As the 2024 college football season nears kickoff, the Big Ten landscape is poised for a transformative year. With the conference’s new coast-to-coast format and the arrival of former Pac-12 powerhouses USC, UCLA, Washington, and Oregon, predicting the championship frontrunners is more challenging than ever. Here’s a breakdown of the teams with the best chances to claim the Big Ten title in 2024:

1. Ohio State Buckeyes

Ranking: No. 1

Schedule Difficulty: No. 16

The Ohio State Buckeyes enter the 2024 season as the frontrunner for the Big Ten Championship. Despite a challenging schedule that includes key games at Oregon and Penn State, and a home showdown against Michigan, the Buckeyes are well-positioned for success. With a strong roster and a burning desire to overcome recent playoff disappointments, Ohio State is poised for a dominant season.

2. Oregon Ducks

Ranking: No. 2

Schedule Difficulty: No. 8

Oregon is a top contender alongside Ohio State, boasting one of the most potent offenses in the nation. However, their path to the championship is slightly tougher, with away games at Michigan and Wisconsin, and a final clash against Washington. Despite these hurdles, Oregon’s talent and experience make them a serious threat for the Big Ten crown.

3. Penn State Nittany Lions

Ranking: No. 3

Schedule Difficulty: No. 13

Penn State is well-positioned to capitalize on the Big Ten’s new format. Without the constraints of divisional play, the Nittany Lions can focus on a potential unbeaten run. With a manageable schedule and the development of former five-star quarterback Drew Allar, Penn State could be primed for a breakthrough year under James Franklin.

4. Michigan Wolverines

Ranking: No. 4

Schedule Difficulty: No. 5

Michigan, despite significant turnover from their national championship run and the departure of head coach Jim Harbaugh, remains a top contender. The Wolverines have the recruiting depth and talent to remain competitive. The schedule, including key matchups against Ohio State and USC, will test their resilience, but they are a team capable of challenging for the title.

5. Nebraska Cornhuskers

Ranking: No. 5

Schedule Difficulty: No. 15

Nebraska is on the rise with a solid defense and a promising freshman quarterback, Dylan Raiola. Under head coach Matt Rhule, the Cornhuskers could be ready for a significant leap forward. With a relatively favorable schedule, Nebraska could surprise many by making a strong push for the Big Ten Championship.

6. USC Trojans

Ranking: No. 6

Schedule Difficulty: No. 1

USC boasts one of the nation’s top offenses under head coach Lincoln Riley, but the transition to the Big Ten presents challenges. The Trojans face a daunting schedule that includes trips to Michigan and Washington, and home games against Wisconsin and Penn State. Despite these challenges, USC’s offensive firepower makes them a formidable opponent.

7. Iowa Hawkeyes

Ranking: No. 7

Schedule Difficulty: No. 11

Iowa’s strength lies in its elite defense, one of the best in the nation. If the offense, under new coordinator Tim Lester, can make significant strides, the Hawkeyes could be a tough contender. However, their ceiling is limited by a lack of offensive explosiveness, which may impact their title aspirations.

8. Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Ranking: No. 8

Schedule Difficulty: No. 18

Rutgers benefits from an easier schedule compared to many of its peers. With key games against Washington, Wisconsin, and USC, the Scarlet Knights have a chance to make noise in the conference. Head coach Greg Schiano has nearly his entire team returning from a successful 2023 season, presenting a prime opportunity for Rutgers.

9. Wisconsin Badgers

Ranking: No. 9

Schedule Difficulty: No. 4

Wisconsin’s potential hinges on the success of their new air raid offense under offensive coordinator Phil Longo. With a challenging schedule that includes Oregon and Penn State, and road games at USC and Nebraska, the Badgers will need a standout season to contend. Their success will largely depend on the offense’s ability to adapt and perform.

10. Washington Huskies

Ranking: No. 10

Schedule Difficulty: No. 6

Washington, coming off a national title appearance, faces a challenging transition with a new head coach and significant roster turnover. While the Huskies have the potential to be a top team, the offseason changes and a tough schedule could make it difficult for them to compete for the title immediately.

11. Michigan State Spartans

Ranking: No. 11

Schedule Difficulty: No. 10

Michigan State is in a rebuilding phase with a new head coach and several new starters. While there is potential for improvement, the Spartans are unlikely to contend for the Big Ten Championship in their first year under Jonathan Smith. They are a team to watch for future seasons.

12. Maryland Terrapins

Ranking: No. 12

Schedule Difficulty: No. 14

Maryland would have been a stronger contender if quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa were still with the team. With a question mark at the quarterback position, the Terrapins face a season where they could struggle to compete at the highest level, despite having a relatively easier schedule.

13. Indiana Hoosiers

Ranking: No. 13

Schedule Difficulty: No. 17

Under new head coach Curt Cignetti, Indiana has a chance to improve from their 2023 performance. However, with a challenging schedule and limited proven talent, the Hoosiers are more likely to be a middle-of-the-pack team rather than a serious contender for the Big Ten title.

14. Illinois Fighting Illini

Ranking: No. 14

Schedule Difficulty: No. 12

Illinois, led by Bret Bielema, has been consistent but does not have the depth to contend for the championship. The elimination of the Big Ten West division and a tougher schedule will likely limit their success this season.

15. Northwestern Wildcats

Ranking: No. 15

Schedule Difficulty: No. 9

Northwestern is expected to face challenges after the elimination of the Big Ten West. Despite returning a lot of production from a successful 2023 season, the Wildcats may struggle against a more difficult schedule and competition from other teams.

16. UCLA Bruins

Ranking: No. 16

Schedule Difficulty: No. 2

UCLA faces a tough schedule that includes games against top Big Ten teams like Oregon, Penn State, and USC. With a new head coach and significant turnover, the Bruins may find it difficult to navigate their first season in the Big Ten.

17. Purdue Boilermakers

Ranking: No. 17

Schedule Difficulty: No. 3

Purdue’s chances for success in 2024 are limited by a challenging schedule and a team in transition. With tough games against Wisconsin, Ohio State, and Penn State, the Boilermakers will have a hard time competing at the top level.

18. Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Ranking: No. 18

Schedule Difficulty: No. 18

Rutgers faces a very manageable schedule, but its chances to win the conference are limited. While the Scarlet Knights will avoid many of the top teams, they are not expected to compete for the championship.

As the 2024 Big Ten season unfolds, the landscape is sure to shift. With new teams and a revised format, expect plenty of surprises and intense competition as the quest for the Big Ten Championship heats up.