Bret Bielema Fires Back at Pavia’s Big Ten Dig, Dixon Becomes Coach, Braxton Miller Uplifts Next Generation

College football never sleeps, and in the heart of the offseason, the Skull Session delivers another trio of headlines that blend controversy, transition, and legacy. Whether it’s a Big Ten coach responding to bulletin board material, a Buckeye legacy stepping into a new role, or a former star giving back, the pulse of Ohio State football and the broader college football community beats strong.

Let’s start with what has ignited debate across the Midwest.

Bret Bielema Responds to Diego Pavia’s Big Ten Comments

New Mexico State quarterback Diego Pavia recently took a verbal swing at the Big Ten Conference, suggesting in an interview that teams from the Big Ten “don’t scare” him and that “they’re big, slow, and predictable.” The remarks quickly made their rounds across college football media, raising eyebrows and sparking reactions — most notably from Illinois head coach Bret Bielema.

Bielema, never one to bite his tongue, was asked directly about Pavia’s comments while speaking at a summer alumni luncheon in Champaign. With a smirk, Bielema delivered a measured but pointed response.

“Everybody has a plan until they get hit in the mouth,” Bielema said, channeling his inner Mike Tyson. “The Big Ten isn’t about being flashy — it’s about being physical, disciplined, and winning football. We’ll see what happens when the pads start popping.”

The coach didn’t stop there. He subtly referenced the Aggies’ 2024 season schedule, which saw them take a beating in out-of-conference play, and added, “I think some of those comments come from a place of confidence, which is fine. But confidence doesn’t win games. Execution does.”

Pavia, who transferred from New Mexico State after a standout 2023 campaign and has since gained attention for his brash confidence and dual-threat ability, isn’t backing down either. He responded to Bielema’s comments on social media with a simple GIF of Michael Jordan saying, “And I took that personally,” further stoking the flames.

While Pavia has yet to officially land on a Big Ten schedule — his current team, believed to be a Power Four school in the ACC, doesn’t face any Big Ten opponents in 2025 — there’s a sense that his comments will linger in locker rooms across the Midwest for months to come.

In a conference known for blue-collar football and elite development, especially in the trenches, Pavia’s comments may not only motivate opponents but give them an edge against the very style of play he claims to dismiss.

Johnnie Dixon III Enters the Coaching Ranks

While some Buckeyes prepare for NFL dreams or the transfer portal carousel, former wide receiver Johnnie Dixon III is embarking on a different kind of football journey — the coaching ranks.

Dixon, remembered for his electrifying speed and big-play potential during his time in Columbus, has officially been named a graduate assistant at a Power Five program. Though the school hasn’t been publicly disclosed yet, sources close to Dixon confirm that he’ll be working with wide receivers and offensive skill development — an ideal fit for someone who lived the position with Buckeye flair.

This move isn’t surprising to those who followed Dixon’s career. A leader by example both on and off the field, he overcame early injury struggles at Ohio State to become a reliable deep threat in Urban Meyer’s offense. More importantly, he became a team-first presence in the locker room — mentoring younger receivers and serving as a calming influence in high-pressure moments.

Since concluding his college career, Dixon has spent time on NFL practice squads and active rosters, including stints with the Houston Texans and Arizona Cardinals. But even as he chased the pro dream, he often returned to Columbus to work with younger players during offseason camps, hinting at a long-term interest in teaching the game.

Now, with this next chapter underway, Dixon hopes to follow in the footsteps of other former Buckeye players turned coaches — think Brian Hartline, whose rise from GA to wide receivers coach and now offensive coordinator has become one of the most inspiring development stories in recent Ohio State history.

“Johnnie has always had a great football mind,” said a former OSU teammate. “He’s going to be the type of coach that players respect right away because he’s walked the path.”

His appointment comes at a time when the coaching carousel continues to demand fresh blood, especially former players who can relate to today’s athletes in a rapidly evolving college football landscape. Dixon is the kind of bridge-builder that modern programs crave: tough, smart, and battle-tested.

Braxton Miller Pays It Forward

Few Buckeyes are as beloved or as impactful as Braxton Miller. From two-time Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year to position-changing pioneer and now entrepreneur, Miller’s legacy continues to grow — not just in the stat sheets, but in the community.

This week, Miller made headlines for all the right reasons again by launching a youth quarterback development program in central Ohio. The program, titled “Shift7 QB Academy,” is aimed at helping young athletes — especially those from underserved communities — develop their skills, confidence, and football IQ.

At the academy’s launch event, Miller spoke passionately about the importance of mentorship and opportunity.

“I had people who believed in me when I didn’t fully believe in myself,” Miller told a packed crowd of supporters, parents, and aspiring athletes. “This is about giving back, about making sure the next Braxton Miller doesn’t fall through the cracks.”

The program will offer weekend clinics, private quarterback training sessions, and mental preparation workshops. Miller’s focus isn’t just on throwing mechanics or footwork — it’s on developing leadership, resilience, and humility. Traits that defined his own rise at Ohio State.

Since hanging up his cleats, Miller has carved out a niche as a businessman, launching clothing brands and tech ventures, all while staying connected to the game. His QB academy reflects his commitment to merging entrepreneurship with purpose.

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day, himself a former quarterback and noted developer of elite passers, praised Miller’s efforts in a message shared on social media.

“Proud of Braxton. He’s doing what great leaders do — lifting others up. That’s what being a Buckeye is all about.”

Miller’s story is one of transformation. From dynamic athlete to responsible mentor, he’s proving that influence extends beyond touchdowns and trophies. His academy could soon become one of the region’s premier breeding grounds for quarterback talent — and more importantly, for character development.

The Buckeye Bond, Across Generations

What ties these three headlines together is more than Ohio State. It’s a throughline of culture, pride, and a shared commitment to excellence. Whether it’s Bielema defending his conference, Dixon giving back through coaching, or Miller investing in future stars, each represents a different layer of the Buckeye football DNA.

In many ways, they embody the “Brotherhood” that Ohio State has long preached — a term that stretches beyond wins and losses. It means showing up for one another. It means remembering the lessons you were taught and passing them on. And it means taking pride in your journey, whether it leads you to a sideline, a nonprofit, or a national spotlight.

As the offseason continues and fans look toward the next fall Saturday in the Horseshoe, stories like these remind us why college football — and especially Buckeye football — means so much.

There are always new chapters to be written, new voices rising in leadership, and former legends finding ways to extend their impact. That’s the spirit behind today’s Skull Session — and it’s exactly what keeps the Buckeye flame burning, 365 days a year.