CFB LIVE - BIG TEN MEDIA DAYS CONTINUE

Summary

College Football Live: Big Ten Media Days Continue
ESPN | July 29, 2026 | Host: Zubin Mahanty

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Episode Overview

This episode dives into ongoing Big Ten Media Days with a spotlight on powerhouse programs Ohio State and Oregon, featuring discussions on program stability, strategic coaching hires, transfer portal impacts, and mental health in college football. Interviews include Ohio State head coach Ryan Day and Oregon star quarterback Dante Moore, with analysts Dusty, Roddy, and special guest Pete Thamel breaking down roster changes, scheme evolutions, and the championship outlook.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Ohio State’s Sustained Excellence and Offensive Evolution

• Roster Turnover & Replenishment
  • Ohio State lost 11 players to the NFL Draft (7 on defense, 4 on offense) but continues to reload with top-tier talent and depth.
  • Notably, only one first-round offensive player was lost, suggesting defensive overhaul is the main challenge.
• Coaching Changes & Offensive Strategy
  • Arthur Smith joins as offensive coordinator, succeeding Brian Hartline (now USF head coach). Smith brings a pro-style, run-heavy philosophy.
  • Four of five offensive line starters return, setting up for a powerful, balanced attack.
• Quarterback Stability
  • Julian Sayin returns as starting QB, marking only the third OSU QB to start consecutive seasons during Ryan Day’s tenure.
  • High praise for Sayin’s accuracy, intelligence, and leadership.

Notable Quote:

• "This is only the third time since I've been at Ohio State that we've had the same quarterback come back for a second year and that's a big deal."
  —Ryan Day (01:49)

[01:49] Ryan Day on Sayin’s intangibles
[02:37] Roddy on OSU’s appeal to offensive coaches and returning firepower
[03:41] Dusty outlines scheme, weapons (including WR Jeremiah Smith), and emerging TE Nate Roberts

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2. Ohio State’s Defensive Turnover & Expectations

• Major Defensive Changes
  • OSU starts 5-6 transfers on defense, unusual for their recent approach.
  • Key transfer names: John Walker (Central Florida), James Smith (Alabama), Christian Allegro (Wisconsin), Earl Little (Florida State/Alabama), Terry Moore (Duke).
• Scheme & Coaching
  • Last season's defense under Matt Patricia allowed under 10 points per game—an outlier performance that's likely to regress.
  • Discussion on Patricia’s ability to simplify schemes for fast play—key with new personnel.
  • Question marks on replicating high-end NFL-level talent after high draft turnover.

Notable Quotes:

• "The Buckeyes...are going to start five or six transfers, half of the players on the defensive side of the ball. And look, we've seen a bit of an identity shift as Ryan Day has evolved as a head coach at Ohio State."
  —Pete Thamel (13:52)

[13:07] Ryan Day on chasing small margins, need for new players to prove themselves
[13:52] Pete Thamel assesses OSU’s transfer-heavy defense
[14:48] Dusty and Roddy on schematic and talent-level questions

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3. Oregon’s Championship Trajectory and Dante Moore’s Journey

• Dante Moore’s Return & Maturity
  • Moore originally committed to Oregon, left for UCLA, then transferred back, citing the program’s culture and his relationship with coaches/players.
  • Discusses learning by sitting behind veteran Dylan Gabriel and how returning 5-star freshman Dylan Raiola is embracing a similar path.
  • Decision to return for another season fueled by desire for development, team legacy, and chasing Oregon’s first national title.
• Mental Health Advocacy
  • Moore openly shares his ongoing struggles with depression; aims to be an advocate for mental health among college athletes.

Notable Quotes:

• "The best time in this world is God's timing...a lot of us came back. It's going to be one great year and we're excited."
  —Dante Moore (06:11)
• "Mental health is huge...At the end of the day, we're still human."
  —Dante Moore (09:22)

[06:11] Dante Moore recounts his transfer journey
[07:33] Moore on culture, willingness to wait/compete at Oregon
[08:26] Moore’s focus on preparation, not just NFL draft aspirations
[09:22] Moore on mental health and why he spoke out

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4. Oregon’s Coaching & Roster Strength

• Coach Dan Lanning’s Staff Turnover
  • Oregon lost coordinators to head coaching jobs, reflecting program’s rising profile; new staff promotions maintain continuity.
• Defensive & Offensive Outlook
  • Analysts view this as Lanning’s most talented roster, with a monster defensive line and continuity with promoted coaches.
  • Key defensive names: Bear Alexander, Mateo Uyungalay, Amari Washington, Koi Perich.
  • Offense returns dynamic playmakers (e.g., Moore at QB, Johnson at TE, Davidson & Hill at RB).
  • Questions remain along the offensive line (potential freshman starter at tackle).

Notable Quotes:

• "Oregon straight up has the best defensive line in the entire country. It's a caliber of talent that Clemson had during Dabo Sweeney's glory run..."
  —Pete Thamel (20:38)

[17:45] Dan Lanning on staff development
[18:32] Dusty and Roddy break down Oregon’s defensive and offensive ceiling
[20:38] Pete Thamel on Amari Washington and the line’s dominance

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5. New Big Ten Coaching Faces

• Pat Fitzgerald (Michigan State)
  • Returns to coaching after Northwestern departure. Analysts laud his fit and believe he can resurrect a struggling Spartan program.
• Bob Chesney (UCLA)
  • Has won at every level; strong belief he’ll elevate UCLA. Immediate win expectations, especially with a strong QB.
• Emphasis on Foundational Culture
  • Coaches emphasize “expectation to win the Big Ten” and building core values that travel across leagues/levels.

Notable Quotes:

• "I wouldn't say our program has a chip on our shoulder. I'd say we have a bag of chips on our shoulder."
  —Pat Fitzgerald (23:46)
• "If you are betting against Bob Chesney, do it at your own peril."
  —Roddy (24:31)

[23:03] Dusty and Fitzgerald on foundational culture
[23:46] Fitzgerald on program motivation
[24:31] Roddy lauds Chesney’s record
[24:56] Zubin on UCLA’s bright outlook

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Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes w/ Timestamps

• Ryan Day: “This is only the third time since I've been at Ohio State that we've had the same quarterback come back for a second year and that's a big deal.” (01:49)
• Dusty: “Jeremiah Smith for me is the best player in all of college football.” (03:41)
• Dante Moore: “The best time in this world is God's timing...it's going to be one great year.” (06:11)
• Dante Moore: “Mental health is huge...At the end of the day, we're still human.” (09:22)
• Pete Thamel: “The Buckeyes...are going to start five or six transfers, half of the players on the defensive side of the ball. And look, we've seen a bit of an identity shift as Ryan Day has evolved as a head coach at Ohio State.” (13:52)
• Pat Fitzgerald: “I wouldn't say our program has a chip on our shoulder. I'd say we have a bag of chips on our shoulder.” (23:46)
• Roddy on Chesney: “If you are betting against Bob Chesney, do it at your own peril.” (24:31)
• Pete Thamel: “Oregon straight up has the best defensive line in the entire country.” (20:38)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• [01:49] Ryan Day on QB Julian Sayin and program stability
• [02:37] Offensive evolution under Arthur Smith
• [06:11] Dante Moore discusses transfer journey and Oregon’s culture
• [09:22] Dante Moore on mental health
• [13:07] Ryan Day on “chasing small margins,” schedule, and defensive challenges
• [13:52] Pete Thamel on Ohio State’s transfer-heavy defense
• [17:45] Dan Lanning on staff continuity at Oregon
• [18:32] Analyst breakdown of Oregon’s depth and title hopes
• [23:46] Pat Fitzgerald’s return to coaching (Michigan State)
• [24:31] Bob Chesney’s winning pedigree at UCLA

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Conclusion

This episode captures the high stakes and rapid evolution within top Big Ten programs as the 2026 season approaches. Ohio State’s ability to reload, Oregon’s determined quest for a first national title with Dante Moore at the helm, and the impactful returns and arrivals of head coaches like Pat Fitzgerald and Bob Chesney set the table for a competitive and transformative season. Mental health advocacy and changes brought by the transfer portal add a human and structural dimension to the stories unfolding this year.

Transcript

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[Zubin Mahanty]

hey, Chicago is known as the second city. It's the second day of Big Ten media days and this league has proven to be second to none because those three championship trophies on your screen prove who runs college football for the moment. You saw Ryan Day at the podium there. He's one of six guys that'll be speaking. We'll hear from Day in just a moment. Dan Lanning also at the mic and speaking of landing, his quarterback Dante Moore will join college football live here in our first segment in just a couple of minutes. You're a Duck fan, Puddles fan. Hang tight, it's coming. Welcome inside. I'm Zubin Mahanty here with Dusty and Roddy and we're going to begin guys by talking about the most rock solid program in America. That is great no matter how many pieces they shed. And every year it's something or another. They had seven guys taken on defense in the 2026 NFL Draft. We're going to dig into that. Ryan Day is going to tell us how they keep keep replenishing on the way. He had to make some changes to his offensive staff too. Arthur Smith, formerly an NFL head coach, is in to replace Hartline who is a former Ohio State legend now running usf. And you still got Saiyan and Smith and coach wants you to know his quarterback is big on the intangibles moving forward.

[Ryan Day]

I think for Julian you look for some traits that are extraordinary about him. I think the first thing he recognizes his accuracy, his intelligence level. He's highly, highly motivated. He's really embraced this, this leadership role. When you combine that with, with our offensive line, we're as experienced and deep as we've, I think we've ever been since I've been at Ohio State. This is only the third time since I've been at Ohio State that we've had the same quarterback come back for a second year and that's a big deal.

[Zubin Mahanty]

That is a big deal. Roddy, I want to start with you here. It's funny if you take a look at his last three ocs, right, you Want to go hardline Chip Kelly. Arthur Smith as players or coaches, they were all once way bigger than Ryan Day and now they're flocking to Columbus to coach under him. What do you make of this constant evolution of their offense?

[Roddy]

When you've got the raw materials that Ohio State constantly has in the talent, that's what's going to attract elite play callers to come and work under Ryan Day. Also his offensive acumen is a big part of it as well. But this Ohio State offense this year under Arthur Smith the may evolve a little bit but I expect it to still be tremendous. I mean You've got a 3,000 yard passer, a 1,000 yard rusher, a 1,000 yard receiver all returning. He mentioned the experience on the offensive line. You've got four of five starters on the offensive line returning. And for a team that lost 11 draft picks last year including four in the first round, only four of those draft picks were on the offensive side of the ball and only one of the first rounders was on the offensive side and that was Carnell Tate who went number four overall. So if the talent drain was mostly on defense, this offense to still be tremendous. And with Ryan Day as the architect of this offense, I expect that Arthur Smith will add some twists but it will largely be things that Julian say and both are comfortable with and that Jeremiah Smith, one of the best players in college football is good at.

[Dusty]

Yeah Roddy, this offense is going to be elite, plain and simple and they've got all the pieces Wide receivers. Jeremiah Smith for me is the best player in all of college football. I can't wait to see Chris Henry Jr. The five star wide receiver. That sounds as if with that link that he has is going to be that next great wide receiver at Ohio State. But with Arthur Smith coming in it's going to be more of a pro style offense run heavy, they love the, he loves the wide zone, heavy play action, deep vertical shots which is going to set up Jeremiah Smith down the field. Utilize that accuracy that we have with Julian saying what I think could really thrive in this is the tight end room. Nate Roberts is a name to know. Young highly recruited prospect out of the state of Oklahoma. He's going to be the starter, but you'll see two and three tight end sets in this Arthur Smith offense. And when I look at Bo Jackson in the backfield with that veteran offensive line with more tight end usage, I think Bo Jackson is the one that's primed to really take a big jump. Thousand yards a season to go 600 yard games. I think he's the one that can really thrive. This offense is going to have balance and it's going to be a problem for all the defenses in the Big Ten.

[Zubin Mahanty]

Zoobs, no doubt. Speaking of problem, it could be a minor blip, but in late October, early November, these are the three games in a row Ohio State will face Indiana, USC and Oregon. That could be their toughest regular season stretch. Speaking of the Ducks, can they take that last step, that step to win their first national championship? You know, they were the number one seed in the playoff a couple years ago, reached the CFP semifinal last year. The last two years, the only teams they've lost to were the teams that have won the national championship. They're replacing both sides of the ball, coordinator wise. That's what happens when you win. Your coordinators become head coaches. They got two new faces. We'll talk about them. One familiar face back, the one and only Dante Moore, who so many people in Eugene we're excited to see return for another season and it is great to have Dante Moore join us here on College Football Live. First things first, Don T want to start at the beginning. Your journey is so interesting. About four years ago, right here on espn, you committed to the Oregon Ducks, you ended up going to UCLA and then you went back to Oregon. Take me inside the process of realizing, you know what, I'm better with you, you're better with me, and I'm coming back to Eugene.

[Dante Moore]

Yeah, it's been an interesting journey. Of course, the best time in this world is God's timing. And of course I had the chance to declare last year, but I wanted to come back just for more, for preparation, just to sharpen my tools and just create great memories of my teammates. This year a lot of us came back. It's going to be one great year and we're excited for this upcoming year.

[Zubin Mahanty]

What was it like, though, when you kind of spurned Oregon initially and then said, I want to come back? As I would imagine, it takes a lot on both sides to admit that that's a reunion worth having.

[Announcer]

Yeah.

[Dante Moore]

Even when I went to UCLA to play for Chip Kelly, coach Landon, of course, you know, just admired it. He was just like, hey, it's okay. But when I got the chance to call him to say I wanted to transfer there, I mean, at the end of the day it was just a great decision. And from there it's been great memories we created from now and this upcoming year is going to be one that for sure that we're going to Chase history. And he's done a great job pushing me. The players have done a great job this offseason getting ready for this upcoming season. But yeah, my teammates, I love him to death and we're excited.

[Zubin Mahanty]

So tell me about this. You're a bonafide five star recruit that came back to sit and you were cool sitting. The guy behind you right now is a bonafide five star recruit, Dylan Raiola. He's got no problem sitting behind you in this nil portal. Give me the money. I want to get to the NFL world. You do not see that. And we have it in Oregon two years in a row. What does that say about the culture of the program?

[Dante Moore]

Yeah, I hope I, you know, started a good trend. I kind of feel that with me coming back or even with me being at the chance to sit behind Dylan Gabriel. Dylan Gabriel. It was great. I got the chance to learn from a vet, of course, had the chance to, you know, sharpen my tools that offseason, learn the offense. And with Dylan Raiola coming in, you know, he was a quarterback that of course came straight to me and said, I'm willing to learn. He's pushing me in the, in the weight room, he's pushing me on the football field. He's a great guy. He's a great person. But yeah, I mean, Coach Land has done a great job just, you know, molding our team, making sure that if you're coming in, we're going to compete, but if it's just not time yet, you know, just keep competing and one day you'll go see the field and go ball out.

[Zubin Mahanty]

All right, talk to me about the NFL decision and exactly what you were thinking about once you decided to return. I know you have team goals. You want to be the quarterback of their first ever national champion. What do you specifically need to work on Saturdays before we see you on Sunday?

[Dante Moore]

Yeah, the biggest thing for me was preparation. Just being able to go out there and see pre snap and postnap better. Of course, it sharpened my tools, though. I mean, also, I mean, the memories I created this past year with my teammates and we felt so short, you know, coming up to what we want to do for the first time in Oregon history. And, you know, we can't look too far ahead. You know, we've been stacking days and make sure we've been pushing each other in the offseason. But yeah, with this upcoming year, we have great talent but can only take it so far. So we're going to make sure you push through, make sure we have, you know, competitive stamina throughout the whole year, through the four quarters, and make sure we go out there and just, you know, handle the, handle our business and go one game at a time.

[Zubin Mahanty]

Last thing, the best headline I saw the entire off season came from you on March 16th when you wrote a letter to the governor of Oregon talking about some struggles you had had with depression and mental health. In this sport where we celebrate gladiators, what was the impetus to come out and be so open and vulnerable about what you were going through?

[Dante Moore]

Yeah, mental health is huge. It was a personal experience. I went through my freshman year and I still go through this day. But I've created a team around me that if it's someone that I go to and pray about, or if it's someone I just talk to every day, just checking on my mental, that's what it's all about. Everybody sees on the football field making these plays and want us to be these great human beings, but at the end of the day, we're still human. When it comes to us being on the football field, even off the football field, everybody wants us to be at our best. So when things like that happen, I know I'm not the only one going through that problem. There's also other athletes as well. But I also want to be an advocate for it. You know, someone's not going to do it, I'll do it. Make sure that we get the support that we need. And at the end of the day, we're human. And mental is, of course, the most important thing.

[Zubin Mahanty]

I love it. Using your stage in a positive way, as you once said about coming out and talking about it publicly, no matter who you are, no matter how much money you make, we all lay our head on the pillow at night and wake up and do it the next morning. It's been a pleasure to talk to you. Best of luck. And continue growing on and off the field. Dante, thanks, man.

[Dante Moore]

Thank you. Go Ducks.

[Zubin Mahanty]

You got it. On the way from goodbye to Goodell. How in the world does Ohio State keep replacing all the talent they lose, particularly on one side of the ball? Ryan Day with the answer himself when College Football Live continues. As we now sit about five weeks away from the start of the season,

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[Zubin Mahanty]

we're back. So is SummerSlam this weekend in Minnesota in the heart of Big Ten country probably good news for Gophers fans? You do not have Ohio State on your schedule this year. The Buckeyes can schedule anytime they want. Players just a conveyor belt from college to the NFL. Seven guys drafted last year alone, three in the top 11. I thought offense won in the NFL. Ryan Day knows it's tough, but they always are dealing with the smallest of details in Columbus.

[Ryan Day]

Every year you look at the things that have gone well and then you look at the things that came up short. And I think when you're chasing small margins like we are, you have to identify the things that need to get fixed and fix them. I think this year based on the way our schedule looks and the way it's laid out, you know we're going to get some early feedback in these games and we're going to have to play well down the stretch in the fourth quarter and then we have a lot of guys who are coming in for the first time that they need to prove themselves and that's good too.

[Zubin Mahanty]

Everybody's got something on the line. We're going three wide as Pete Thamel is joining us. And Pete, let's start with you. It does say something when your two losses last year came to the teams that ended up playing for the national championship. What are you seeing on the defensive side of the ball here for the Buckeyes?

[Announcer]

Well, Zubin, I'm seeing a lot of Ohio State fans reach for their programs trying to figure out who some of these guys are. The Buckeyes, and a bit of a departure from how they've operated, are going to start five or six transfers, half of the players on the defensive side of the ball. And look, we've seen a bit of an identity shift as Ryan Day has evolved as a head coach at Ohio State. They played a lot of complimentary football last year. They were comfortable being in close games. It felt a little bit like the AFC east and not the Big Ten. Right. So as Ohio State has gone on, we're going to see John Walker start, a defensive tackle who comes in from Central Florida. We're going to see James Smith come in from Alabama and start Christian Allegro, a veteran linebacker who comes in from Wisconsin. Earl Little, a versatile nickel who came from Florida State by Alabama is going to be and these are going to be players who Ohio State is going to rely on. Ryan Day made it a point to say because of the caliber of the schedule, they're going to have to win a lot of games in the fourth quarter and they're going to have to rely on that defense, Dusty to do that.

[Dusty]

Yeah, they are, Pete. And those are the names to keep an eye on. And I look at James Smith, you know, up front replacing Kaden McDonald who was such a force on the inside of that Ohio State defense. When you talk to Matt Patricia, he wants to build his defense inside out so he could be a key cog. And then obviously replacing Caleb Downs, you saw not one but two very good, proven veteran safeties. Earl Little Jr. Is going to be a big factor. Terry Moore, I think he's a nice get from Duke, but one thing I was so impressed with was the job Matt Patricia did last year. And I think that he's an excellent teacher, both of technique at all three levels and then of his scheme and how the players fit in the scheme and it wasn't overly complex. They were pretty basic, they were pretty vanilla and allowed these guys to play fast. Kenyatta Jackson, another big time veteran player who will be an anchor on that front of the defensive line. Last season they were like otherworldly good, giving up under 10 points per game, which we haven't seen in the past decade, they won't be that good. I expect them to be solid. But naturally, Roddy, I think they take a bit of a step back, losing all that production and NFL talent.

[Roddy]

Yeah, they will take that, that slight step back. How big this step is is going to be the big question. And Dusty, you mentioned something that I'm fascinated by. Last year they had a lot of the high end talent. I mean, three players drafted in the top 11 picks on that defense, two of them at linebacker alone, Caleb Downs on the back end, NFL guys that are going to play a long time in the NFL, they don't necessarily have that with the transfers that they brought in. So how much more complicated, how much more stuff does Matt Patricia have to do to overcome the lack of high end NFL talent? It's going to be a big question I have, but the complimentary football is going to be interesting. Do they do some stuff offensively to slow down the game, to make that defense play less possessions? And with an offense as high powered as Ohio State's, you know that they're going to be efficient. But how fast will they go or will they go more NFL style with Arthur Smith as the offensive coordinator? It's some of the unanswered questions that we have, Zubin, about Ohio State going into this season.

[Zubin Mahanty]

Yeah, and as Ryan Day said, we'll find some answers in September and October as you look at the schedule. But everything for them might revolve around a game on November 7th where they'll play the Oregon Ducks last two years. It's one of those crazy stats I mentioned earlier in the show. Their only losses have been to teams that have won the national championship. Remember they were the number one seed in the Rose Bowl a couple years ago and everybody thought, yeah, they're gonna roll. But then they had the layoff, it didn't work. And then they lost Indiana twice last year, once in Eugene. But I think a lot of people started to believe, I think Mendoza is the real deal. This was the game where people are like, whoa, watch out for Indiana. And then whoa, watch out for Indiana in the Peach Bowl. This thing was an absolute route. Dan Lanning earlier today on the Pat McAfee Show. Ohio State's got to reload with talent. Dan Lanning needs to reload with the coaches on the sideline that he'll have implementing this year. But they hope to be a dream year for the Ducks.

[I]

Yeah, this is the We've had three guys Go on to become head coaches in my four years here, which I think speaks volumes of, you know, what we've created. And I'm really excited for, you know, Tosh and Will and their opportunity, what that looks like. But I'm also excited about the guys that we got to, you know, bump up here with Will and with Drew and Chris Hampton. Both those guys have been a part of our team the last several years. They understand how we do it. They're going to bring some new ideas and fresh energy to the program. So I'm excited to see what they'll be able to accomplish.

[Zubin Mahanty]

Okay, Dusty, let's start with you. This has been mentioned. Oregon has been close to the mountaintop, very close to the mountaintop, but they have never scaled it in their great football history. What are the expectations this year with a guy like Dante Moore? We talked to coming back and this team having the talent it has.

[Dusty]

I think it's the best team from a talent perspective that Dan Landing's had. And look, he's had a lot of success and they've been taking steps to the semifinal last year. I think they take another step with this talent this season. And it's not because of Dante Moore on the offense, though it's appealing. Give me that defense. I think this could be the best defense in all of college football. I'm going to start in the front four where they are absolutely loaded. Bear Alexander, Mateo Uyungalay, Amanda Amari. Washington is a mountain inside. Tuyoti coming off the edge. And you look at that secondary, Finney Flowers. And oh, by the way, you had a player in Koi Perich who's one of the best defensive players in this transfer portal cycle from Minnesota. He's a playmaker. I think Chris Hampton is an outstanding defensive coach. I had him at Tulane a couple of years ago when he was there. I love his energy. He's been there three years. I think they are just going to really hit their stride this year. And as far as offensively, I just like these hires because you're promoting from within. There's continuity. Drew Meringer knows exactly what Dante Moore likes. They've got weapons galore. Running back at wide receiver, Jamari Johnson back at tight end. This team is primed and ready, Roddy, I think, to make a run at a national championship this season.

[Roddy]

Dusty, I'm proud of you as a defensive guy for not spending the entire time talking about the defense because this offense is going to be one of the best in college football, led by the guy who Zubin just Talked to Dante Moore, had he come out last year, would have likely been the number two pick in the draft and the number two quarterback taken. And look, he is trying to find the little improvements he mentioned. Pre snap, post snap reads, throwing with more anticipation. Those are the things he needs to do against high level talent. But when you return to Cory Moore, Evan Smith and Jeremiah McClellan at wide receiver, he's got Jordan Davidson and Diere Hill, a couple of freshmen a year ago who combined for 1200 yards and 20 touchdowns. And then Jamari Johnson back at tight end who's poised to take a step. I think this offense is going to be rolling, Pete, as long as they can figure out that offensive line where they'll likely start a freshman at one of the tackle spots.

[Announcer]

Yeah, Roddy, I really think that a lot of people focused on Dante Moore's decision to come back and rightfully so. He would have been one of the top two picks in the draft. But when you really talk to scouts about Oregon, there was equal surprise that Amari Washington, the starting defensive tackle, decided to return this year. Dusty mentioned earlier as a mountain of a man, he's probably a Biscuit short of 340. He makes Dusty look like a cross country runner. And simply put, these are the types of guys that Nick Saban built his defensive lines around. Remember, Dan Lanning learned at Alabama, he learned at Georgia. Oregon straight up has the best defensive line in the entire country. It's a caliber of talent that Clemson had during Dabo Sweeney's glory run there from 15 to 19. But it all starts with Amari Washington, a man who cannot be moved even if Dan Lanning does get that Waffle House he talked about today. And Eugene to help with recruiting.

[Zubin Mahanty]

All right, so we got the Biscuit, we got the Waffle House. I don't have any breakfast, but I do have a nugget. Maybe like a chicken nugget for breakfast. And that is, simply put, Oregon has played for the BCS national title. They have played for the CFP national title. They just need to win one of them on the way Here on College Football Live. Three years out of the game, it took Fitzgerald three seconds to let people know what it means to be back. And how about Bob chesney taking the sig route? We'll explain that. First year head men, big 10. That's our focus next.

[Roddy]

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[Dante Moore]

in

[Dusty]

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[Zubin Mahanty]

We got four new coaches in the Big Ten, including Kyle Whittingham. He'll speak tomorrow. Bob Chesney and Pat Fitzgerald spoke today, both at different points in their coaching journeys.

[Dusty]

I understand, you know, the gravity of exactly where we're at and just how good these coaches are, just how good these players are, just how tough these venues are to play play in. I get all that right. And for me, it's got to be about the foundational elements that we bring to this program that I think travel. Regardless of the level you're at, I

[I]

think you're going to have 18 head football coaches, Jim, walk up here and have an expectation to win the Big Ten championship. And if you don't have that expectation, I don't know why you do it. I have no idea why you do it. And that's our expectation. And when I was a student athlete, I heard this guy once say, we're going to take the purple to Pasadena and people laughed at him and we're going to take the green back to being Big Ten champions. I wouldn't say I have a chip on my shoulder. I wouldn't say our program has a chip on our shoulder. I'd say we have a bag of chips on our shoulder.

[Zubin Mahanty]

Dusty. I think he's referencing his alma mater doing him dirty, but he's back. What do you make of his return to the Big Ten?

[Dusty]

I love that he's back. Look, I'm a huge Pat Fitzgerald fan. That guy was a mess what happened at Northwestern, and I'm glad that that's behind him. And he's got a new program. A program.

[Bus Rolney]

It's struggling.

[Dusty]

Michigan State hasn't had a winning record since 2021, and we haven't seen Pat Fitzgerald on the sideline leading a team since 2022. A lot of new faces in East Lansing. I don't know what the win total is this year, but I'm a believer in Pat Fitzgerald zoos and I am so glad for Michigan State and for college football. He's back on the sideline and then

[Zubin Mahanty]

Roddy UCLA fans are glad they have Chesney because he's brought some energy.

[Roddy]

Energy and win Zubin. He won at D3. Salve Regina, he won at D2. Assumption. He won at the FCS level at Holy Cross. He won at the Group of six level at James Madison, taking them to a college football playoff. If you are betting against Bob Chesney, do it at your own peril. I have no doubts that he is going to win at ucla. The question is how many this year? I'm not quite sure, but I think they'll be a bold team. They've got one of the most talented quarterbacks in Big Ten, no doubt.

[Zubin Mahanty]

And from what I understand, a lot of people do bet these days. So that's probably apropos. Indiana and Michigan at the mic tomorrow. We'll see you then. You know when you're locked in, focused and fearless. Welcome to the wnba. Your vision narrows. You can't look away. Every assist, every stop, every logo three from baby. Every did you see that moment? You been what records are going to be broken this season? All of it. Right here. Lock in. It's the WNBA on ESPN all season long.