Big Ten recruiting heats up as top coaches vie for 2026 talent. Will Washington's defensive upgrades translate to more wins next season?

Spencer McLaughlin and the Locked On Big Ten Squad analyze college football's recruiting landscape, spotlighting the conference's best talent hunters. The hosts break down 2026 class projections for powerhouses like Ohio State, Michigan, and USC, exploring how NIL deals are reshaping recruitment strategies. Washington's defensive overhaul takes center stage, with Roman Thomas highlighting key additions to the Huskies' secondary and front seven. The crew debates Washington's win total for the upcoming season, dissecting crucial matchups against Big Ten heavyweights.

Tune in for insider perspectives on Big Ten recruiting battles and bold predictions for Washington's 2024 campaign.

This Friday mailbag starts with a conversation about kickoff times. Why do fans get so emotional about this topic? It’s a widespread thing in college football, but fans of the Huskers hold their own in overreacting to an 11 a.m. kickoff. Or a night game. Or whatever the networks that are paying tens of millions of dollars annually to Big Ten programs choose to do with their programming.

Connor and Mitch react to the reactions that came in the wake of many TV announcements Thursday. Also, what’s up with the letters in the newly painted end zones at Memorial Stadium? What kind of adjustment must the Huskers make in a short time to get their punting situation in order as Archie Wilson gets to town.

We’ve got comments about pizza. And we finish with some baseball talk as Will Bolt’s resilient group prepares to get started in NCAA-regional play on Friday against Oklahoma. Join us.

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USC Trojans football is on the brink of a pivotal season. Can Lincoln Riley lead them to a 9-10 win season? With the college football landscape shifting, the Trojans face potential SEC vs Big Ten matchups, and the stakes have never been higher.

Join Spencer McLaughlin and a panel of experts, including Mark Culkin and Jacob Goins, as they dissect USC's upcoming challenges and the evolving college football playoff format. The discussion covers key figures like Lincoln Riley and Greg Sankey, while exploring the implications of cross-conference games and playoff changes.

Will the Trojans rise to the occasion, or will they falter against formidable opponents? Tune in for an insider's perspective on USC's path to success and the broader college football dynamics.