BIG10 ROSTER BREAKDOWNS

For a few years now all you hear about the BIG10 is “top heavy”. Well not anymore. With the additions of Oregon, USC, UCLA, and Washington the BIG10 now has 18 teams in the conference. This will be an interesting change for former PAC12 teams but the conference title race just got a lot more interesting. The BIG10 will no longer have a division format and the top 2 teams will compete for the title at the end of the season. This means we can potentially see matchups like OSU/UM three times in a single season. 

I couldn’t be more excited for the changes in this conference. From Oregon ready to make a national title run to seeing if Jedd Fisch can get Washington back on their feet, there’s excitement to be had across the entire conference. The BIG10 will also be competing to have more teams in the playoff than the SEC, but let’s find out if they can…

*The following list is in no particular order. These summaries are to give you a peek into roster changes for upcoming year and a preview at how they may fare against their schedule. If you don’t like it… leave a comment why!

OREGON

Oregon may not be playing for clicks, but I sure am writing for them. Dan Lanning has taken the CFB world by storm and I’m absolutely here for it. Realignment has landed the Ducks in the BIG10 and they’re ready to compete for a conference title. Lanning has taken the road less traveled in having Gabriel take over after Bo Nix. While most programs are looking for their next 5 star QB to step in as a freshman, Lanning has no problem relying on the portal to bring veteran leadership to his offense. Dante Moore who played a ton as a true freshman at UCLA will back up Gabriel in an attempt to learn as much as he can before he takes the reins. Oregon will in fact be a national title contender in 2024 with a strong OL, deep and FAST RB/WR rooms at Gabriel’s disposal. Key guys to look out for are speedsters on the outside Tez Johnson and Evan Stewart. On the defensive side of the ball they return 9 starters including transfers and have some highly anticipated DL stepping up. Oregon will be favored in most games this year but be ready for a visit from the Buckeyes and a trip to the Big House in November. 

USC

Realignment won’t feel the same for USC as it does for Oregon. With the departure of Caleb Williams to the NFL, Lincoln Riley needs a new star QB to lead his team to… another post season disappointment? Miller Moss steps up after throwing 6 TD’s in the Holiday Bowl last year and all eyes are on him as the successor to Riley’s run of Heisman contending QBs. Miss ST RB JoQuavious Marks joins at RB and star WR and PR Zachariah Branch is back as a sophomore. Even though the OL lost 3 starters Riley feels it may be his strongest OL yet. The offense will perform as usual and put up points but maybe not to the degree Williams was able to. The defensive side of the ball is where Riley is really starting to test the waters. Finally freeing himself of DC Alex Grinch, he brought UCLA’s D’Anton Lynn. With Lynn comes a few UCLA DBs and Oregon States #1 tackler at LB. The DL led by Bear Alexander adds a few transfers to beef up the size. The real key here is to see if Lynn and the defense can be difference makers unlike the past few seasons for the Trojans. USC opens in Vegas with LSU but takes a trip to Michigan and draws ND and PSU in LA. While I don’t believe USC will be competing for a conference title, it doesn’t mean they can’t spoil someone else's. 

WISCONSIN

Fickell is looking to shake things up for the Badgers in year 2. Miami transfer QB Tyler Van Dyke joins the team as they look to really settle into their “Air Raid” offense under OC Phil Longo. RB Chez Mellusi will need to stay healthy to complete a strong RB room. With decent but experienced WRs and a much improved OL Van Dyke looks to really regain some draft stock this year. While the offense goes through some growing pains early, they’ll lean on the experienced Badger defense. 8 starters return plus a few transfer LBs. Fickell feels his LB unit is the best unit on the team! Also with return of S Hunter Wohler (only DB in FBS with 110+ tackles, 2+ INTs) they’ll be solid at worst. Wisconsin will face Alabama in a non WK3 followed by road trips to USC, Rutgers & Iowa. Luckily they’ll get to see  Penn State and Oregon in camp Randall. I’m not expecting much from this Wisconsin team but don’t be surprised if Fickell gets the Badgers jumping around for home games against Penn State and Oregon. 

MARYLAND

For the past few years Taulia Tagovailoa has really added some pop to the Maryland program. Of course a lot of the credit for Maryland’s upward trajectory belongs to Mike Locksley. As Taulia has departed, Locksley will have Billy Edwards, Cameron Edge, and MJ Morris battle it out for the QB spot. Morris started 4 games at NC State last year and looks like he could come out on top here but the decision hasn’t been made yet. The Terps return some experienced RBs and WRs but keep an eye out for redshirt FR Nolan Ray. Besides at QB the other big question mark on the team is the OL. They combine for only 21 starts but Locksley feels he has 10 guys who could play, only time will tell. Maryland’s defense will prove to be a bright spot this year returning 7 DL with starting experienced who over achieved last season. The LB unit returns 4 led by Ruben Hyppolite and the DBs add 1st team MAC CB Jalen Huskey. Maryland will most likely be favored in their first 6 and has a chance to be 6-0 when USC comes to town. The Terps avoid OSU and UM but travel to Oregon and Penn State and draw Rutgers and Iowa. Locksley has a chance here to continue building this program upward.

PENN STATE

James Franklin has this Penn St team in form again. Allar returns as an experienced QB this time around and will look to improve on what he did last year with returning RBs Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton. Julian Fleming also transfers in from Ohio State to help replace the loss of Lambert Smith & Cephus. With new OC Kotelnicki Penn State will look to be more than just a stout defense. Although Chop Robinson is gone, Abdul Carter moves down to DE and a few SEC DB transfers bolster the secondary. Franklin and crew avoid Michigan, Oregon and Iowa and the game against the Buckeyes will be in Happy Valley. If Penn State can win a whiteout game at home against their rival, they could be competing for a National Title. They will be a probable candidate for the playoff regardless.

MICHIGAN

The reigning National Champs, the Michigan Wolverines, have shaken up the college football world in the past few years. Sherrone Moore will have his hands full as he looks to lead Michigan to the promised land once again but without Jim Harbaugh’s presence. Many of the starters from last year's championship roster do not return, leaving Moore with a lot of work to be done as he settles into his first full year as a HC. McCarthy is in the NFL now along with Corum, Roman Wilson, Cornelius Johnson and a few big names on defense. Alex Orji, who we saw a bit of last year for special packages, will look to take over as the starting QB. He’s got great legs but is unproven in the passing game. He will be behind an entirely new OL as all 5 starters depart. Fortunately, Sherrone Moore is one of if not the best OL coach around right now with back to back Joe Moore awards under his belt. If he can get this new OL to be cohesive they will clear the path for Donovan Edwards to have a Heisman finalist type season. On the other side of the ball they’re led by a pair of nasty DL in Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant. They also return lockdown CB Will Johnson. Michigan has the horses to be in the postseason again this year, it just comes down to Moore getting these new starters to mesh. Michigan will face off against Texas in the Big House WK2 and face USC (off their bye-week) in WK4. In Nov, they’ll have to take on both Oregon (at the Big House) and Ohio State (at the Shoe). With the removal of divisions in the Big10 this will shape up to be an exciting conference where any of the top 4 could finish as champions.

RUTGERS

Sing us a song Schiano Man! Rutgers finished 7-6 last year, their first winning season since 2014 and that was with the BIG10’s toughest schedule. Schiano looks to build on that success as this year they face the most favorable schedule in the BIG10. With new QB Athan Kaliakmanis from Minnesota reunited with OC Kirk Ciarrocca, Rutgers looks to improve on the offensive side of the ball. Kaliakmanis started 12 games at Minnesota totalling just shy of 2K yards with a 14-9 TD/INT ratio. He’s young and will lean on the experienced RB room led by Kyle Monangai. He’s truly an underrated player, topping 100+ yds 7 times last year including a Bowl win against Miami. He’ll be running behind what looks like one of the better OL’s Schiano’s had in his tenure. The defense is led by 8 returning starters including three 5th year seniors and a 6th year. With a strong front 7 and a solid DB unit Rutgers will be a tough side on defense. Expect Rutgers to improve their record this year and go bowling again!

OHIO STATE

It’s all or nothing for Ryan Day & the Buckeyes. Many people called for the hot seat of Ryan Day after losing to Michigan 3 straight years but he’s fighting back with a loaded roster. Many of the OSU starters who were set to be NFL draft choices decided to return for a chance at the National Championship and brought along some new faces. Will Howard who led K-State to a BIG 12 title in ‘22 becomes the experienced starter OSU needs while 5 star Julian Sayin (Bama transfer)  and Air Noland battle to become the programs next big QB. They also add Alabama’s leading tackler as a true freshman Caleb Downs and arguably the top RB in the country besides the one already on the team, Quinshon Judkins. There’s lots of news about Jeremiah Smith (Freshman WR) in spring ball as well. With a lot of new stars on the offensive side of the ball the defense returns almost everyone including Sawyer, JTT, and DT Williams. Ohio State has the roster and Ryan Day’s boogey man in Jim Harbaugh is off to the NFL… it’s Title or Bust for the Buckeyes. 

NEBRASKA

It’s officially Matt Rhule szn. Rhule enters year 2 in Lincoln but has proven in the past  that he makes things happen in year 2. So far he’s lived up to it by getting Dylan Raiola (ESPN’s #1 ranked Pocket Passer in his class) to flip from GEORGIA to Nebraska. While his family history of his father playing there and his uncle currently coaching there certainly helped, he’s ready to lead a program that has been dormant since the early 2000’s back to prominence. Raiola will have some tools on offense with an experienced RB room returning and a few WR transfers like Isaiah Neyor from Texas and Jahmal Banks from Wake Forest. He’ll be behind what looks to be an improved OL as long as they remain healthy. The Cornhuskers defense returns 8 starters and features one of the top DL’s in the country. Led by LB/DB and #1 tackler last season, Isaac Gifford, expect a tough defense from Nebraska. Last year they had an insane amount of turnovers, a lot from QB Jeff Sims who’s been replaced, and quite a few one score losses. They’ll look to turn their luck as they avoid Michigan, Oregon, and Penn State in conference play this year. They won’t contend for a title but they may be the most improved in the BIG10.

IOWA

Kirk Ferrentz had to make a very tough decision last year in firing his son Brian after failing to reach 25ppg as his contract stipulated. New OC Tim Lester will have 10 returning starters on what hopes to be an improved offense. Cade McNamara will try to pick up where he left off last year and remain healthy this season. He’s accompanied by Williams & Johnson, experienced returning RBs, as well as some returning WRs and TE Luke Lachey. Their OL will be the best they’ve had in a few years with 5 starters returning (4 seniors) and a combined 154 starts. The Hawkeyes always have a stout defense and will again this year. Led by Broyles Award Winner DC Phil Parker, the unit returns 10 starters on defense with one of the best LB units in the country. Also because it's Iowa I’d feel it would be wrong if we didn’t mention fan favorite Punter Troy Taylor heads off the NFL but is replaced by Rhys Dakin (Australian football player). Iowa drew a lucky schedule dodging 3 of the top 4 rated teams in Oregon, PSU, and UM. Their toughest game will be a trip to Ohio State in October. Iowa is lining up for what could be another double digit win season in the BIG10..

MINNESOTA

Fleck enters year 8 after a tough 2023 season finishing 6-7. Young QB Athan Kaliakmanis transfers to Rutgers but Fleck brings in Max Brosmer from New Hampshire. Brosmer was a Walter Payton Award (FCS Heisman) finalist. He’ll look to bring life to the offense with the help of electric sophomore RB Darius Taylor. The WRs will be a big question mark but Brosmer will have help leaning on a good RB room and experienced OL. The defense returns their top 2 sack leaders and is arguably Fleck’s strongest DL in his 8 years in Minnesota. The LB unit returns 5 of top 6 and if Lindenberg can stay healthy, he’ll produce. They have the 7th toughest schedule in the country, opening against UNC with visits from Iowa, USC, Rutgers (off a bye), and Penn State. They’ll also have to take trips to Michigan and Wisconsin proving to be a tough road ahead of the Golden Gophers. However, Fleck is confident in his talent and is willing to accept the challenge.

PURDUE

The Spoilermakers! HC Ryan Walters aims to keep improving this team in year 2. Hudson Card remains the experienced QB, while he looks to lead an offense dominated by a strong RB room. Devin “Crazy Legs’ Mockobee returns and Reggie Love comes over from Illinois. Card will look to Kam Brown, UCLA transfer, to help provide a spark on the offense as well. The OL returns 4 and adds about 6 transfers making them not only solid but deep. On the other side of the ball, the DL loses 2 starters and Kydran Jenkins drops back to LB. He joins Karlaftis as the only returning starters in the LB unit. The defense is led by stud sophomore Dillon Thieneman at safety. Thieneman was BIG10 freshman of the week 5x and broke Rod Woodson’s record for solo tackles as a freshman. I don’t think Purdue will be spoiling anyone’s season this year but they’ll sure get the opportunity. They play an early non-con against Notre Dame and take a trip to Ohio State in November. They’ll also be visited by Penn State and Oregon. Walters and company will look to improve on last year's 4-8 season. 

INDIANA

Curt Cignetti is starting off his Indiana tenure with a bang… or at least he’s trying to. Cignetti has 13 winning seasons in 13 years as a HC. He’s a proven HC and develops strong QBs, having a 1st team all conference QB each of his last 5 years. He’ll be trying to repeat his success with Ohio transfer and 2x all MAC QB Kurtis Rourke. He also brings half of the JMU locker room with him!! RB Kaelon Black (JMU) will lead a 1-2 punch with Justice Ellison from Wake. They’ll be accompanied by a converted QB/WR McCulley and JMU transfers Elijah Sarratt and TE Zach Horton. Myles Price from Tex Tech also joins the WR room. Cignetti also made a strong decision in retaining good OL coach Bob Bostad as he works with 2 returning starters and 2 JMU starters. The DL will be experienced and much more aggressive than under Tom Allen. The biggest question mark on defense will be the depth at LB. With a favorable schedule avoiding Iowa, Oregon, and Penn St. Cignetti will look to double last year's wins and make a bowl game in year 1 in Bloomington. 

NORTHWESTERN

For all the chaos that ensued in the Northwestern off season, Braun did a great job in stepping in and rallying the troops. He earned that HC spot he now has in Evanston. He was a DC at FCS powerhouse program ND State until Fitzgerald brought him over to be DC at NW. Mike Wright from Vandy comes over to play QB and showcase what he can do with his legs. The Wildcats offense should improve with solid RB and WR rooms behind an experienced OL. They’ll also look to improve on the defensive side as they return 8 starters on defense. Braun feels he can go 10 deep on the DL making them a real strong point of the team. They return some high producing LBs and DBs as well. With the toughest games on their schedule being at Maryland, Iowa, and Michigan, with a neutral site game against OSU, Northwestern will look to repeat the success of last year but I don’t see more than 5 wins.

UCLA

As I said earlier, conference realignment doesn’t treat everyone equally. UCLA’s venture to the BIG10 should be interesting. New HC DeShaun Foster has been in the program for awhile and finally gets handed the keys. He also brings in Superbowl winning OC, Eric Bienemy. QB Dante Moore heads to Oregon and Ethan Garbers returns for the Bruins along with RB TJ Harden. The top 3 WRs return as does an improved OL. The defense will need a lot of work as only 5 starters return and the DL is in full rebuild mode. Two strong LBs return and are accompanied by a Georgia Tech transfer. The schedule change will be tough for UCLA coming from the PAC-12. This year they’ll face LSU early in Baton Rouge but also run into Oregon, Penn State, and USC of course. In his first year Foster has his work cut out for him, it’s going to be a tough season but I love to watch teams rise to the challenge. 

ILLINOIS

Brett Beilema and the Fighting Illini will look to improve on last year's record and return to a bowl game. Altmeyer returns at QB and is viewed as the future by Bielema. They have a 3 deep RB room with returners Feagin and McCray. The WR room is entirely new and unproven, we’ll look to see how they fare as the year plays out. Bielema is always a strong OL coach and feels he has a very solid OL this year. After having a top ranked defense in 2022 they regressed last year. They look to improve again having the entire back 7 as returning starters. The DL lost 2 NFL DE’s but adds a JUCO DE with 17.5 sacks and two P5 transfers. Illinois avoids Ohio St & Iowa with trips to Penn State & Oregon. They’ll also receive a visit from Michigan off their bye week. Besides that, the rest of their schedule is favorable and if they perform they may have a great battle against Rutgers at the end of the season.

MICHIGAN STATE

Safe to say Tuck came and now he’s gone. Jonathan Smith takes over after 6 years of building up Oregon St to become a conference contender. He brings over a few Oregon St players and hires new DC Joe Rossi from Minnesota. Smith will have his work cut out for him but has a few pieces to help speed up the rebuilding process. He brings young QB Aidan Chiles with him who will battle North Dakota 4 yr starter, Tommy Schuster, for the job. Chiles will most likely win the spot as he knows Smith’s system and was given many series last year. The running game will improve with senior Nathan Carter and transfer Kay’ron Lynch-Adams who had 1100+ yds last year. The WR is a bit of a question mark but OL play will definitely improve. Rossi will work on rebuilding his DL with transfers after losing 3 of last years starters. The bright spot on this defense is the deep veteran LB unit. Michigan St has been notoriously bad at pass defense the past few years but Rossi looks to change that with a carriage of transfers at DB. Unfortunately, the Spartans face one of the toughest schedules in the country. Their first 5 BIG10 games are as follows… at Maryland, Ohio State, at Oregon, Iowa and at Michigan. Not expecting much from this team in year 1 but Jonathan Smith will look to set them on the right direction moving forward.

WASHINGTON

Even though DeBoer & Penix led Washington to the CFP National Championship last year, there’s not much to say about this year. Jedd Fisch from Arizona takes over a team with only 2 returning starters and manages to bring 2 with him from Arizona. Will Rogers joins the Huskies after departing Miss St and looks to lead a more functional offense reminiscent of his FR year. Both the OL and DL are in complete rebuild mode so Fisch will have a lot of work to do. Unfortunately Washington draws the toughest schedule in the BIG10 with a visit from Michigan in between trips to Rutgers & Iowa. Later in the season they’ll face off against USC, at Penn State and Oregon. Safe to say, we won’t see this team in the playoff this year but that doesn’t mean Fisch can’t lead them in the right direction.