It’s never too early for a “way too early” Big Ten power ranking! Things will change. Players will hurt the portal, players will transfer in, injuries will happen but for the most part, we have a pretty good understanding of rosters after National Signing Day and so much transfer portal movement.
In each part of this series, we will unveil where each of the 18 teams in the new look conference begin. We started at No. 1 with the revamped Ohio State Buckeyes. Then, the Oregon Ducks come in at the second spot. Coming in at No. 3 are the defending National Champion Michigan Wolverines, who are in a bit of a transition period.
At No. 4, we unveil the Penn State Nittany Lions, who are returning a lot of talent from their 2023 roster.
Talent has not been an issue under James Franklin. The same will be said in 2024, when they bring back several big time players with NFL futures. It starts with junior quarterback Drew Allar, who was up and down in his first year as a starter but has massive tools to work with. Allar can lean on a dynamic running back duo of Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen, which is one of the best duos in all of college football.
On defense, they will be led by junior defenders Abdul Carter and Dani Dennis-Sutton. Both players are still developing but have massive upside. With Carter moving to defensive end full time, the Nittany Lions have a chance to have one of the more vicious pass rush units in 2024.
Penn State must replace both coordinators but there is an argument that Andy Kotelnicki and Tom Allen could provide an upgrade, especially Kolelnicki on the offensive side of the football. In the end, it’ll come down to whether or not Franklin can elevate as an in game coach.
Full Big Ten Rankings
- Ohio State Buckeyes
- Oregon Ducks
- Michigan Wolverines
- Penn State Nittany Lions
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