The Standings Projection
| Projected Order of Finish | Projected Record |
|---|---|
| East | |
| 1. Ohio State | 11-1 (8-1) |
| 2. Penn State | 11-1 (8-1) |
| 3. Michigan | 10-2 (7-2) |
| 4. Maryland | 7-5 (4-5) |
| 5. Michigan State | 6-6 (4-5) |
| 6. Indiana | 3-9 (1-8) |
| 7. Rutgers | 4-8 (1-8) |
| West | |
| 1. Wisconsin | 10-2 (7-2) |
| 2. Iowa | 10-2 (7-2) |
| 3. Minnesota | 7-5 (5-4) |
| 4. Illinois | 7-5 (5-4) |
| 5. Nebraska | 6-6 (3-6) |
| 6. Purdue | 5-7 (3-6) |
| 7. Northwestern | 2-10 (0-9) |
The Team Breakdowns
Big Ten East
Ohio State
At some point, talent just has to win out for Ohio State. The Buckeyes nearly climbed the mountaintop last season despite losing to Michigan for the second season in a row. If it weren’t for some questionable clock management by Ryan Day late against Georgia, followed by a wickedly shanked kick from Noah Ruggles, the Bucks top the Dawgs and likely go on to beat TCU to win the National Championship.
Instead, OSU is starting out behind Michigan, at least by most preseason predictions and standards, for the 2023 season. While I see why many are trusting the steadiness of the Michigan roster and staff, especially with the change at quarterback for Ohio State, I don’t agree. I’m riding with the upside and the talent of the Buckeyes and I’m picking them to win a Big Ten title in 2023.
Team MVPs
RB TreVeyon Henderson
WR Marvin Harrison Jr.
DE JT Tuimoloau
DT Michael Hall Jr.
MLB Tommy Eichenberg
Projected Depth Chart
Offense
| Position | Starter | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| QB | 6 Kyle McCord JR | 33 Devin Brown RS FR |
| RB | 32 TreVeyon Henderson RS SO | 3 Miyan Williams RS JR |
| WR-X | 18 Marvin Harrison Jr. RS SO | 17 Carnell Tate FR |
| WR-Z | 4 Julian Fleming SR | 9 Jayden Ballard RS SO |
| WR-SL | 2 Emeka Egbuka RS SO | 10 Xavier Johnson GR |
| TE | 8 Cade Stover RS SR | 84 Joe Royer RS JR |
| LT | 70 Josh Fryar RS JR | 68 George Fitzpatrick RS FR |
| LG | 74 Donovan Jackson RS SO | 59 Victor Cutler Jr. RS JR |
| C | 75 Carson Hinzman RS FR | 78 Jakob James RS JR |
| RG | 55 Matthew Jones GR | 66 Enokk Vimahi RS SR |
| RT | Josh Simmons RS SO | 77 Tegra Tshabola RS FR |
Defense
| Position | Starter | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| DE | 44 JT Tuimoloau RS SO | 92 Caden Curry SO |
| NT | 91 Tyleik Williams RS SO | 58 Ty Hamilton RS JR |
| DT | 51 Michael Hall Jr. RS SO | Tywone Malone RS SO |
| DE | 33 Jack Sawyer RS SO | 97 Kenyatta Jackson RS FR |
| MLB | 35 Tommy Eichenberg RS SR | 30 Cody Simon SR |
| WLB | 22 Steele Chambers RS SR | 11 C.J. Hicks RS FR |
| LCB | 10 Denzel Burke RS SO | 18 Jyaire Brown SO |
| SS | 12 Lathan Ransom SR | 6 Sonny Styles SO |
| FS | 41 Josh Proctor RS SR | 37 Kye Stokes SO |
| RCB | 20 Davison Igbinosun SO | Lorenzo Styles Jr. JR |
| NB | 13 Cameron Martinez RS JR | 14 Ja’Had Carter SR |
Coaching Staff
| Head Coach | Ryan Day |
| OC/WRs | Brian Hartline |
| DC/LBs | Jim Knowles |
| RBs | Tony Alford |
| OL | Justin Frye |
| CBs | Tim Walton |
| Safeties | Perry Eliano |
| DL | Larry Johnson |
| QBs | Corey Dennis |
| Special Teams | Parker Fleming |
| TEs | Keenan Bailey |
2023 Analytical Outlook
- Preseason SP+ Ranking: 2
- Preseason Massey Ranking: 3
- Returning Production (Offense): 60% (78)
- Returning Production (Defense): 78% (12)
- Blue-Chip Ratio: YES (85%)
- Last 3 Recruiting Class Rankings (247 Composite): 4 (2023), 4 (2022), 2 (2021)
2022 Statistical Outlook
- Points Scored: 44.2 (1st Big Ten)
- Points Allowed: 19.3 (6th Big Ten)
- 3rd Down Conversion Percentage: 45.2% (2nd Big Ten)
Projected Record: 11-1 (8-1), 1st Big Ten East
Penn State
On paper, this is the most talented Penn State team that James Franklin has ever had. With the departure of the solid, reliable Sean Clifford, the Nittany Lions welcome in the burly, cannon-armed Drew Allar to start at quarterback. While there’s no guarantee that Allar will live up to full potential, the upside for PSU is undoubtedly higher with the five-star true sophomore at the helm.
The rest of the PSU roster is stacked. The Nittany Lions have one of the best RB duos in the country with Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen, an elite pair of tight ends in Theo Johnson and Tyler Warren, and one of the best tackles in the country in LT Olu Fashanu. Defensively, Adisa Isaac and Chop Robinson are studs at the edge positions, Curtis Jacobs and Abdul Carter might be the best LB duo in the Big Ten, and the secondary is bolstered by two future NFL cornerbacks in Kalen King and Johnny Dixon.
I’m picking Franklin and Penn State to finally break through and get to 11-1 this season. The talent on this team is buzz-worthy, and the Nittany Lions get Michigan at home this year, which is enough of an advantage for me to give PSU a slight edge.
Team MVPs
RB Nicholas Singleton
LT Olu Fashanu
DE Chop Robinson
LB Abdul Carter
CB Kalen King
Projected Depth Chart
Offense
| Position | Starter | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| QB | 15 Drew Allar SO | 9 Beau Pribula RS FR |
| RB | 10 Nicholas Singleton SO | 13 Kaytron Allen SO |
| WR-X | 3 Dante Cephas RS SR | 5 Omari Evans SO |
| WR-Z | 6 Harrison Wallace III RS SO | 11 Malik McClain JR |
| WR-SL | 1 Keandre Lambert-Smith SR | 2 Liam Clifford RS SO |
| TE | 84 Theo Johnson JR | 44 Tyler Warren RS JR |
| LT | 74 Olumuyiwa Fashanu RS JR | 66 Drew Shelton SO |
| LG | 58 Landon Tengwall RS SO | 56 JB Nelson RS JR |
| C | 64 Hunter Nourzad RS SR | 53 Nick Dawkins RS JR |
| RG | 77 Sal Wormley RS SR | 71 Olaivavega Ioane RS FR |
| RT | 73 Caedan Wallace RS SR | 63 Alex Birchmeier FR |
Defense
| Position | Starter | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| LDE | 20 Adisa Isaac RS SR | 15 Amin Vanover RS JR |
| LDT | 51 Hakeem Beamon RS SR | 28 Zane Durant SO |
| RDT | 91 Dvon Ellies RS SR | 99 Coziah Izzard RS JR |
| RDE | 44 Chop Robinson JR | 33 Dani Dennis-Sutton SO |
| WLB | 11 Abdul Carter SO | 32 Keon Wylie RS FR |
| MLB | 43 Tyler Elsdon RS JR | 41 Kobe King RS SO |
| SLB | 23 Curtis Jacobs JR | 34 Dominic DeLuca RS SO |
| LCB | 4 Kalen King JR | 29 Audavion Collins RS FR |
| SS | 2 Keaton Ellis SR | 21 Kevin Winston Jr. SO |
| FS | 1 Jaylen Reed JR | 6 Zakee Wheatley RS SO |
| RCB | 3 Johnny Dixon RS SR | 5 Cam Miller SO |
Coaching Staff
| Head Coach | James Franklin |
| OC/QBs | Mike Yurcich |
| DC/LBs | Manny Diaz |
| Special Teams/OLBs | Stacy Collins |
| CBs | Terry M. Smith |
| CO-OC/RBs | Ja’Juan Seider |
| DL | Deion Barnes |
| WRs | Marques Hagans |
| CO-OC/TEs | Ty Howle |
| CO-DC/Safeties | Anthony Poindexter |
| OL | Phil Trautwein |
2023 Analytical Outlook
- Preseason SP+ Ranking: 6
- Preseason Massey Ranking: 5
- Returning Production (Offense): 54% (97)
- Returning Production (Defense): 74% (20)
- Blue-Chip Ratio: YES (55%)
- Last 3 Recruiting Class Rankings (247 Composite): 14 (2023), 6 (2022), 21 (2021)
2022 Statistical Outlook
- Points Scored: 35.8 (3rd Big Ten)
- Points Allowed: 18 (5th Big Ten)
- 3rd Down Conversion Percentage: 37.8% (10th Big Ten)
Projected Record: 11-1 (8-1), 2nd Big Ten East
Michigan
The margin between the Top 3 teams in the Big Ten is razor thin. I have OSU, PSU and Michigan all power rated as top five teams in the country (OSU 2, UM 4, PSU 5). All three teams are far and away the best in the Big Ten, and I believe that each of them going 11-1 with wins/losses against each other is very possible. With that being said, I’m picking UM to take a step back and go 10-2.
To me, Michigan is the team out of that group with the least amount of questions, but also with the least amount of upside. J.J. McCarthy is solid, but not elite. The lines of scrimmage should be terrific again and the coaching is excellent. My Big Ten predictions are based on upside. The talent on OSU’s and PSU’s rosters come with upsides that are higher than the ceiling for Michigan. I think this is the year where the high-end talent, especially of the Buckeyes, finally catches back up with Michigan.
Team MVPs
TE Colston Loveland
RB Blake Corum
RB Donovan Edwards
LB Junior Colson
CB Will Johnson
Projected Depth Chart
Offense
| Position | Starter | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| QB | 9 J.J. McCarthy JR | 13 Jack Tuttle GR |
| RB | 2 Blake Corum SR | 7 Donovan Edwards JR |
| WR-X | 6 Cornelius Johnson SR | 18 Peyton O’Leary RS SO |
| WR-Z | 0 Darrius Clemons SO | 85 Cristian Dixon RS SO |
| WR-SL | 14 Roman Wilson SR | 8 Tyler Morris SO |
| TE | 18 Colston Loveland SO | 89 A.J. Barner SR |
| LT | LaDarius Henderson SR | 78 Myles Hinton SR |
| LG | 77 Trevor Keegan RS SR | 58 Giovanni El-Hadi RS SO |
| C | 60 Drake Nugent GR | 62 Raheem Anderson RS SO |
| RG | 65 Zak Zinter SR | 74 Reece Atteberry RS JR |
| RT | 52 Karsen Barnhart RS SR | 53 Trente Jones RS SR |
Defense
| Position | Starter | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| EDGE | 17 Braiden McGregor SR | 8 Derrick Moore SO |
| NT | 55 Mason Graham SO | 78 Kenneth Grant SO |
| DT | 94 Kris Jenkins SR | 26 Rayshaun Benny RS SO |
| EDGE | 32 Jaylen Harrell SR | 5 Josaiah Stewart JR |
| MLB | 25 Junior Colson JR | 30 Jimmy Rolder SO |
| WLB | 23 Michael Barrett GR | 15 Ernest Hausmann SO |
| LCB | 2 Will Johnson SO | 1 Ja’Den McBurrows SO |
| SS | 7 Makari Paige SR | 10 Zeke Berry RS FR |
| FS | 19 Rod Moore RS SO | 28 Quinten Johnson GR |
| RCB | 1 Amorion Walker SO | Josh Wallace SR |
| NB | 0 Mike Sainristil SR | 12 Kody Jones RS FR |
Coaching Staff
| Head Coach | Jim Harbaugh |
| OC/OL | Sherrone Moore |
| DC | Jesse Minter |
| CO-DC/DBs | Steve Clinkscale |
| QBs | Kirk Campbell |
| WRs | Ron Bellamy |
| DL | Mike Elston |
| Special Teams/Safeties | Jay Harbaugh |
| RBs | Mike Hart |
| LBs | Chris Partridge |
| TEs | Grant Newsome |
2023 Analytical Outlook
- Preseason SP+ Ranking: 3
- Preseason Massey Ranking: 4
- Returning Production (Offense): 75% (21)
- Returning Production (Defense): 82% (3)
- Blue-Chip Ratio: YES (54%)
- Last 3 Recruiting Class Rankings (247 Composite): 17 (2023), 9 (2022), 13 (2021)
2022 Statistical Outlook
- Points Scored: 40.4 (2nd Big Ten)
- Points Allowed: 13.4 (3rd Big Ten)
- 3rd Down Conversion Percentage: 45.2% (3rd Big Ten)
Projected Record: 10-2 (7-2), 3rd Big Ten East
Maryland
The Maryland Terrapins should be relatively prolific offensively this season with the return of QB Taulia Tagovailoa. The skill position pieces are intriguing with Roman Hemby at RB and Jeshaun Jones and Kaden Prather at WR. Four-star sophomore Shaleak Knotts is another intriguing talent at wideout, and the offensive line is good enough to hold up against most competition. Mike Locksley has recruited very well by program standards, and has done well in the transfer portal as of late.
For Maryland to exceed expectations this season (win more than 7 or 8 games), the Terrapins have to sure up the defense. There are intriguing individual pieces at all three levels, but the coaching schematics last season were questionable at best. I don’t think Maryland will pick off one of the Top 3 in the East, but they’ll earn a bid to a bowl game for the third consecutive season nonetheless.
Team MVPs
QB Taulia Tagovailoa
RB Roman Hemby
TE Corey Dyches
NT Jordan Phillips
S Beau Brade
Projected Depth Chart
Offense
| Position | Starter | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| QB | 3 Taulia Tagovailoa RS SR | 9 Billy Edwards Jr. RS SO |
| RB | 24 Roman Hemby RS SO | 8 Ramon Brown SO |
| WR-X | 1 Kaden Prather JR | 4 Shaleak Knotts SO |
| WR-Z | 6 Jeshaun Jones GR | 10 Tai Felton JR |
| WR-SL | 5 Octavian Smith Jr. SO | Tyrese Chambers GR |
| TE | 84 Corey Dyches RS JR | 85 Preston Howard RS FR |
| LT | 74 Delmar Glaze RS JR | 55 Andre Roye Jr. RS FR |
| LG | 76 Kyle Long RS SO | 58 Marcus Dumervil RS JR |
| C | 66 Aric Harris SR | 52 Mike Purcell GR |
| RG | 54 Corey Bullock SR | 70 Amelio Morán RS SR |
| RT | 72 Gottlieb Ayedze SR | 57 Ja’Kavion Nonar RS FR |
Defense
| Position | Starter | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| DE | Donnell Brown RS JR | 5 Quashon Fuller RS JR |
| NT | 8 Jordan Phillips RS FR | 40 Taizse Johnson JR |
| DT | 99 Tommy Akingbesote JR | 57 Isaac Bunyun RS JR |
| OLB | 45 Kellan Wyatt SO | 15 Riyad Wilmot RS JR |
| MLB | 1 Jaishawn Barham SO | 9 Fa’Najae Gotay RS SR |
| WLB | 11 Ruben Hyppolite II SR | 44 Caleb Wheatland SO |
| LCB | 3 Ja’Quan Sheppard SR | 24 Chantz Harley RS SO |
| SS | 12 Dante Trader Jr. JR | |
| FS | 2 Beau Brade SR | 18 Avanatae Williams JR |
| RCB | 4 Tarheeb Still SR | 6 Corey Coley Jr. JR |
| NB | 13 Glendon Miller RS JR | 17 Lionel Whitaker SO |
Coaching Staff
| Head Coach | Michael Locksley |
| OC | Josh Gattis |
| DC/DL | Brian Williams |
| CO-OC/TEs | Kevin Sumlin |
| WRs/Passsing Game Coordinator | Gunter Brewer |
| ILBs | Lance Thompson |
| CBs | Henry Baker |
| OL | Brian Braswell |
| Special Teams/OLBs | James Thomas Jr. |
| Safeties | Zac Spavital |
| RBs | Latrell Scott |
2023 Analytical Outlook
- Preseason SP+ Ranking: 41
- Preseason Massey Ranking: 39
- Returning Production (Offense): 55% (89)
- Returning Production (Defense): 63% (55)
- Blue-Chip Ratio: NO
- Last 3 Recruiting Class Rankings (247 Composite): 36 (2023), 31 (2022), 18 (2021)
2022 Statistical Outlook
- Points Scored: 28.2 (5th Big Ten)
- Points Allowed: 24.1 (8th Big Ten)
- 3rd Down Conversion Percentage: 41.7% (4th Big Ten)
Projected Record: 7-5 (4-5), 4th Big Ten East
Michigan State
Michigan State is stuck in a very tough place as both a team and a program. The Spartans are paying Mel Tucker $9.5 million per year… and in 2022 he and the staff massively underachieved. I have major questions about the staff’s longterm ability to meet expectations in an increasingly difficult league. It’s hard to be optimistic about the path for a team to succeed when they might have the wrong coach at the helm, especially when that coach’s contract is acting as an anchor for the program itself.
This Michigan State roster is solid in spots. The front seven should be much improved and the talent in the secondary is intriguing, but I have little faith that the defensive coaching will help the talent live up to potential. QB Noah Kim is a major question mark… and if the offensive play-calling is bad, the floor could really fall out from under this team because of the difficulty of the schedule. With all that being said, I have MSU squeaking into a bowl game in 2023. I’m not sure the future is bright in East Lansing, but the 2023 season on its own shouldn’t be enough to tank the Tucker Era.
Team MVPs
TE Maliq Carr
DE Tunmise Adeleye
DT Simeon Barrow
LB Jacoby Windmon
LB Cal Haladay
Projected Depth Chart
Offense
| Position | Starter | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| QB | 14 Noah Kim RS JR | 12 Katin Houser RS FR |
| RB | 8 Jalen Berger RS JR | 8 Nathan Carter RS SO |
| WR-X | 83 Montorie Foster Jr. SR | 15 Jaron Glover RS FR |
| WR-Z | 16 Christian Fitzpatrick RS JR | 7 Antonio Gates Jr. RS FR |
| WR-F | 17 Tre Mosley RS SR | 0 Alante Brown SR |
| TE | 6 Maliq Carr RS JR | 23 Tyneil Hopper RS SR |
| LT | 53 Brandon Bladwin RS JR | 54 Keyshawn Blackstock JR |
| LG | 67 J.D. Duplain SR | 70 Kevin Wigenton II RS SO |
| C | 59 Nick Samac SR | 72 Dallas Fincher RS JR |
| RG | 74 Geno VanDeMark RS SO | 68 Gavin Broscious RS FR |
| RT | 58 Spencer Brown RS SR | 77 Ethan Boyd RS SO |
Defense
| Position | Starter | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| LDE | 2 Khris Bogle RS SR | 98 Avery Dunn RS JR |
| LDT | 41 Derrick Harmon RS SO | 97 Maverick Hansen RS SR |
| RDT | 8 Simeon Barrow Jr. RS JR | 45 Dre Butler RS SR |
| RDE | 52 Tunmise Adeleye RS SO | 9 Zion Young SO |
| WLB | 4 Jacoby Windmon SR | 7 Aaron Brule GR |
| MLB | 27 Cal Haladay RS JR | 10 Ma’a Gaoteote JR |
| STAR | 23 Darius Snow RS JR | 15 Angelo Grose SR |
| LCB | 6 Semar Melvin RS SR | 0 Charles Brantley JR |
| SS | 21 Dillon Tatum SO | 43 Malik Spencer SO |
| FS | 1 Jaden Mangham SO | 30 Justin White RS SR |
| RCB | 12 Chester Kimbrough RS SR | 29 Marqui Lowery Jr. RS JR |
Coaching Staff
| Head Coach | Mel Tucker |
| OC/QBs | Jay Johnson |
| DC/LBs | Scottie Hazelton |
| OL/Run Game Coordinator | Chris Kapilovic |
| Secondary | Harlon Barnett |
| Special Teams | Ross Els |
| TEs | Ted Gilmore |
| WRs | Courtney Hawkins |
| RBs | Effrem Reed |
| DL | Diron Reynolds |
| CBs | Jim Salgado |
2023 Analytical Outlook
- Preseason SP+ Ranking: 46
- Preseason Massey Ranking: 41
- Returning Production (Offense): 49% (109)
- Returning Production (Defense): 66% (45)
- Blue-Chip Ratio: NO
- Last 3 Recruiting Class Rankings (247 Composite): 24 (2023), 23 (2022), 46 (2021)
2022 Statistical Outlook
- Points Scored: 24.4 (8th Big Ten)
- Points Allowed: 27.4 (10th Big Ten)
- 3rd Down Conversion Percentage: 38.8% (7th Big Ten)
Projected Record: 6-6 (4-5), 5th Big Ten East
Indiana
This Indiana team has one winnable Big Ten game on their schedule and that’s Rutgers. I went ahead and gave that victory to the Hoosiers because the game’s in Bloomington. Outside of some occasional playmaking from Jaylin Lucas and Cam Camper, there won’t be too much worth watching on the gridiron for IU this season.
Team MVPs
RB Jaylin Lucas
WR Cam Camper
DE Andre Carter
Projected Depth Chart
Offense
| Position | Starter | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| QB | 2 Tayven Jackson RS FR | 15 Brendan Sorsby RS FR |
| RB | 26 Josh Henderson SR | 12 Jaylin Lucas SO |
| WR-X | 1 Donaven McCulley JR | 0 Andison Coby JR |
| WR-Z | 6 Cam Camper SR | 7 E.J. Williams SR |
| WR-SL | 3 Omar Cooper Jr. RS FR | 13 Kamryn Perry RS FR |
| TE | 48 James Bomba RS SO | 84 Aaron Steinfeldt RS SO |
| LT | 76 Matthew Bedford RS SR | 60 Max Longman RS SR |
| LG | 56 Mike Katic RS SR | 53 Vinny Fiacable RS SO |
| C | 50 Zach Carpenter RS SR | 62 Cameron Knight RS JR |
| RG | 67 Kahlil Benson RS JR | Noah Bolticoff RS SO |
| RT | 77 Joshua Sales Jr. RS SO | 65 Carter Smith RS FR |
Defense
| Position | Starter | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| DE | 1 Andre Carter RS SR | 0 Trey Laing RS SR |
| NT | 96 Philip Blidi SR | 51 Patrick Lucas Jr. RS SR |
| DT | 91 LeDarrius Cox RS SR | 92 Marcus Burris Jr. RS SO |
| BULL | 10 Myles Jackson RS JR | 41 Lanell Carr SR |
| MLB | 44 Aaron Casey RS SR | 43 Matt Hohlt RS SO |
| WLB | 7 Jacob Mangum-Farrar RS SR | 26 Joshua Rudolph JR |
| LCB | 9 Jamier Johnson JR | 2 James Monds III RS FR |
| SS | 24 Bryson Bonds RS JR | 21 Jamison Kelly SR |
| FS | 20 Louis Moore SR | 6 Phillip Dunnam SO |
| RCB | Nicolas Toomer RS JR | 5 Kobee Minor RS JR |
| HUSKY | Noah Pierre RS SR | 16 Jordan Grier JR |
Coaching Staff
| Head Coach | Tom Allen |
| OC/QBs | Walt Bell |
| DC/LBs | Chad Wilt |
| CO-DC/Safeties | Matt Guerrieri |
| CO-OC/WRs | Anthony Tucker |
| RBs | Craig Johnson |
| CBs | Brandon Shelby |
| Run Game Coordinator/OL | Bob Bostad |
| DL | Paul Randolph |
| Special Teams/OLBs | Kasey Teegardin |
| TEs | Kevin Wright |
2023 Analytical Outlook
- Preseason SP+ Ranking: 83
- Preseason Massey Ranking: 61
- Returning Production (Offense): 50% (106)
- Returning Production (Defense): 43% (121)
- Blue-Chip Ratio: NO
- Last 3 Recruiting Class Rankings (247 Composite): 69 (2023), 25 (2022), 55 (2021)
2022 Statistical Outlook
- Points Scored: 23.3 (10th Big Ten)
- Points Allowed: 33.9 (14th Big Ten)
- 3rd Down Conversion Percentage: 33.9% (12th Big Ten)
Projected Record: 3-9 (1-8), 6th Big Ten East
Rutgers
Do Rutgers and their fanbase enjoy being in the Big Ten? There’s been some excitement with the basketball program, but RU football has been nothing short of soulless and dismal since joining the league. I do think this team is slightly better on paper than Indiana, but I have them losing that game because it’s on the road. This team could be somewhat pesky, but the upside is pretty low because the QB play is and will continue to be subpar. Better luck next year to the Scarlet Knights.
Team MVPs
TE Johnny Langan
DE Aaron Lewis
CB Max Melton
Projected Depth Chart
Offense
| Position | Starter | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| QB | 2 Gavin Wimsatt RS SO | 10 Evan Simon RS SO |
| RB | 27 Samuel Brown V SO | 4 Aaron Young SR |
| WR-X | 28 Nasseim Brantley RS SR | 14 Isaiah Washington SR |
| WR-Z | 3 Chris Long JR | 8 Rashad Rochelle SO |
| WR-SL | 6 Christian Dremel RS SR | 0 Max Patterson RS SO |
| TE | 21 Johnny Langan RS SR | 89 Victor Konopka RS SO |
| LT | 72 Hollin Pierce JR | 63 Taj White RS FR |
| LG | 53 Mike Ciaffoni RS SR | 69 Kwabena Asamoah RS FR |
| C | 57 Ireland Brown SR | 59 Gus Zilinskas RS SO |
| RG | 51 Curtis Dunlap Jr. RS SR | 65 Bryan Felter RS SO |
| RT | 56 Tyler Needham RS SO | 55 Kamar Missouri RS SO |
Defense
| Position | Starter | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| LDE | 71 Aaron Lewis JR | 12 Kenny Fletcher SO |
| LDT | 0 Isaiah Iton SR | 90 Rene Konga RS SO |
| RDT | 48 Kyonte Hamilton JR | 92 Mayan Ahanotu RS SR |
| RDE | 23 Wesley Bailey JR | 14 Jordan Thompson RS SO |
| WLB | 17 Deion Jennings RS SR | 2 Moses Walker RS FR |
| MLB | 22 Tyreem Powell JR | 8 Jamier Wright-Collins JR |
| SLB | 1 Mohamed Toure RS SR | 47 Timmy Hinspeter RS FR |
| LCB | 7 Robert Longerbeam JR | 5 Kessawn Abraham RS SR |
| SS | 10 Flip Dixon SR | 20 Elijuwan Mack JR |
| FS | 4 Desmond Igbinosun JR | 6 Shaquan Loyal JR |
| RCB | 16 Max Melton JR | Eric Rogers RS JR |
Coaching Staff
| Head Coach | Greg Schiano |
| OC/QBs | Kirk Ciarrocca |
| DC | Joe Harsymiak |
| CBs | Mark Orphey |
| LBs | Corey Hetherman |
| Safeties | Drew Lascari |
| DL | Marquise Watson |
| TEs | Andrew Aurich |
| WRs | Dave Brock |
| RBs | Damiere Shaw |
| OL | Pat Flaherty |
2023 Analytical Outlook
- Preseason SP+ Ranking: 77
- Preseason Massey Ranking: 82
- Returning Production (Offense): 65% (55)
- Returning Production (Defense): 76% (15)
- Blue-Chip Ratio: NO
- Last 3 Recruiting Class Rankings (247 Composite): 57 (2023), 33 (2022), 39 (2021)
2022 Statistical Outlook
- Points Scored: 17.4 (13th Big Ten)
- Points Allowed: 29.3 (13th Big Ten)
- 3rd Down Conversion Percentage: 28.5% (13th Big Ten)
Projected Record: 4-8 (1-8), 7th Big Ten East
Big Ten West
Wisconsin
Wisconsin is going to be one of the most intriguing teams to watch over the first several weeks of the season. Luke Fickell is an excellent coach and he brings in a tremendous defensive staff captained by DC Mike Tressel. The Badgers will run Tressel’s signature 3-3-5, and it should be formidable right off rip. I have few if any questions about the defense for UW.
The intrigue for the Badgers is going to come on the offensive side. Fickell brought in Phil Longo as his OC to run a hybrid air raid system (lovingly nicknamed the “dairy raid” this preseason). At quarterback, they turn to SMU transfer Tanner Mordecai, who can really sling it. They bring back the most under-appreciated and prolific RB duo in the Big Ten (and maybe the country) in Braelon Allen and Chez Mellusi. Ultimately, I think this Wisconsin offense.. and team in general.. gets closer to its ceiling than floor in 2023. I believe in the QB, I believe in the defense, and mostly, I believe in Fickell and the staff to succeed out of the gate.
Team MVPs
QB Tanner Mordecai
RB Braelon Allen
LT Jack Nelson
LB Maema Njongmeta
S Hunter Wohler
Projected Depth Chart
Offense
| Position | Starter | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| QB | 8 Tanner Mordecai RS SR | 18 Braedyn Locke RS FR |
| RB | 0 Braelon Allen JR | 1 Chez Mellusi GR |
| WR-X | 13 Chimere Dike SR | 3 Keontez Lewis JR |
| WR-Z | 4 C.J. Williams SO | 9 Bryson Green RS JR |
| WR-SL | 19 Will Pauling RS SO | 11 Skyler Bell RS SO |
| TE | 85 Clay Cundiff RS SR | 82 Jack Eschenbach GR |
| LT | 79 Jack Nelson RS JR | 66 Nolan Rucci RS SO |
| LG | 60 Joe Huber RS JR | 56 Joe Brunner RS FR |
| C | 57 Jake Renfro RS JR | 61 Dylan Barrett RS JR |
| RG | 63 Tanor Bortolini RS JR | 74 Michael Furtney GR |
| RT | 71 Riley Mahlman RS SO | 78 Trey Wedig RS JR |
Defense
| Position | Starter | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| LDE | 56 Rodas Johnson RS SR | 19 Darian Varner RS JR |
| NT | 94 Gio Paez RS SR | 92 Curt Neal RS FR |
| RDE | 99 Isaiah Mullens GR | 90 James Thompson Jr. RS JR |
| LOLB | 17 Darryl Peterson RS SO | 3 T.J. Bollers RS SO |
| ILB | 55 Maema Njongmeta RS SR | 54 Jordan Turner RS JR |
| ROLB | 98 C.J. Goetz GR | 44 Jeff Pietrwoski Jr. RS JR |
| LCB | 2 Ricardo Hallman RS SO | 27 Jonas Duclona FR |
| SS | 13 Kamo’l Latu SR | 26 Travian Blaylock GR |
| FS | 24 Hunter Wohler JR | 9 Austin Brown SO |
| RCB | 11 Alexander Smith GR | 22 Jace Arnold FR |
| NB | 23 Jason Maitre RS SR | 31 Amaun Williams RS JR |
Coaching Staff
| Head Coach | Luke Fickell |
| OC/QBs | Phil Longo |
| DC/ILBs | Mike Tressel |
| OL | Jack Bicknell Jr. |
| WRs | Mike Brown |
| CBs | Paul Haynes |
| CO-DC/Safeties | Colin Hitschler |
| TEs | Nate Letton |
| OLBs/Special Teams | Matt Mitchell |
| DL | Greg Scruggs |
| RBs | Devon Spalding |
2023 Analytical Outlook
- Preseason SP+ Ranking: 19
- Preseason Massey Ranking: 16
- Returning Production (Offense): 74% (23)
- Returning Production (Defense): 67% (42)
- Blue-Chip Ratio: NO
- Last 3 Recruiting Class Rankings (247 Composite): 58 (2023), 44 (2022), 16 (2021)
2022 Statistical Outlook
- Points Scored: 26.3 (7th Big Ten)
- Points Allowed: 20.5 (7th Big Ten)
- 3rd Down Conversion Percentage: 40.2% (5th Big Ten)
Projected Record: 10-2 (7-2), 1st Big Ten West
Iowa
The Hawkeyes are one of the most disrespected and underrated teams in the country heading into 2023. While everyone pokes fun and talks about the anemic offense the Hawkeyes run, no one seems to point out the fact that they still won 8 games last season. Do I think that the offensive coaching is good? Hell no. Should Brian Ferentz still be the OC for this team? Absolutely not. With that being said, Cade McNamara is a massive upgrade over Spencer Petras at QB. It’s been understated by the fans and media how atrocious Spencer Petras truly was. McNamara brings some upside. Adding Kaleb Brown and Erick All at WR and TE is meaningful. This offense will be better in 2023.
The defense will be stout as always under the tutelage of an elite DC in Phil Parker. Iowa has elite players at all three levels including Joe Evans and Deontae Craig on the D-line, Nick Jackson (transfer from UVA) at LB, and All-America candidates Cooper DeJean and Xavier Nwankpa in the secondary. I gave Wisconsin the edge to win the West this season because they host Iowa, but the margin between the two (much like the top 3 in the East) is razor thin.
Team MVPs
RB Kaleb Johnson
TE Luke Lachey
DE Deontae Craig
CB Cooper DeJean
S Xavier Nwankpa
Projected Depth Chart
Offense
| Position | Starter | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| QB | 12 Cade McNamara GR | 10 Deacon Hill RS SO |
| RB | 2 Kaleb Johnson SO | 4 Leshon Williams RS JR |
| FB | 88 Hayden Large SR | |
| WR | Kaleb Brown RS FR | 0 Diante Vines RS JR |
| WR | 89 Nico Ragaini RS SR | 6 Seth Anderson RS SO |
| TE | 85 Luke Lachey RS JR | 83 Erick All RS SR |
| LT | 78 Mason Richman RS JR | 71 Jack Dotzler RS FR |
| LG | 77 Connor Colby JR | Rusty Feth GR |
| C | 65 Logan Jones RS JR | 53 Michael Myslinski RS SO |
| RG | 70 Beau Stephens RS SO | 67 Gennings Dunker RS SO |
| RT | 56 Nick DeJong RS SR | 79 Daijon Parker GR |
Defense
| Position | Starter | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| LDE | 45 Deontae Craig RS JR | 48 Max Llewellyn RS SO |
| LDT | 99 Noah Shannon RS SR | 95 Aaron Graves SO |
| RDT | 85 Logan Lee RS SR | 94 Yahya Black RS JR |
| RDE | 13 Joe Evans RS SR | 49 Ethan Hurkett RS JR |
| LEO | 43 Karson Sharar RS SO | 37 Kyler Fisher RS SR |
| MLB | 34 Jay Higgins SR | 41 Jaden Harrell RS SO |
| WLB | Nick Jackson SR | 42 Zach Twedt RS SO |
| LCB | 3 Cooper DeJean JR | 2 TJ Hall SO |
| SS | 1 Xavier Nwankpa SO | 29 Sebastian Castro RS SR |
| FS | 30 Quinn Schulte RS SR | 26 Kael Kolarik RS FR |
| RCB | 27 Jermari Harris RS SR | 8 Deshaun Lee RS FR |
Coaching Staff
| Head Coach | Kirk Ferentz |
| OC/QBs | Brian Ferentz |
| DC/Secondary | Phil Parker |
| Special Teams | LeVar Woods |
| OL | George Barnett |
| DL | Kelvin Bell |
| RBs | Ladell Betts |
| WRs | Kelton Copeland |
| TEs/FBs | Abdul Hodge |
| LBs | Seth Wallace |
| Assistant DL | Jay Niemann |
2023 Analytical Outlook
- Preseason SP+ Ranking: 22
- Preseason Massey Ranking: 12
- Returning Production (Offense): 63% (62)
- Returning Production (Defense): 55% (85)
- Blue-Chip Ratio: NO
- Last 3 Recruiting Class Rankings (247 Composite): 41 (2023), 30 (2022), 24 (2021)
2022 Statistical Outlook
- Points Scored: 17.7 (12th Big Ten)
- Points Allowed: 14.4 (4th Big Ten)
- 3rd Down Conversion Percentage: 27.8% (14th Big Ten)
Projected Record: 10-2 (7-2), 2nd Big Ten West
Minnesota
Collectively as media and fans, we know what Minnesota is under P.J. Fleck. They’re physical, mentally tough, rugged defensively, and the definition of solid. This will be no different in 2023. The defense should be fundamentally sound again under DC Joe Rossi, with All-Big Ten caliber players at all three levels.
Offensively, I think Minnesota will take a slight step back with the losses of QB Tanner Morgan and RB Mo Ibrahim. I still think the Gophers will run the ball relatively well, but Athan Kaliakmanis is a raw talent at QB and there will be some growing pains. I don’t see another nine win season in Minneapolis because the schedule is difficult, but I have Minnesota graded as a very solid team once again in 2023.
Team MVPs
RB Sean Tyler
TE Brevyn Spann-Ford
EDGE Danny Striggow
CB Justin Walley
S Tyler Nubin
Projected Depth Chart
Offense
| Position | Starter | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| QB | 8 Athan Kaliakmanis RS SO | 12 Cole Kramer RS SR |
| RB | 2 Sean Tyler GR | 26 Zach Evans RS FR |
| WR-X | 9 Daniel Jackson SR | 0 Le’Meke Brockington RS SO |
| WR-Z | 7 Chris Autman-Bell RS SR | 11 Elijah Spencer JR |
| WR-SL | 4 Corey Crooms Jr. SR | 13 Kristen Hoskins RS FR |
| TE | 88 Brevyn Spann-Ford RS SR | 87 Nick Kallerup RS SR |
| LT | 69 Aireontae Ersery RS JR | 59 Tony Nelson RS FR |
| LG | 75 Tyler Cooper RS SR | 55 Karter Shaw RS SR |
| C | 66 Nathan Boe RS SR | 70 Cade McConnell RS FR |
| RG | 77 Quinn Carroll GR | 78 Ashton Beers RS FR |
| RT | 71 Martes Lewis RS JR | 50 JJ Guedet RS SR |
Defense
| Position | Starter | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| DE | 17 Jah Joyner RS JR | 97 Jalen Logan-Redding RS JR |
| NT | 93 Kyler Baugh SR | 96 Logan Richter RS SR |
| DT | 91 Deven Eastern RS SO | 8 Darnell Jefferies GR |
| EDGE | 92 Danny Striggow RS JR | 13 Chris Collins GR |
| WLB | 45 Cody Lindenberg RS JR | 9 Devon Williams RS SO |
| MLB | 33 Ryan Selig RS SR | 6 Maverick Baranowski RS FR |
| SLB | 19 Joey Gerlach RS FR | 15 Rowan Zolman SO |
| LCB | 5 Justin Walley JR | 18 Rhyland Kelly RS FR |
| SS | 12 Darius Green RS SO | 7 Aidan Gousby RS FR |
| FS | 27 Tyler Nubin SR | 16 Coleman Bryson SO |
| RCB | 2 Tre’Von Jones RS SR | 3 Tyler Bride GR |
Coaching Staff
| Head Coach | P.J. Fleck |
| DC/LBs | Joe Rossi |
| CO-OC/QBs | Greg Harbaugh Jr. |
| CO-OC/WRs | Matt Simon |
| Safeties | Danny Collins |
| OL | Brian Callahan |
| Special Teams/Pass Rush | Rob Wenger |
| DL | Winston DeLattiboudere III |
| CBs | Nick Monroe |
| RBs | Nic McKissic-Luke |
| TEs | Andrew Sowder |
2023 Analytical Outlook
- Preseason SP+ Ranking: 27
- Preseason Massey Ranking: 17
- Returning Production (Offense): 55% (95)
- Returning Production (Defense): 52% (96)
- Blue-Chip Ratio: NO
- Last 3 Recruiting Class Rankings (247 Composite): 45 (2023), 49 (2022), 38 (2021)
2022 Statistical Outlook
- Points Scored: 28.2 (4th Big Ten)
- Points Allowed: 13.3 (2nd Big Ten)
- 3rd Down Conversion Percentage: 52.1% (1st Big Ten)
Projected Record: 7-5 (5-4), 3rd Big Ten West
Illinois
Bret Bielema is one of the most underrated coaches in College Football. He’s rebuilt a perennial Big Ten doormat in Illinois into a formidable squad that looks to be a stout defensive unit once again in 2023. We’ll see how the defense adjusts to losing DC Ryan Walters (Purdue HC), but I tend to think they’ll be just fine. Defensive linemen Johnny Newton and Keith Randolph are absolute forces up front and comprise one of the better defensive fronts in the country.
Offensively, I think Illinois will take a step back from where they were in 2022. Tommy Devito was a steady hand at QB. Ole Miss transfer Luke Altymyer comes in and I think he will be incosistent, especially early. Chase Brown was a real difference maker at RB for the Illini and I’m not confident they’ve successfully replaced him. The schedule is tricky, especially early, but I trust Bielema to navigate early difficulties and lead this team back to a bowl game in 2023.
Team MVPs
WR Isaiah Williams
DT Jer’Zhan Newton
DT Keith Randolph
LB Gabe Jacas
CB Tahveon Nicholson
Projected Depth Chart
Offense
| Position | Starter | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| QB | 9 Luke Altmyer RS SO | 4 John Paddock RS SR |
| RB | 23 Reggie Love III RS JR | 0 Josh McCray RS SO |
| WR-X | 14 Casey Washington SR | Malik Elzy FR |
| WR-Z | 13 Pat Bryant JR | 7 Kenari Wilcher FR |
| WR-SL | 1 Isaiah Williams RS JR | 80 Hank Beatty SO |
| TE | 89 Tip Reiman RS JR | 43 Griffin Moore RS JR |
| LT | 54 Julian Pearl RS SR | 56 Magnus Moller RS FR |
| LG | 78 Isaiah Adams SR | 66 Jordyn Slaughter RS SR |
| C | 64 Josh Kreutz RS SO | 68 Zachary Barlev RS SO |
| RG | 72 Zy Crisler RS SO | Desmond Schuster SO |
| RT | 73 Josh Gesky RS SO | 71 Hunter Whitenack SO |
Defense
| Position | Starter | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| DT | 4 Jer’Zhan Newton RS JR | 48 Bryce Barnes SR |
| NT | 23 TeRah Edwards RS SO | 91 Denzel Daxon RS SR |
| DT | 88 Keith Randolph Jr. RS JR | 55 Sed McConnell RS SO |
| LOLB | 17 Gabe Jacas SO | 33 Ezekiel Holmes RS SR |
| LILB | 28 Dylan Rosiek RS SO | 41 James Kreutz RS FR |
| RILB | 8 Tarique Barnes SR | 39 Kenenna Odeluga RS SO |
| ROLB | 49 Seth Coleman RS JR | 90 Alec Bryant RS SO |
| LCB | 20 Tyler Strain RS SO | 22 Kaleb Patterson SO |
| SS | 21 Nicario Harper SR | 31 Kionte Curry RS SO |
| FS | 7 Matthew Bailey SO | 29 T.J. Griffin RS FR |
| RCB | 3 Tahveon Nicholson RS JR | 12 Elijah Mc-Cantos RS FR |
Coaching Staff
| Head Coach | Bret Bielema |
| OC/QBs | Barry Lunney Jr. |
| DC | Aaron Henry |
| CO-DC/DL | Terrance Jamison |
| LBs | Andy Buh |
| OLBs/Pass Rush | Charlie Bullen |
| Special Teams/TEs | Robby Discher |
| DBs | Antonio Fenelus |
| WRs | George McDonald |
| OL | Bart Miller |
| RBs | Thad Ward |
2023 Analytical Outlook
- Preseason SP+ Ranking: 43
- Preseason Massey Ranking: 34
- Returning Production (Offense): 59% (80)
- Returning Production (Defense): 57% (75)
- Blue-Chip Ratio: NO
- Last 3 Recruiting Class Rankings (247 Composite): 38 (2023), 46 (2022), 73 (2021)
2022 Statistical Outlook
- Points Scored: 24.2 (9th Big Ten)
- Points Allowed: 12.3 (1st Big Ten)
- 3rd Down Conversion Percentage: 38.2% (9th Big Ten)
Projected Record: 7-5 (5-4), 4th Big Ten West
Nebraska
Matt Rhule will be successful in rebuilding the Nebraska Cornhuskers, but it’s going to take some time. I’m not confident that Nebraska is capable of reaching the heights that they’ve been to as a program ever again, but that’s a different conversation for a different day. I actually expect Georgia Tech transfer QB Jeff Sims to excel in Lincoln this season. I think he will make some great plays and win the Huskers some games.
My question with Nebraska lies in the trenches… on both sides of the ball. Nebraska was pushed around at the lines of scrimmage during the Frost era, and I don’t think Rhule currently has the jimmies and the joes to take massive strides in that department in season one. Nebraska will be improved this season, but it’s going to take a couple of recruiting cycles for Rhule to accrue a roster ready to do anything more than make it to a bowl game.
Team MVPs
QB Jeff Sims
RT Bryce Benhart
LB MJ Sherman
Projected Depth Chart
Offense
| Position | Starter | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| QB | 14 Jeff Sims JR | 10 Heinrich Haarberg RS SO |
| RB | 10 Anthony Grant RS SR | 22 Gabe Ervin Jr. RS SO |
| WR-X | 16 Marcus Washington SR | 0 Malachi Coleman FR |
| WR-Z | 13 Zavier Betts RS SO | 82 Isaiah Garcia-Castaneda RS JR |
| WR-SL | 15 Billy Kemp IV RS SR | 18 Joshua Fleeks SR |
| TE | 49 Nate Boerkircher RS SO | 24 Thomas Fidone II RS SO |
| LT | 65 Teddy Prochazka RS SO | 77 Gunnar Gottula FR |
| LG | 63 Nouredin Nouili SR | 57 Ethan Piper RS JR |
| C | 62 Ben Scott RS JR | 51 Justin Evans-Jenkins RS FR |
| RG | 69 Turner Corcoran JR | 59 Henry Lutovsky RS SO |
| RT | 54 Bryce Benhart RS JR | 71 Jacob Hood RS FR |
Defense
| Position | Starter | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| DE | 55 Princewill Umanmielen FR | 86 AJ Rollins RS SO |
| NT | 99 Ty Robinson RS JR | 72 Nash Hutmacher JR |
| DT | 91 Cameron Lenhardt FR | 16 Elijah Jeudy RS SO |
| OLB | 48 MJ Sherman SR | 14 Chief Borders RS SO |
| MLB | 28 Luke Reimer SR | 35 John Bullock RS JR |
| WLB | 42 Nick Henrich RS JR | 41 Garrett Snodgrass RS JR |
| ROVER | 23 Isaac Gifford JR | 33 Javin Wright RS JR |
| LCB | 15 Quinton Newsome SR | 31 Tommi Hill JR |
| SS | 12 Omar Brown SR | 34 Corey Collier RS SO |
| FS | 18 Myles Farmer RS JR | 24 Marques Buford Jr. JR |
| RCB | 13 Malcolm Hartzog SO | 25 Javier Morton JR |
Coaching Staff
| Head Coach | Matt Rhule |
| OC | Marcus Satterfield |
| DC | Tony White |
| Special Teams | Ed Foley |
| RBs | E.J. Barthel |
| Secondary | Evan Cooper |
| LBs | Rob Dvoracek |
| DL | Terrance Knighton |
| WRs | Garrett McGuire |
| OL | Donovan Raiola |
| TEs | Bob Wager* |
2023 Analytical Outlook
- Preseason SP+ Ranking: 59
- Preseason Massey Ranking: 51
- Returning Production (Offense): 53% (99)
- Returning Production (Defense): 61% (62)
- Blue-Chip Ratio: NO
- Last 3 Recruiting Class Rankings (247 Composite): 25 (2023), 41 (2022), 20 (2021)
2022 Statistical Outlook
- Points Scored: 22.6 (11th Big Ten)
- Points Allowed: 27.6 (11th Big Ten)
- 3rd Down Conversion Percentage: 40% (6th Big Ten)
Projected Record: 6-6 (3-6), 5th Big Ten West
Purdue
The Ryan Walters era in West Lafayette kicks off with an incredibly difficult Big Ten schedule. The league draw this season did the Boilermakers no favors, as they get Ohio State and Michigan in the division crossover. Purdue also plays two Power Five opponents in the non-conference (at Virginia Tech, vs. Syracuse).
There’s some intriguing talent on this team, but there isn’t enough of it. Hudson Card comes over from Texas to play quarterback, and he’ll operate in a hybrid air raid system with Graham Harrell coming in as the OC. I think Purdue is more than capable of picking off a couple of superior Big Ten West foes, but overall I expect year one to be difficult for Ryan Walters. I wouldn’t be surprised if this team makes a bowl at 6-6, but for now I have them missing out on the postseason at 5-7.
Team MVPs
QB Hudson Card
RB Devin Mockobee
LB Nic Caraway
Projected Depth Chart
Offense
| Position | Starter | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| QB | 1 Hudson Card RS JR | 0 Bennett Meredith RS FR |
| RB | 45 Devin Mockobee RS SO | 3 Tyrone Tracy Jr. GR |
| WR-X | 9 Mershawn Rice RS SR | Jahmal Edrine RS SO |
| WR-Z | 5 Elijah Canion RS JR | |
| WR-SL | 8 TJ Sheffield RS SR | 4 Deion Burks RS SO |
| TE | 88 Garrett Miller RS SR | 89 Paul Piferi RS SR |
| LT | 64 Mahamane Moussa RS SO | Ben Farrell GR |
| LG | 75 Jalen Grant SR | Preston Nichols RS SR |
| C | 53 Gus Hartwig SR | 55 Malachi Preciado RS FR |
| RG | 63 Marcus Mbow RS SO | Luke Griffin RS SR |
| RT | 73 Daniel Johnson GR | 59 Vince Carpenter RS FR |
Defense
| Position | Starter | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| LDE | Jeffrey M’Ba SR | 95 Joe Anderson RS SR |
| NT | 91 Cole Brevard RS JR | 34 Damarjhe Lewis RS JR |
| RDE | Malik Langham RS SR | 90 Isaiah Nichols GR |
| BUCK | 5 Nic Caraway SO | 46 Scotty Humpich GR |
| WLB | 42 Clyde Washington RS JR | 47 Domanick Moon RS FR |
| MLB | 20 OC Brothers RS SR | 14 Yanni Karlaftis RS SO |
| FOX | 44 Kydran Jenkins SR | 96 Khordae Sydnor RS SO |
| FCB | Salim Turner-Muhammad GR | 7 Jamari Brown GR |
| SS | 21 Sanoussi Kane SR | 24 Anthony Brown RS FR |
| FS | 10 Cam Allen RS SR | 35 Antonio Stevens RS JR |
| BCB | Marquis WIlson SR | Markevious Brown FR |
Coaching Staff
| Head Coach | Ryan Walters |
| OC | Graham Harrell |
| DC | Kevin Kane |
| WRs | Cory Patterson |
| CBs | Sam Carter |
| RBs | Lamar Conard |
| OLBs | Joe Dineen |
| TEs | Seth Doege |
| DL | Brick Haley |
| OL | Marcus Johnson |
| Safeties | Grant O’Brien |
2023 Analytical Outlook
- Preseason SP+ Ranking: 58
- Preseason Massey Ranking: 38
- Returning Production (Offense): 50% (107)
- Returning Production (Defense): 52% (95)
- Blue-Chip Ratio: NO
- Last 3 Recruiting Class Rankings (247 Composite): 68 (2023), 38 (2022), 75 (2021)
2022 Statistical Outlook
- Points Scored: 26.6 (6th Big Ten)
- Points Allowed: 24.6 (9th Big Ten)
- 3rd Down Conversion Percentage: 38.3% (8th Big Ten)
Projected Record: 5-7 (3-6), 6th Big Ten West
Northwestern
After a tumultuous, scandal-riddled offseason that led to the termination of longtime Head Coach Pat Fitzgerald, there’s really not much to say about the Northwestern Wildcats on the field heading into the 2023 season. This team is going to be one of the three worst teams in Power Five football and will be virtually unwatchable for most of the season. I feel for the players and the rest of the staff that Fitz had brought in to coach this season, particularly interim headman and DC David Braun. This is a dismal situation and will play out on the field as such.
Team MVPs
RB Cam Porter
WR AJ Henning
DT Najee Story
Projected Depth Chart
Offense
| Position | Starter | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| QB | Ben Bryant RS SR | 10 Brendan Sullivan RS SO |
| RB | 4 Cam Porter RS JR | 7 Anthony Tyus III RS SO |
| WR-X | 0 Cam Johnson RS SR | 5 Jacob Gill RS SO |
| WR-Z | 17 Bryce Kirtz RS SR | 13 Preston Bacon RS SR |
| WR-SL | A.J. Henning SR | 1 Ray Niro III RS SR |
| TE | 88 Marshall Lang SR | 87 Thomas Gordon RS SR |
| LT | 68 Josh Priebe SR | Dylan Senda FR |
| LG | 74 Nick Herzog RS FR | Anthony Birsa FR |
| C | 71 Ben Wrather SR | 65 Jackson Carsello RS SO |
| RG | 63 Dom D’Antonio RS SR | Jordan Knox FR |
| RT | 72 Caleb Tiernan RS SO | 79 Zachary Franks RS SR |
Defense
| Position | Starter | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| LDE | 91 Aidan Hubbard RS SO | 41 Jaylen Pate GR |
| LDT | Matt Lawson RS SR | 60 Carmine Bastone RS SO |
| RDT | 95 Najee Story RS SO | Reginald Pearson RS JR |
| RDE | 97 Sean McLaughlin RS JR | Richie Hagarty RS SR |
| WLB | 34 Xander Mueller RS JR | 33 Brandon Brus RS FR |
| MLB | 32 Bryce Gallagher RS SR | 37 Mac Uihlein RS SO |
| STAR | 24 Rod Heard II RS SR | 57 Greyson Metz RS JR |
| LCB | 10 Theran Johnson RS SO | 12 Nigel Williams RS JR |
| SS | 9 Jeremiah Lewis RS SR | 23 Devin Turner SO |
| FS | Coco Azema RS SR | 18 Garner Wallace RS SO |
| RCB | 13 Garnett Hollis Jr. RS JR | 7 Ore Adeyi RS SO |
Coaching Staff
| Interim Head Coach/DC | David Braun |
| OC/QBs | Mike Bajakian |
| OL | Kurt Anderson |
| WRs | Armon Binns |
| RBs | Chris Foster |
| Special Teams/TEs | Jeff Genyk |
| CBs | LaMarcus Hicks |
| DBs | Matt MacPherson |
| LBs | Tim McGarigle |
| DL | Christian Smith |
2023 Analytical Outlook
- Preseason SP+ Ranking: 85
- Preseason Massey Ranking: 69
- Returning Production (Offense): 43% (117)
- Returning Production (Defense): 76% (17)
- Blue-Chip Ratio: NO
- Last 3 Recruiting Class Rankings (247 Composite): 47 (2023), 48 (2022), 50 (2021)
2022 Statistical Outlook
- Points Scored: 13.8 (14th Big Ten)
- Points Allowed: 28.3 (12th Big Ten)
- 3rd Down Conversion Percentage: 37.3% (11th Big Ten)
Projected Record: 2-10 (0-9), 7th Big Ten West
