With the expansion of the Big Ten, the college football season will look a lot different. UCLA, USC, Oregon, and Washington joining the Big Ten will create a much more competitive conference. The new 12-team College Football Playoffs could see multiple conference teams participating and competing for a National Championship. I think these five teams will dominate the updated Big Ten in the future.
1. Ohio State
The Buckeyes finished last season with a record of 11-2 with losses coming to Michigan and Missouri. They returned many key players, including Emeka Egbuka, JT Tuimoloau, TreVeyon Henderson, and Denzel Burke. In addition, Ryan Day and his staff were very active in the transfer portal and the 2024 recruiting class, bringing in Caleb Downs, Will Howard, Jeremiah Smith, and many other top prospects.
After coming up just short of the Big Ten Championship Game the past three seasons with losses to Michigan, the Buckeyes will look to get back on track. With this talented roster, Ohio State is built for a successful season, one in which Coach Day may need to stay as Head Coach.
2. Oregon
Oregon finished a great 2023-2024 seasonat 12-2 with both losses coming in close games to Washington. With Heisman Finalist Bo Nix declaring for the NFL Draft, Oregon brought in transfer QBs Dillon Gabriel and Dante Moore. The veteran Gabriel is expected to start for the Ducks while Moore develops for the next season.
Like Ohio State, Oregon was very active in the portal outside of these QBs. They brought in Jabbar Muhammad, Kam Alexander, Evan Stewart, Jamaree Caldwell, and five other transfers. They step into the Big Ten as immediate contenders.
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3. Michigan
Coming off a National Championship, the Wolverines are looking to have another perfect season and become back-to-back champions. With the departure of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh, new coach Sherrone Moore will keep the same mentality as last season.
This 2024-2025 team will look a lot different with guys JJ McCarthy and Blake Corum both declaring for the NFL Draft. Alex Orji, Jack Tuttle, and Jayden Denegal are all currently battling for the starting QB position in a close race that could reach the beginning of the season.
4. Penn State
Penn State is coming off of a 10-3 season, with losses to Michigan, Ole Miss, and Ohio State. A similar story to years of Penn State past, but The Nittany Lions have one of the most complete teams in their recent history. Drew Allar, Julian Fleming, Nick Singleton, and Kaytron Allen are very formidable offensive weapons, and the defense is always good.
In recent seasons Penn State have struggled to beat both Ohio State and Michigan which has led to them missing the Playoffs. James Franklin will look to lead his team to their first Big Ten Championship since 2016, in a season where many believe he could be coaching for his job.
5. Washington
Washington’s dream season fell just short of becoming National Champions in a 34-13 loss to Michigan in the Championship. The Huskies will look to find their way back, but the roster will look very different. Michael Penix Jr., Rome Odunze, Dillon Johnson, Troy Fautanu, and nine other Huskies have declared for the upcoming Draft. Many more, like Parker Brailsford, Germie Bernard, and Jabbar Muhammad entered the portal.
Jedd Fisch has taken over as Head Coach after Kalen DeBoer left to become the new Coach of Alabama. The Huskies brought in fifteen transfers, nine of which followed their Coach from Arizona. Transfer Will Rogers appears to take over as QB and look to continue the success in Seattle.
