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New York Times
22-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
How many Ohio State transfers will start? Biggest camp storylines? Buckeyes mailbag
Last week's Ohio State mailbag addressed several of your questions about Julian Sayin, the quarterback battle and expectations for the Buckeyes in 2025. In Part II, let's dig into your questions about roster construction and the rapidly approaching start of preseason camp. How many of the incoming transfers do you expect to start? — Randy O Two. Advertisement Max Klare (Purdue) has a chance to be an All-American at tight end and left tackle Ethan Onianwa (Rice) has that spot solidified, in my mind. Klare led the Boilermakers with 51 catches for 685 yards last season, and Onianwa made 34 career starts for the Owls. The only other three I see competing for starting jobs are offensive lineman Phillip Daniels (Minnesota) and defensive ends Beau Atkinson (North Carolina) and Logan George (Idaho State). Daniels could be the starting right tackle, but I'm on the Austin Siereveld bandwagon right now. On the defensive line, I think Caden Curry starts opposite Kenyatta Jackson at end while Atkinson, who didn't get a spring with the Buckeyes, gets adjusted to Ohio State. I'd say Atkinson could be the starter by the Illini game (Oct. 11), but he'd have to put together a stellar preseason camp to start against Texas in Week 1. Though he led North Carolina in sacks last year, he did so in a rotational role with only one start. I've seen reports that OSU is spending upward of $35 million on this year's team. That's a major increase from the $20 million purportedly spent last season. And yet, a few others are still spending more than us. What's the ceiling on what OSU can afford on a roster? Relatedly, we still seem to be missing on a good number of elite national recruits, particularly in the trenches. What can be done to improve our O/D-line recruiting efforts? — Mike G. I don't know for sure what the real number is, but $35 million sounds high to me when thinking about the makeup of this year's roster. Ohio State has a redshirt freshman favored to start at quarterback, a new starting running back and no superstar defensive lineman or cornerback to pay. Ohio State did well in the transfer portal, but it also didn't go on a massive spending spree like Texas Tech or some other programs. Advertisement I think the main thing to take away from that Wall Street Journal story is that Ohio State is built to compete at the top of the numbers when it wants. Ohio State has made it known it isn't going to get into massive bidding wars for high school recruits who haven't proven much yet. That doesn't mean high school recruits aren't getting paid, but money isn't the only thing Ohio State is pitching. If Ohio State finds a player it wants and thinks the money is worth it, it will spend it. Between revenue sharing and the new Buckeye Sports Group, which is built to bring in legal NIL deals to players, there's plenty of money to go around. As for the second part, recruiting is more difficult than it's ever been. Ohio State wasn't going to match some of these other numbers thrown around for defensive and offensive linemen. So when your first, second and third options fall through, you have to try to jump in on a recruit late. Making up ground is hard if you aren't throwing bags of money around. I actually think Tyler Bowen has done a great job in his first year with offensive line recruiting. Offensive tackle Sam Greer continues to rise in the rankings — he's the No. 55 player in the 247Sports Composite, up from No. 200 in February — and he makes for a stellar duo with four-star Maxwell Riley (No. 128). As for the defensive line, the Buckeyes need another edge rusher, but Khary Wilder has been flying up rankings. He was No. 242 in June and is now No. 119. There's a lot of quality in this class, even if I can understand the disappointment of losing some of these recruiting battles. Ex-players like Brian Hartline and James Laurinaitis have done a great job as positional coaches, especially with recruiting. Are there other former players who could be the next hires for the Buckeyes? A D-line coach to help Larry Johnson? — Kevin W. LeCharles Bentley was a name I wondered if Ohio State would bring in for the offensive line opening this year. He does a good job training offensive linemen already and has been around the program a lot, so he's helping already. As for the defensive line, I'm not sure there's a name right away. Whenever Johnson retires, that job is going to be coveted by every coach in the country, so there will be plenty of good options. Advertisement How should we as fans react to concerns about recruiting rankings in the era of the transfer portal? The overall 2026 class is really good, but we've obviously heard of certain position groups missing on targets lately. I don't know if I should be as worried as I would be in previous years. — Kevin D. Ohio State has been vocal about its commitment to recruiting high school students, so that will make recruiting rankings important. When you commit to high school recruiting, you have to bring in a high percentage of blue-chip recruits and sign top-five classes pretty consistently. Ohio State has had a top-five class every year since 2020, so I don't think there's any reason to be worried overall, even if the 2026 class is merely No. 7 in the 247Sports Composite right now. When a program has success like that, the next goal is to fill holes each year through the transfer portal, which is what Ohio State has done. That means that the numbers have to be there at each position, not just quality. I think Wilder can come in and make a swift impact in Columbus. Same with true freshman Zion Grady this year. He might not play a lot this season, but he's going to be an impact player in the future. The concern is that there aren't enough edge rushers on the team. Ohio State has grabbed five edge rushers in the past two years and one of the elite ones, Eddrick Houston, moved inside to defensive tackle. So two each year and none of them being truly elite as recruits isn't enough. Still, I'm not on the train of freaking out quite yet. Johnson is still an elite developer of talent, but he's going to have to hit on some recruits in the next calendar year, whether in the portal or out of high school. It'll be a big red flag if by this time next year Ohio State doesn't have evidence of a next generation of pass rushers emerging. How does the Longhorns' defensive line match up against Ohio State's offensive line and an unproven quarterback with a new offensive coordinator? — Will Texas defensive end Colin Simmons could wreck the game if Ohio State doesn't have an adequate way of accounting for him. He's one of the best edge players in the country after putting up 14 tackles for loss and nine sacks as a freshman. Ohio State did a good job of limiting him in the Cotton Bowl last year, but he'll pose a different type of test next month. It's not just a test for Sayin; it'll be on Day, Hartline and Bowen to find a game plan to help Sayin feel comfortable. With that said, I like Ohio State's offensive line despite the turnover up front. To me, it's the best group the Buckeyes have had entering the season since 2022. I think Onianwa is going to have a great year, the interior is strong with Luke Montgomery, Carson Hinzman and Tegra Tshabola and Austin Siereveld is a good tackle but also a versatile piece. Advertisement I expect Ohio State to try and get the ball out quickly to its perimeter playmakers. The question for me is more so how Sayin will do reading Texas' various zone coverage shells. The Longhorns will try to bracket Jeremiah Smith and make Sayin read the defense to find other receivers. If he can do that and be on time, Ohio State could be in a good position. What are the biggest storylines to watch in camp as we ramp up the next 1 1/2 months to the season? — Quintin M Obviously the quarterback battle is going to make the most headlines as Sayin tries to separate from Lincoln Kienholz, but there will be some other fun position battles to watch too. Will Siereveld continue his stellar offseason and lock down a starting spot at right tackle? Or will one of the younger players push him to the swing role as the sixth offensive lineman? I'm intrigued by Brandon Inniss finally stepping into his role in the slot after waiting his turn for two years. I'm not sure we'll get an answer about this until the season begins, but I'm curious how often Ohio State switches between 11 personnel and 13 personnel at times with how deep the wide receiver and tight end groups are. On defense, what is the end rotation going to look like? After some questions entering the offseason, the grouping of Jackson, Curry, Atkinson, George and C.J. Hicks sounds good on paper, but who will step up when called upon? What happens at defensive tackle, too, with Ty Hamilton and Tyleik Williams gone? And which corner is going to separate himself from the pack? Davison Igbinosun and Jermaine Mathews Jr. will be the two starters against Texas, but after that, will Ohio State play a safety at nickel or will one of Aaron Scott, Lorenzo Styles and Devin Sanchez step up and take the third corner spot? There's a lot of talent on the roster, but with 14 draft picks gone to the NFL, there's also a lot of intrigue to watch through August. (Top photo of Max Klare: Kyle Robertson / Columbus Dispatch / USA Today Network via Imagn Images)
USA Today
30-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Mock draft hints at possible Eagles plan for life after Dallas Goedert
This could be Dallas Goedert's swan song in Philly, and a recent mock draft believes it has found a worthy successor. Here's some radical honesty. It was cool to see the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Goedert find some common ground. One of the offseason's biggest stories involved him being allowed to seek a trade partner and initiate his exit. In the end, a deal was reached, allowing him to stay with the only NFL team he has ever known for one more season. The starting quarterback reportedly made his case, highlighting his value to the organization to the tight end. This situation serves as a reminder that, despite the emphasis on the business side of football, there are still moments that emphasize bonds, connections, and familiarity. Unfortunately, it appears that there is an anticipated conclusion here. Goedert is in the final year of his contract, and unless there are any unexpected developments, this will likely be his last season with the team. Philadelphia needs to consider a succession plan, and a recent mock draft for 2026 attempted to address this issue. Ladies and gentlemen, meet Max Klare It appears that Pro Football Network is forecasting a Super Bowl rematch featuring the Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs. It also seems that they have Philadelphia winning. Their recent 2026 mock draft has the Chiefs selecting cornerback Will Lee III at No. 31, while the Birds wrap the first round with the final selection one spot later. The Ohio State Buckeyes' tight end, Max Klare, is the 32nd overall pick for Philadelphia. He stands six feet four inches tall and weighs 240 pounds, making him two inches shorter and twelve pounds heavier than Johnny Wilson. Recently, Pro Football Network (PFN) shared insights on this selection, and a month ago, Pro Football Focus conducted a detailed analysis of Klare. "Dallas Goedert's future in Philadelphia is uncertain, and this draft could provide them with a younger solution. After transferring from Purdue to Ohio State, Max Klare will get the chance to prove his dominance with a championship contender. He compares favorably to another former Philadelphia Eagles tight end: Zach Ertz." Other options for Philadelphia in Round 1 next season include planning for a successor to Lane Johnson, acquiring a third wide receiver, and possibly selecting an outside cornerback if Kelee Ringo and Adoree' Jackson do not meet expectations. While we are far from engaging in serious discussions about these possibilities, training camp hasn't officially started yet. However, it's certain that Philadelphia's scouts are already compiling a draft board.
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Huge 2026 NFL mock draft update rebuilds Steelers offense
We are a month away from the start of NFL training camps and just after that, the college football season will kick off. So we thought now was the perfect time to update our five-round mock draft for the 2026 NFL draft. As things stand right now, we have five quarterbacks with a first-round grade and depending how the college season plays out, there should be a potential franchise quarterback on the board when the Steelers pick in the first round. This time around we utilized the mock draft simulator from Mock Draft Database that utilizes projected compensatory picks and very up to date prospect rankings. First round - QB Fernando Mendoza - Indiana The Steelers pick No. 15 overall in this mock and a run on quarterbacks leave them with Indiana's Fernando Mendoza. He's not a household name yet but by the time the draft gets here, he should be one of the first four quarterbacks off the board. Second round - CB Jalon Kilgore - South Carolina Kilgore has prototypical NFL size and athleticism and showed a ton of growth last season in his coverage technique. Third round - TE Max Klare - Purdue We are rooting for Darnell Washington but if tight end becomes a bigger part of the offense, a pick like Klare as a receiving weapon makes a lot of sense. Third round - WR Nic Anderson - LSU Anderson is healthy and getting a fresh start at LSU. He is good at everything and has no real glaring weaknesses to his game. Third round - RB Jonah Coleman - Washington If Jaylen Warren leaves after the season, the Steelers will need to add a back to go with Kaleb Johnson. Coleman is a powerful, squatty back with impressive balance truly elite vision with sneaky athleticism. Fourth round - OT Drew Shelton - Penn State Massive powerfuly run blocker who just overwhelms defenders with his size and power. Fourth round - S Keon Sabb - Alabama Exceptional developmental safety who might end up going much sooner than this if he can develop more in coverage Fifth round - IOL - Febechi Nwaiwu - Oklahoma Nwaiwu transfered to Oklahoma last season and after he got up to speed, really looked good as the team's starting right tackle. We expect him to make another big jump in 2025 and he could be Isaac Seumalos' replacement. Fifth round - WR Germie Bernard - Alabama Alabama is Bernard's third FBS team in four seasons. He's not spectacular in any area but he's found a way to develop as a really reliable possession receiver if he can just have some stability in coaching and scheme. This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: 2026 NFL mock draft lands Steelers Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza
USA Today
02-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Big Ten football 2025 win-loss record predictions for each team after spring practice
Big Ten football 2025 win-loss record predictions for each team after spring practice The 2025 college football season continues to near. With the start of May, spring practice sessions and transfer portal movement are mostly complete. The summer recruiting rush is just around the corner, which directly precedes fall training camp. The Big Ten Conference is set for another season of intrigue. Notably, it will be the second year for former Pac-12 powers USC, UCLA, Washington and Oregon as conference members. The group experienced mixed results in 2024, with Oregon winning the conference, Washington and USC narrowly making bowl games and UCLA missing the postseason entirely. The Trojans, Huskies and Bruins all have expectations of a resurgence entering 2025, while it's reasonable to expect the Ducks to take a step back from their nation's-best position. Ohio State will enter the year as the reigning national champion. It will also do so amid a lengthy losing streak to rival Michigan, creating intriguing stakes for the regular-season finale, this year played in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Those two teams will look to fend off a Penn State team that broke through to the College Football Playoff in 2024 and now returns its starting quarterback and two star running backs. That is all of the intrigue at the top of the conference. But just as important, if a team is to have an Indiana-like breakthrough, is it most likely to be former Big Ten West teams Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, or Nebraska? Or can the Hoosiers repeat their 11-1 2024 regular season? Those questions will be answered when the season kicks off this fall. For now, it's time for updated win-loss projections for every team after spring practice and the recent transfer portal window. Purdue Boilermakers Projected Record: 2-10 (0-9 Big Ten) Record in 2024: 1-11 (0-9 Big Ten) Most Notable Games vs. USC at Notre Dame vs. Ohio State Projected Wins: Ball State, Southern Illinois Projected Losses: USC, Notre Dame, Illinois, Minnesota, Northwestern, Michigan, Ohio State, Washington, Indiana, Rutgers It's hard to predict Purdue to take any significant steps forward in Barry Odom's first year at the helm. The team saw practically its entire roster turn over from last season, including standout tight end Max Klare (transfer, Ohio State) and safety Dillon Thieneman (transfer, Oregon). The cupboard was too bare for Odom when he arrived. Anything better than 2024's 1-11 finish is a step in the right direction. Northwestern Wildcats Projected Record: 3-9 (1-8 Big Ten) Record in 2024: 4-8 (2-7 Big Ten) Most Notable Games vs. Oregon at Penn State vs. Michigan Projected Wins: Western Illinois, ULM, Purdue Projected Losses: Tulane, Oregon, Penn State, Nebraska, USC, Michigan, Minnesota, Illinois, UCLA Northwestern was down at No. 87 in Bill Connelly's initial SP+ ranking in late February. The team now brings in a 12-player transfer class, led by former SMU quarterback Preston Stone. He should give the Wildcats a significant upgrade over what they had at the position last season. Still, the team's schedule is a gauntlet. Four wins would be a positive outcome. Rutgers Scarlet Knights Projected Record: 4-8 (1-8 Big Ten) Record in 2024: 7-6 (4-5 Big Ten) Most Notable Games vs. Oregon at Ohio State vs. Penn State Projected Wins: Ohio, Miami (OH), Norfolk State, Purdue Projected Losses: Iowa, Minnesota, Washington, Oregon, Illinois, Ohio State, Penn State, Maryland Rutgers' current two-year bowl streak may come to an end in 2025. The team is tasked with rebuilding nearly its entire defense, which it attempted to do with six transfer additions. SP+ has that unit ranked No. 42 nationally, plus the overall team ranked No. 43. The defense will likely need to ascend toward the nation's top 30 for the Scarlet Knights to reach a bowl game. The team's challenging schedule includes the trio of Oregon, Ohio State and Pen State, as well as Iowa, Minnesota, Washington and Illinois. Maryland Terrapins Projected Record: 5-7 (2-7 Big Ten) Record in 2024: 4-8 (1-8 Big Ten) Most Notable Games at Illinois vs. Michigan at Michigan State Projected Wins: Florida Atlantic, NIU, Towson, Michigan State, Rutgers Projected Losses: Wisconsin, Washington, Nebraska, UCLA, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan Maryland enters 2025 with a clear downgrade at quarterback, landing UCLA transfer Justyn Martin after 2024 starter Billy Edwards Jr. left for Wisconsin. That area alone won't define the Terrapins' season, however. The team was among the worst in the conference along the offensive line last year. Football Championship Subdivision transfer Rahtrel Perry, the team's projected starting left tackle, could be one of its most important players. Even with a potential O-line upgrade, it's hard to see the Terps excelling in conference play. Michigan State Spartans Projected Record: 6-6 (3-6 Big Ten) Record in 2024: 5-7 (3-6 Big Ten) Most Notable Games at USC vs Michigan vs Penn State Projected Wins: Western Michigan, Boston College, Youngstown State, USC, UCLA, Minnesota Projected Losses: Nebraska, Indiana, Michigan, Penn State, Iowa, Maryland Michigan State received a fortunate scheduling draw, missing Ohio State and Oregon. The team will need a big step forward from quarterback Aidan Chiles. Transfer starters at center, right guard and right tackle will play a big role in whether that becomes the reality. This needs to be a bowl-game-or-bust season for the Spartans and coach Jonathan Smith. Otherwise, real questions could arise about the future of his tenure. Get more (Michigan State) news, analysis and opinions on Spartans Wire Indiana Hoosiers Projected Record: 6-6 (3-6 Big Ten) Record in 2024: 11-2 (8-1 Big Ten) Most Notable Games at Oregon at Iowa at Penn State Projected Wins: Old Dominion, Kennesaw State, Indiana State, Michigan State, Maryland, Purdue Projected Losses: Illinois, Iowa, Oregon, Penn State, Wisconsin, UCLA Indiana should be a popular regression candidate in 2025. The team lost significant contributors from its 2024 team, including NFL draft picks quarterback Kurtis Rourke and defensive lineman C.J. West. The Hoosiers' floor has risen significantly under Cignetti. Backing up last year with a bowl appearance would keep positive momentum entering 2026. Wisconsin Badgers Projected Record: 6-6 (4-5 Big Ten) Record in 2024: 5-7 (3-6 Big Ten) Most Notable Games at Alabama Ohio State at Oregon Projected Wins: Miami (OH), Middle Tennessee, Maryland, Iowa, Washington, Indiana Projected Losses: Alabama, Michigan, Ohio State, Oregon, Illinois, Minnesota Wisconsin faces the toughest schedule in the conference this season. While the team should be much improved after a poor 2024 campaign, it still may be a few years away from a breakthrough. A season-ending injury to starting left tackle Kevin Heywood is also a major blow to an offense that badly needs a bounce-back season. Making a bowl game should be considered a win for the Badgers. It will likely come down to the closing stretch against Indiana, Illinois and Minnesota. Minnesota Golden Gophers Projected Record: 7-5 (5-4 Big Ten) Record in 2024: 8-5 (5-4 Big Ten) Most Notable Games at Ohio State at Oregon vs Wisconsin Projected Wins: Buffalo, Northwestern State, Rutgers, Purdue, Nebraska, Northwestern, Wisconsin Projected Losses: Cal, Ohio State, Michigan State, Iowa, Oregon Minnesota has a manageable schedule other than the Ohio State and Oregon matchups. The team has established a strong, consistent baseline of winning. That culture should again be on display with an experienced defense, most of which elected to stay after coordinator Corey Hetherman left for Miami. The big question will be at quarterback, where redshirt freshman Drake Lindsey is taking over for 2024 standout Max Brosmer. Iowa Hawkeyes Projected Record: 7-5 (5-4 Big Ten) Record in 2024: 8-5 (6-3 Big Ten) Most Notable Games vs. Penn State vs. Oregon at Nebraska Projected Wins: Albany, UMass, Rutgers, Minnesota, Indiana, Oregon, Michigan State Projected Losses: Iowa State, Wisconsin, Penn State, USC, Nebraska Iowa should again be a write-in for a 7-5 or 8-4 finish. The team appears to have made a major upgrade at quarterback in FCS transfer Mark Gronowski. If the defense remains in the nation's top 10 and a replacement for star running back Kaleb Johnson emerges, the Hawkeyes could threaten nine or 10 wins. Get more (Iowa) news, analysis and opinions on Hawkeyes Wire UCLA Bruins Projected Record: 8-4 (5-4 Big Ten) Record in 2024: 5-7 (3-6 Big Ten) Most Notable Games vs. Penn State vs. Washington at USC Projected Wins: Utah, UNLV, New Mexico, Northwestern, Maryland, Indiana, Nebraska, Washington Projected Losses: Penn State, Michigan State, Ohio State, USC UCLA's spring addition of quarterback Nico Iamaleava immediately raises the team's ceiling. The former Tennessee Volunteer played in the CFP last season, after being a consensus five-star recruit in the class of 2023. If he hits, the Bruins could near the eight-win mark. Get more (UCLA) news, analysis and opinions on UCLA Wire Washington Huskies Projected Record: 8-4 (5-4 Big Ten) Record in 2024: 6-7 (4-5 Big Ten) Most Notable Games vs. Ohio State at Michigan vs. Oregon Projected Wins: Colorado State, UC Davis, Washington State, Maryland, Rutgers, Illinois, Purdue, Oregon Projected Losses: Ohio State, Michigan, Wisconsin, UCLA Washington should be a popular sleeper pick entering 2025. The team could have one of the Big Ten's better young quarterbacks in Demond Williams Fisch getting a full offseason of player movement, paired with improved quarterback play, could equal a breakthrough. The Huskies are currently No. 38 in SP+, which feels low. Get more (Washington) news, analysis and opinions on Huskies Wire USC Trojans Projected Record: 8-4 (6-3 Big Ten) Record in 2024: 7-6 (4-5 Big Ten) Most Notable Games vs. Michigan at Notre Dame at Oregon Projected Wins: Missouri State, Georgia Southern, Purdue, Nebraska, Michigan, Northwestern, Iowa, UCLA Projected Losses: Michigan State, Notre Dame, Oregon, Illinois Morale is high in Los Angeles, California, where the Trojans are currently recruiting like the top program in the sport. On the field in 2025, coordinator D'Anton Lynn will take another shot at turning around years of defensive struggles under coach Lincoln Riley. Oddly, the bigger question may come on offense. Quarterback Jayden Maiava was up-and-down in relief of Miller Moss last season. The Trojans won't return to CFP contention without Heisman-caliber play under center. Get more (USC) news, analysis and opinions on Trojans Wire Nebraska Cornhuskers Projected Record: 8-4 (5-4 Big Ten) Record in 2024: 7-6 (3-6 Big Ten) Most Notable Games vs Michigan vs USC at Penn State Projected Wins: Cincinnati, Akron, HCU, Michigan, Michigan State, Maryland, Northwestern, Iowa Projected Losses: Minnesota, UCLA, USC, Penn State Here we are again, predicting a breakthrough season for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Copy and paste any preseason blurb from the last few decades: the team is talented, it has an up-and-coming quarterback and the schedule falls favorably. Wins over UCLA and USC could stand between the team and a 10-win season. Get more (Nebraska) news, analysis and opinions on Cornhuskers Wire Oregon Ducks Projected Record: 9-3 (6-3 Big Ten) Record in 2024: 13-1 (9-0 Big Ten) Most Notable Games at Penn State vs. Iowa vs. USC Projected Wins: Montana State, Oklahoma State, Northwestern, Oregon State, Indiana, Rutgers, Wisconsin, Minnesota, USC Projected Losses: Penn State, Iowa, Washington File Oregon into the group of programs that should take a step back in 2025. The team lost major contributors on both sides of the ball, headlined by quarterback Dillon Gabriel. While the Ducks' recruiting is among the best in the sport, it's challenging to predict similar success with the team replacing seven offensive starters. A 9-3 finish and outside CFP contention should be the expectation. Get more (Oregon) news, analysis and opinions on Ducks Wire Michigan Wolverines Projected Record: 9-3 (7-2 Big Ten) Record in 2024: 8-5 (4-5 Big Ten) Most Notable Games at Oklahoma at Nebraska vs. Ohio State Projected Wins: New Mexico, Central Michigan, Wisconsin, Washington, Michigan State, Northwestern, Purdue, Maryland, Ohio State Projected Losses: Oklahoma, Nebraska, USC Michigan is in line for a major step forward after a red-hot finish to the 2024 season. The big question is at quarterback, where five-star freshman Bryce Underwood is set to compete for the starting role. Strong play under center will be the difference between another 7-5 regular season and a 9-3 finish. Get more (Michigan) news, analysis and opinions on Wolverines Wire Illinois Fighting Illini Projected Record: 10-2 (7-2 Big Ten) Record in 2024: 10-3 (6-3 Big Ten) Most Notable Games vs Ohio State vs USC at Wisconsin Projected Wins: Western Illinois, Duke, Western Michigan, Indiana, USC, Purdue, Rutgers, Maryland, Wisconsin, Northwestern Projected Losses: Ohio State, Washington Our temperature on Illinois has not changed since before the spring session. The Fighting Illini return nearly their entire team after a 10-win 2024 season. They also get a light schedule, avoiding Oregon, Penn State and Michigan. This is the year for the team to make a CFP run. Ohio State Buckeyes Projected Record: 10-2 (8-1 Big Ten) Record in 2024: 14-2 (7-2 Big Ten) Most Notable Games vs. Texas vs. Penn State at Michigan Projected Wins: Grambling State, Ohio, Washington, Minnesota, Illinois, Wisconsin, Penn State, Purdue, UCLA, Rutgers Projected Losses: Texas, Michigan Ohio State saw 14 players selected during the 2025 NFL draft, including four in the first round. That accurately reflects the level of talent on last year's national title-winning team. The Buckeyes should again be quite good this season. A repeat of 2024 will be a tough ask, unless former five-star prospect Julian Sayin pairs up with star receiver Jeremiah Smith for a Heisman-caliber season. Get more (Ohio State) news, analysis and opinions on Buckeyes Wire Penn State Nittany Lions Projected Record: 11-1 (8-1 Big Ten) Record in 2024: 13-3 (8-1 Big Ten) Most Notable Games vs. Oregon at Ohio State at Iowa Projected Wins: Nevada, FIU, Villanova, Oregon, UCLA, Northwestern, Iowa, Indiana, Michigan State, Nebraska, Rutgers Projected Losses: Ohio State Penn State is our post-spring pick to be the best team in the Big Ten this season. It returns Drew Allar under center, plus Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen at running back. Even with several players gone to the NFL, including star tight end Tyler Warren, the Nittany Lions did more 'reload' than 'rebuild' after their CFP breakthrough in 2024. Syracuse wide receiver Trebor Pena is the top spring addition to note. Get more (Penn State) news, analysis and opinions on Nittany Lions Wire Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion
