Big Ten Superlatives: Preseason Edition

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Happy first game week and welcome back to Big Ten Superlatives. This is a reminder that this is your weekly look around the conference’s best, worst, and most Big Ten West of things. Let’s look at some of the biggest storylines heading into the season, while also making a few predictions.

Biggest Win of the Offseason: The Conference

The Big Ten has produced three straight national champions – and Curt Cignetti sure enjoyed the victory lap. The Indiana head coach made sure to note just how good the league has been at the conference’s media days. It’s clear that the Big Ten and SEC have pulled away from the Big XII and ACC in terms of their power. We are now in the Big Ten – where it just means more.

Biggest Loss of the Offseason: Sherrone Moore, Michigan

Well, it wasn’t a great off-season for everyone in the conference. Michigan has seemingly been embroiled in nothing but controversy since Jim Harbaugh led them to a national title complete with cheating allegations in 2023. His replacement, Moore, was fired in December after pleading no contest to trespassing, and other things, following an incident with a former Michigan staff member.

Preseason Offensive Player of the Year: Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State

Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza won the Heisman Trophy last season as he led the Hoosiers to the conference and national title. There are quarterbacks who will be in the mix for this award, headlined by Oregon’s Dante Moore and Ohio State’s Julian Sayin. But, it’s still hard for me not to tab Smith, who has been renowned as one of the nation’s best receivers since he arrived in Columbus, as my favorite for the award.

Preseason Defensive Player of the Year: A’Mauri Washington, Oregon

Again, the smarter move would probably be to look at linebacker and see who might be the best in the conference. But Washington is a highly touted draft prospect, a preseason All-American, and headlines what some believe to be the most talented defense that the Ducks have ever had. Oregon should be in the playoff hunt and Washington figures to be a big reason why.

Newcomer of the Year: Rocco Becht, Penn State

Hey, we are a homer blog – even when some say I’m not homer enough. Becht has started 39 games and accounted for more than 80 touchdowns in his college career. He gets one last ride with head coach Matt Campbell and offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser this year in State College. Becht is healthy and if playmakers emerge, he – and Penn State – could have a big year.

Biggest Non-Conference Game of the Year: Ohio State at Texas

Ohio State won what wound up being sort of a dud of a game last year in Columbus. This year in Austin, Texas with quarterback Arch Manning will get a shot at revenge. Both the Buckeyes and Longhorns are expected to be national title contenders. Hopefully this one is more exciting than last year’s contest.

Biggest Conference Game of the Year: Ohio State at Indiana

It’s a rematch of last year’s Big Ten title game where Indiana survived in a low-scoring defensive affair. Indiana’s last regular season loss came back in 2024 against the Buckeyes.

Most Big Ten West Moment Entering the Season: Northwestern gets a new stadium

Usually the Big Ten West gives us some laughs, but here’s some excitement. The Wildcats have been playing in a makeshift lakeside stadium, along with Wrigley Field, for the past couple seasons. They tore down Ryan Field after 2023 and have a beautiful new stadium on that site now – and Penn State will play there in the first ever game later this month.

Most Iowa Moment Entering the Season: Quarterback Battle

Iowa has gone the transfer route for a few straight seasons. But, this year, Kirk Ferentz is trying to decide between Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski. He’s even said that both could play early in the season.

What We Are Looking Forward to the Most: The Games on the Field

After a 2025 season that can only be described as tumultuous for Penn State, it will be nice to sit back and watch some football. Let’s get it started.

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