Inside The Pylon: A Midwest College Football Podcast

Inside The Pylon: A Midwest College Football Podcast

por Ryan Satkowiak

Fútbol americano

Spring Spotlight: Northwestern Wildcats

Ryan and Clinton continue to roll through Big Ten spring spotlights, talking Northwestern. One of the most intriguing hires of the offseason was OC Chip Kelly, back in the Big Ten after a year in the NFL. He teams up with transfer QB Aidan Chiles, himself an import from Michigan State. With a good amount of skill talent to work with at RB and WR, will the marriage yield Will Howard-esque results for Northwestern in 2026, or will it look more like 2023 then-true freshman Dante Moore? Northwestern had a strong OL in 2025 particularly in pass protection, where they allowed 17 sacks in 13 games. Three (and maybe four?) of last year's starting OL is out the door. Starting LG Ezomo Oratokhai returns, while starting C Jackson Carsello is waiting on a ruling for a sixth-year waiver. The Wildcats brought in one of the portal's best OTs in Oklahoma State's Grant Seagren, but also return several part-time contributors from 2025 looking to slide into the starting lineup. Can this group help ease Chiles's transition? On defense, five of the team's top-10 tacklers from 2025 have graduated -- which does not include star DE Anto Saka's transfer to Texas A&M. However, the Wildcats return a key player at each level, bolstered on the back end by the Big Ten's leading solo tackler Robert Fitzgerald. Can this unit that was good in 2025, but only forced 19 turnovers, take a big step forward in 2026? Join us on our Youtube channel live for shows. Spring time will feature shows Monday and Thursday live at 9 pm est until the conclusion of spring ball, with the episode dropping in your podcast feed the following morning. Follow us on Twitter to get notified when we are going live and to interact with the show. LINKS: Twitter: https://x.com/ITPCFB Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ITPCFB/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-pylon-a-midwest-college-football-podcast/id1729819040 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0duY5MWU52VLBGm8sO7eaI

Spring Spotlights: Nebraska Cornhuskers

Ryan and Clinton continue to roll through Big Ten spring spotlights, talking Nebraska. Rob Aurich joins Matt Rhule's staff as defensive coordinator. He had a largely successful run with San Diego State, where he called what was one of the nation's best defenses in both yards per game and points per game in 2025. How with this translate to Nebraska, which boasted one of the nation's best pass defenses in 2025, but ranked 100th nationally in yards per game against the run? At QB, favorite son Dylan Railoa left via the portal for Oregon. After a flirtation with Kenny Minchey, the Huskers landed UNLV transfer Anthony Colandrea in the portal. He will compete with four-game starter TJ Lateef for the starting roll in 2026. What does Collandrea bring and how might he fit into Dana Holgerson's offense if he wins the job? One of the brightest spots of Nebraska's 2025 season was RB Emmett Johnson, who is off to the NFL. Despite Johnson's 1451 yards and 12 TDs on the ground, the Huskers otherwise struggled running the football. Who will step up to carry the load (no pun intended) in 2026? Join us on our Youtube channel live for shows. Spring time will feature shows Monday and Thursday live at 9 pm est until the conclusion of spring ball, with the episode dropping in your podcast feed the following morning. Follow us on Twitter to get notified when we are going live and to interact with the show. LINKS: Twitter: https://x.com/ITPCFB Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ITPCFB/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-pylon-a-midwest-college-football-podcast/id1729819040 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0duY5MWU52VLBGm8sO7eaI

Spring Spotlight: Minnesota Golden Gophers

Ryan and Clinton continue to roll through Big Ten spring spotlights, talking Minnesota. Drake Lindsey took over under center for Minnesota in 2025 and had a fine season overall. He took care of the ball well with 18 TDs to 6 INTs, but the passing offense lacked explosiveness. The Gophers ranked 127th nationally at 5.9 yards per attempt for the season. Coupled with a rushing offense that struggled to gain momentum, and you have an offense that ranked in the bottom third in FBS in points per game. Lindsey will need to take his game to the next level, but would benefit from help out wide. Also helping would be a healthy Darius Taylor. After a mostly healthy 2024, the Gopher's star RB missed three full games in 2025 and large chunks of two others. Can he stay on the field and get back to the form he showed in 2024 where he had 12 TDs and 1300 all-purpose yards? New DL coach CJ Robbins enters and inherits an edge group that should be among the best in the Big Ten. Anthony Smith has a legitimate change to finish 2026 as the program's all-time sack leader, while now-sophomore Karter Menz had 6.5 sacks in 8 games last season. But 1400 snaps leave the interior DL. Can Robbins get this group up to speed? Join us on our Youtube channel live for shows. Spring time will feature shows Monday and Thursday live at 9 pm est until the conclusion of spring ball, with the episode dropping in your podcast feed the following morning. Follow us on Twitter to get notified when we are going live and to interact with the show. LINKS: Twitter: https://x.com/ITPCFB Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ITPCFB/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-pylon-a-midwest-college-football-podcast/id1729819040 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0duY5MWU52VLBGm8sO7eaI

Spring Spotlight: Michigan State Spartans

Ryan and Clinton continue to roll through Big Ten spring spotlights, talking Michigan State. QB play was not a bright spot for this squad a year ago but neither start had help from his OL. The Spartans allowed 37 sacks a year ago, and struggled to consistently open run lanes. Can several transfer portal adds help shore up this unit? While they could not protect their own QB, the Spartans defense could also not affect any pressure on opposing QBs with only 22 sacks accrued in 2025. Is there a player on the roster who can step up to help turn that tide in 2026? In the secondary, CB Charles Brantley returns after a one-year run at Miami. He led MSU in INTs and PBUs in 2024. Can he help give a boost to a unit that struggled in 2025? Join us on our Youtube channel live for shows. Spring time will feature shows Monday and Thursday live at 9 pm est until the conclusion of spring ball, with the episode dropping in your podcast feed the following morning. Follow us on Twitter to get notified when we are going live and to interact with the show. LINKS: Twitter: https://x.com/ITPCFB Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ITPCFB/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-pylon-a-midwest-college-football-podcast/id1729819040 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0duY5MWU52VLBGm8sO7eaI

Spring Spotlight: Michigan Wolverines

Ryan and Clinton continue to roll through Big Ten spring spotlights, talking Michigan. A year ago Michigan won nine games despite a still-lacking passing attack and a head coach who was ... preoccupied. With a serious staff (and a real QB coach) what might be this offense's ceiling with Kyle Whittingham and Jason Beck calling the shots? Part of that depends on someone stepping up out wide. Andrew Marsh established himself as a No. 1 target in 2025. Will a transfer -- or a player already in toe -- step up beside him to give Michigan another pass-catching threat? On defense, Michigan had turnover in the secondary but plenty of talent remains. But at linebacker, top player Cole Sullivan leaves for Oklahoma. Who will step up to help fill the void? Join us on our Youtube channel live for shows. Spring time will feature shows Monday and Thursday live at 9 pm est until the conclusion of spring ball, with the episode dropping in your podcast feed the following morning. Follow us on Twitter to get notified when we are going live and to interact with the show. LINKS: Twitter: https://x.com/ITPCFB Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ITPCFB/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-pylon-a-midwest-college-football-podcast/id1729819040 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0duY5MWU52VLBGm8sO7eaI

Spring Spotlight: Maryland Terrapins

Ryan and Clinton continue to roll through Big Ten spring spotlights, talking Maryland. Maryland built its 2025 offense around true freshman QB Malik Washington and he delivered well. However he did not have much help from the run game and the Terps' top-three receivers are off to the NFL. What will this offense look like under new OC Clint Trickett? Maryland struggled defensively as 2025 progressed, particularly against the run where they ranked 15th in the Big Ten, allowing 175.6 yards per game on the ground. To address this, Maryland brought in a handful of interior DL transfers. What are we looking for from this unit? At the edge, Zahir Mathis and Sidney Stewart had big years in 2025, and they add class of 2026 5-start prospect Zion Elee to the mix. Could this fearsome attack off the edge help a Terps defense that finished 48th nationally in sacks per game a year ago? Join us on our Youtube channel live for shows. Spring time will feature shows Monday and Thursday live at 9 pm est until the conclusion of spring ball, with the episode dropping in your podcast feed the following morning. Follow us on Twitter to get notified when we are going live and to interact with the show. LINKS: Twitter: https://x.com/ITPCFB Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ITPCFB/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-pylon-a-midwest-college-football-podcast/id1729819040 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0duY5MWU52VLBGm8sO7eaI

Spring Spotlight: Iowa Hawkeyes

Ryan and Clinton continue to roll through Big Ten spring spotlights, touching on Iowa. Another 9-win season in 2025, with a win against playoff-contending Vanderbilt in the bowl game showed the consistency of Kirk Ferentz's program. However, turnover will be abound with this team in 2026. That starts at the QB position. After portal shopping the last year years, and having good success with Mark Gronowski in 2025, the Hawkeyes will look to turn to an in-house solution (who also previously transferred in) in 2026 with Jeremy Hecklinski or Hank Brown. How with this alter the offensive identity? Out wide, we know Iowa has a case for TEU and they should be well-stocked at that position. But they turned to the FCS ranks to re-stock the WR position with productive players. Can they handle the jump in physicality of Big Ten defenses? One of the hallmarks of Iowa football has been special teams play. But for the first time since 2007, LaVar Woods will not be on this staff. Can the Hawkeyes special teams units remain elite game-wreckers? Join us on our Youtube channel live for shows. Spring time will feature shows Monday and Thursday live at 9 pm est until the conclusion of spring ball, with the episode dropping in your podcast feed the following morning. Follow us on Twitter to get notified when we are going live and to interact with the show. LINKS: Twitter: https://x.com/ITPCFB Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ITPCFB/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-pylon-a-midwest-college-football-podcast/id1729819040 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0duY5MWU52VLBGm8sO7eaI

Spring Spotlights: Illinois Illini

Ryan and Clinton continue to roll through Big Ten spring spotlights, touching on Illinois. After a breakout 2024 led to a strong, but maybe short of expectations 2025, where will the team head in 2026? They will be led by a new QB with three-year starter Luke Altmyer off for the NFL. In comes ECU transfer Katin Houser, he of 2023 Michigan State lore. A big body with a strong arm and a more physical run style, will Illinois alter its offensive look in 2026 to accommodate the new signal caller? He will need help from his OL, which was not good enough in 2025 but replaces four of five starters. Who are names to know along this unit? On defense, new DC Bobby Hauck imports a 3-3-5 defense that will put more on an Illinois secondary that was injury-riddled in 2025 but returns a plethora of talent, despite several losses. Join us on our Youtube channel live for shows. Spring time will feature shows Monday and Thursday live at 9 pm est until the conclusion of spring ball, with the episode dropping in your podcast feed the following morning. Follow us on Twitter to get notified when we are going live and to interact with the show. LINKS: Twitter: https://x.com/ITPCFB Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ITPCFB/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-pylon-a-midwest-college-football-podcast/id1729819040 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0duY5MWU52VLBGm8sO7eaI

Spring Spotlights: Indiana Hoosiers

Ryan and Clinton return from hiatus to begin a journey through the midwest as spring ball begins to kick off. The guys open with the defending national champion Indiana Hoosiers, with three items to observe for in the spring. On the edge, Mikhail Kamara departs after a successful two year run in Bloomington following a transfer from JMU. To help ease his loss, along with several others, the Hoosiers hit the portal hard. Who are the names to know this spring. Out wide, Elijah Sarratt and Omar Cooper are off to the NFL, but 2025 breakout star Charlie Becker returns for new QB Josh Hoover. Michigan State transfer Nick Marsh enters, and who else should we be keeping our eyes on? In the backfield, Roman Hemby and Kaelon Black also depart. In what has been a running-back-by-committee in two years for Curt Cignetti in Bloomington, will we see more of the same in 2026 or will a bell cow emerge? Join us on our Youtube channel live for shows. Spring time will feature shows Monday and Thursday live at 9 pm est until the conclusion of spring ball, with the episode dropping in your podcast feed the following morning. Follow us on Twitter to get notified when we are going live and to interact with the show. LINKS: Twitter: https://x.com/ITPCFB Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ITPCFB/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-pylon-a-midwest-college-football-podcast/id1729819040 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0duY5MWU52VLBGm8sO7eaI

ITP Special: Coaching Carousel Roundup

In part four of our four part February series, Ryan and Clinton talk coaching carousel. In the Big Ten, four new head coaching jobs start in 2026: Pat Fitzgerald returns to the Big Ten at Michigan State; Matt Campbell takes the next step in his career moving to Penn State; Bob Chesney jumps from James Madison to UCLA; and Kyle Whittingham stepped down at Utah and took Michigan's vacant posting. What are aspects of these hires we like that could indicate coming success? What are some potential trepidations with these hires that give us cause for pause. Additionally, the guys talk a couple OC/DC new hires to watch for. Join us on our Youtube channel live Saturday/Monday/Thursday for shows, with the episode dropping in your podcast feed the following morning. Live time for Monday/Thursday shows will remain 9 pm, while we will go live for instant reactions Saturday night following the games. Follow us on Twitter to get notified when we are going live and to interact with the show. LINKS: Twitter: https://x.com/ITPCFB Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ITPCFB/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-pylon-a-midwest-college-football-podcast/id1729819040 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0duY5MWU52VLBGm8sO7eaI

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