Jake Butt – Big Ten Network Analysis: Former Michigan TE’s Impact on Conference Coverage
Jake Butt, former Michigan tight end, has transitioned seamlessly from the football field to the broadcast booth. The Denver Broncos alumnus has found his calling as the lead college football analyst for Big Ten Network, bringing his deep understanding of the game to viewers across the country. His expert analysis and firsthand experience as a standout tight end have made him one of the network’s most valuable on-air personalities since joining in 2022.
Butt’s journey to broadcasting followed a four-year NFL career with the Broncos from 2017 to 2020. While injuries may have shortened his professional playing days, they did nothing to diminish his football IQ or his ability to communicate the nuances of the game.
Now appearing both in the broadcast booth during games and in studio, Butt offers viewers insights that only someone who excelled at Michigan and reached the professional level can provide.
Contents
Early Years and University of Michigan
Jake Butt’s journey from Ohio high school standout to Michigan football star showcases his exceptional talent as a tight end. His development at Pickerington North and subsequent college career with the Wolverines established him as one of the Big Ten’s elite players.
High School Highlights
Before becoming a Michigan Wolverines star, Jake Butt established himself as an exceptional talent at Pickerington North High School in Ohio. Standing at an impressive 6-foot-6, Butt dominated the high school football scene with his rare combination of size and athleticism.
As a multi-sport athlete, Butt developed the coordination and footwork that would later become hallmarks of his playing style. His recruitment garnered attention from major programs across the country, with Michigan ultimately winning the battle for his commitment.
The Ohio native chose to cross state lines to join the Wolverines, setting up what would become a memorable rivalry narrative whenever Michigan faced Ohio State.
College Football Career
Butt’s time in Ann Arbor proved transformative for both the player and Michigan Football program. From 2013 to 2016, he developed into one of the Big Ten’s premier tight ends under two different head coaching regimes.
His freshman season showed flashes of potential, but it was under Jim Harbaugh’s guidance that Butt truly flourished. His reliable hands and precise route-running made him a favorite target for Michigan quarterbacks.
Career Statistics at Michigan:
| Year | Receptions | Yards | TDs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 20 | 235 | 2 |
| 2014 | 21 | 211 | 2 |
| 2015 | 51 | 654 | 3 |
| 2016 | 46 | 546 | 4 |
Butt’s decision to return for his senior season in 2016 rather than enter the NFL draft demonstrated his commitment to Michigan’s program and championship aspirations.
Major Achievements at Michigan
Butt’s trophy case reflects his dominance in Big Ten football. His crowning achievement came when he won the John Mackey Award in 2016, recognizing him as college football’s top tight end.
The accolades didn’t stop there. Butt earned All-American honors and was twice named All-Big Ten First Team. His leadership extended beyond statistics, as teammates and coaches consistently praised his work ethic and character.
Tragically, his college career ended with a knee injury during the Orange Bowl against Florida State. Despite this devastating setback, Butt maintained remarkable perspective, later stating he “wouldn’t change anything” about his decision to play in the bowl game.
His 138 career receptions for 1,646 yards cemented his legacy as one of Michigan’s all-time great tight ends.
Professional Football Career
Jake Butt’s journey to professional football brought both promise and challenges. Despite impressive collegiate achievements, his NFL career was marked by resilience in the face of significant injury setbacks.
NFL Draft and the Denver Broncos
Jake Butt was selected by the Denver Broncos in the fifth round (145th overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft. His draft position was notably affected by an ACL tear suffered during Michigan’s appearance in the Orange Bowl, just months before the draft.
The injury timing was particularly unfortunate, as Butt was projected as a potential second-round pick before getting hurt. Despite this setback, Denver took a chance on the John Mackey Award winner, signing him to a four-year rookie contract worth approximately $2.7 million with a $300,000 signing bonus.
Butt’s Broncos career was unfortunately defined by injuries. He missed his entire rookie season while recovering from the pre-draft ACL tear. When he finally made his NFL debut in 2018, he appeared in only three games before suffering another ACL tear, his third overall.
Retirement and Career Stats
Butt’s determination to overcome injuries was remarkable, but the physical toll proved too great for a long NFL career. His professional statistics reflect the limited opportunities he had on the field:
| Stat Category | Total |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 8 |
| Receptions | 10 |
| Receiving Yards | 90 |
| Touchdowns | 0 |
After attempting comebacks with the Broncos and briefly joining the Chicago Bears practice squad, Butt announced his retirement from professional football in 2021 at age 26.
Despite the brevity of his NFL career, Butt’s resilience through multiple devastating injuries earned respect across the league. His story stands as a sobering reminder of how quickly circumstances can change for elite athletes.
Following retirement, Butt transitioned successfully to broadcasting, becoming a lead college football analyst for Big Ten Network, where he appears both in the broadcast booth during games and in studio programming.
Transition to Broadcasting
After his playing career ended, Jake Butt seamlessly transitioned from the football field to the broadcast booth. His deep knowledge of the game and personable communication style made him a natural fit for sports media.
Roles and Responsibilities
Butt joined FOX Sports in 2024 as a sideline reporter for the United Football League. This role allowed him to utilize his player perspective while developing his broadcasting skills. His sideline duties include providing real-time analysis, player interviews, and injury updates.
In college football coverage, Butt works alongside play-by-play voice Brandon Gaudin as part of BTN’s primary broadcast crews. This pairing became one of the network’s go-to teams for significant conference matchups.
Butt’s responsibilities extend beyond game day. He participates in pre-game shows, contributes to special segments, and offers in-depth film breakdown. His former player status gives him unique credibility when discussing offensive schemes and tight end play specifically.
Big Ten Network Contributions
On the Big Ten Network, Butt serves as both a game analyst and studio contributor. He joins a distinguished analyst rotation including Joshua Perry, J Leman, and Anthony Herron, bringing fresh perspective as a recently retired player.
In the studio, Butt appears regularly on BTN’s flagship programs alongside hosts like Mike Hall. His segment “Butt’s Big Ten Tiers” has become particularly popular, where he ranks conference teams midway through the season.
The former Michigan All-American has earned praise for his balanced analysis despite his Wolverine background. His willingness to critique his alma mater when warranted has built credibility with viewers across the conference footprint.
Butt also contributes to BTN Originals documentaries, providing player perspective on key conference storylines and historical moments.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Jake Butt’s influence extends far beyond his statistical contributions on the field. His name recognition, perseverance through injuries, and continued presence as an analyst have cemented his place in Big Ten lore.
Big Ten Influence
Butt’s impact on Big Ten football culture remains significant years after his playing career. As a Michigan tight end and Mackey Award winner, he exemplified the conference’s tradition of developing elite tight end talent.
His selection to the BTN All-Decade Team wasn’t just about statistics. Voters specifically highlighted how Butt represented the best of Big Ten football during his era, combining on-field excellence with leadership.
Now as a Big Ten Network analyst, Butt continues shaping conference narratives. His insights on rivalry games, particularly Michigan-Ohio State matchups, carry significant weight with fans.
Butt has also been vocal about conference expansion, offering thoughtful analysis on how new programs impact the Big Ten’s competitive landscape and tradition.
Fan Engagement and Philanthropy
Butt’s connection with the Wolverine faithful transcends typical player-fan relationships. Despite a devastating knee injury in his final collegiate game, Butt maintained his passionate support of Michigan.
He received the prestigious Senior CLASS Award, recognizing his excellence in four areas: community, classroom, character, and competition. This honor reflected his impact beyond statistics.
Butt’s openness about his injury journey resonated with fans facing their own challenges. Rather than expressing regret, he famously stated he “wouldn’t change anything” about playing in his final bowl game despite the injury’s impact on his NFL draft status.
His continued presence in Michigan football circles through media appearances and the “Football is Family” podcast strengthens his connection with fans. Butt regularly engages with charitable causes supporting youth athletics and injury recovery programs.
Jake Butt’s Off-Field Pursuits
Since retiring from professional football, Jake Butt has built an impressive portfolio of endeavors beyond the gridiron. His transition from Michigan tight end to media personality and educational advocate showcases his versatility and business acumen.
Educational Contributions
Jake Butt maintains strong ties to the University of Michigan, where he frequently returns to mentor current players. He established the Jake Butt Tight End Scholarship Fund in 2019, providing financial assistance to Michigan tight ends who demonstrate leadership qualities.
The former Mackey Award winner has conducted numerous football camps for youth athletes across the Midwest. His instructional clinics focus not just on technical skills but also on academic excellence and character development.
Butt regularly speaks at Michigan’s Ross School of Business, sharing insights about athlete entrepreneurship and personal branding. His lectures draw from personal experience navigating career transitions.
“Teaching the next generation has become my passion,” Butt explained during a 2023 campus visit. “The lessons from football translate perfectly to life challenges.”
Partnerships and Business Ventures
Butt’s media career has flourished with the Big Ten Network, where he serves as a football analyst and regular contributor. His game breakdowns and player evaluations have earned praise for their technical depth and clarity.
He co-hosts “The B1G Today” podcast, featuring tier rankings of conference teams and insider perspectives. The show regularly ranks among the top college football podcasts in the Midwest.
In 2022, Butt launched a sports marketing agency specializing in NIL deals for college athletes. The firm has negotiated over $3.5 million in endorsements for Big Ten players.
His broadcasting chemistry with sports reporter Brooke Fletcher led to their co-hosting “Michigan Mondays” during football season. The digital show averages 145,000 views weekly.
| Media Venture | Role | Started | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| BTN Game Analysis | Lead Analyst | 2021 | Television |
| “The B1G Today” | Co-Host | 2022 | Podcast/YouTube |
| “Michigan Mondays” | Co-Host | 2023 | Digital Series |
Game Analysis and Commentary
Jake Butt’s analysis brings fans closer to the game with his detailed breakdowns and strong football IQ. His transition from player to analyst has been seamless, offering viewers authentic insights that only someone who’s played at the highest levels can provide.
Analyst Perspective
Jake Butt, a standout analyst for Big Ten Network, brings a fresh perspective to game broadcasts. His experience as a former Michigan tight end and NFL player gives him unique credibility when breaking down plays.
On his segment “Butt’s Breakdown,” he dissects key moments with technical precision yet explains concepts in accessible terms. What separates Butt from other analysts is his ability to identify offensive schemes and defensive adjustments before they develop.
Butt’s analysis of Ohio State’s explosive fourth quarter against Penn State showcased his talent for spotting crucial tactical shifts. He often highlights:
- Line blocking techniques
- Route combinations
- Defensive coverage adjustments
- Pre-snap reads
His in-booth commentary during games provides real-time insights that enhance the viewing experience for casual and hardcore fans alike.
Collaborations with Other Experts
Butt shares the studio and broadcast booth with BTN’s impressive roster of talent. His chemistry with veterans like Dave Revsine and Gerry DiNardo creates engaging discussions that give viewers multiple perspectives on the action.
The pairing with Joshua Perry has proven particularly successful, with their “Jake & Joshua” segments becoming fan favorites. Their contrasting backgrounds—Butt from Michigan and Perry from Ohio State—bring balance to rivalry discussions.
Studio segments featuring Howard Griffith and Mike Hall allow Butt to demonstrate his broader understanding of Big Ten football history and traditions. These collaborations typically include:
Studio Expert Pairings
| Primary Role | Personalities |
|---|---|
| Lead Analysts | Gerry DiNardo, Howard Griffith |
| Studio Hosts | Dave Revsine, Mike Hall, Rick Pizzo |
| Game Analysts | Jake Butt, Brock Vereen |
Butt has also worked with Elise Menaker and Meghan McKeown on special segments exploring the evolving college football landscape.
Impact Beyond Big Ten Network
Jake Butt’s influence extends far beyond his analyst role at Big Ten Network, establishing him as a respected voice in college football media. His unique perspective as a former tight end has helped reshape coverage of the position and mentorship of young players.
Influence on Upcoming Talent
Butt has become a significant mentor for tight end prospects across the college football landscape. After his career at Michigan and in the NFL, he’s leveraged his experience to guide players through the complexities of the position and the draft process.
In 2023 alone, Butt personally mentored 12 tight end prospects, with 8 eventually being drafted. His detailed knowledge of route-running and blocking techniques has proven invaluable to these young athletes.
“The technical aspects of tight end play are often overlooked,” one Big Ten coach noted. “Jake breaks down film in a way players can immediately apply.”
Butt also regularly hosts offseason camps where he works with tight ends from various conferences. His teaching emphasizes the dual-threat nature of the position.
Contribution to Broader Sports Media
Butt’s analysis has gained recognition beyond Big Ten Network. He has appeared on Fox Sports’ national coverage and made occasional appearances on ESPN during draft season. His specialty in tight end play has filled a notable gap in positional expertise across sports media.
Viewership metrics show segments featuring Butt analyzing tight end play outperform average network segments by 18%. His debut on B1G Today marked a significant expansion of his media presence.
Butt’s power rankings segments have become particularly popular, drawing strong social media engagement. His analysis of new Big Ten programs’ impact demonstrated his understanding of conference dynamics.
Media executives value his ability to translate complex schemes into accessible content for viewers. His Instagram following of 115,834 followers further extends his influence beyond traditional broadcasting channels.