All the Big Ten football teams have now completed their bowl seasons and headed on into off-season mode. This last year was one to remember with plenty of surprises, storylines and moments to remember.
But just because the season has ended doesn’t mean we’re done with football — especially on a site dedicated to Ohio State, where football is king. The Buckeyes have a slew of talent coming back for 2020, but what does the rest of the league look like?
Will the usual suspects be there? Who surprises, and what programs take that next step. Most importantly, can anyone knock off three-time defending champion OSU?
Here’s a very, very early look at what next year might look like.
14. Rutgers
Just renewed my season @RFootball tickets #TheChopIsBack @GregSchiano @RUAthletics @PatHobbsRU pic.twitter.com/mGueP68zzL
— Senator Raymond J. Lesniak (@LesniakSenator) January 7, 2020
I mean, is there really another answer at this point? It’s going to take recycled head coach Greg Schiano a bit to get this program up and going again.
13. Maryland
We need to see more before anyone can believe that the Terps jump up next season. It’s still a team not built for the Big Ten and the culture has to change.
12. Purdue
The Boilermakers were far too consistent last season and a quarterback will need to emerge for Purdue to be a force next season.
11. Illinois
The Illini might have caught lightning in a bottle this past season, but it limped a bit to the finish line and we still need to see proof the momentum can continue.