Tez Johnson, Oregon |
Realignment Recap: A decade after the league expanded to the East Coast with the additions of Rutgers and Maryland, the Big Ten made a splash by landing the two LA schools, a move that was the beginning of the end for the Pac-12. Following the Big 12's raid of the Pac-12, the Big Ten moved again to secure Oregon and Washington, giving the conference a footprint on both the West Coast and broader Pacific Northwest. With schools now across the country, the Big Ten moves to 18 teams and moves away from divisions, a new era for a conference fresh off a National Title. One would imagine the move will pay immediate dividends, with the four new programs all bringing with them notable brands and proven pedigrees to the equation. Whether that means one of the newcomers will be able to wrestle the league away from the clutches of Michigan and Ohio State remains to be seen, but should be a fascinating storyline as we kick things off this fall.
Power Rankings
1. Ohio State Buckeyes
Offense: Even with the brilliant Marvin Harrison Jr. on the outside, the Ohio State offense was as pedestrian as we've ever seen it in under Ryan Day, and the sixth-year head man responded by making sweeping changes. Kyle McCord was essentially forced out at quarterback and replaced by Kansas State transfer Will Howard, Quinshon Judkins was brought in from Ole Miss to bolster the ground game, and Chip Kelly was hired as offensive coordinator after a stint as UCLA head coach.
Howard may not be a Justin Fields or C.J. Stroud, but the experienced signal-caller should be an upgrade over McCord and doesn't have to be anything special - with all the talent surrounding him, he can be a facilitator. With that being said, Ohio State has arguably the deepest quarterback room in the country behind him, one that includes backup Devin Brown, Alabama transfer Julian Sayin, and highly touted true frosh Air Noland. If the offense takes some time to gel, it's not unreasonable to think one of these guys could push Howard and seize control of the starting job.
Fortunately, Howard is the beneficiary of probably the best supporting cast in all of college football. TreVeyon Henderson is one of the best backs in the country when healthy, but is looking for a bit of redemption after a pair of injury-plagued seasons. The addition of Judkins, who comes over after an impressive tenure at Ole Miss, could help keep the wear and tear off Henderson, giving this team a two-headed monster in the backfield.
Harrison Jr. may now be an Arizona Cardinal, but Emeka Egbuka said no to the NFL and will be the headliner, with plenty surrounding him. Sophomores Carnell Tate and Brandon Inniss are both prime breakout candidates, but they may be overshadowed by Jeremiah Smith, the top-ranked receiver in the Class of 2024 and one of the highest-ranked prospects period.
The offensive line is going to play an important role setting up the ground game and despite a few losses, this should be a strong group. Donovan Jackson and Josh Fryar will open up gapping holes for the rushing attack, while Josh Simmons anchors things on the outside. The X-factor will be newcomer Seth McLaughlin, who is likely to slide into the starting center spot. Can he redeem himself after a rough ending to his Alabama career?
We still aren't quite sure what Kelly's offense will look like but with all this talent, it's hard to imagine this unit not improving on their 2023 numbers. If everyone stays healthy and Howard acclimates quickly, this could be the nation's best.
Defense: The Buckeye defense has improved dramatically under coordinator Jim Knowles, and this program received good news after good news on this side of the ball over the offseason. Up front, defensive ends J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer both stayed put despite NFL interest and should form the most dominant pass rushing duo in the country. Also back is Tyleik Williams, another guy who would have been a first or second round NFL Draft selection, but instead returns for his senior season.
On the back-end, senior corner Denzel Burke also surprised when he announced he would be back for another year, leading a deep and experienced group that includes Jordan Hancock and Lathan Ransom. But even more important was the addition of Caleb Downs from Alabama, probably the most important transfer in the country after he notched 70 tackles as a true freshman. Playing at a key free safety spot as a proven playmaker, Downs should rack up the accolades and be the heart and soul of this unit.
It's the linebacker spot where there may be slight concern as Tommy Eichenberg and Steele Chambers depart. But the cupboard is never bare here in Columbus, and senior Cody Simon is expected to slide into the starting middle linebacker spot alongside junior Sonny Styles. Styles, who began his career at safety but is moving around to open the door for Downs, is a particularly versatile weapon who Knowles should continue to play around with.
Bottom Line: The stars are aligning in Columbus. Sure, the Big Ten as a whole should be tougher, but it's widely assumed Michigan will take a step-back, and the Buckeyes can undoubtedly take control. Several key pieces decided to forego on the NFL despite early round grades to take care of unfinished business and Day and staff landed potentially the top two transfers on both sides of the ball in Judkins and Downs. It feels like this is the make-or-break year for Day, who has accomplished everything but a National Title. I think this is the team to do it - they are my pick to win the 2024-25 National Title.
2. Oregon Ducks
Offense: Bo Nix put together arguably the greatest two-season stretch as quarterback in Oregon football history, but he's not the only name that departs from the offense as they look ahead to 2024. Top wide out Troy Franklin and dynamic tailback Mar'Keise "Bucky" Irving also said goodbye, forcing the Ducks to reload over the offseason.
Oregon responded by landing not one, but two, quarterbacks who could start right away in Dillon Gabriel and Dante Moore. One would assume it will be Gabriel, on his third year after stops at UCF and Oklahoma, who will shepherd the offense in 2024, while Moore looks like the long-term face of the program after coming over from UCLA. Gabriel has his limitations and probably isn't an NFL guy, but the gunslinger is a veteran piece who will be the perfect catalyst for this offense.
Tez Johnson, the adopted brother of Nix, is back to open things out wide, while the Oregon staff also landed one of the top receivers in the portal in Texas A&M's Evan Stewart. Johnson will be the versatile, underneath option, while Stewart will take over the big-play, downfield role left vacant by Franklin. Traeshon Holden and Gary Bryant Jr. are also around, as is tight end Terrance Ferguson, giving Gabriel an abundance of options in this wide-open offense. Keep your eye on true freshman Gatlin Blair, too, a former Boise State commit who is one of the fastest players anywhere in college football.
At running back, Jordan James and Noah Whittington both got plenty of work behind Irving last fall and should have no issues handling the extra load. James finished with 759 yards and averaged over seven yards per carry, but I expect even greater things from Whittington, who ran for nearly 800 yards himself in 2022 before being sidelined a year ago.
Rimington Trophy winner Jackson Powers-Johnson may be gone, but Oregon remains strong up front, with Josh Conerly Jr. and Ajani Cornelius forming one of the best tackle combos in the nation. Sophomore Iapani Laloulu looks like he'll be one to take over for Powers-Johnson at center.
This offense put up 531.4 YPG and 44.2 PPG last fall - even with the departures, I don't suspect a major drop-off. We know how productive Gabriel is, and the playmakers around him should make this another fun year in Eugene.
Defense: It's the defensive side of the football that Dan Lanning has worked hard to build up, and Oregon looks more like an SEC or prototypical Big Ten team than what we used to see in the old Pac-12. The front seven in particular is full of future NFL guys and despite plenty of youth on the D-Line, this should be an elite group. Expect Jordan Burch, a former blue-chip prospect who originally began at South Carolina, to be the star.
Senior linebackers Jestin Jacobs and Jeffrey Bassa give defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi two athletic, ball-hawking defenders at the heart of this defense. Even greater things may be coming for Jacobs, as he gears up for his second year in the program after coming over from Iowa.
There is no shortage of talent in the secondary, but the Ducks are hoping for more consistency here as they make the jump to the Big Ten. Bringing Jabbar Muhammed over from rival Washington was quite the coup for this coaching staff, while junior Jahlil Florence is looking to improve at the other corner spot. The safeties are in good hands with hard-hitting Kobe Savage, formerly of Kansas State, joined by Tysheem Johnson and talented true frosh Aaron Flowers.
It will be interesting to see how Lanning and Lupoi adjust this Oregon defense to the Big Ten. They have been hyper-aggressive over the last two seasons, the reason for the Ducks recording 34 sacks last fall, but will they be more conservative now? Something tells me that isn't Lanning's style, and they may even look to turn it up a notch as they embark on this new journey.
Bottom Line: Oregon has been right on the cusp of the College Football Playoff each of the last two seasons and with the expansion, they should be able to get in safely this fall. But, I think there are even loftier goals in mind for Lanning and company. This team is good enough to not just compete in the Big Ten but even win it on their first try, and a National Title, the first in program history, doesn't sound too crazy either. If the offense can reload the way we expect and the defense continue to develop, this is a team I firmly believe can take the whole thing when it's all said and done.
3. Penn State Nittany Lions
Offense: Although Penn State posted good numbers across the board in 2023, their struggles in the two biggest games of the year against Michigan and Ohio State led to the dismissal of coordinator Mike Yurcich. Instead, it will be Andy Kotelnicki running things on this side of the ball as he comes over from Kansas.
The chief goal for Kotelnicki will be unlocking the unique talent of quarterback Drew Allar, who was productive in his first season as starter, but left something to be desired. Allar played like a seasoned pro in the way he took care of the football but if Penn State is going to retake the Big Ten, they need more than just a game manager under center, but a difference-maker.
It would Allar if the Nittany Lions were to improve at receiver, as this unit clearly slipped a season ago. There are intriguing options, including Ohio State transfer Julian Fleming and holdovers Harrison Wallace III and Kaden Saunders, but not necessarily proven weapons. This will be the position group to watch through fall camp and into the season, as it could make all the difference on this side of the ball.
Fortunately, Penn State can always lean on their 1-2 punch at tailback in Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen. The two combined for over 1,600 yards on the ground, although I think Singleton can do even more, as his big-play ability was held in check for most of the 2023 campaign.
The offensive line will have to reload, as Olu Fashanu departs, as does three starters in total. Seniors Sal Wormley and J.B. Nelson are a great starting point, but we will have to see how the tackle spots progress over the course of the season. Wisconsin transfer Nolan Rucci, who was never able to quite make an impact with the Badgers, could be in store for a breakthrough.
Defense: There are changes on this side of the ball, as coordinator Manny Diaz left to take the Duke head coaching job, meaning James Franklin turns to former Indiana head coach Tom Allen to run things. It's an interesting transition - Allen was often tasked with doing more with less while at IU, but now has loads of talent to work with in Happy Valley.
The Nittany Lions allowed just 13.5 points per game last season, and the stout defensive front was a major reason. Chop Robinson may be gone, but just about every other big name is back in the fold, including junior Abdul Carter, who could be a first-rounder come next spring. Zane Durant and Dani Dennis-Suttons should also cause chaos off the edge.
This is a program known for it's linebackers, and this is a team with an elite now (Kobe King) and one on the horizon in Tony Rojas. King will rack up tackles at inside linebacker, while Rojas can get after the passer - he should be in store for a huge sophomore season.
Kalen King, Kobe's brother, may be gone in the secondary but the majority of the position group remains intact, including senior safety Jaylen Reed. Reed will set the tone for this entire unit, but it's the corners who are likely to be the X-factors. Cam Miller should handle one spot, while former Georgia and Florida transfer Jalen Kimber could slide into another.
Bottom Line: For so long, Penn State was stuck in football purgatory as the third wheel to Ohio State and Michigan in the Big Ten East. Will the Big Ten's elimination of divisions end up helping them? It's certainly possible, and the 2024 team has the pieces in place to finally get over the top. But in order to do just that, Allar has to reach another level, becoming the type of playmaker at the position the program has longed for since Trace McSorley left. It certainly could happen but until it does, the Nittany Lions are likely capped as a 9-10 win team in the new-look Big Ten.
4. Michigan Wolverines
Offense: J.J. McCarthy is gone, leading to a five-man quarterback competition unfolding in the spring. As things stand in mid-July, that competition hasn't given way to any clarity, although junior Alex Orji seems to be the tentative frontrunner as we look ahead to the fall.
The good news is that no matter who is under center, this is going to remain a ground-and-pound offense, and the Wolverines boast one of the best in the Big Ten in Donovan Edwards. Edwards was fine taking a backseat to Blake Corum throughout most of his time in Ann Arbor but now that he's the guy, I expect a monster season from the senior, who had over 700 all-purpose yards a season ago. Senior Kalel Mullings, who averaged over six yards per rush in 2023, should also factor in heavily.
The aerial attack is going to need new faces to emerge at receiver, even if tight end Colston Loveland is a John Mackey Award favorite. Sophomore Semaj Morgan is a playmaker who can be used in a wide variety of ways, but there is a shortage of proven weapons at this position now that Roman Wilson and Cornelius Johnson are gone. Junior Tyler Morris is the only other Wolverine with significant playing experience at the position.
Up front, Michigan did lose a host of familiar names, but reloaded in the transfer portal. Stanford transfer Myles Hinton is slated to be the starting left tackle, while one-time Virginia transfer Andrew Gentry slates in at on the right side. Josh Priebe, who comes over from Big Ten foe Northwestern, should also lock in a starting spot right away. How quickly this unit gels will be crucial, but at least on paper it still looks to be among the best in the conference.
Defense: After finishing as the nation's No. 1 defense a season ago, there are a whole host of changes on this side of the ball for Michigan, including a new coordinator. Longtime NFL assistant Wink Martindale will be tasked with keeping this thing rolling, with the Wolverines replacing several key contributors.
Michigan should remain stout up front, led by junior defensive tackle Mason Graham, who should be one of the most imposing interior linemen in the country this fall. He'll set the tone alongside Kenneth Grant, while the Wolverines hope for pressure off the edge from junior Derrick Moore and senior Josaiah Stewart.
Behind the D-Line, a pair of refugees from other Big Ten programs are in line to start in Ernest Hausmann (Nebraska) and Jaishawn Barham (Maryland). Hausmann finished third on the team in tackles last fall and even greater things are expected, while Barham totaled 96 tackles over the last two seasons as a Maryland Terrapin.
Will Johnson is one of the best cornerbacks in the nation, a consistent and well-rounded defender who notched four interceptions a season ago. He'll headline a secondary that returns ample experience, but was hit hard in the spring with the injury to safety Rod Moore. Moore, an All-Big Ten selection a season ago, tore his ACL in March, and it's hard to know if we'll see him at all in 2024. That means names like Makari Paige, Quinten Johnson, and Kody Jones are all going to be expected to step up.
Bottom Line: After reaching the mountaintop in 2023, Michigan watched as their coaching staff and roster was gutted by defections throughout the offseason. New head coach Sherrone Moore coached the team through Jim Harbaugh's suspension last year and will bring a sense of continuity, but there are still notable questions on both sides of the ball as the Wolverines gear up to defend their first National Title in over two decades. Fortunately with the way the program has recruited and developed, I don't envision a major slide and could certainly see Michigan returning to the Playoff for a fourth straight year but with the Big Ten only getting tougher, it's hard to see them staying perched atop the league.
5. Iowa Hawkeyes
Offense: Brian Ferentz is gone after several humiliating seasons running the Iowa offense and in his place, Kirk Ferentz brought in former Western Michigan head coach Tim Lester. Lester won't completely rewrite the playbook here in Iowa City and don't think we will be seeing the Hawkeyes suddenly throwing the ball all over the field, but he'll hope to add some creativity to a unit that was a brutal watch for the entirety of 2023.
Lester will benefit from a healthy Cade McNamara, the one-time Michigan quarterback who suffered a season-ending knee injury in just his fifth game in an Iowa uniform. However, McNamara is going to have to fend off another former transfer from inside the conference, with Brendan Sullivan coming over from Northwestern. Sullivan managed 714 yards and six touchdowns filling in for Ben Bryant at Northwestern last fall and with McNamara limited throughout the spring, he could have an inside line at the starting job.
But no matter who wins the QB job, this is going to be a run-first offense, with veterans Leshon Williams and Kaleb Johnson clearing the way. Williams led with 821 yards and Johnson added 463, but both have to be able to find a way into the end zone more often, as they finished with a combined four touchdowns.
The receiver corps has talent, with Kaleb Brown and Seth Anderson, if someone can get them the ball and this is Iowa, so you know there's talent at tight end. Luke Lachey and Addison Ostrenga could make this the best tight end room in the country this fall, if Lachey can return to form after missing most of last season.
The offensive line has long been Iowa's bread-and-butter, but this group underperformed last year. With four starters back, including senior center Logan Jones in the middle, this has a chance to be the best in the Big Ten, springing running lanes for these tailbacks all season long.
Defense: He still doesn't get the national credit he deserves, but Hawkeye defensive coordinator Phil Parker is one of the best in the business. He's rarely working with blue-chip prospects, but finds players that fit his system and develops them into NFL players at an astonishing rate. This Iowa defense allowed just under 15 points per game a year ago, fourth nationally.
Expect the usual in Iowa City, an elite, physical defensive front and a ball-hawking secondary. Up front, there are some losses, but veterans Deontae Craig and Yahya Black both return to give the Hawkeyes plenty to work with. They're joined by perhaps the best linebacker corps in the conference, as Jay Higgins, and Nick Jackson return. That pair combined for a whopping 281 tackles in 2023 and should ensure there is no slippage from this rush defense.
Losing Cooper DeJean robs the Hawkeyes of one of their top playmakers defensively and a special teams weapon, but just about every other piece returns on the back-end. Senior Sebastian Castro can line up just about anywhere and make an impact, Jermari Harris is ready to be the top corner, and safeties Xavier Nwankpa and Quinn Schulte are elite. Nwankpa, one of the rare five-star recruits to ever come through Iowa City, had his sophomore breakthrough in 2023 and I think could be in store for a monster junior season.
Bottom Line: Even with an offense that was widely considered a laughingstock, Iowa went out and won 10 games and a Big Ten West Title in 2023, a reminder once again of the stability and consistency Ferentz has engrained into the program. This is just a team who you know is going to come out each and every year and win at least 8-9 games, while playing a distinct, reliable brand of football every single week. Even as the league expands, Iowa should find a way to keep themselves near the top of the Big Ten standings and if Lester can spur even modest offensive improvement, another double-digit win season certainly looks to be in the cards.
6. USC Trojans
Offense: The expectation was that USC was going to be a player in the transfer portal over the offseason in order to replace Caleb Williams, but things changed after Miller Moss threw for six touchdowns in the Holiday Bowl win. Now, Moss is the clear starter at quarterback entering 2024, although the staff did bring in UNLV transfer Jayden Maiava is a depth piece.
Moss hopes to be the latest and greatest QB for Lincoln Riley, and he'll have the luxury of elite skill position talent around him. Sophomore Zachariah Branch is one of the funnest players in college football, a guy who can truly take it to the house any time he touches the ball. Finding more consistency is the next step for Branch but as a focal point in this offense, he'll be ready for a huge season. Alongside him is Kyron Judson and Duce Robinson, a converted tight end who will line up more as a receiver this fall.
Marshawn Lloyd departed at tailback, but USC may have upgraded by landing Mississippi State transfer Woody Marks, who made 32 starts over his Bulldog career. He'll be a more powerful, downhill runner than USC has had in the past, a necessary move as they make the jump to the Big Ten. Sophomore Quinten Joyner, who played in six games last year, brings a valuable change-of-pace.
Is this offensive line good enough to survive in the Big Ten? It's a notable question after the group has gone through it's fair share of ups-and-downs over the last several seasons. One of the most underrated aspects of Riley's success at Oklahoma was their play up front, and the Trojans are going to have to be better to reach their ceiling. Senior center Jonah Monheim is a good start, but I'm watching the tackles especially close to see how they handle Big Ten pass rushers off the edge.
Defense: Alex Grinch's firing as USC defensive coordinator was among the least surprising developments of the 2023 college football season, following a season in which the Trojans surrendered over 34 points per game and were among the worst defenses anywhere in the country. In response, Riley brought on D'Anton Lynn from crosstown rival UCLA as defensive coordinator and further bolstered the defensive staff with NDSU head coach Matt Entz (LB coach) and Doug Belk in the secondary.
Getting more pressure on opposing quarterbacks is a must. Defensive tackle Bear Alexander was a big get for the staff prior to last season and after briefly flirting with the portal again in the spring, he has returned to give this team a foundation up front. But, the Trojans will need more beyond him and end/linebacker Jamil Muhammed if they are to improve.
There's no reason the linebacker corps can't be improved, as Mason Cobb and Eric Gentry are two experienced pieces who have proven themselves at multiple programs. Cobb led the team in tackles a year ago, while Gentry's versatility will be huge for Lynn and this entire coaching staff. Losing Tackett Curtis, who impressed as a true freshman before transferring to Wisconsin, certainly stings, but USC still has depth at the position.
It's a complete mystery whether this secondary can withstand the transition to the Big Ten, and Belk may have his work cut out for him. Senior corner Jaylin Smith is an important building block, fresh off a season in which he was second on the team in tackles, but there's a whole lot of questions beyond him.
Bottom Line: After narrowly missing the College Football Playoff in 2022, USC's five losses last fall came as a significant surprise and left the program with major questions as they begin life in the Big Ten. Riley remains one of the game's premier offensive minds, but can he put together a defense that keeps the Trojans competitive? The staff hires over the offseason all seem like strong ones, but there is going to be an adjustment period with this personnel. The schedule doesn't help, with LSU to begin the year and a road trip to Michigan within the first three weeks. But this is USC after all and the talent here is good enough to believe this can be a Top 25 team with the upside to compete for a conference title. However, until the defense shows tangible progress, their ceiling in this league seems capped at roughly 8-9 wins.
7. Washington Huskies
Offense: Michael Penix Jr., Rome Odunze, Jalen McMillan, Ja'Lynn Polk, play-caller Ryan Grubb... they are all off to the NFL, meaning we are going to see some fresh faces emerge in this Washington offense in 2024. Running things will be coordinator Brennan Carroll, who followed head coach Jedd Fisch from Arizona and will look to keep the momentum going.
It looks as though it will be Mississippi State transfer Will Rogers at quarterback, a player who put up gaudy stats in the SEC but is still looking to prove he can be a winner. At the very least, Rogers has shown he can effectively facilitate an offense, and I believe his arm talent is underrated. It will be a change as he heads north to Seattle, but he should be able to adjust.
Rogers will have to gel with this new-look receiver corps quickly if the Huskies are to succeed. Giles Jackson, who began his career at Michigan, is one of the few familiar faces still around who was able to make an impact last year, while Jeremiah Hunter was an important addition from old Pac-12 foe California. Big-bodied sophomore Denzel Boston could be a breakout candidate, and true freshman Justice Williams should be counted on to make an immediate impact.
Dillon Johnson was the unsung hero of the Washington offense in 2023, going over 1,000 yards rushing and finishing with 16 touchdowns. With his departure, Carroll will turn to a familiar face, Arizona transfer Jonah Coleman, as well as holdover Cameron Davis, who is healthy again after missing all of 2023.
The offensive line is the biggest question mark on the entire team. After winning the Joe Moore Award as the top O-Line in college football last season, the Huskies saw all five starters move on. There's still talent throughout this group but the lack of experience means we could be in for a bumpy ride early on as they figure things out.
Defense: Much like the offense, the Husky defense is replacing countless important pieces to their success last season. They saw several important players move on to the NFL and those that didn't opted to transfer out, as they watched names like Jabbar Muhammed, Asa Turner, and more head across the country.
Coordinator Steve Belichick is going to have to find a way to manufacture pressure up front, likely relying heavily on senior Jacob Bandes, junior Maurice Heims, and former Division II transfer Zach Durfee. Bandes is the most experienced of that bunch, although Heims could be an interesting player to watch, a defender originally from Germany with an interesting skillset.
Alphonzo Tuputala is one of the few returning starters on this side of the ball and will be tasked with playing a key leadership role at linebacker, with senior Carson Bruener likely to join him as the other starter in this 4-2-5 look. Those two finished fourth and third on the team in tackles in 2023, respectively, and should ensure there is not a massive drop-off in this rush defense.
Although the pass defense wasn't statistically super impressive throughout much of last season, it was the unit that seemed to step up most in the biggest moments. The losses back here are severe, but bringing back veteran Elijah Jackson was crucial, and defenders like Thaddeus Dixon should be asked to step up. Watch for safety Peyton Waters to also see snaps early, as one of the gems of this recruiting class Fisch pieced together.
Bottom Line: Although Washington made a Playoff under Chris Petersen and was one of the most consistent programs in the Pac-12, Kalen DeBoer showed just how high of a ceiling the program had by taking them to the National Championship Game a year ago. With DeBoer now gone, along with so many other important figures that made that run possible, it's a new day in Seattle as the Huskies begin Big Ten play. Jedd Fisch was a strong hire by the administration in response after what he did at Arizona, but it's likely he'll need a year or two to really get this thing going again, so a step-back is almost a sure thing. Fortunately, the early season schedule is favorable, enough to get this team some early momentum for a tough back-half and they still should be a tough out. Hovering around 7-8 wins may seem disappointing after the highs of 2023, but would represent a solid debut for Fisch and staff that sets the stage for a potentially huge 2025 or 2026.
8. Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Offense: The ground game will continue to be the fuel of the Rutgers offense under offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca. The Scarlet Knights ran the ball on nearly 62 percent of their offensive snaps in 2023, and return 1,000-yard rusher Kyle Monangai, who is preparing for a huge senior season.
But even with that ground attack, the Scarlet Knights will need some semblance of a passing game if they are to improve on last year's seven wins. 2023 starter Gavin Wimsatt transferred over the offseason, and the coaching staff moved quickly to bring on Minnesota transfer Athan Kaliakmanis, who reunites with Ciarrocca after the two worked together with the Gophers. Kaliakmanis has all the arm talent in the world, but improving his touch and feel for the game is the next step in his progression. He'll have to find some new pieces out wide to work with, as Rutgers will lean heavily on transfers at the receiver position, although senior Christian Dremel is a key returning piece.
Three starters are back along the offensive line, giving Rutgers plenty of reason to believe their rush offense will show no signs of slowing down this fall. That includes a trio of seniors that will anchor the group, headlined by tackle Hollin Pierce and guard Bryan Felter.
Defense: It's been the defense that has been the primary reason for the strides the program has made under head coach Greg Schiano, and the Scarlet Knights should be stout on this side of the ball once more. Coordinator Joe Harasymiak returns six starters, including notable piece at every level, and the staff filled in notable holes in the offseason through the portal.
Up front, defensive end Aaron Lewis is expected to play a leading role - the veteran has proven to be an elite run stopper, but can he grow as a pass rusher? After three sacks in 2023, greater things are expected. Senior Wesley Bailey is likely to handle the end spot opposite of Lewis, while Rutgers is hoping Florida State transfer Malcolm Ray can slide into a starting spot left vacant by Mayan Ahanotu.
Linebacker Mohamed Toure finished second on the team in tackles last fall, with 93, and will once again man the heart-and-soul of the defense. Alongside him is senior Tyreem Powell, who should be back to full strength after missing five games a year ago.
The back-end does lose a couple important pieces, including top corner Max Melton, but don't expect any major drop-off here. Senior Robert Longerbeam appears ready to become the No. 1 corner, and do-it-all veteran Shaquan Loyal will line up just about anywhere and make plays. Safety Michael "Flip" Dixon was also impressive after coming over from Minnesota last season, with 76 tackles and six pass deflections, and should be counted on heavily.
Bottom Line: Against the backdrop of a new-look Big Ten, Rutgers will offer a throwback to the league's heyday, a team built on a ground-and-pound defense and tough, physical defense. With most of their important pieces back from 2023, the Scarlet Knights certainly have a chance to build on their 7-6 mark last fall, especially considering they have arguably the softest schedule in the league. They somehow miss all of Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State, and Oregon this fall and get two of their three games against conference newcomers at home. Don't be surprised if this team hovers around 8-9 wins and finds their way into a quality bowl game when this is all said and done.
9. Nebraska Cornhuskers
Offense: Few freshman enter the season under the microscope Dylan Raiola is under as he suits up for the Cornhuskers this fall. The five-star prospect, who was once pledged to Georgia before flipping to Nebraska and joining up with his uncle, O-Line coach Donovan Raiola, is in line to be the Day One starter for the 'Huskers. He'll undoubtedly need time to adjust, but he provides the type of difference-maker at the position Nebraska has lacked for some time. If he does struggle, the 'Huskers can always turn to junior Heinrich Haarberg, who led the team in rushing after taking over down the stretch last fall.
The fact Haarberg finished as the leading rusher exposes Nebraska's need for improvement when it comes to running the ball. A healthy Gabe Ervin Jr. could make all the difference, as he ended up playing in just three games last season.
On the outside, Nebraska is hoping for a big leap from sophomore Malachi Coleman, the gem of the 2023 Class, while veterans Jahmal Banks and Isaiah Garcia-Castenada must be better. Isaiah Neyor, a former Wyoming and Texas transfer, and junior tight end Thomas Fidone II are two other names to watch. Both have had their careers derailed by injuries, but bring plenty of upside if they can stay on the field.
The offensive line has been a point of emphasis for second-year head coach Matt Rhule, and the unit looks to be in good shape for 2024. Three starters are back, including a trio of seniors who have seen plenty of snaps in the Big Ten in Bryce Benhart, Turner Corcoran, and Ben Scott.
Defense: Defensive coordinator Tony White was a hot name over the offseason after leading the Nebraska to an 11th place finish nationally in total defense, but he decided to stay put. His return will be huge for the program, as his 3-3-5 scheme gives them plenty of different looks, many of which flummoxed opposing offenses a year ago.
The 'Huskers should be nasty up front, particularly in the middle. Senior defensive tackles Ty Robinson and Nash Hutmacher are the type of ferocious, relentless defensive linemen the program has lacked throughout much of the last decade. Elijah Jeudy is another name to watch as he begins his second year with the program after transferring from Texas A&M.
Linebackers Javin Wright and John Bullock give the Cornhuskers two rangy defenders to further bolster their rush defense, while the secondary returns most of its key pieces. That includes do-it-all "Rover" Isaac Gifford, who led the team in tackles last season and also was credited with six pass breakups. He'll be a valuable piece for White to move all over the field and make a major impact.
Bottom Line: There's plenty of optimism around Lincoln as the 'Huskers prepare for the 2024 campaign after they came as winners of the offseason. Landing Raiola was huge in the long-term, but keeping White was the move that will have the greatest impact this fall. He'll ensure there is no drop-off defensively, and if Nebraska can take a leap on the other side of the ball, they could be a real factor in the conference this year. At the very least, ending a decade-long bowl drought seems highly likely and with the way the schedule shapes up, a 7-0 start, as crazy as it sounds for a team that went 5-7 last season, could realistically happen.
Teams 10-18 available in Part 2*
Abdul Carter, Penn State |
All-Big Ten Teams
First Team
QB Dillon Gabriel, Oregon
RB TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State
RB Donovan Edwards, Michigan
WR Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State
WR Tez Johnson, Oregon
TE Colston Loveland, Michigan
OL Josh Conerly, Oregon
OL Donovan Jackson, Ohio State
OL Logan Jones, Iowa
OL Jonah Monheim, USC
OL Ajani Cornelius, Oregon
DL J.T. Tuimoloau, Ohio State
DL Mason Graham, Michigan
DL Tyleik Williams, Ohio State
DL Abdul Carter, Penn State
LB Jeffrey Bassa, Oregon
LB Jay Higgins, Iowa
LB Mason Cobb, USC
CB Denzel Burke, Ohio State
CB Will Johnson, Michigan
S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
S Dillon Thieneman, Purdue
Second Team
QB Will Howard, Ohio State
RB Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State
RB Nicholas Singleton, Penn State
WR Evan Stewart, Oregon
WR Zachariah Branch, USC
TE Tyler Warren, Penn State
OL Aireontae Ersery, Minnesota
OL Sal Wormley, Penn State
OL Tanner Miller, Michigan State
OL Josh Priebe, Michigan
OL J.C. Davis, Illinois
DL Jack Sawyer, Ohio State
DL Ty Robinson, Nebraska
DL Bear Alexander, USC
DL Jordan Burch, Oregon
LB Nick Jackson, Iowa
LB Alphonzo Tuputala, Washington
LB Kobe King, Penn State
CB Jabbar Muhammed, Oregon
CB Justin Walley, Minnesota
S Jaylen Reed, Penn State
S Hunter Wohler, Wisconsin
Superlatives
Offensive Player of the Year: Donovan Edwards, RB, Michigan
Defensive Player of the Year: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Coach of the Year: Dan Lanning, Oregon
Freshman of the Year: Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State
Transfer of the Year: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Big Ten Championship Game: Ohio State over Oregon
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