The Huge Ten acquired loads larger. I don’t know that it’ll truly be higher, although, in 2024.
Ohio State often is the nationwide title co-favorite, and Oregon is on the cusp of rivalry. However three-time defending league champ Michigan is rebuilding, Penn State has to show it might recover from the hump, and there could also be a dropoff after the primary 4 or 5 groups.
Huge Ten predictions
9-0
12-0
7-2
10-2
7-2
9-3
7-2
9-3
6-3
9-3
6-3
8-4
6-3
8-4
5-4
8-4
5-4
7-5
5-4
7-5
3-6
5-7
3-6
5-7
3-6
4-8
2-7
5-7
2-7
5-7
2-7
5-7
2-7
4-8
1-8
4-8
A number of ideas on the highest contenders
Ohio State: The Buckeyes are loaded, and there’s not a detailed second within the convention. An offense with TreVeyon Henderson and Ole Miss switch Quinshon Judkins within the backfield and Emeka Egbuka, Carnell Tate and Jeremiah Smith on the surface appears unfair. An Oct. 12 journey to Oregon figures to be the massive take a look at, however I don’t see the 2 on the identical degree.
Oregon: Don’t anticipate a lot of a drop-off from Bo Nix to Oklahoma switch Dillon Gabriel, who might have a subject day throwing to Tez Johnson and Texas A&M switch Evan Stewart. He’ll profit from an offensive line that allowed simply 5 sacks final season. The protection must take a step up for the Geese to win the convention. Dan Lanning made some good provides within the portal.
Iowa: The Hawkeyes will doubtless be offensively challenged once more — Brendan Sullivan, who couldn’t maintain on to the job at Northwestern, often is the beginning QB — although bringing in Tim Lester as coordinator ought to assist. However in fact, the protection is all the time stacked and can solely face a few foes (like Ohio State) that it might’t shut down.
Michigan: The Wolverines received’t contend for one more nationwide title — it’s only a query of how far they slide. The protection, led by stud tackles Kenneth Grant and Mason Graham, ought to be awfully stingy once more, and operating again Donovan Edwards is a confirmed star. However breaking in a brand new quarterback and shedding almost the whole O-line will not be preferrred.
Penn State: James Franklin is biking in yet one more offensive coordinator to hopefully get extra out of quarterback Drew Allar, however the items round him appear restricted. You’ll be able to all the time rely on the Nittany Lions to subject a stout protection. The three-game stretch of at USC, at Wisconsin and residential towards Ohio State will outline the season.
Rutgers: Heck yeah, Rutgers. Greg Schiano’s program is poised for a breakthrough in his fourth season after leaping from 4-8 in 2022 to 7-6 final season. The protection completed within the high 20 final season, and All-Huge Ten operating again Kyle Monangai emerged as a drive. No, they received’t make it to Indianapolis, however the Scarlet Knights ought to attain a good bowl.
Wisconsin: I’d be shocked if the Badgers don’t present enchancment in Luke Fickell’s second season, helped by the addition of Miami quarterback switch Tyler Van Dyke. However the Badgers do nonetheless have questions, and their schedule is daunting. Alabama visits Camp Randall, the Badgers to go USC and Iowa, and so they host Penn State and Oregon.
A number of ideas on the opposite new colleges
USC: It’s less-than-ideal timing for USC to be transferring to the Huge Ten. Even when Miller Moss turns into the subsequent nice Lincoln Riley quarterback protégé, the Trojans aren’t prone to be dominant within the trenches on offense. And whereas Riley made some huge workers strikes, most notably plucking UCLA DC D’Anton Lynn, he wants one other 12 months to improve the expertise.
Washington: The Huskies often is the closest factor to a school soccer enlargement crew. Fully new set of coaches, lots of whom adopted Jedd Fisch from Arizona. New quarterback, four-year Mississippi State starter Will Rogers. A completely new offensive line, and new starters at 9 positions on protection. Getting to 6 wins can be a hit.
UCLA: DeShaun Foster has his work reduce out at his alma mater. The fan base has not but shaken out of the malaise of the Chip Kelly period. UCLA has lagged far behind in NIL, hurting this system within the portal and recruiting. And the famend DC moved throughout city. Quarterback Ethan Garbers is strong, however the Bruins may take a sizeable step again on protection.
(Images of Tez Johnson, TreVeyon Henderson: Mark J. Rebilas, Adam Cairns / USA Right this moment)
