Can't Wait For Saturday Big Ten's best appear loaded with returning talent

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Mar. 2—***

Doesn't take a genius — or a sportswriter — to figure out why the Big Ten has won the last three College Football Playoff titles: talent, both on the field and in the coaching box.

The good news for Tony Petitti's league is that despite key loses across the conference, the Big Ten is is in good shape for 2026. Enough to win a fourth consecutive title? I'm going with yes.

The hardest hit by departures, Indiana, is the best equipped to contend again. Sure, the Hoosiers lost Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza, but Curt Cignetti landed a talented quarterback from TCU, Josh Hoover. Hoover's job will be easier thanks to the return of All-American offensive tackle Carter Smith. The Big Ten's best offensive lineman will be joined by two other returning starters up front.

In my opinion, Indiana is one of eight Big Ten teams worthy of spots in the preseason Top 25. And they all have returnees worth bragging about.

Oregon quarterback Dante Moore listened to sound advice and returned for another season. He will be one of the first players off the board in the 2027 NFL draft,

With Moore, the Ducks will be a force on offense. And the defense looks loaded.

You will hear multiple Ohio State players called early in the first round of the NFL draft. No sweat. Ryan Day brings back defensive end Kenyatta Jackson, Jr., who could have gone too. The guess here is he doubles his 6 1/2 sacks from 2025.

Southern California's fortunes will ride on the arm of quarterback Jayden Maiava, who started his career at UNLV. He will miss star receiver Makai Lemon.

After Indiana's Carter, the next best lineman in the Big Ten is Iowa Kade Pieper, who played guard in 2025 but is expected to take over for star center Logan Jones.

Michigan has a new coach, Kyle Whittingham, and the same quarterback Bryce Underwood. He will make huge strides under the new coaching staff.

It looked like Washington would lose start quarterback Demond Williams Jr. Possibly to LSU. But Williams is back and the Huskies are in position to contend for the CFP.

Penn State is basically bringing in a new team under first-year coach Matt Campbell. But Iowa State East did manage to retain six starters from the previous regime.

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