Chris Wilds
The 2025 Big Ten Football Media Days kicked off in Las Vegas at the Mandalay Bay Resort and
Casino, marking the unofficial start of the college football season. Commissioner Tony Petitti
opened the event with a forward-looking address on the future of the College Football Playoff
(CFP), league structure, NIL developments, and expansion. Coaches and players from Illinois,
Rutgers, Indiana, Maryland, Nebraska, and Ohio State followed, offering insight into their team’s
priorities heading into fall camp.
Commissioner Tony Petitti
Tony Petitti emphasized the Big Ten’s leadership role in shaping college football’s future. His
remarks focused on playoff expansion, conference integration, and the importance of rewarding
strong regular-season performance.
Proposed a CFP “play-in weekend” involving seeds 3–6 to earn automatic bids.
Advocated for a format that supports competitive non-conference scheduling.
Confirmed the Big Ten is focused on integration of its 18 current members, not further
expansion.
Addressed the ongoing evolution of NIL and the potential for revenue sharing.
Illinois Fighting Illini
Coming off a 10-win season, Illinois head coach Bret Bielema spoke confidently about his
team’s direction. With a stable coaching staff and rising talent, the Illini are no longer flying
under the radar and aim to be a serious factor in the Big Ten title race.
Illinois returns all three coordinators for a third straight season.
QB Luke Altmyer has emerged as a trusted team leader.
Linebacker Gabe Jacas and cornerback Xavier Scott headline a promising defense.
Bielema acknowledged national expectations and stressed the need to earn them on the
field.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Greg Schiano made it clear that Rutgers isn’t satisfied with simply being competitive. Entering
his fifth year in the Big Ten’s second stint, Schiano set his sights on a championship, despite
roster turnover and changes on the defensive side of the ball.
Schiano emphasized competing for a Big Ten Championship, not just improvement.
The RB position is wide open following Kyle Monangai’s NFL departure.
New co-defensive coordinators take over a defense with multiple key losses.
QB Athan Kaliakmanis was praised as a clear team leader.
Indiana Hoosiers
New head coach Curt Cignetti, fresh off his success at James Madison, outlined a vision of
progress rather than preservation. With a roster featuring many transfers and new faces, his focus
is on building chemistry and creating a sustainable winning culture.
Cignetti stressed the goal is to improve and elevate, not simply sustain success.
Indiana is blending JMU transfers, portal additions, and returning players.
Cignetti highlighted his unique travel strategy to limit road game disruptions.
Despite challenges, optimism and team belief are high in Bloomington.
Maryland Terrapins
Mike Locksley emphasized “elevating” every aspect of Maryland football after a disappointing
2024 campaign. With new athletic director Jim Smith on board and several veteran leaders
returning, the Terps are focused on rekindling momentum and embracing a tighter team culture.
“Elevate” is the offseason motto, driving improvement across the program.
New AD Jim Smith brings a championship pedigree from MLB and NFL organizations.
Key players like DB Jalen Huskey, LB Daniel Wingate, and OL Isaiah Wright return.
Locksley admitted to losing the locker room last season but sees 2025 as a year of
accountability and leadership.
Nebraska Cornhuskers
Matt Rhule expressed confidence in his team’s physical and mental development entering his
second season in Lincoln. After falling short in numerous one-score games, the Cornhuskers
believe they’re poised for a breakthrough, led by true freshman QB Dylan Raiola.
Rhule said the team is “ready to play with anyone” in the Big Ten.
Nebraska is 2–10 in one-score games under Rhule but expects to reverse that trend.
Freshman QB Dylan Raiola is expected to lead the offense from day one.
Safety DeShon Singleton aims to turn big plays into game-changing turnovers.
Ohio State Buckeyes
Ryan Day closed out Day 1 with a message of focus and urgency. While the Buckeyes are
reigning national champions, Day made it clear the 2025 squad is writing its own story. With a
quarterback competition underway and a revamped defense, Ohio State is aiming to stay at the
top.
Day emphasized an “attacking” mindset: “We’re not defending anything.”
The QB battle between Julian Sayin, Lincoln Kienholz, and Tavien St. Clair remains
open.
WR Jeremiah Smith continues to develop into a team leader and offensive centerpiece.
New DC Matt Patricia is embracing Ohio State’s defensive identity while adding his own
style.
Day 1 Takeaway:
From Commissioner Petitti’s vision for playoff reform to Ryan Day’s push to keep the Buckeyes
hungry, Day 1 of Big Ten Media Days spotlighted the evolving priorities across the league.
Programs are balancing tradition with transformation as they gear up for a new season in a
rapidly changing college football landscape.
