As College Football season heats up, we’re going to take a national tour and evaluate each conference in the p5, plus we’ll have a group of 5 preview! Starting today, let’s dive into the Big 10 and look at the key components of each roster. From New Jersey to the West Coast of the United States, I’ve got it all covered below! Let’s jump in!
Illinois
Starting off with Illinois! This is a squad with serious potential in year six under Bret Bielema. The addition of QB Katin Houser was huge, and Bielema has built a winning culture in Champaign. They also have a lot of stability in their returning defensive players. The question is, can they get over the hump and compete at the top level of the Big Ten?
Ceiling: 10-2
Floor: 6-6
Iowa
Next on our list is the Iowa Hawkeyes! They have an extremely solid group on their hands. Under Phil Parker, the Hawkeyes always have a staggering defense. They also possess a formidible run game. Similar to Illinois, the question is whether or not they can compete at the very top of the Big Ten and possibly sneak into the CFP?
Ceiling: 11-1
Floor: 7-5
Indiana
Next up are the defending national champs, the Indiana Hoosiers! I worked with @ekadakia10 on this one. You can find more in-depth coverage on Hoosiers Football on the Indiana page of our site here:
Everything you need to know about IU’s Roster this year is here!
Can the Hoosiers remain atop the CFB world?
Ceiling: 12-0
Floor: 10-2
Maryland
Next up is a look at the Maryland Terrapins, they rely heavily on their QB, Malik Washington. On the defensive side, they have retained many key playmakers. The question for this “quirky-tough” team is simple: Can Mike Locksley take them to a bowl game?
Ceiling: 8-4
Floor: 3-9
Michigan
We shift our attention to the Michigan Wolverines in year one under Kyle Whittingham. He brings toughness to Ann Arbor. A key for UM this year is the two-back system, highlighted by Jordan Marshall and Savion Hiter. They are also putting a lot of faith in sophomore QB Bryce Underwood, he has to have made a massive jump this off-season for Michigan to compete.
Can they compete at the top of the Big Ten and shock Ohio State again?
Ceiling: 10-2
Floor: 7-5
Michigan State
Below Michigan is one of their deepest rivals in the Michigan State Spartans! Sparty enters the year under new leadership in Pat Fitzgerald, as they look to rebound from a rebuilding phase. Fitzgerald spent 2006-2023 at Northwestern before he was controversially fired. He did win his wrongful termination suit, and will now stay in the B1G to compete! More on his suit below from ESPN. They will rely heavily on breakout QB Alessio Milivojevic.
Can the Spartans slide into a bowl game?
Ceiling: 9-3
Floor: 4-8
Minnesota
Shifting our attention to a solid squad in the Minnesota Gophers, this is a solid team. PJ Fleck enters his tenth year with the Gophers, as he attempts to use his efficient approach against other teams. The Gophers will rely heavily on the duo of QB Drake Lindsey and Darius Taylor.
Will they be able to bridge the gap between themselves and the top of the conference?
Ceiling: 9-3
Floor: 6-6
Nebraska
Jumping down South to the cornfields of Nebraska, these guys are relying heavily on a large transfer portal class, including Mountain West OPOY, Anthony Colandrea at QB. New defensive coordinator Rob Aurich brings in an aggressive 4-2-5 scheme aimed at improving a run defense that struggled last season. Can Matt Rhule and Co. use this portal class’ talent to compete?
Ceiling: 9-3
Floor: 5-7
Northwestern
Heading up to the Windy City now to check out Northwestern, and the team’s offense is undergoing a massive overhaul under newly hired offensive coordinator Chip Kelly. They will rely on high-profile transfers like Aiden Chiles (MSU QB).
As I said for many other schools, their season will be defined by if they can they make a bowl game!
Ceiling: 7-5
Floor: 4-8
Ohio State
Let’s head to Columbus for a look at the Ohio State Buckeyes. Ryan Day has an extremely talented squad per usual. We all know what the Buckeyes bring to the table, especially with the raw talent in Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith.
Can the Buckeyes make a return to glory in the CFB World this year?
Ceiling: 12-0
Floor: 10-2
Oregon
Looking at another CFB power now in the Oregon Ducks. They are expecting Dante Moore to put up massive numbers this season. He comes in with Heisman hopes this year. Aligned with Indiana and Ohio State, these guys have their eyes on the National Championship.
Can Dan Lanning’s group reign supreme in the Big Ten?
Ceiling: 12-0
Floor: 10-2
Penn State
Next up is the Penn State Nittany Lions in year one under Matt Campbell. He preaches accountability and brings a disciplined focus on football. This roster has major turnover and a lot of new faces will be seen at Penn State.
Can they compete at the top and win the big ones with fresh blood?
Ceiling: 11-1
Floor: 8-4
Purdue
Let’s take a look at the Purdue Boilermakers! Honestly, I’m not sure what to say for this one. Rough year ahead. It’ll be basketball season soon enough!
Ceiling: 3-9
Floor: 1-11
Rutgers
Jumping over to the East Coast now, let’s look at the Rutgers Scarlet Knights! This is a very talented squad, consisting of multiple top prospects. These guys must find a new offensive leader this season, after the departure of Athan Kaliakmanis.
Can they surprise the Big Ten and sneak their way into a bowl game?
Ceiling: 6-6
Floor: 3-9
UCLA
Now we travel across the U.S. to look at the UCLA Bruins, I’m lower on them than most are. I chose this due to the ridiculous amount of turnover on their roster, and their rigorous Big Ten schedule.
How many do you think the Bruins will win?
Ceiling: 9-3
Floor: 4-8
USC
Let’s stay on the West Coast and check out USC! These guys are looking to make a jump and compete at the top of the Big Ten under Lincoln Riley. They need Jayden Maiava to man the ship and use his leadership skills. They have added Gary Patterson on their defensive staff to help bolster a defense that has struggled at times.
Can they get it done and compete at the top?
Ceiling: 10-2
Floor: 6-6
Washington
We remain on the West Coast one more time, this one being for the Washington Huskies. This is another squad looking to make a jump and return to the top of the Big Ten. Their offense revolves around star QB Demond Williams Jr. After a significant overhaul, they have greatly improved their defense.
Ceiling: 10-2
Floor: 5-7
Wisconsin
Last but certainly not least, we have the Wisconsin Badgers! Luke Fickell will have to put up a good year to get off the hot seat. He is leading a “prove-it” campaign this season, headlined by star QB Colton Joseph. They have plenty of marquee opportunities on their schedule to “prove” themselves.
How many games does Fickell need to stay in Madison?
Ceiling: 9-3
Floor: 6-6
There you have it, all eighteen teams. The Big Ten will be loaded with talent and excitement this year and you can’t miss it. Who do you think will take the crown in the conference of the back-to-back-to-back national champions?
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