Now that the college football season is over after the Georgia Bulldogs took home their second straight national championship, we can focus our attention on the 2023 season.
In fact, we’ve already taken a very early look at Ohio State’s football schedule for next year and continue to look at the NFL draft declarations as they come out. But why stop there? We’ll have more content that points the compass toward the offseason and what’s in store, and some will focus on the Big Ten as a whole.
We’re kicking that off with our way-too-early gaze into the crystal ball to see what the Big Ten power rankings might be next season. It’s a collective effort here among our writers. Will Michigan take home the crown for the third straight year? Can Ohio State retake its perch at the top? What about Penn State and maybe some other surprise teams?
Here’s how we think things will shake out when we get deep into 2023 with our very early Big Ten football power rankings.
14
Northwestern Wildcats
2022 Record
1-11 (1-8 in Big Ten)
Why the Ranking
It’s been two straight miserable years for Pat Fitzgerald and Chicago’s Big Ten team. There’s a good chance the program might look the same in 2023 with so many unanswered questions.
13
Indiana Hoosiers
2022 Record
4-8 (2-7 in Big Ten)
Why the Ranking
After a fantastic 2020 season, the Hoosiers failed to rinse and repeat even with expectations that the program was on an upward swing under Tom Allen. Instead, momentum has been lost, and recruiting has been a real challenge for two years.
12
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
2022 Record
4-8 (1-8 in Big Ten)
Why the Ranking
The talent level and culture have improved under Greg Schiano, but the program still is not where it needs to be to get over the hump and start to win more at Rutgers. You wonder if the ceiling has been met in Piscataway.
11
Purdue Boilermakers
2022 Record
8-6 (6-3 in Big Ten) – Big Ten West champions
Why the Ranking
It’ll be a year of transition in West Lafayette. New head coach Ryan Walters has the daunting task of bringing in a new staff and culture, all while trying to usher in a new quarterback. That’s not normally a winning equation.
10
Minnesota Golden Gophers
2022 Record
9-4 (5-4 in Big Ten)
Why the Ranking
Head coach P.J. Fleck might surprise folks with all the boat rowing in the offseason, but a lot of guys are moving on from a veteran squad. The culture is a good one, but there’s a lot to replace.`
9
Nebraska Cornhuskers
2022 Record
4-8 (3-6 in Big Ten)
Why the Ranking
They will be ushering in the Matt Rhule era in Lincoln, and it’s going to take a little time to get the talent and culture where he wants. Rarely is there a turnaround in one year at a program such as the Nebraska one Rhule is inheriting.
8
Maryland Terrapins
2022 Record
8-5 (4-5 in Big Ten)
Why the Ranking
Head coach Mike Locksley believes quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa will return, and that alone should be a big boost for the Terps. If Maryland can stay healthy and show more consistency in 2023, things could look even better.
7
Michigan State Spartans
2022 Record
5-7 (3-6 in Big Ten)
Why the Ranking
It’s unlikely the Spartans will have so many injuries to deal with next season and that alone should result in a bit of a bounce-back year. We’ll see if Mel Tucker can work some magic in the transfer portal again.
6
Illinois Fighting Illini
2022 Record
8-5 (5-4 in Big Ten)
Why the Ranking
Illinois willl not sneak up on anyone next season and losing running back Chase Brown is nothing to sneeze at. Still, Bret Bielema seems to have started to recreate in Champaign what he had at Wisconsin, and that plays well in the Big Ten.
5
Iowa Hawkeyes
2022 Record
8-5 (5-4 in Big Ten)
Why the Ranking
The big question is whether Iowa can find some offense in 2023. A lot of that might ride on Michigan quarterback transfer Cade McNamara. The problem is the same staff is coaching up players and calling plays on that side of the ball. That means scoring points might be difficult again.
4
Wisconsin Badgers
2022 Record
7-6 (4-5 in Big Ten)
Why the Ranking
Wisconsin brings some folks back on the defensive side of the ball that should give new head coach Luke Fickell something to build around. It will not be fun trying to find a new quarterback, but that’ll be easier to do with the return of Braelon Allen at running back.
3
Penn State Nittany Lions
2022 Record
11-2 (7-2 in Big Ten)
Why the Ranking
Despite losing quarterback Sean Clifford, Penn State returns a great deal of talent to a team that played awfully well down the stretch. A lot hinges on five-star Drew Allar picking things up quickly under center. The defense and running game should be really, really good.
2
Michigan Wolverines
2022 Record
13-1 (9-0 in Big Ten) – Big Ten champions
Why the Ranking
Michigan has enough coming back to make another run at a Big Ten title and spot in the College Football Playoff. However, there’s mystery surrounding where Jim Harbaugh will be and what the NCAA will do with potential improprieties. There might be enough uncertainty to derail things.
1
Ohio State Buckeyes
2022 Record
11-2 (8-1 in Big Ten)
Why the Ranking
He’s yet to announce, but Ohio State likely loses two-time Heisman finalist, C.J. Stroud at quarterback. Despite that, there are a number of weapons on offense to complement either Kyle McCord or Devin Brown and keep that side of the ball humming. The defense should take an additional step forward under Jim Knowles in Year 2. As always, a Big Ten championship and national title are a part of the expectations in Columbus.
Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes, and opinion. Follow Phil Harrison on Twitter.
Let us know your thoughts, and comment on this story below. Join the conversation today.
