Ben Kenney
August 3, 2024 7:20 am CT
The 2024 college football season is officially on the horizon with the calendar having turned to August. This exciting time of year begins season preparation for programs across the country. In less than four weeks there will be a real Week 1 football game to preview and discuss.
Now that Big Ten media days have concluded and every program has begun its fall training camp, it’s time to take a fresh look at the conference’s power rankings entering an all-important season.
Related: Post-spring Big Ten football starting quarterback rankings for 2024 season
That all-important season will see an entirely new conference landscape. Oregon, USC, UCLA and Washington are all conference members after a busy offseason of realignment. Their collective move to the Big Ten led the conference to eliminate its East-West division model and institute a new pool play format.
The top two Big Ten teams from the regular season will meet in the conference title game. That sentence has not been the case over the last decade, to say the least.
It’s reasonable to project continued strong performance from Oregon, Ohio State, Penn State and Michigan. The four have the recruiting talent base and coaching to maintain success regardless of the conference layout.
Former Big Ten West programs including Wisconsin, Iowa and Nebraska, on the other hand, have a lot of work to do in order to reestablish their place in the conference pecking. For Wisconsin and Iowa, that was perennial 9 or 10-win seasons with a few peak years mixed in. For Nebraska, that place has not existed since it joined the conference in 2010 — but it was one of the sport’s powers through the 1990s.
Wisconsin and Iowa will be fascinating test cases as one (Wisconsin) transitions to an entirely new program and way of operating while the other (Iowa) leans heavily into what has traditionally brought it success.
For where the Badgers, Hawkeyes and Cornhuskers rank, here are our updated Big Ten power rankings entering fall training camp:
18
Purdue Boilermakers
Nov 18, 2023; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Purdue Boilermakers head coach Ryan Walters watches his team play against the Northwestern Wildcats in the fourth quarter at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports
Post-Spring Power Ranking: No. 18
Schedule Ranking:No. 3-toughest
Big Ten Returning Production Rank: No. 14 (No. 96 in the nation)
Reasoning: It’s hard to bet on a big second season for the Boilermakers under Ryan Walters. The schedule is a gauntlet and both sides of the football are a real question. The best-case scenario: Walters fixes the defense in year two and QB Hudson Card fixes his turnover problems.
Full 2024 Purdue Boilermakersteam preview
17
UCLA Bruins
Feb 13, 2024; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins athletic director Martin Jarmond, right, with new head football coach DeShaun Foster during a press conference at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Post-Spring Power Ranking: No. 16
Schedule Ranking:No. 2
Big Ten Returning Production Rank: No. 13 (No. 95 in the nation)
Reasoning: DeShaun Foster’s first impression at Big Ten media days was certainly noteworthy — not in a good way. But Wisconsin fans should know that strong podium performance does not signal strong coaching, or vice versa. The big story here is a top-down program overhaul being led by an inexperienced head coach. It’s hard to envision the Bruins finding success in year one.
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16
Northwestern Wildcats
Nov 4, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Northwestern Wildcats head coach David Braun looks on during the first half against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Post-Spring Power Ranking: No. 15
Schedule Ranking:No. 9
Big Ten Returning Production Rank: No. 2 (No. 6 in the nation)
Reasoning: David Braun and the Wildcats have their hands full entering the new age of the Big Ten. The program’s 8-5 2023 season will likely be an anomaly in the long run.
The most interesting Northwestern-centric story is the program’s temporary lakefront stadium. Otherwise, the team will likely struggle on the field.
15
Indiana Hoosiers
Indiana’s newly announced head coach of football Curt Cignetti speaks to the media on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023. Credit: Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times-USA TODAY NETWORK
Post-Spring Power Ranking: No. 17
Schedule Ranking:No. 17
Returning Production Ranking: No. 12 (No. 85 in the nation)
Reasoning: Curt Cignetti showed at Big Ten media days that he will at least have the Hoosiers in the ‘interesting’ category of the conference. Interesting in that the team could become a sneaky contender down the road, or in that Cignetti’s quotes are noteworthy.
The 2024 Hoosiers could surprise some people with a chunk of the successful 2023 James Madison team set to start after transferring over with their head coach.
Full 2024 Indiana Hoosiersteam preview
14
Illinois Fighting Illini
CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 21: Head coach Bret Bielema of the Illinois Fighting Illini protests a call during the second half against the Wisconsin Badgers at Memorial Stadium on October 21, 2023 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
Post-Spring Power Ranking: No. 13
Schedule Ranking:No. 12
Returning Production Ranking: No. 9 (No. 65 in the nation)
Reasoning: Bret Bielema’s 18 wins in his first three seasons at Illinois are an impressive mark for the program’s standards. It could return to its strong 2022 form if Aaron Henry’s defense somehow takes a big step forward after losing several top players from last year’s team. Otherwise, QB Luke Altmyer’s development will be a central storyline to the team’s success.
Full 2024 Illinois Fighting Illiniteam preview
13
Michigan State Spartans
Michigan State’s new football coach Jonathan Smith waves to the crowd during a timeout in the basketball game against Georgia Southern on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing. Credit: Nick King/Lansing State Journal-USA TODAY NETWORK
Post-Spring Power Ranking: No. 12
Schedule Ranking:No. 10
Returning Production Ranking: No. 11 (No. 73 in the nation)
Reasoning: Both Jonathan Smith and Cignetti are exciting new additions to the Big Ten fold. Smith’s program-building ability should lead the Spartans back to relevance, even if it doesn’t happen in year one. The player who will have the greatest say in that dynamic this season is young QB Aidan Chiles.
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12
Maryland Terrapins
Oct 28, 2023; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Maryland Terrapins head coach Mike Locksley (center) on the sidelines during the second half at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Post-Spring Power Ranking: No. 10
Schedule Ranking:No. 14
Returning Production Ranking: No. 16 (No. 110 in the nation)
Reasoning: Not enough is being made of Maryland having arguably the worst quarterback situation in the conference in the post-Taulia Tagovailoa era. The defense is solid and there is some offensive talent there. But the QB situation could prove to be a disaster.
11
Minnesota Golden Gophers
Oct 21, 2023; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers head coach P.J. Fleck watches a replay against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Post-Spring Power Ranking: No. 14
Schedule Ranking:No. 7
Returning Production Ranking: No. 4 (No. 19 in the nation)
Reasoning: This is a boom or bust season for the Gophers. The schedule is a gauntlet, but the team figures to be better on both sides of the football after a sub-par 2023 season. New Hampshire QB Max Brosmer must be an improvement over Athan Kaliakmanis if the Gophers are to return to a 9-win pace.
Full 2024 Minnesota Golden Gophersteam preview
10
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Sep 3, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights head coach Greg Schiano before the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Post-Spring Power Ranking: No. 11
Schedule Ranking:No. 18
Returning Production Ranking: No. 3 (No. 8 in the nation)
Reasoning: Top-end returning production after a bowl-eligible season paired with the conference’s easiest schedule should mean one of the best seasons in Rutgers history. It should mean that. Knowing Rutgers, it probably isn’t turning that into a playoff birth.
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9
Washington Huskies
Dec 1, 2023; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Washington Huskies running back Dillon Johnson (7) rushes against the Oregon Ducks during the fourth quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Post-Spring Power Ranking: No. 9
Schedule Ranking:No. 6
Returning Production Ranking: No. 18 (No. 130 in the nation)
Reasoning: It’s reasonable to expect a step backward from the Huskies after 2023’s miraculous run to the title game. New head coach Jedd Fisch is well-equipped to return the Huskies to their normal spot toward the top of the sport. 2024 likely won’t be that year, however.
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8
Iowa Hawkeyes
Oct 14, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz looks on during warmups prior to the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Post-Spring Power Ranking: No. 8
Schedule Ranking:No. 11
Returning Production Ranking: No. 8 (No. 30 in the nation)
Reasoning: I’m high on the collection of top Big Ten West programs — Iowa, Wisconsin and Nebraska. First, Iowa cannot possibly be worse on offense under Tim Lester than it was under Brian Ferentz. That should complement one of the oldest defenses in program history. The sport looks different, but Iowa should still win games 15-12.
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7
Nebraska Cornhuskers
Nov 11, 2023; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Matt Rhule during the third quarter against the Maryland Terrapins at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports
Post-Spring Power Ranking: No. 6
Schedule Ranking:No. 15
Returning Production Ranking: No. 1 (No. 3 in the nation)
Reasoning: Nebraska could realistically make the College Football Playoff in 2024 if five-star freshman QB Dylan Raiola hits. The program’s floor is lower than that of Wisconsin and others. But the ceiling is rising under Rhule entering year two.
Returning production + an easy schedule = Nebraska finally being ‘back?’
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6
USC Trojans
USC Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams (13) talks with USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley during the first half of the game against No. 6 Oregon Ducks on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. Credit: Abigail Dollins-USA TODAY NETWORK
Post-Spring Power Ranking: No. 5
Schedule Ranking:No. 1
Returning Production Ranking: No. 15 (No. 99 in the nation)
Reasoning: USC will score a lot of points in 2024, but the question surrounds whether new DC D’Anton Lynn can turn around the program’s defense in one year. I’d bet on that answer being ‘no,’ which should lead to another 9-4 or 8-5 season — far below the standard under Lincoln Riley.
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5
Wisconsin Badgers
Jan 1, 2024; Tampa, FL, USA; Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell talks on the headset during the second half against the LSU Tigers at the Reliaquest Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports
Post-Spring Power Ranking: No. 7
Schedule Ranking:No. 4
Returning Production Ranking: No. 5 (No. 20 in the nation)
Reasoning: I’m starting to buy the hype that this year could see a resurgent Wisconsin team. That idea is built around the Badgers’ offensive line taking a significant step forward under new coaching, Miami transfer QB Tyler Van Dyke finding his 2021 form and Luke Fickell’s defense becoming one of the nation’s best.
The schedule is a gauntlet. But we may start to see signs that the Fickell era has begun.
Full 2024 Wisconsin Badgersteam preview
4
Michigan Wolverines
Jan 8, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; Michigan Wolverines offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore against the Washington Huskies during the 2024 College Football Playoff national championship game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Post-Spring Power Ranking: No. 4
Schedule Ranking:No. 5
Returning Production Ranking: No. 17 (No. 128 in the nation)
Reasoning: Michigan’s baseline of talent and culture is too strong to expect a drop-off after losing practically the entire national championship-winning team. Some stars remain, including DL Mason Graham, CB Will Johnson and RB Donovan Edwards. The Wolverines should be at least ‘good’ this year, if not still competing for the conference.
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3
Penn State Nittany Lions
Nov 24, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin leads his team on to the field before the game against Michigan State at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports
Post-Spring Power Ranking: No. 3
Schedule Ranking:No. 13
Returning Production Ranking: No. 6 (No. 23 in the nation)
Reasoning: Penn State will be a playoff-caliber team yet again in 2024. This time, however, the playoff includes 12 teams. That should lead to the Nittany Lions’ strong baseline of 10 wins now meaning playoff appearances, especially coming out of a tough Big Ten.
If former five-star QB Drew Allar hits, the Penn State could win the conference.
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2
Ohio State Buckeyes
Sep 17, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day leads his team onto the field prior to the NCAA Division I football game against the Toledo Rockets at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus Dispatch
Post-Spring Power Ranking: No. 2
Schedule Ranking:No. 16
Returning Production Ranking: No. 10 (No. 70 in the nation)
Reasoning: Ohio State and Oregon are 1a and 1b entering the season. I give the edge to Oregon due to its quarterback situation, compared to Buckeyes starting QB Will Howard. Otherwise, the Buckeyes may have the best roster in the country.
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1
Oregon Ducks
Nov 18, 2023; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning (center) leads quarterback Bo Nix (10) and Ty Thompson (13) onto the field for the game against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Post-Spring Power Ranking: No. 1
Schedule Ranking:No. 8
Returning Production Ranking: No. 7 (No. 28 in the nation)
Reasoning: Oregon is loaded across the roster yet again in 2024. Oklahoma transfer QB Dillon Gabriel is also a legitimate Heisman contender and will be one of the best quarterbacks in the conference.
It’s hard to find a weakness in Dan Lanning’s team. It will all come down to its matchup against the Buckeyes in Eugene, Oregon on Oct 12.
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