Big Ten 2024 Preseason Poll

Who are the strongest and weakest teams in the Big Ten this season, and where might they finish in the conference?

Welcome to the new Big Ten! As the conference increases to 18 teams and dissolves its divisions, this league has a very different look from just last season. 

There seems to be a fairly clear Tier 1, consisting of Ohio State and Oregon, with a Tier 2 of four more teams – Penn State, Michigan, Iowa, and USC. However, there is a significant middle ground of teams that is difficult to project. In evaluating each team, there is more guessing than ever, as teams are taking big chances in the changes made from season to season. For example, the QB position is rife with uncertainty. 

Because of the uncertainty, it’s difficult to blame the Big Ten media too harshly for placing Indiana 17th in its poll. After all, ESPN SP+ ranks Indiana 18th, thanks in large part to the dismal 2023 season. But if you’ve been reading Bite-Sized Bison, you know Indiana is not finishing 17th.

So I made my own Big Ten power ranking, featured below with a range of realistic Big Ten standing positions.