Big Ten Preview: Challengers take on Michigan, Ohio (2023)

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In recent years, the Big Ten has generally been centered in Michigan and Ohio, and 2023 could be similar.

However, there is plenty of intrigue elsewhere, including two high-profile new coaches from Wisconsin (Luke Fickell) and Nebraska (Matta Rhule'a) and reliable challengers from Penn State and Iowa. And then big changes lie ahead as USC, UCLA, Oregon and Washington join the Big Ten next season.

Adam Rittenberg and Tom Van Haaren take a look at the top conference attendees, MVP candidates, September games to watch, power rankings, conference championship picks and more.

Three transfers you should know about

Iowa QBCade'a McNamary:After helping Michigan win a Big 10 title and a 2021 CFP appearance, McNamara fell behindJ.J. McCarthy'egoand moved to Iowa, which is in dire need of a quarterback boost due to its historically inept offense. --Adama Rittenberga

edge of MichiganJosiah Stewart:Michigan maintained its strong defensive stance without an elite forward into 2022, but Stewart could have a clear need there. The undersized Rand (6ft 1,237lbs) set a season record in Coastal Carolina with 12.5 sacks in 2021 before being capped at 3.5 sacks last season. --Rittenberga

Wisconsin QBTanner Mordechaj:The SMU transfer and planned launch vehicle are one of several notable imports for the attack led by coordinator Phil Longo, a dramatic departure from Wisconsin's traditional state system. --Rittenberga

Three key positions to be filled

Ohio State Quarterback:CJ Stroud was the No. 2 pick in this year's NFL draft, leaving the Buckeyes with a huge gap to fill offense.Kyle'a McCordaIDevina Browncompeting for this starting position in 2023 –Author: Toma VanHaarena

Penn State High School:The Nittany Lions lost to Joey Porter Jr. and Ji'Ayir Brown for the NFL, but they already have some good entry points.Kalen KingHe goes back into the cornerZakee'ego Wheatley'aIKeaton Ellisamong other things, who should keep Penn State's defense stable. --Like Van hair

Quarterbacks from Wisconsin:The Badgers have a new coaching staff with a new attacking system and they lostGraham Mertzand Chase Wolf to the transfer portal. The chariots brought Mordecai,Nick EversaIBraedyna Locke'ato fill that void, with Mordechai taking the lead this season. --Like Van hair

Three first-year students who have an immediate impact

Nebraska W.RMalachiasza Colemana:The Cornhuskers need quarterbacks at the receiving position as a new staff joins the team and Coleman has a chance to make a difference. Coleman is a 6ft, 44lb receiver who will be a big target for the new quarterbackJeff Sims. --Like Van hair

WR Stanu OhioCarnell Tate:Horse chestnuts have a deep collecting chamber, e.gMarvin Harrison jr. IEmeka Egg openswas among the top recipients of the conference and the country. However, Tate was a very eager recruit and received rave reviews during the off-season. --Like Van hair

Rutgers WFamah Toure:Rutgers lost three of their best players last season and will have to look for replacements this season. Toure is a 6-4, 200-pound player and has the potential to make an impression with the Scarlet Knights. --Like Van hair

Three games not to be missed in September

State of Ohio at Notre Dame, September 23:The Buckeyes' new quarterback (McCord or Brown) gets his first major test against a Notre Dame team that beat Ohio State by 21 points last season and has an outstanding defensive tandem this seasonBenjamin MorrisonICama-Honig. --Rittenberga

Iowa, Penn, September 23:There have been some close and exciting duels in this series (No. 6-4; coming out of the gutter) and these teams seem to be the most realistic contenders for Michigan and Ohio. Both defenses are doing very well, but the Iowa offense has to deal with whiteout conditions and find opportunities to score. --Rittenberga

Nebraska, Colorado, September. 9:The spectacle is likely to surpass teams' levels as Boulder enters the Deion Sanders era and resumes rivalry with Nebraska as they struggle to find stability and success under their notable new coach Matt Rhule. --Rittenberga

MVP selection

Rittenberg: Ohio State WR Marvin Harrison Jr.

Harrison could prove to be the pinnacle of the Buckeyes' elite forward streak and ease the transition for Ohio State's new quarterback after recording 77 receptions for 1,263 yards and 14 touchdowns last season. Harrison had five or more receptions in all but two of his games in 2022.

Tom Van Haaren: Michigan RBBlakes Refrain

I agree that the league MVP will most likely be Harrison, but Corum will be involved. At the end of the previous season, he was injured and left the NFL to return to Michigan for another season. The running game will always be involved in this attack and Corum still has a very good offensive line to run from. In 2022, he rushed for 1,463 yards and 18 touchdowns, and there's no reason he couldn't have the same success in 2023.

In the hot seat

Adam Rittenberg: Tom Allen, Indiana (sort of)

There really are no contenders for a hot spot in the Big Ten this season. Allen would be if Indiana's recent results hadn't changed, having gone 6-18 for the past two seasons after finishing 12th in 2020. However, Indiana would still owe Allen more than $20 million if he fired him this year.

Tom Van Haaren: Allen

I agree that hot spot trainers don't really exist, including Allen. If we have to answer, I will follow him for all the reasons Adam gave. However, pondering this question gives a different perspective on the state of the Big Ten as a whole. There are many positive aspects associated with the future conference.

Das Sleepers-Team

Adam Rittenberg: Maryland

The Terrapins may have fallen out of the Sleeper title when coach Mike Locksley announced during Big Ten media days that they were ready to compete. But Maryland has one of the few veteran quarterbacks in the league (Valuia Tagovailoa), a generally strong offense and enough talent to apply pressure, particularly to avoid Iowa and Wisconsin in crossover games.

Tom Van Haaren: Iowa

Can we consider Iowa sleepy since it's part of the western division? I call them "sleepers" because offense was so fierce last season and the Hawkeyes' expectations across the country are low. Plus quarterback Cade McNamara and a tight endEric AllFrom Michigan, that offense should at least help them become more competent, and if the defense continues as crushing as usual, the Hawkeyes could have a good season.

title conference

Adam Rittenberg: Ohio State 35, Iowa 17

I've been through a lot in Michigan and Ohio, but the Wolverines have never won three straight conference titles and the Buckeyes still have a lot of top talent. Iowa has arguably the best overall defense in the league and only needs a few fearless quarterback games to become a decent offensive player.

Tom Van Haaren: Michigan 35, Iowa 17

I tossed a coin between Michigan and Ohio State and Michigan won two out of three games. I've seen that for both teams, and Ohio State's focus on offseason competition due to two late-season losses and a desire for revenge against Michigan. But the Buckeyes are bringing in a new quarterback and Michigan is bringing back a number of starters from last season. I'm betting on the Wolverines winning their third straight Big Ten title for the first time in their history.