In this college football podcast episode, we close out our three-part 2026 Big Ten preview with nine more teams and some of the conference's most difficult projections. USC has the offense, talent and expectations of a College Football Playoff contender, but can Lincoln Riley's team survive a relentless schedule while Gary Patterson rebuilds the defense?

The conversation gets especially spirited when we turn to the new eras at Penn State and Michigan. How quickly can Matt Campbell blend his Iowa State imports with the roster he inherited? Does Kyle Whittingham give Michigan an immediate coaching upgrade, and what will his staff unlock in Bryce Underwood? Along the way, we debate the talent level at Penn State, the offensive identities taking shape in Ann Arbor and State College, and whether either team can navigate a season filled with major swing games and playoff-level pressure.

We also dig into Bob Chesney's ambitious UCLA rebuild, the possibility of Illinois being overlooked, Minnesota's search for offensive pop, Maryland's attempt to give Malik Washington more help, and the upside and limitations of the new coaching staffs at Michigan State and Northwestern. Plus: Dan's Penn State slander, a save-the-date for the Minnesota Support Zoom, the return of Charles Chip Kelly, and a troubling sign from College Football 27.