2024 Big Ten Season Preview: Big Ten Conference Predictions and Betting Picks
The Big Ten Football season officially begins with its new expanded roster of teams taking the field for Week 1. Which teams will go over their win total this season, and who will be crowned Big Ten Champion in December? Matt McCuen breaks down his Big Ten season preview and predictions.
Matt McCuen - August 27, 2024, 2:00 PM EDT
10 min2024 Big Ten Season Preview: Big Ten Conference Predictions and Betting Picks
It’s time to meet the teams from the Big Ten Conference.
The Big Ten has been one of the premier leagues in college football.
This year, the Big Ten is as strong as ever, adding multiple championship-caliber teams.
Let’s meet the teams!
2024 Big Ten Season Predictions
1. Ohio State Buckeyes
- 2023 Record (11-2)
- Key Additions Caleb Down (OT), Julian Sayin (OT), Quinshon Judkins (RB), Will Howard (QB), Keenan Nelson Jr (OT)
- Key Losses: Marvin Harrison Jr (WR), Mike Hall Jr (DT), Cade Stover (TE), Tommy Eichenberg (LB), Miyan Williams (RB), Matt Jones (OL), Xavier Johnson (WR), Kyle McCord (QB)
- Big Ten Title Odds: +155
- Favorite Futures Bet: Ohio State Under 10.5 wins -110
The Buckeyes had a disappointing 2023 season.
Their season came down to the final game, and they lost to Michigan with a playoff trip on the line.
Former Kansas State standout Will Howard will be under center for the Buckeyes.
Ohio State returns nine starters on defense. The Ohio State defense was one of the best in football a year ago.
Former Oregon and UCLA head coach Chip Kelly was named the team's new offensive coordinator.
Pick: Ohio State under 10.5 wins -110 Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
While the Buckeyes will have an elite defense, I have concerns about their offense.
Howard is an above-average quarterback but not a significant upgrade from Kyle McCord.
Reaching 11 wins in one of the best football conferences won't be easy.
2. Oregon Ducks
- 2023 Record (12-2)
- Key Additions: Evan Stewart (WR), Dante Moore (QB), Jamaree Caldwell (DL Dillion Gabriel (QB), Kam Alexander (CB)
- Key Losses: Bo Nix (QB) Troy Franklin (WR) Jackson Powers-Johnson (C) Brandon Dorlus (DL) Evan Williams (S) Bucky Irving (RB) Jamal Hill (LB) Popo Aumavae (DT) Steven Jones (OL) Donte Dowell (OT) Cole Martin (OT)
- Big Ten Title Odds +215
- Favorite Future Pick: Oregon To Win The Big Ten +215
The Ducks continue to prepare for their first season in the Big Ten.
Oregon, part of the PAC 12, was one of the best teams in college football a year ago in its final season.
Dillion Gabriel takes over the quarterback duties with pressure on his shoulders.
Head coach Dan Lanning crushed the transfer portal, adding a five-start and multiple four-star players.
Evan Stewart and Tez Johnson make up one of college football's best wide receiver duos.
Pick: Oregon To Win the Big Ten +210 Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
The Ducks are the deepest team in the conference.
Oregon returns multiple critical starters on defense while improving in the transfer portal.
Gabriel has shown for years that he is among the best quarterbacks in college football. He will lead this Ducks offense to be one of the top units in college football.
The sky is the limit for this Ducks team.
3. Michigan Wolverines
- 2023 Record (15-0)
- Key Additions: Jaishawn Barham (LB), Josh Priebe (OT), Wesley Walker (T), Aamir Hall (T),
- Key Losses: J.J. McCarthy (QB) Blake Corum (RB), Roman Wilson (WR), Kris Jenkins (DL), Mike Sainristil (CB), Junior Colson (LB), Zak Zinter (OL), Aj Barner (TE), Trevor Keegan (OL), Michael Barrett (LB), Cornelius Johnson (WR), LaDarius Henderson (OL), Jaylen Harrell (OLB), Keon Sabb (OT), Jeremiah Beasley (OT)
- Big Ten Title Odds +900
- Favorite Future Pick: Under 9.5 Wins -190
The Wolverines will attempt to defend their championship this season.
However, this roster is much different than the one we saw a season ago.
Most notably, the Wolverines lost their head coach, Jim Harbaugh, to the NFL.
The Wolverines set a record with twelve players drafted in the spring.
All five starters from the offensive line are gone.
Additionally, the Wolverines lost their starting quarterback, running back, and top wide receiver.
First-year head coach Sherrone Moore has a tall task ahead.
Pick: Michigan Under 9.5 wins -190 Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
The Wolverines will struggle this season despite winning a National Championship a year ago.
As mentioned, there has been a ton of turnover on this roster, and they did not do nearly enough in the transfer portal to replace the lost talent.
The Wolverines have a tough schedule, and it will be difficult for them to reach ten wins.
4. Penn State Nittany Lions
- 2023 Record: 10-3
- Key Additions: A.J Harris (CB), Julian Flemming (WR), Nolan Rucci (OT), Jalen Kimber (CB), Jordan Mayer (DE)
- Key Losses: Olumuyiwa Fashanu (OT), Chop Robinson (DE), Caedean Wallace (OL), Adisa Isaac (DE), Theo Johnson (TE), Hunter Nourzard (OT), Daequan Hardy (CB), Kalen King (CB)
- Big Ten Title Odds +500
- Favorite Future Pick: Penn State To Make the Playoffs -120
The Nittany Lions are yet to make the postseason in the James Franklin era.
With the field expanded to twelve teams, Penn State is expected to make the postseason.
Drew Allar will return as the signal caller for the Nittany Lions. Allar will be paired with first-year offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki.
Former Indiana head coach Tom Allen will take over Penn State's defense, one of the best in football a year ago.
Pick: Penn State To Make the Playoffs -120 Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
No team is happier about the playoff extension than the Nittany Lions.
Penn State has been so close to making the playoffs in years past, and this will be their year.
Penn State's defense will remain one of the best in college football, and Allar should improve this year as the offense's leader.
5. USC Trojans
- 2023 Record (8-5)
- Key Additions ((siah Raikes (DL), Kamari Ramsey (S), Woody Marks (RB), John Humphrey (CB), Nate Clifton (DL), Jayden Maiava (QB), Akili Arnold (S)
- Key Losses: Caleb Williams (QB), Marshawn Lloyd (RB), Calen Bullock (S), Brenden Rice (WR), Jarret Kingston (OT), Tahj Washington (WR)
- Big Ten Championship Odds +2000
- Favorite Futures Bet: USC Team Total Under
2023 was a rough campaign for the Trojans, who won just five games.
After a strong 2022 season, the USC took a step back.
Now, the Trojans must adjust to life without Caleb Williams at the helm.
A year ago, USC had one of the worst defensive teams in college football, allowing more than 34 points per game.
Miller Moss is expected to be under center in week one for the Trojans.
Pick: USC Team Total Under 9.5 wins Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
It will take some time for USC to adjust to the Big Ten.
Their style of play will not match up well in this conference.
The Trojans added some good defensive players, but their defense remains bottom-tier in the conference.
Moss has talent but will take time to develop, which is not a recipe for success against Big Ten defenses.
6. Iowa Hawkeyes
- 2023 Record: 10-4
- Key Additions: Cade Bourd (IOL), Brendan Sullivan (QB), Jackson Stratton (QB), Jacob Gill (WR)
- Key Losses: Cooper DeJean (CB), Erick All (TE), Tory Taylor (P), Logan Lee (DL)
- Big Ten Title Odds +3900
- Favorite Future Bet: Iowa Under 8.5 Wins -165
Iowa quietly won the Big Ten West a year ago.
In typical Hawkeye fashion, the defense was great, but the offense was sluggish in 2023.
Once again, the Hawkeyes are expected to have one of the best defenses in college football, returning eight starters.
Tim Lester will take over as the team’s offensive coordinator and is searching for answers.
Veteran Cade McNamara will be the Hawkeyes starter on opening day.
7. Nebraska Cornhuskers
- 2023 Record: 5-7
- Key Additions: Dante Dowdell (RB), Ceyair Wright (CB), Jahmal Banks (WR), Isaiah Neyor (WR)
- Key Losses: Phalen Sanford (OT), Omar Brown, Quinton Newsome Marco Ortiz, Anthony Grant
- Big Ten Title Odds +5500
- Favorite Future Bet: Nebraska Over 6.5 wins -150
In 2023 the Cornhuskers experienced an up and down season.
Nebraska ended the year with a record of 5-7, but if their offense could have been slightly better, they would have gone bowling.
The positive for Nebraska is that they had one of the best defensive teams in the conference, holding teams to 18.3 points per game.
Five-star recruit Dylan Raiola is expected to be the team's starter with high expectations.
Matt Rhule will be working with his best quarterback since taking over at Nebraska.
Pick: Nebraska over 6.5 wins -150 Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
The Cornhuskers bring back a lot of talent on the defensive side of the ball.
They will once again rank toward the top of the conference in defense.
The big improvement will be on offense, as Raiola can take this team to a different level.
8. Wisconsin Badgers
- 2023 Record: 7-6
- Key Additions: Tyler Van Dyke (QB), John Pius (LB), Tackett Curtis (LB), Jaheim Thomas (LB), Tawee Walker (RB)
- Key Losses: Tanor Bortonili (C), Braelon Allen (RB), Tanner Mordecai (QB), Peter Bowden (S), Hayden Rucci (TE), Jason Maitre (S)
- Big Ten Title Odds +6500
- Favorite Future Bet: Wisconsin over 6.5 wins -150
The offense was a major concern for Wisconsin last year.
Wisconsin was held to 19.9 points per game in Big Ten play.
Luke Fickell has a great defense to work with, which will be the strength of this unit.
Miami transfer Tyler Van Dyke will take over this Badger offense.
Pick: Wisconsin Over 6.5 Wins -150 Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
Van Dyke will be an upgrade at the quarterback position.
The Badgers have a defense that is good enough to win them games.
This team will succeed if its offense is slightly above average.
9. Rutgers Scarlet Knights
- 2023 Record: (7-6)
- Key Additions: Dymere Miller (WR), Malcolm Ray (DT), Athan Kalikakmanis (QB), Shedrick Rhodes (OT)
- Key Losses: Gavin Wismatt (QB), Rene Konga (DT), Kamar Missouri (OT), Max Melton (CB), JaQuae Jackson (WR), Isiah Washington (WR), Shawn Bowman (TE), Ireland Brown (OL)
- Big Ten Title Odds +12000
- Favorite Future Bet: Rutgers over 6.5 -110
The Scarlet Knights enjoyed a strong 2023 campaign, finishing above .500 and earning a trip to a bowl game.
Head coach Greg Schiano will set his sights on something bigger this season.
Rutgers will return 12 starters from last year's squad.
Defense was the strength of this Rutgers team, holding opponents to 21.2 points per game.
Pick: Rutgers Over Wins 6.5 wins -110 Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
This is all about the strength of the schedule for the Scarlet Knights.
Rutgers will avoid the big guns in the conference ( Ohio State) (Penn State) (Oregon) (Michigan)
Additionally, the Scarlet Knights have a favorable nonconference schedule.
10. Washington Huskies
- 2023 Record: (14-1)
- Key Additions: Hayden Moore (LB), Keleki Latu (TE), Drew Azzopardi (OT), Jayden Wade (DE), Will Rogers (QB), Sebestian Valdez (DL), Ephesians Prysock (CB), Demond Williams Jr (QB), Jordan Washington (RB)
- Key Losses: Michael Penix Jr (QB), Rome Odunze (WR), Jabbar Muhammad (CB), Parker Brailsford (IOL), Austin Mack (QB), Troy Fautanu (OL), Ja’Lynn Polk (WR), Bralen Tice (Edge), Jalen McMillan (WR)
- Big Ten Title Odds +8000
- Favorite Future Bet: Washington Team Total Under 7.5 wins -150
The Huskies' first season in the Big Ten will not be easy.
After their most successful season in program history, Washington is now entering one of football’s toughest conferences.
Former head coach Kalen DeBoer left for Alabama's head coaching position.
Arizona coach Jedd Fisch landed the Washington head coaching job.
Washington will have to replace a lot of productivity on offense.
Pick: Washington Team Total Under 7.5 Wins -150 Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
The Huskies will struggle in the Big Ten.
Coming off a season in which they were a top offense in football, I question if the Huskies have the talent on offense to compete with these Big Ten defensive units.
Washington returns just two starters to their defense, which will be an issue early in the year.
11. Minnesota Golden Gophers
- 2023 Record: (6-7)
- Key Additions: Jaxon Howard (EDGE), Tyler Williams (WR), Max Brosmer (QB), Sieh Bangura (RB), Ethan Robinson (CB)
- Key Losses: Zach Evans (RB), Athan Kalikamanis (QB), Tyler Bride (CB)Tyler Nubin (S)
- Big Ten Title Odds + 18000
- Favorite Future Bet: Minnesota Team Total under 5.5 wins -110
Last year was the first losing season since 2017 under PJ Fleck.
Max Brosmer is expected to take over as the team's starting quarterback.
The Golden Gophers should lean on running back Darius Taylor, who rushed for 799 yards a season ago.
Minnesota struggled on defense a season ago, allowing 29.1 points per game.
Pick: Minnesota Team Total Under 5.5 Wins -110 Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
The Golden Gophers did not do enough in the off-season to really improve this roster.
Eight starters return on defense, which can be good, but not when you allow 29.1 points per game.
There are many question marks at the quarterback position, and in a league as strong as the Big Ten, wins will be hard to come by.
12. Maryland Terrapins
- 2023 Record: (8-5)
- Key Additions: Isaiah Wright (IOL), Aliouh Bah (OT), Jalen Huskey (CB), MJ Morris (QB)
- Key Losses: Taulia Tagaovailoa, Delmar Glaze (OT), Tarheelb Still (CB), Jeshaun Jones (WR),
- Big Ten Title Odds +10000
- Favorite Future Bet: Maryland over 6.5 wins -140
The last two seasons have been good for Maryland.
This year, the question is how they will adjust to life in the newly structured Big Ten.
The quarterback position seems to remain unsettled, as MJ Morris and Billy Edwards Jr. are battling it out.
Maryland brings back talent on a defense that was above average last year.
Pick: Maryland Over 6.5 Wins -140 Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
The Terps are being disrespected with this line.
Maryland has one of the most underrated defenses in the Big Ten.
Their schedule favors them over this season with easy wins out of conference.
13. UCLA Bruins
- 2023 Record: 8-5
- Key Additions: Rico Flores (WR), Demarcius Davis (QB), Michael Carmody (OT)
- Key Losses: Dante Moore (QB), Kamari Ramsey (S), Carsen Ryan (TE)
- Big Ten Title Odds +15000
- Favorite Future Bet: UCLA under 5.5 wins
DeShaun Foster takes over this UCLA squad after the departure of head coach Chip Kelly.
Former Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bienemy landed the OC role with the Bruins.
The Bruins, who return nine starters from last year, will face challenges in year one.
The biggest concern for UCLA is on defense.
Quarterback Ethan Garbers will be back under center for this Bruins.
Pick: UCLA under 5.5 wins -150 Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
I do not see a way for UCLA to get six wins this year.
The Bruins have a tough conference schedule, and with a young team, earning wins will be difficult.
This team will experience growing pains, and while its future at UCLA is bright, we will fade them this season.
14. Illinois Fighting Illini
- 2023 Record: (5-7)
- Key Additions: Terrance Brooks (CB), Cole Rusk (TE), J.C Davis (OT), Kevin Wingenton II
- Key Losses: Reggie Love III Andrew Dennis (IOL), Calvin Smith (DE), Jer’Zhan Newton (DT), Isaiah Adams (OL), Tip Reinman (TE), Casey Washington (WR)
- Big Ten Title Odds +Illinois +20000
- Favorite Future Bet: Illinois Under 6.5 wins -160
The Illini are coming off a disappointing 5-7 season where they did not reach a bowl game.
Illinois has been hard hit by the transfer portal and the NFL draft over the past two seasons, which have taken a lot of talent away from this roster.
Signal caller Luke Altmyer will be back under center, paired with three returning offensive linemen.
Illinois has a chance to make noise on offense, but major defense concerns remain.
Pick: Illinois Under 6.5 wins -160 Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
This number is too high for the Illini.
Illinios will struggle in the conference and they do have enough offensive firepower to compete.
15. Michigan State Spartans
- 2023 Record: (4-8)
- Key Additions: Aidan Chiles (QB), Andrew Dennis (IOL, Wayne Matthews III (LB), Jack Vielling (TE), Jordan Turner (LB)
- Key Losses: Nick Samac (C), Tre Mosley (WR), Aaron Brule (LB)
- Big Ten Title Odds +20000
- Favorite Future Bet: Michigan State under 5.5 wins -115
The first year of the Jonathan Smith era begins.
The former Oregon State head coach inked a contract with the Spartans in late Winter.
The Spartans will be a new-look team with a lot of roster turnover.
Last season was highly disappointing for the Spartans, who aim to return to the top of the Big Ten.
The defense struggled a year ago, allowing opponents 30.9 points per game.
Oregon State transfer Aidan Chiles is expected to be the team's starting quarterback.
Pick: Michigan State Team Total Under 5.5 -115 Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
2024 will be a struggle once again for Sparty.
Smith was a great hire, and I believe he will eventually get this program back on track.
However, in a transition season, the Spartans will not compete in the Big Ten.
16. Indiana Hoosiers
- 2023 Record: (3-9)
- Key Additions: Kurtis Rourke (QB), Elijah Stewart (WR), CJ West (DL), Miles Cross (WR)
- Key Losses: Dequece Carter (WR), Aaron Casey (LB), Andre Carter (DE)
- Big Ten Title Odds +20000
- Favorite Future Bet: Indiana Over 5.5 wins -110
Curt Cigentti will begin his first season at the helm with the Hoosiers.
Cigentti is the former head coach of James Madison University.
Former Ohio standout Kurtis Rourke will lead the Indiana offense.
Indiana allowed 33.8 points per game a season ago and will look to improve on defense.
Pick: Indiana Team Total over 5.5 wins Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
I have faith in this Hoosiers squad.
Rourke is an underrated pickup who will help take this offense to the next level.
Indiana was aggressive in the portal, adding talent to their defense.
The Hoosiers will control their non-conference schedule and find a way to win a few games in Big Ten play.
17. Purdue Boilermakers
- 2023 Record: (4-8)
- Key Additions: Nyland Green (CB), CJ Smith (WR), Joey Tanona (IOL)
- Key Losses: Tj Sheffield (Wr), Mershawn Rice (WR), Andre Oben (OL)
- Big Ten Title Odds +30000
- Favorite Future Bet: Purdue over 4.5 wins +110
The Boilermakers produced a disappointing 4-8 season in 2023.
Purdue will attempt to bounce back this year under head coach Ryan Walters.
Former Texas quarterback Hudson Card returns to lead the Boilermakers offense.
The defensive unit was a significant issue for Purdue, who allowed 30.4 points per game a season ago.
Pick: Purdue over 4.5 wins +110 Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
There is good value in the Boilermakers this season.
The total is too low for a team that returns a veteran and talented quarterback in Card.
Walters is a great defensive mind and will get Purdue's defense back on track this season.
18. Northwestern Wildcats
- 2023 Record: (8-5)
- Key Additions: Nigel Glover (LB), Matt Keeler (OT)
- Key Losses: Garnet Holis Jr (CB), Josh Priebe (IOL), Rob Heard III
- Big Ten Title Odds +30000
- Favorite Future Bet: Northwestern over 3.5 wins -110
Northwestern will look to build on a strong 2023 season.
Northwestern will be led by first-year head coach David Braun, who stepped in as the team's interim coach.
The Wildcats should have an above-average defense as they return multiple top playmakers.
Pick: Northwestern Over 3.5 wins -110 Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
The out-of-conference schedule is favorable for the Wildcats.
Northwestern's defense is good enough to surprise teams and be competitive this season.
We are not asking much out of the Wildcats, who should be able to get four wins this season.
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