Hoosier Huddle's 2021 Big Ten Media Days Primer

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Written by Matt Smith

What: 2021 Big Ten Media Days

When: July 22 and 23

Where: Indianapolis, IN

How to Watch: Big Ten Network (10am-5pm Thursday, 11am-8pm Friday)

 On Thursday and Friday of this week, the Big Ten will take to Indianapolis to take part in Big Ten Media days at Lucas Oil Stadium. During this two day event, all 14 Big Ten coaches will meet with the media as will Kevin Warren, the commissioner of the Big Ten.

Along with the coaches, all 14 teams will bring three players to Indianapolis as well. These players are usually veteran players and could be up for captain of their team. 

Media day is split into two days with Indiana’s Tom Allen, Micahel Penix Jr, Ty Fryfogle, and Micah McFadden taking to the podium on Friday, along with Rutgers, Michigan State, Ohio State, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Purdue. 

Some of the athletes that have been announced are from Ohio State, Jeremy Ruckert, Purdue’s David Bell, Owen Carney Jr. from Illinois,  as well as Jalen Nailor from Michigan State.

Questions and Storylines

What is the health of Michael Penix Jr.?

  • Penix had surgery to fix a torn ACL during the season last year, and ever since then the biggest question facing the Hoosiers has been will Penix be healthy to start week one against Iowa. Penix has been all over social media during the summer working out with Jameis Winston and attending the Manning Passing Academy as well. As Penix takes to the podium on Friday, much of the media will be asking where he is at in his recovery process.

How will the Hoosiers fare with two new coaching additions in Deland McCullough and new defensive coordinator Charlton Warren?

  • Tom Allen had two new hires to his coaching staff during the offseason in running backs coach and associate head coach Deland McCullough and Charlton Warren from Georgia. McCullough’s impact has already been felt as all three of his sons have committed to IU to play for the Hoosiers. With the exit of Kane Wommack, Warren has taken over the reins of a defense that was a highlight for the Hoosiers last season. Will Warren be able to replicate the success of the defense last season?

What will the Big Ten look like with the new NIL policy?

  • With Kevin Warren taking to the podium on Thursday, one of the biggest questions facing him will be the new NIL policy that came into play July 1. Will the Big Ten place any restrictions down the road? Does the Big Ten agree with the policy? Will there be a specific Big Ten policy?

Big Picture

Graham Mertz turned heads during his debut last season for Wisconsin, but his play slowed down throughout a covid riddled season, will the sophomore quarterback take the leap that many Badger fans are hoping for? What will Ohio State look like without Justin Fields this season? Will Pat Fitzgerald have the Northwestern defense back to the level of play of last season? Is Jim Harbaugh on the hot seat this season at Michigan? What will Michigan State look like in their rebuild this season? There are many questions facing the 14 Big Ten teams, and they will all be in one place at the unofficial “kickoff” to the 2021 season.