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- [00:01]
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- [00:30]
Host (Zubin)
Hey, Big Ten media days have essentially come to an end, but the conference's dominance hardly has, especially if the programs that won those last three trophies stay on point, especially the last one. How would you describe the turnaround and
- [00:47]
Commercial Voice
what you've been able to build in
- [00:49]
Kurt Signetti
a short period of time?
- [00:51]
Host (Zubin)
Be a hell of a movie.
- [00:56]
Sam
You have to appreciate the greatness of this Indiana town.
- [00:59]
Kurt Signetti
Hoosiers A century of futility is forgotten the Indiana Hoosiers are the kings of college football. We won the national championship at Indiana University. It can be done.
- [01:11]
Host (Zubin)
I think it's got to be one of the greatest stories we've ever seen
- [01:13]
Sam
in college football,
- [01:16]
Host (Zubin)
and I don't even think that's an exaggeration in any part of on behalf of Kirk Herb street when he said that, a lot of people feel it. Joining me for the next half hour, ready to rock. Acho Roddy Pete Thamel and I think we should start with the program that has essentially transformed the sport. That only seems fair. That, of course, is the Indiana Hoosiers, who have gotten everything moving. We're going to take a look ahead and a look back. Last Big Ten team to repeat, Minnesota in the 40s. They were a power back then. However, in order for Indiana to stay powerful, they're going to have to replace the Heisman Trophy winner and likely his favorite target. But they have some fortifications at quarterback. We'll talk about that in just a minute. Schedule seems very manageable early, then gets a little bit tough later. Here is Signetti talking about his new quarterback and a nod to his old one.
- [02:08]
Kurt Signetti (Coach)
Josh Hoover's won a lot of football games thrown for a lot of yards, a lot of touchdown passes. He has an innate ability to play the position of quarterback, kind of a natural passer, very accurate. You know, the things we'll ask him to do are different than the things TCU asked him to do. We're not going to put the ball in his hand and say, go out and win the game and outscore people. I think what separated Fernando was when the game was on the line, the last three minutes, four minutes. That's when he played his best football. He was a tremendous competitor. So I'm really anxious to see Josh and the progress he's made in practice starting on Wednesday in fall camp. All the one year quarterbacks have followed the same line and I think this team's got a lot of nice pieces.
- [02:53]
Host (Zubin)
We're going to dig into the quarterbacks in detail in just a second. Back to back national champs the last 20 years. Saban did it. Saban's old assistant Kirby did it. And the unofficial Big Ten talking points from Chicago, by the way, 21, 22 the last time anyone from the SEC kissed the national championship trophy. Let's talk about it. Sam, I want to start with you. What do they need to do to go back to back the way Bama did and Georgia did? Completely understanding. We are in a different era of college football. Those two guys, that was ancient history.
- [03:26]
Sam
Well, Indiana needs to just keep on the same path. Indiana is here to stay. There's no doubt in my mind. The reason why is because Kurt Signetti has a track record of success. I was at the national championship game. I was actually on Miami sideline for the majority of the game. And just like you heard him say, Indiana was not outplayed at the critical moments. They made big time plays when the plays needed to be made. Go down and look what Mendoza was able to do even in the red zone on that quarterback, quarterback draw right there. But also critical moments versus Penn State all throughout the season. But I want to go back to a couple of years ago when I actually got a chance to interview Kurt Signetti when he was at James Madison. And that same confidence, that same winning record, winning championships there he's doing the same thing. He's process oriented. He believes not only in his players but in the system. The entire coaching staff is still intact. So Indiana is not going anywhere.
- [04:12]
Host (Zubin)
Speaking of not going anywhere, Pete, generally when you have a great quarterback, you can stay at the top whether it's been Roark, Mendoza or Hoover. No matter what Sonny Dykes thinks about his turnover issues. Take me through the idea of three quarterbacks, three years and playing at this level for a program that had virtually no history and and is a year to year proposition.
- [04:34]
Pete Thamel
Zubin, I asked Kurt Signetti about that this morning. He brought up an interesting name in how he can turn quarterbacks around. He brought up Ben Denucci. Remember the former NFL vagabond? He had Ben Denucci at James Madison. He told me Ben Denucci was turnover prone. Fumbles, interceptions. And I think the key when you look at Curtis Rourke thriving from Ohio. And then obviously look at Fernando Mendoza's breakout season last year is the efficiency. He said it today, he doesn't want Josh Hoover to. To do that much. He said the run game is going to be Josh Hoover's best friend. I think he also has a new best friend too, and that's going to be Charlie Becker, the wide receiver. Signetti told me today that Becker is the hardest worker on the team. Remember, he came out of nowhere. Zubin to lead the Hoosiers in receiving in seven of the last eight games. So look for a more composed and polished Josh Hoover. Less improv and more of the Signetti system. With Tino Sinceri the quarterback coach Mike Shanahan returns as the play caller. They have a very refined system in place on how to bring these quarterbacks along and get them to be productive.
- [05:36]
Roddy
And there's a lot to work with was Josh Hoover. When you look at what he's done over the course of his career, he's more accomplished coming into Indiana than either Curtis Rourke or Fernando Mendoza were when they showed up. Over 90, 600 passing yards in his career, 70 touchdowns. Yes, there are the turnovers. He's turned the ball over 42 times and in 31 starts. But Pete, you mentioned it. He's got Charlie Becker on one side, Nick Marsh coming in on the other side. Four offensive linemen up front. That return from that national championship team, that never happens. Usually you have a mass exodus on the offensive line. You certainly don't get 4/5 of it back. So Josh Hoover's talent along with that system, the coaching that they do with the quarterbacks at Indiana, give me a lot of hope that he's going to reach his potential to the fullest.
- [06:21]
Sam
Zubin.
- [06:21]
Host (Zubin)
Yeah. And the last thing I would say to dovetail on what Pete said, what this program has going for that hasn't been reported is they have some real staff retention and consistency means so much on the sideline, especially when you can't get it with your players. Now, one program that has had a lot of a lack of consistency, coaching wise, of course, is Michigan. So we know the deal for their 2026 season, it's going to be a season unlike any other because Kyle Whittingham is entering his first season as head coach, replacing Sharon Moore. After that entire debacle. Three coaches in four years for one of the most rock solid programs in America. But Whittingham loves running the ball. Michigan loves running the ball. So this seems to be a good marriage in a second. Acha Will tell you why it might not be. I'm excited to hear this year two for Underwood, top recruit, class of 2025 and let it be known his coach is on board.
- [07:15]
Acho
I think the expectations might have been a little high for him last year. I mean he was a just, just turned 18 year old true freshman and thrust into the starting role of the Michigan Wolverines. He was able to win nine ball games and put up some decent numbers. I mean he knows we know that those numbers have to improve. Just physically he's, he's got everything you want. Six foot four, £230, has a cannon for an arm, throws well on the move. He's a very capable runner. And so you know, a lot of what we did with Devin Dampier last year in Utah is what you're going to see Bryce do in some of things this year.
- [07:48]
Host (Zubin)
Bryce Underwood is going to join us in a little bit here on College Football Live and I will ask him what happened the first time he ever met Kyle Whittingham. You're going to want to stay tuned for that. Sam, I want to start with you. I just mentioned it a couple of minutes ago. Everybody in the media except for you is saying that this is a great fit. Fit couldn't be more perfect. Michigan fell into the right guy. You're saying pump the brakes, what do we got?
- [08:10]
Sam
Yeah, I don't agree with that sentiment that this is the perfect fit or the perfect time. The reason why is that Michigan has championship caliber expectations year in, year out and 9, 3 season quite simply is not good enough. Going to last year, nine wins was a disappointment. I understand that Kyle Winningham has a consistent program. When he was at Utah, right, they kind of started slow early on. They found ways to win 8, 9, 10 games, etc. But at Utah the standard is different than the standard in Michigan. Even a 10 win season still like okay, did we beat Ohio State? Those are going to be the questions that must be answered. And so you come in as a new coach, you're trying to bring in a new coaching staff, you're trying to retain players in the middle of a transfer port a lot of players who were trying to commit or leaving. So there's so much uncertainty. I understand the idea and the sentiment that hey, loves to run the ball, loves to play defense, great offensive line but Michigan needs to win championships. I think that's got to be the standard and that's what I want it. That's my question is, is will Kyle winning hand be able to come in and do that? And do that early. I don't think the answer is yes early on.
- [09:08]
Roddy
I don't have any question that he's going to be competing for championship. Sam, this is a guy that took over Utah after Urban Meyer was went undefeated in 2008, including a sugar bowl win. Made the transition to the, to the, to the power four in the Pac 12 where he was back to back 12 champion against teams like USC that had Caleb Williams running around. This is one of the best football coaches in the country and he's got an incredible staff. Jason Beck, the offensive coordinator, did a phenomenal job coaching Bryce Perkins back in the UVA days under Bronco Mendenhall. He was excellent at Syracuse with Garrett Schrader as well. He coached Devin Dampier at New Mexico and, and Utah. He's one of the best quarterback coaches in the country. And that offense is going to be tailored to Bryce Underwood strengths. And then you look at what J. Hill did with that BYU defense on the defensive side of the ball. He brings over guys like John Henry Daly, who was leading the country in sacks when he got hurt late in the season. So I have no question that at some point Kyle Whittingham is going to have Michigan competing for championships. And look, if Bryce Underwood can take a big enough step, I absolutely think it could be this year.
- [10:12]
Sam
Yeah, I hear what you're saying, Roddy, about, you know, back when Kyle Woodingham first started back in 2008, how successful he was. That's like 15, 20 years ago, right? Like, I'm not saying that he hasn't had success recently. No, there absolutely has been success. But the game has changed, right, with the transfer portal, the way that players are coming in and coming out, is there that connection with players? A lot of times you see coaches leave schools and their entire team follows them. We're not necessarily, necessarily seeing that when it comes to Kyle Whittingham and his transition to Michigan. And so you're coaching a new caliber, a different type of player. You're recruiting a new caliber, different type of player not only throughout high school, but also in the transfer portal. And so the litmus test, the measuring stick is a lot higher at a place like Michigan. And that's the question, can he reach that measuring stick versus Utah? It's like, man, wow. We did a lot more with a lot less. Now you have the talent. The results have to come and I think they need to come soon.
- [11:03]
Roddy
I understand the sentiment of not knowing if he's going to live up to the lofty standards of Michigan. And look there's no doubt Indiana has been tremendous, Oregon's tremendous, Ohio State's tremendous. You've got to climb national championship level contenders in order to get to where Michigan wants to be. But with the materials, the raw materials and talent that he has, he's never had a quarterback as talented as Bryce Underwood. He's not going to have. They got a running back in Savion Hyder who's one of the best running backs in the country. I fully expect a reinvigorated Kyle Whittingham to be all over coaching these five star athletes that are more highly paid with higher expectations. But look, coaching is coaching and ball is ball.
- [11:42]
Host (Zubin)
No doubt great perspective from two guys who played and kind of know the tangibles. But Pete, when it comes to Whittingham, Michigan, there's a lot of intangibles at play that you wanted to get into, especially with the work they've always been able to do on the ground.
- [11:58]
Pete Thamel
Zubin There will be no ambiguity over the identity of this Michigan offense. It will be based around the run game. It's going to start with Jordan Marshall, the returning Bell Cow tailback and obviously Roddy just mentioned it. Sabeon Heider is a five star. Through all the issues Michigan has had off the field, they were able to lure one of the country's top running back recruits. He will be a reserve, but he will certainly see carries behind Marshall this year. He has the same rugged nature as Marshall as we see him blowing through the Washington defense here, but he also complements that with a bit of explosion. You throw in some Bryce Underwood RPOs like we saw Devin Dampierre do, both at New Mexico and at Utah under Jason Beck. And this is a team that projects to potentially lead the nation or be very high up there in rushing offense.
- [12:43]
Host (Zubin)
Great point, Pete. We're going to talk to Underwood about that RPO game in just a moment. And how about Whittingham and J. Hill bringing Utah and BYU together? They said it could not be done and they are back together here in Ann Arbor. On a more serious note, on a developing story we've got here the deal with Bill Belichick's GM Mike Lombardi, you know the story. Making one and a half million dollars placed on leave by the university last week due to some human resources issues. They're about a month away from their opener. Bill Belichick opened up and said what he could, which wasn't much.
- [13:14]
Bill Belichick
We're working through some things. You know, we're at a particular time of year now where There are certain things that are in play and certain things that aren't in play that won't happen until later in the calendar year at some other point. So, you know, we're taking it day to day and, you know, working through the things that are on the table
- [13:30]
Host (Zubin)
now, when billable hours ensue, that's about as detailed as you can get as you take a look at the North Carolina schedule. They open Aug. 29. That game will be overseas. It'll be at noon Eastern on espn. A great way for fans across the country to start watching the 2026 season. On the way. Bryce Underwood spent the off season working with a stud NFL quarterback who was in the super bowl not too long ago. Who is it and what did he learn from him? Bryce will tell us next when College Football Live continues as Big Ten media days have come to an end.
- [14:13]
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- [14:45]
Pete Thamel
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- [15:03]
Host (Zubin)
and we're back on College Football Live. In his debut season for Michigan, Bryce Underwood was among the best dual threat guys in the country, averaging 7.4 yards per rush on non sack rushes. He likes getting out of the pocket. That's top 10 in the FBS. Now he's got a new OC who's known for his work with mobile QBs. Could be the breakout season many are hoping for. With that, we welcome Bryce into college Football live. It is great to have you here. First things first, you were born in Detroit, you grew up in Michigan. Now you're the quarterback of the Michigan Wolverines, the winningest program in the history of college football. When you hear it like that, what does your title and your role mean to you?
- [15:46]
Bryce Underwood
Overall, it's a dream come true. First off, it's a blessing. Honestly. Pray for moments like this When I was younger, you know, I'm just living it now, so.
- [15:54]
Host (Zubin)
All right, so you're 18. You played the whole season at 18. We're almost at the next season. You're still 18. How did you deal with all the adversity you went through? Probably for the first time as a player at such a young age,
- [16:09]
Bryce Underwood
understanding it's overall like how strong you can be mentally, physically, emotionally. It's an all around thing. So that's the main focus that I have going through this whole process.
- [16:19]
Host (Zubin)
What's it going to take to get you to use your legs a little bit more? We showed you that number coming right into the interview. A lot of people want to see you unleashed. Is that going to happen?
- [16:30]
Bryce Underwood
Definitely. Whatever my team needs for me to be, that's what I'm going to be every moment.
- [16:34]
Host (Zubin)
I heard you worked with Joe Burrow in the off season. What did you learn from him?
- [16:41]
Bryce Underwood
Really just calmness in the pocket, you know, everything is. Everything is just football, you know, staying calm, staying ready at all times. So been one of the main focuses I have for this whole off season.
- [16:52]
Host (Zubin)
What was your first meeting with Kyle Whittingham like?
- [16:57]
Bryce Underwood
Overall, it was just about leadership. You know, me stepping into my sophomore year, you know, I'm a veteran at that point. So coach Windy Ham just asks for nothing but, you know, leadership and that's what he's expecting out of me.
- [17:08]
Host (Zubin)
So Bryce, I found this to be amazing. You're the number one player in your high school class, the number one quarterback, and last year Michigan did not have a full time quarterbacks coach. What do you think can change now that you've got that and a new OC that can really take advantage of your skill set.
- [17:26]
Bryce Underwood
Definitely it's just a better preparation aspect. Just so excited for this year. You know, everything we worked on for this whole off season, just waiting to showcase that talent on September 5th.
- [17:35]
Host (Zubin)
And the last couple things for you, you said you wanted to work on your leadership. How does that manifest itself when you're still the second year, still one of the youngest guys on the team?
- [17:48]
Bryce Underwood
Well, overall it came with trust, honestly, you know, coming from my teammates, you know, I was doing a lot of bonding outside of football and during like, you know, workouts and things of that nature. You know, just showcasing. I'm able to do everything on the field for my guys and willing to do anything. So those guys trust me and I'm excited for the season.
- [18:04]
Host (Zubin)
Hey, last one. I think football fans across the state of Michigan are going to be excited. November 14th it's going to be five star Detroit legend Dante Moore taking on five star Detroit legend Bryce Underwood. I know you guys run in the same circles in your prep days. What do you think that moment's going to be like when you see him staring across the other side sideline with the country watching?
- [18:28]
Bryce Underwood
It's going to be insane because it's the first time we ever faced off that wasn't 707. So I'm very excited for the opportunity. Dante is one of my closest friends, so I'm really excited for the season to upcome. Very excited to face one of my best friends.
- [18:40]
Host (Zubin)
So absolutely, yeah, he was on the show yesterday and he, much like you and I can tell in our short conversation, realizes there's more to life than football. Even though people really, really want to see to you both excel in football. It was a pleasure to meet you and I hope you have a great season here in 2026
- [18:57]
Bryce Underwood
for sure. Thank you for having me.
- [18:59]
Host (Zubin)
Thank you. On the way here on College Football Live, the sleepers in the Big Ten, including one team that's already made the playoff twice. So are they really a sleeper? We'll get some clarity on that next.
- [19:15]
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- [19:53]
Pete Thamel
Shohei Ohtani's interpreter was fired today. Ippei Mitsuhara ran up gambling debts to
- [19:59]
Host (Zubin)
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- [20:01]
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- [20:06]
Host (Zubin)
He was absolutely bananas.
- [20:07]
Bryce Underwood
The amount of bets he was making. I've never seen anything like it.
- [20:10]
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- [20:16]
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- [20:26]
Host (Zubin)
Wrestling fans, SummerSlam is coming to Big Ten country Minnesota this weekend. Two nights, one huge event with Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns taking center stage. Speaking of center stage, Matt Rule, Big Ten Media Days. He hears the critics that it's same old Nebraska.
- [20:45]
Matt Rule
I stood up here a few years ago and said before we can talk about doing great things now we, we've got to earn back the respect. And these guys, they've kind of erased the narratives. You know, Nebraska can't win a close game. They've erased that. But we know that's not enough. We didn't come to Nebraska to go 7 and 6. Being here today with teams who've won the national championship, it's inspiring. It speaks to this conference, it speaks to the people that run it, the coaches and the players that are in it. And we understand that we have to take a step this year.
- [21:12]
Host (Zubin)
Pete, help me understand these steps from an upgrade they need to take.
- [21:18]
Pete Thamel
Well, the steps are pretty clear. Zubin. It starts with an overhaul on the offensive line. They brought in three very good players from the portal and have a new offensive line coach in Jeep Wade. And then there's also a significant upgrade at wide receiver for familiar face from the Big Ten, Quasi Gilmer, who had 50 catches at UCLA last year. Anthony Calandry is a dual threat quarterback. He has protection in front of him and he has weapons around him and that's going to take the Nebraska.
- [21:47]
Host (Zubin)
Washington's has made the playoff twice. Jed Fish says the best is yet to come.
- [21:54]
Kurt Signetti
I love our program and I love where we're headed. I love our culture, I love our players. I love the physical, violent, discipline football that we play. We will retain the players we develop. We do not bring in mercenaries. This team was not bought. This team was built. Players come here and stay here not for the money but for the program. The opportunity to become a pro in life and pro in the NFL. We are looking to improve every single day and we are certainly looking to raise the bar this year.
- [22:23]
Host (Zubin)
Roddy, you think they're a sleeper because they are capable of raising the bar. Tell us why.
- [22:29]
Roddy
First off, Jet Fish is a bar at the microphone for Big Ten media day. But it starts with Damond Williams who in the nine wins last year had 22 touchdowns and only two interceptions. If he can show that consistency throughout the season then he will improve on that mark of being fourth in the Big Ten in qbr. He's also returning four offensive lineman. He's got an excellent receiving core. That defense should be elite. Washington's going to surprise some people this year. Zoom.
- [22:54]
Host (Zubin)
Yeah, Demond's got a little working over to do with the fans. Northwestern's got a makeover currently with a couple of their assistants, including one guy you may have heard of.
- [23:04]
Northwestern Coach
I felt like Northwestern offense needed a transformative change and my goodness is hiring Ship Kelly a transformative change? It's the experience that he brings Louie. It's his outside the box thinking. It's his understanding of how we can position our guys to suit their strengths within the offense. And I think the thing that stands out to me most, sitting in an offensive staff meeting specifically in the spring. The amount of times that I'm listening to conversation the why behind the way that we're doing things on offense and starting to recognize how difficult that is to defend.
- [23:38]
Host (Zubin)
Sam well traveled. Chip Kelly, always preaching safety first is ready to go at his new locale.
- [23:46]
Sam
Absolutely. Maybe the most slept on coaching staff for some of the coaching hires in all of college football. Chip Kelly, the last time he was in college football was coaching Ohio State to a national championship. And then add to that Jerry Neuheisel. Remember what he did last year at UCLA after an 04 start, started calling plays, had some big upsets, once again went against Penn State. So I'm excited what they do with Aiden Child as a quarterback. Also Kobe McKenzie transferred from Oklahoma on the defense. Excited about this team.
- [24:11]
Host (Zubin)
All right, so that'll do it. All the media days are done. Now all we got to do is play the games and get to Monday night in January in Las Vegas to crown the national champion. And we'll be with you every step of the way. We'll see you tomorrow.
- [24:27]
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