All the Big Ten football teams have now completed their bowl seasons and headed on into off-season mode. This last year was one to remember with plenty of surprises, storylines and moments to remember.
But just because the season has ended doesn’t mean we’re done with football — especially on a site dedicated to Ohio State, where football is king. The Buckeyes have a slew of talent coming back for 2020, but what does the rest of the league look like?
Will the usual suspects be there? Who surprises, and what programs take that next step. Most importantly, can anyone knock off three-time defending champion OSU?
Here’s a very, very early look at what next year might look like.
14. Rutgers
I mean, is there really another answer at this point? It’s going to take recycled head coach Greg Schiano a bit to get this program up and going again.
13. Maryland
We need to see more before anyone can believe that the Terps jump up next season. It’s still a team not built for the Big Ten and the culture has to change.
12. Purdue
The Boilermakers were far too consistent last season and a quarterback will need to emerge for Purdue to be a force next season.
11. Illinois
The Illini might have caught lightning in a bottle this past season, but it limped a bit to the finish line and we still need to see proof the momentum can continue.
Next … 10 thru 6
10. Northwestern
Watch head coach Pat Fitzgerald fool us again. There’s just not a whole lot to like with this team after what we saw in 2019. It loses a lot of key players on a team that had significant issues this season.
9. Indiana
Indiana should get a boost by getting quarterback Michael Penix, Jr. back healthy, but there’s still a talent gap that needs to be overcome. We’ll probably see a lot of what we have over the last few years for the Hoosiers.
8. Michigan State
The Spartans look like a program in decline. Gone is quarterback Brian Lewerke, and the scheme on offense needs a reboot. Until that happens, look for a repeat of what 2019 had in store.
7. Nebraska
Let’s not get all crazy on expectations this year okay? Still, the ‘Huskers should be better year three under Scott Frost and a more seasoned quarterback and team.
6. Iowa
We know you Iowa. This is about where you finish. Every. Single. Year. You’ll win some, you’ll lose some. You’ll look bad in games you shouldn’t and fantastic and surprising against teams that are better. Trust me on this.
Next … 5 thru 1
5. Minnesota
The Golden Gophers had a fantastic surprise year, but can head coach P.J. Fleck duplicate the magic for two years? There’s enough back to think the boat won’t row backwards, but there were a lot of breaks that went Minnesota’s way. The talent just isn’t quite there to compete with the big boys.
4. Michigan
Until the culture changes in Ann Arbor, there’s no reason to think the talent and development will meet the lofty expectations heaped on Jim Harbaugh year after year. Khakis will eventually go out of style right?
3. Wisconsin
The template is there. Rinse and repeat with a physical offense and defense. Losing Jonathon Taylor is big, but when has Wisconsin ever had an issue finding another running back?
2. Penn State
The Nittany Lions looked poised to be the main contender to slay Ohio State next season — especially since the Buckeyes have to travel to Happy Valley for what will likely be another white-out. The talent, physicality and belief is there.
1. Ohio State
The Buckeyes are oozing with talent again. Justin Fields is back to orchestrate what will be one of the best offenses in the country. The defense will take a step back just a bit, but will still have a lot of depth and athleticism. Ohio State should be one of the best teams in the country yet again.
