Huge Ten sneak peek: Can anyone stop the Buckeyes?
The Huge Ten is now the huge 18. In a watershed moment for the league, traditional West Coast powers Oregon, Washington, USC and UCLA will make their launchings in the Big Ten after bolting from the Pac-12.
Their mettle will be put to the test.Michigan defeated the Huskies to win the national championship last season. Penn State could field its most gifted team in years. Ohio State is as loaded as any team in college football.Others, including Iowa, with a revamped offense; Nebraska, under second-year head coach Matt Rhule; and Rutgers, Wisconsin and Maryland; have factor for optimism.Rhule said throughout Big 10 media days that the league is worthy of to get 4 welcomes to the
College Football Playoff every year. This season especially, he might be right.ESPN press reporters Adam Rittenberg and Jake Trotter anticipate and sneak peek what’s to come in 2024’s larger Big Ten.Jump to a section: #CFP
“> CFP outlook|#transfers”> Leading transfers|#freshman “> Impact freshmen #favorite “> Our favorite players|#games”> Must-see games #numbers”> Numbers to know|#hot”> On the hot seat #rise”> Teams rising|#powerrank”> Power rankings CFP outlook Need to be in
Ohio State: Anything short of a triumph over Michigan, a deep playoff run and maybe even Ohio State’s first national title since 2014 would be considered disappointing for coach Ryan Day and the Buckeyes. Ohio State’s massive personnel push, both retaining key players and adding gifted ones the website, has given Day the greatest Ohio State lineup in years. Oregon: Coach Dan Lanning has actually done whatever right throughout 2 seasons in Eugene
, other than winning the greatest games. Although the conference move will be tough, Lanning has created a well balanced, talented and deep lineup capable of ending the Ducks’decade-long CFP drought.Editor’s Picks 1 Associated In the running
Penn State: No program might benefit more from the expanded CFP field than Penn State, which has 6 top-12 finishes under coach James Franklin regardless of not making the top 4. If brand-new offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki can optimize QB Drew Allar’s talents, the Nittany Lions should have an exceptional chance. Michigan: The Wolverines lost a team-record 13 NFL draft picks, in addition to coach
Jim Harbaugh to the Los Angeles Chargers. But they likewise return a number of nationwide awards candidates, consisting of cornerback Will Johnson, protective lineman Mason Graham and tight end Colston Loveland. Michigan’s winning philosophy should not change much under brand-new coach Sherrone Moore. If the Wolverines find the right replacement for QB J.J. McCarthy, Michigan could be right back in the playoff mix.
USC: Not able to win the Pac-12 in coach Lincoln Riley’s first two seasons, the Trojans join the Big 10 with measured external expectations. Riley last made the CFP in 2019 with Oklahoma but will require substantial enhancement on defense– an unit led by D’Anton Lynn and a star-studded staff– to contend in a brand-new league.Long shots Wisconsin: The Badgers would have made a 12-team CFP in previous seasons. They worked with coach Luke Fickell in 2015 to get them over the hump. Fickell will require the Air Raid offense, which still produces hesitation around the league, to start clicking following a 7-6 debut season. A beneficial road slate in 2024– without any Ohio State or Michigan on the schedule– need to assist.
Iowa: Although a 3rd trip to the Huge 10 national championship in 4 years will be difficult, Iowa could contend for the CFP with limited upgrades on last year’s woeful offense. Linebacker Jay Higgins and security Sebastian Castro lead an elite defense, and the schedule is manageable, save for an Oct. 5 visit to Ohio State.Top transfers play 1:35 Dan Lanning addresses
Oregon’s
NIL jabs with McAfee Ducks coach Dan Lanning mentions Kirby
Smart’s jab at Oregon’s NIL program while discussing hiring with Pat McAfee. Ohio State S Caleb Downs: The Buckeyes landed the very best young star in the portal in Downs, who last season ended up being the first real freshman to lead Alabama in tackles (107 )given that a minimum of 1970. The ruling SEC Freshman of the Year gives Buckeyes protective coordinator Jim Knowles another proven playmaker in the secondary, which also features Denzel Burke and Lathan Ransom. Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel: The Ducks have changed one record-setting passer with another in Gabriel, who takes control of for first-round choice Bo Nix after transferring in from Oklahoma. Gabriel ranks in the top 8 in FBS history in overall touchdowns (152 ), overall lawns (15,925), passing backyards (14,865) and passing goals (125 ). Gabriel, who earned all-league honors for both Oklahoma and UCF, was a Manning Award finalist last season with the Sooners, where he finished 69.3% of his passes for 3,660 yards and 30 touchdowns.
Ohio State RB Quinshon Judkins: A two-time first-team All-SEC selection at Ole Miss, Judkins was an unexpected portal entry, specifically with the Rebels poised to contend for the CFP. His destination also raised eyebrows, as he joins an Ohio State offense that returned top back TreVeyon Henderson. In 2022, Judkins published the second-best rushing overall by a freshman in SEC history (1,567), trailing just Herschel Walker. Then last fall, he led the league with 15 rushing touchdowns. Judkins and Henderson probably form the nation’s best hurrying tandem.Impact freshmen
Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith: The legend of Smith has grown to legendary proportions because he arrived on campus this past January. Regardless of a currently packed, star-studded receiver space, Smith is the guy who keeps producing buzz. We haven’t seen this kind of incoming buzz given that AJ Green and Julio Jones in the 2006 class. His mix of size, agility, strength and acrobatic pass-catching ability make him a downfield nightmare.
Nebraska QB Dylan Raiola: It is rare to be such a definitive option as QB1 as an incoming freshman before you have actually even taken a breeze in training camp, but that seems to be the case with Raiola. He is uber gifted and clearly more talented than the rest of the QB room, and lots of believe he could lead Nebraska to a 7-0 start considering their schedule. We are going to tap the brakes a bit as there will be bright spots, however also bumps in the road. It’s a big dive from high school to Big 10 football.
Michigan State WR Nick Marsh: The Spartans require playmakers, and Marsh has gotten here just in time having captured three passes for 105 lawns and a touchdown in Michigan State’s spring game. He is a huge, physical target who develops inequality issues on the deep ball. New coach Jonathan Smith needs a go-to weapon for brand-new transfer QB Aidan Chiles to assist ignite what has been a stagnant offense. — Tom Luginbill
Our preferred players
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports USC WR/returner Zachariah Branch: The Trojans lose 6 NFL draft selects from their offense, including quarterback Caleb Williams (No. 1 overall)along with wide receivers Brenden Rice and Tahj Washington. But USC brings back an electrifying playmaker in Branch, who became USC’s first-ever real freshman All-American. Branch averaged 30.8 backyards on punt returns with punt return and kick return goals. He likewise had 31 receptions and balanced 7.8 lawns per rush. He predicts to be among the nation’s leading all-purpose players this fall.
Michigan DT Kenneth Grant: At 6-foot-3 and 339 pounds, Grant is hard to miss out on. Still, he was eclipsed by a crammed Michigan defense last season till the Penn State game, when he memorably chased down Nittany Lions running back Kaytron Allen from behind. Grant followed that up with a fumble healing against Iowa in the Big 10 champion and a sack in the nationwide title game. An outstanding athlete for his size, Grant supplies a strong complement to Mason Graham in Michigan’s interior line.
Iowa S Sebastian Castro: Iowa’s secondary has been the group’s biggest most exciting position group in recent years. Since the Big 10 started naming a defensive of the year in 2011, Iowa players have actually won it six times, consisting of two times in the last three years with Cooper DeJean earning approval last fall. Castro is the next in line, a natural ball hawk who had three interceptions and 11 pass breaks up last season to go with 3 career required fumbles.
Oregon WR Tez Johnson: Noted at 160 pounds, Johnson has the construct and capability reminiscent of the Chip Kelly pass receivers during Oregon’s heyday. He also set Oregon’s single-season receptions record with 86 in 2023, while installing the school’s third-highest receiving yards (1,182) and the fourth-highest receiving goals (10) in a season. Johnson also ended up strong with 71 receptions for 979 lawns and 7 touchdowns in his last 9 games. He ought to be quarterback Dillon Gabriel’s leading target as Troy Franklin proceeds to the NFL.
Penn State DE Abdul Carter: The Nittany Lions lost 2 protective linemen and 2 cornerbacks to the NFL draft, but they return potentially their most vibrant player in Carter, who has actually earned All-Big Ten honors in his first two seasons. He moves from linebacker to defensive end, where Penn State must capitalize on his ability to get in the backfield. Carter has 11 career sacks, 16.5 tackles for loss and three required fumbles. A strong season at a brand-new position could also rise Carter into the top 10 of the 2025 draft.
Nebraska DT Nash Hutmacher: He has a superhero name and will play an important role for a Nebraska defense that returns almost entirely intact after completing 11th nationally last season. Hutmacher set career highs in tackles (40), takes on for loss (8) and sacks (4.5)in 2023, making respectable mention All-Big 10 honors. The 330-pound Hutmacher also shed about 40 pounds in a little over a month to contend for Nebraska’s fumbling group in the winter season, before getting back to football-playing weight for the spring.Must-see games play 0:40 Is Michigan getting in a
rebuilding year?Paul Finebaum signs up with “Get Up”and breaks down Michigan’s prospective course to the College Football Playoff this coming season. Texas at Michigan, Sept. 7: The safeguarding nationwide
champs will be checked early in among the projected games of the year in college football. The Wolverines have yet to call a starting quarterback, but they’ll need to keep today 2 showdown in mind as they ponder on who can manage such a big stage. With only five returning starters off last year’s team, this game will work as a barometer for how Michigan’s very first season under brand-new head coach Sherrone Moore might go. USC and Michigan, Sept. 21: Riley and the Trojans make their Huge Ten launching in the Big House.
How will USC and Riley’s Air Raid attack manage the week-to-week physicality of the Big 10? This bout will supply a peek, as the Trojans attempt to rebound from their frustrating 2023 season. The Wolverines, on the other hand, will have a prime opportunity to leave to a winning start against this new conference rival. Michigan deals with 3 of the 4 Pac-12 newcomers this season, together with Washington(Oct. 5)and Oregon(Nov. 2).
Ohio State at Oregon, Oct. 12: A rematch of the 2014 championship game game, this blockbuster matchup could bring major playoff and Big 10 title implications. Gabriel could move his Heisman candidateship into overdrive with a sterling performance against Ohio State’s vaunted defense. The Buckeyes could send a message that they’re primed for a national championship run after missing out on the playoff in 2015. These Huge 10 preseason co-favorites could also meet again in the conference title game.
Ohio State at Penn State, Nov. 2: The Nittany Lions are 0-6 vs. Ohio State and Michigan over the previous three years. Could this be the year Penn State finally breaks through? Quarterback play might be the distinction. The Nittany Lions boast the top returning QB in the Big Ten who actually played in the Big Ten in Allar, who completed 25 touchdowns with just 2 interceptions. However Ohio State is banking that Kansas State transfer Will Howard– presuming he wins the job throughout the preseason– can supply the Buckeyes with the dual-threat existence they sorely missed last year.
Nebraska at Iowa, Nov. 29: If the Big 10 title race is to be upended, it may be because of among these 2 programs. The Cornhuskers figure to be stout once again defensively. If Raiola lives up to the hype, Nebraska might become an element. The Hawkeyes are always stout on defense. If new offending planner Tim Lester can drum up more big plays– the Hawkeyes were last among Power 5 offenses last year in plays of 20 lawns or more– Iowa will not be an easy out, either. Could this regular-season finale hold Huge Ten title game implications? It’s not completely unthinkable.
Washington at Oregon, Nov. 30: Last year, this game chose the Pac-12 title, which the Huskies won en route to making the national championship game. Washington is retooling under first-year head coach Jedd Fisch, who has only 2 returning starters to construct around from in 2015’s group. The Ducks, nevertheless, are stacked, and despite the fact that Gabriel is new to Eugene, he brings 49 career begins with him. The Ducks could not get past Washington in 2015. The Huskies would like to keep it that method.
Michigan at Ohio State, Nov. 30: The Wolverines have actually won 3 straight games over the Buckeyes en route to three straight Big Ten titles, culminating with last season’s national championship. To answer, Ohio State packed up in the transfer portal, landing Downs, Howard and Judkins, while numerous key players from last year like Emeka Egbuka opted to come back for another season. This will be as must-win as it gets for Day and the Buckeyes. The Wolverines will be gunning for 4 straight wins in the rivalry for the first time considering that the early 1990s.
Numbers to understand
7: Straight seasons that either Michigan or Ohio State has won the conference.13: Begins needed from Dillon Gabriel to exceed his successor– Bo Nix– for most starts by a QB in FBS history (Gabriel is at 49, Nix at 61).3 -17: James Franklin’s record vs. AP Leading 10 groups while at Penn State. — ESPN Statistics & Information
On the hot seat
Rittenberg: Nobody
Recent training turnover, safe and secure agreements and adjustment leave the Big Ten with no obvious hot-seat candidate for 2024. The expanded CFP might be the greatest element, specifically if coaches such as Day and Penn State’s James Franklin do not make the field of 12. Purdue may have a hard time once again but Ryan Walters should have at least 3 years there. Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz turned 69 recently and will be a yearly retirement candidate until he chooses to step down.
Trotter: Ohio State Howard stated during the Manning Death Academy just recently that this season is “natty or bust” for the Buckeyes. Anything except a win over Michigan, a Huge Ten title and the school’s first national championship in a decade would seem like a dissatisfaction. That might appear unreasonable. But those will be the expectations Ohio State faces. Defensive end Jack Sawyer confessed as much during Big Ten media days: “We understand what’s at stake.”
Groups on the rise
James Black/Icon Sportswire Rittenberg: Rutgers Greg Schiano has actually been constructing toward this season, as Rutgers boasts its inmost and most talented roster considering that signing up with the Big 10. Rutgers returns beginners at all three levels of its defense, including disruptive linebacker Mohamed Toure, as well as 2023 Huge 10 rushing leader Kyle Monangai.”We have actually got a bunch of guys that have matured, “Schiano told me last month. The Scarlet Knights also finally catch a schedule break: They don’t play Ohio State, Michigan or Penn State, in addition to leading West Coast addition Oregon. Trotter: Nebraska The Cornhuskers have not had a winning season since 2016, when Mike Riley went 9-3 before losing to Tennessee in the Music City Bowl. But Nebraska
revealed signs of life in Rhule’s very first season last year in spite of the 5-7 finish, as four of those defeats came over just a basket. The protective front must be powerful again, led by Hutmacher. If Dylan Raiola proves to be genuine, the Huskers might be back in a bowl for the first time in 8 years.Power Rankings 1. Ohio State: Loaded Buckeyes seek to end Michigan, CFP title droughts 2. Oregon: Ducks get in Huge Ten with championship-ready roster 3. Penn State: Offensive reboot might form Lions’mission for first CFP look 4. Michigan:
QB question looms for Moore in title defense 5. Iowa: New playcaller Lester intends to restore inactive offense 6. USC: Will revamped defensive staff make the difference for Riley? 7. Wisconsin: Fickell looks for Year 2 development as home showdowns loom 8. Nebraska: The
Huskers are playing defense once again 9. Rutgers: Favorable schedule and returning stars send expectations soaring 10. Washington: National runner-up starts overall
reboot under Fisch 11. Minnesota: Quarterback transfer Max Brosmer shows up to complement veteran Gopher defense 12: Maryland: Favorable early schedule could help Terrapins generateself-confidence 13. Illinois: Illini needs to enhance turnover margin
(-8 )after ranking 123rd in 2023 14. Northwestern: Popup arena off Lake Michigan could be
a distinct home-field advantage 15. UCLA: Bruins need to take a trip 22,062 miles, 2nd
the majority of any FBS team 16. Indiana: Coach Curt Cignetti brings brash attitude to Bloomington 17: Michigan State: Much rests on Oregon State move QB Aidan Chiles 18. Purdue: Boilermakers face unforgiving schedule, which includes Notre Dame