Big Ten Football Preview 2021
Our Big Ten preview 2021 observes that this 14-team conference is the second-ranked league in the nation. The Big Ten is second only to the SEC and stands to have 10 teams in the postseason. We expect that the Ohio State Buckeyes will win the Big Ten and play in the championship series. Then again, there are no guarantees. Penn State, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Indiana will all be focused on dethroning the Buckeyes. This is a conference defined by tough defenses and offenses that grind it out.
Big Ten Preview – East Division
Indiana Hoosiers – A total of 18 starters return to a team that will battle Penn State and OSU for the top spot. Hopefully QB Michael Penix will be healthy. That will be a huge plus for the Hoosiers.
Maryland Terrapins – This team has improved and possesses talent. But the defense is vulnerable and must step up for the Terps to move up in the division.
Michigan Wolverines – Look for this team to beat the teams they are expected to beat and lose to the teams they are expected to lose to. Quarterback is a major question.
Michigan State Spartans – As we consider this team, we have two major concerns. They are quarterback and defense. It’ll be a long season.
Ohio State Buckeyes – This is the best team in the division and the Big Ten. Still, PSU and Indiana are knocking on the door.
Penn State Nittany Lions – Expect PSU to be the primary threat to OSU. QB Sean Clifford is a fine leader. The defense retooled with three experienced transfers. Watch out for the Lions.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights – This football team has improved, but not enough. Their passing game needs a major shot of adrenaline.
Big Ten Preview – West Division
Illinois Fighting Illini – This is a team with a new coach who offers new hope. But it takes more than hope to compete at this level. A few years of solid recruiting and experience will eventually help.
Iowa Hawkeyes – The Hawkeyes will be competitive. RB Tyler Goodson can get it done but can QB Spencer Petras take it to the next level? The defensive line must be rebuilt.
Minnesota Golden Gophers – The Gophers need a passing game to add to their rush attack that is led by the dynamic Mohammed Ibrahim.
Nebraska Cornhuskers – Coach Scott Frost simply does not have a competitive team. Optimism does not make a winner. The D is good, but there are plenty of question marks on offense.
Northwestern Wildcats – The Cats could finish third or fourth. They have won two division titles in three years. There’s talent and that will help.
Purdue Boilermakers – This is a club with a fine coach (Jeff Brohm) and a skilled offense. But the O-line needs work, the defense is being refurbished, and the special teams are lacking.
Wisconsin Badgers – The West is the Badgers to lose. Sophomore QB Graham Mertz could be what this team needs to put some zip in its offense. The defense is a game winner.
Big Ten East – Projected Order of Finish
Ohio State Buckeyes
Penn State Nittany Lions
Indiana Hoosiers
Michigan Wolverines
Maryland Terrapins
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Michigan State Spartans
Big Ten West – Projected Order of Finish
Wisconsin Badgers
Iowa Hawkeyes
Northwestern Wildcats
Minnesota Golden Gophers
Nebraska Cornhuskers
Purdue Boilermakers
Illinois Fighting Illini
Big Ten Preview - Final Word
For in-depth coverage of each team in our Big Ten Preview 2021, please click to their individual team’s pages. Each page offers a comprehensive preview focusing on offense, defense, special teams, and past performance. Plus, we projected which bowl, if any, each team will play in and who they’ll face. This is a tough conference that someday will develop a national champion. Will it be in 2021?