Donald of Sports Illustrated calls it "old-school" and says it could stretch into the regular season. Hawk Fanatic has questioned whether Kirk Ferentz's approach will slow the development of either passer.
Sentiment
Mostly PositiveNEGATIVENEUTRALPOSITIVE
Publishers
10
Articles
5
Reach
15
A
AnonymousAuthor
