Who are the Top Ten Teams in the BIG10?

July 8, 2024

By Carter Rennyson

The Big Ten has expanded by adding four new teams from the Pac-12: USC, Oregon, Washington, and UCLA. The conference, already full of powerhouse programs, now boasts even more talent. Let's see if any of these former Pac-12 schools can win the Big Ten in their first year.

10. Wisconsin

The Badgers acquired former Miami quarterback Tyler Van Dyke through the transfer portal and have one of the easier schedules in the Big Ten. Head Coach Luke Fickell is ready to turn the program around and should be able to get the Badgers back to a bowl game.

Projected Record: 6-6

Game to Watch: Saturday, Sept. 14, vs. Alabama

9. Washington

The Huskies are coming off a National Championship game appearance but lost their head coach and several players to the transfer portal and NFL Draft. They will not repeat their dominant 2023 season but will have a solid team under new coach Jedd Fisch.

Projected Record: 6-6

Game to Watch: Saturday, Sept. 14, vs. Washington State (game played in Seattle)

8. Rutgers

The Scarlet Knights have a tough middle part of the season but an easy beginning and end to their schedule. Expect Rutgers to steal a game or two in the middle of the tough stretch and finish strong to make a bowl game.

Projected Record: 7-5

Game to Watch: Friday, Oct. 25, at USC

7. Nebraska

Head Coach Matt Rhule has a talented roster that could exceed expectations. Five-star quarterback Dylan Raiola should be the starter and get the Huskers off to a strong start before the schedule toughens up.

Projected Record: 8-4

Game to Watch: Saturday, Oct. 26, at Ohio State

6. USC

No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams is no longer at the helm, but Miller Moss is ready to lead the Trojans. He threw six touchdown passes in their bowl game last year and will run Lincoln Riley’s offense. However, defensive concerns hold this team back in the rankings.

Projected Record: 8-4

Game to Watch: Sunday, Sept. 1, vs. LSU (game played in Las Vegas)

5. Iowa

Iowa has always been known for its defense, but this year the offense is going to be better. That isn’t saying much, but with their schedule and dominant defense, the Hawkeyes will find ways to win games as they seem to do every year. The biggest question leading into the season is who will start at quarterback.

Projected Record: 8-4

Game to Watch: Saturday, Sept. 7, vs. Iowa State

4. Michigan

The defending national champions lost many players to the NFL Draft, and Jim Harbaugh left to coach the Los Angeles Chargers. However, Sherrone Moore won all the games he coached last season in place of Harbaugh, including wins against Penn State and Ohio State. Michigan will still have a strong season but faces tough games against Texas, Oregon, and Ohio State.

Projected Record: 9-3

Game to Watch: Saturday, Sept. 7, vs. Texas

3. Penn State

Penn State returns quarterback Drew Allar and always boasts an impressive defense. However, Penn State has consistently fallen in its biggest games. If they can win against top teams this year, there is no reason they can’t win the conference. But if they can’t win the big games, this may be Coach Franklin’s last season in Happy Valley.

Projected Record: 10-2

Game to Watch: Saturday, Nov. 2, vs. Ohio State

2. Ohio State

Ohio State acquired former Kansas State quarterback Will Howard and former Ole Miss running back Quinshon Judkins to be the foundation of Chip Kelly’s offense. Ryan Day and the Buckeyes are among the favorites to win the National Championship and have the firepower to compete against the entire country.

Projected Record: 10-2

Game to Watch: Saturday, Nov. 30, vs. Michigan

1. Oregon

Dan Lanning led the Ducks to one of their best seasons in recent history last year. The Ducks have former Oklahoma quarterback Dillon Gabriel to replace Bo Nix. Oregon has an easier schedule, which will help them gain momentum in hostile Big Ten environments. Coach Lanning and the Ducks should be one of the best teams in the country this year and will compete for the Big Ten title in their first season in the conference.

Projected Record: 11-1

Game to Watch: Saturday, Oct. 12, vs. Ohio State