Todd Blackledge

That would be awesome! Thank you!

With the #NFLDraft coming up it's hard not to notice the trend of B1G players vs SEC projected this year. Look at @dpbrugler Draft report (amazing btw) and of the top 10 players on his list, 5 are from the B1G (4 from @OhioStateFB) and only 1 from the SEC. Look at top 30 and 7 from SEC and 11 from B1G. It's not hating on the SEC, it's just a trend that is happening and always feel the NFL Draft does accurately reflect the top tier talent in respective leagues. We will see how it shakes out next week but a storyline to track on many levels. cc: @yoptionfb @Todd_Blackledge

The sun is shining on the Lakefront at @NUFBFamily. Grateful for the insight and access from @DavidBraunFB @MarkJackson_NU and the entire staff. Some takeaways: - Aiden Chiles will be the best version of himself under Chip Kelly. - Their scheme on both sides of the ball will be a challenge for opponents in @B1Gfootball. - The LBs can fly around + new additions via the portal will be impact players each weekend. - If they can stay healthy this team will make some noise this fall. More coming to @yoptionfb as we break it all down. Be sure to subscribe to our YT channel: @yoption?si=BPzyPkvOblIdCLWQ" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">youtube.com/@yoption?si=BP…

LOVE the song Jireh by Maverick City Music, especially first few lines: “I’ll never be more loved than I am right now. Wasn’t holding you up, so there’s nothing I can do to let you down. It doesn’t take a trophy to make you proud, I’ll never be more loved than I am right now.”

You have no idea how much I miss not having @TaylorGrocery on my fall go-to list anymore! They don’t fry catfish like that in Big Ten country!

@Todd_Blackledge @CoachMC_PSU @BretBielema @CCignettiIU @Marcus_Freeman1 @coachfitz51 @UMFBCoachWhitt @ryandaytime Enjoy you @NoahEagle15 on @nbcsports #Big10SaturdayNight. Miss seeing you @TaylorGrocery in the fall.

Ok, here is a fun quiz from my Spring Football ‘26 Tour: Of the 7 practices I visited, all of them but 1 had music playing for some or all of the practice. Can you guess who the outlier was? (I should mention that I have no strong opinion about this one way or the other.)

Huge shoutout to: @CoachMC_PSU @BretBielema @CCignettiIU @Marcus_Freeman1 @coachfitz51 @UMFBCoachWhitt @ryandaytime Thanks for the generous time and incredible access given with your programs during the Spring Tour ‘26. Very beneficial trip for me. Can’t wait for the Fall!

More on @OhioStateFB *Several key OL guys not working in Spring, but that will be an older, experienced group in the Fall. *As usual, the WR group looks as good as any in the country, but an unexpected guy who is turning heads right now is Fr Brock Boyd out of Southlake, TX.

Final stop on the Spring Tour @OhioStateFB Takeaways: * 51 new players on the field including 27 early enrollee Freshmen. *Julian Sayin looks to build on impressive first year working with 3rd OC in 3 years. *D will still be multiple and stingy, but need to find fits for roles.

The 3 best defenses I watched live or on tape last season were @IndianaFootball @OU_Football @OhioStateFB Different schemes, but all three very multiple and equally effective at defending the run and creating pressure and ball disruption. I expect similar results in ‘26.

After visiting all 3 teams, and sitting down with all 3 men, I am convinced that @CoachMC_PSU , @coachfitz51 , and @UMFBCoachWhitt are the perfect fits where they landed, in part because of the type of coaching DNA/culture they bring, and what each program needs most right now.

Stop #6 Felt like a crisp fall morning watching @UMichFootball scrimmage. Takeaways: *Expect Underwood to make a jump in development under OC Jason Beck & watchful eye of QB coach Koy Detmer. *OL has talent, but must improve as pass protectors. *RB,DL,DB all can be strong groups.

Stop #5 A very early morning practice with @MSU_Football Takeaways: *Great to see @coachfitz51 back on a practice field, blowing a whistle and leading a team. *They improved OL through the portal-greatest need. *Milivojevic can spin it. Next step learn to get ball out quicker.

My stay, not star:)

Fantastic! And my star at The Morris Inn was top notch!

Stop #4: Notre Dame Key Takeaways: *CJ Carr looks confident and in command entering 2nd year as a starter. *OL looks very solid especially with move of Anthonie Knapp inside. *D will be SALTY, led by 2 returning captains Bowen and Shuler. *Best looking Irish WR group in years.

Two more notes on @IndianaFootball “Last of the Mohicans” The final JMU TR still on the roster is Tyrique Tucker, an outstanding DL. Coach Cig’s process is proven, and a big part of that is staff continuity. Both OC @CoachShanahan_ and DC @Coach_BHaines remain in the fold.

Stop 3 at the home of defending Champs @IndianaFootball Impressive practice! Takeaways: Big, experienced and deep on both the OL and DL. Fewest number of portal transfers in 3 years, but impactful adds. For third time, the Hoosiers turn to an experienced TR QB in Josh Hoover.

Stop 2 on the Spring Tour: Champaign, IL, where I was joined by new @NBCSports colleague Yogi Roth. Great visits with @BretBielema , OC @BarryLunneyJr and new DC Bobby Hauck, who will introduce his unique scheme to the Big 10. Thanks @IlliniFootball