Podcast Summary: See Ball Get Ball with David Pollack Episode: "Bret Bielema Joins the Show! | Who Wins the Big Ten in 2025?" Release Date: June 26, 2025

Introduction and Context

In this engaging episode of "See Ball Get Ball", host David Pollack welcomes co-host Brent Rollins and special guest Bret Bielema, a renowned college football coach with a storied career. The episode centers around a comprehensive analysis of the Big Ten Conference and its prospects for the 2025 season.

Big Ten Conference Overview

David Pollack initiates the discussion by asserting the Big Ten's dominance in college football:

David Pollock [00:00]: "It's been the premier conference in college football, and I know some people don't like that, but the last couple years, the national champion has come from the Big Ten and playing really, really good football."

He highlights the conference's depth, attributing it to recent expansions and the influx of talented players:

David Pollock [00:30]: "Expansion has made this league deeper, more talented."

Team Rankings and Playoff Predictions

The trio delves into the current standings and projections for the season. Brent Rollins emphasizes the rise of teams like Oregon, USC, and Washington, alongside traditional powerhouses like Ohio State and Penn State:

Brent Rollins [01:10]: "The additions of Oregon, USC, and Washington, plus the kind of elevation, a little bit of Indiana and then Illinois with Coach Bielema, that's the depth."

David Pollock maintains that the top three remain solid:

David Pollock [02:12]: "Oregon, Ohio State and Penn State."

However, there's a lively debate about the fourth contender, with Bret Bielema advocating for Illinois:

Bret Bielema [15:25]: "I'm gonna say Illinois because Coach B. is going to join us and getting ready to join us."

Both David and Brent concur, predicting Penn State and Ohio State to feature prominently in the Big Ten Championship Game:

David Pollock [10:28]: "I got James Franklin and Penn State in the championship game. That is a given."

Notable Transfers and Coach of the Year

The conversation shifts to standout transfers. Brent Rollins presents three candidates for Transfer of the Year, ultimately backing Granowski at Iowa:

Brent Rollins [05:54]: "Granowski at Iowa... I think that that's the best pick."

When discussing Coach of the Year, David Pollock brings up previous winners, leading to a humorous exchange before identifying PJ Fleck as a strong candidate:

David Pollock [07:25]: "I think the 2025 coach of the year in the Big Ten is James Franklin."

Discussion with Bret Bielema: Coaching Illinois

Bret Bielema shares insights into his coaching philosophy and the upcoming season at Illinois. He emphasizes consistency and player development:

Bret Bielema [20:09]: "The only people that really determine our success are really you guys, right. As coaches, there isn't any way I prepare more or less based on what I think can happen. I just do it the same way every day..."

He discusses the improvement of key players, particularly quarterback Luke, and the strategic initiatives to foster leadership:

Bret Bielema [23:07]: "Our quarterbacks... really put Luke in a position that he had to talk. And he's super smart, super intelligent."

Standout Players: Gabe Akis

A significant portion of the discussion is dedicated to defensive standout Gabe Akis. Brent Rollins lauds his tenacity and impact on the field:

Brent Rollins [27:32]: "Every time I watch the dude, I love the motor... he's an absolute animal."

Bret Bielema elaborates on Gabe's recruitment story and his evolution into a formidable player:

Bret Bielema [29:54]: "He's got those country hand strength things... reminds me a lot of times J.J. Watt."

Changes in College Football Landscape

The trio examines the evolving landscape of college football, touching upon the impact of the transfer portal and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policies. Bret Bielema expresses optimism about the increased parity and the potential for more competitive games:

Bret Bielema [37:21]: "There has to be accountability... I think the more that plays into college football, the people that understand it, get it and know how to evaluate will be rewarded."

He also addresses concerns regarding walk-ons and scholarships, suggesting that the system still offers ample opportunities for undrafted talent to thrive:

Bret Bielema [38:53]: "We put over 25, maybe 30 guys that were former walk-ons on scholarship now."

NFL Experience and Coaching Insights

Drawing from his extensive NFL background, Bret Bielema shares anecdotes from his time with legendary coach Bill Belichick and others. He underscores the importance of strategic planning and adaptability learned from the pros:

Bret Bielema [33:18]: "The things I learned under Coach Belichick... are really two years of or three years of just great learning."

Family and Personal Insights from Bielema

Beyond football, Bret Bielema opens up about his life as a father, highlighting the joy and challenges of raising daughters involved in dance:

Bret Bielema [18:21]: "Summer, I was in the pool yesterday with my little one and she's like dive bombing in the deep end..."

He humorously discusses his new role attending dance nationals and the balance between coaching and family life.

Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, David Pollock and Brent Rollins express their appreciation for Bret Bielema's insights, blending football analysis with personal anecdotes. The conversation underscores the vibrant and competitive nature of the Big Ten Conference, setting the stage for an exciting 2025 season.

Key Takeaways:

• Big Ten's Dominance: The Big Ten remains a powerhouse in college football, bolstered by recent expansions and talented recruits.

• Playoff Predictions: Penn State and Ohio State are frontrunners for the championship, with Illinois emerging as a strong contender under Bret Bielema.

• Player Development: Standout players like Gabe Akis and transfer Granowski are pivotal to their teams' successes.

• Evolving Landscape: Changes like the transfer portal and NIL are increasing parity, making college football more competitive and exciting.

• Personal Balance: Bret Bielema highlights the importance of balancing a demanding coaching career with family life.

This episode offers a deep dive into the strategic and personal elements shaping college football, providing listeners with expert analysis and heartfelt stories from one of the game's esteemed coaches.