Big Ten Football: What to Expect in 2024
As the dust settles from the past college football season, we’re all buzzing with excitement for what lies ahead in the 2024-25 season of the Big Ten. If you’re a fan, you’ve probably heard the chatter about the conference’s reshaping. Four new teams are joining the mix—UCLA, Oregon, USC, and Washington—making for an electrifying lineup we haven’t seen before. Buckle up, because the Big Ten is about to get wild!
The New Look of the Big Ten
This upcoming season will see the Big Ten expand to an impressive 18 teams, eliminating the traditional divisional format. That’s right! No more dividing everyone into East and West. Instead, the two best teams will battle it out in Indianapolis based on winning percentage and tiebreakers. Get ready for some nail-biting finishes!
Notably, Oregon is creating quite a buzz, tied for the highest projected win total at 10.5, along with the heavy hitters Ohio State and Penn State. Can you feel that anticipation? Especially with the Ducks bringing in Dillon Gabriel from Oklahoma as quarterback. Gabriel led the Sooners to an impressive 10-2 finish last season, throwing for 3,660 yards and 30 touchdowns. With him at the helm, and standout wide receiver Tez Johnson returning, Oregon has a good shot at making a statement in their inaugural Big Ten season.
However, it won’t be a cakewalk. Teams like Ohio State are no slouches, returning 16 starters and beefing up their roster with key transfers like Will Howard from Kansas State and star running back Quinshon Judkins from Ole Miss. Sorry, Ducks—this won’t be a walk in the park!
A Look at Projected Win Totals
Alright, folks, let’s break down the latest projected win totals as published by DraftKings Sportsbook for the Big Ten squads:
- Ohio State: Over 10.5 wins: -150 | Under 10.5 wins: +125
- Oregon: Over 10.5 wins: +100 | Under 10.5 wins: -120
- Penn State: Over 10.5 wins: +140 | Under 10.5 wins: -165
- Michigan: Over 9 wins: +115 | Under 9 wins: -135
- Iowa: Over 8 wins: -115 | Under 8 wins: -105
- And a host of others, all vying for glory.
These odds paint a vivid picture of which teams are expected to shine and which might be sputtering along.
Spotlight on UCLA
Speaking of teams trying to find their footing, UCLA has been catching everyone’s eye after the recent coaching shake-up. With Deshaun Foster taking the reins from Chip Kelly, there’s a fresh wave of energy in Westwood. But can that translate into wins? Right now, the Bruins are projected at 5.5 wins, and honestly, it feels a bit optimistic.
Foster steps into a tough situation. The roster has seen its fair share of departures both through drafts and the transfer portal, and key defensive players are missing in action. The offense, while it boasts some talent, might struggle to keep pace. The schedule has them making a treacherous trip to places like Hawaii and LSU, which doesn’t exactly scream "success" to me.
Rutgers: Surprising Contenders?
Let’s chat about Rutgers, shall we? Coming off a solid 6-6 season, they managed to grab a seventh win in a bowl game against Miami, which is no small feat. The Scarlet Knights are looking to improve and have a core roster returning—specifically, running back Kyle Monangai, who led the league in rushing. If their defense can maintain its momentum, there’s potential for Rutgers to march past the projected 6-win benchmark.
Their schedule is less daunting than some of the heavyweights in the conference, missing out on Ohio State and Oregon. With a little luck and solid play, Rutgers could sneak in a few more wins, making them a team to watch!
Embrace the Chaos
So, what are we really looking at for this upcoming Big Ten season? It’s bound to be a season full of unpredictability, fierce competition, and a few surprise stories that will become legendary over time. Fans will be glued to their seats, college football aficionados will be debating outcomes, and every game will count in this new era of the Big Ten.
Let’s gear up for what promises to be an unforgettable football journey. Whether you’re shouting for the Ducks, the Buckeyes, or even the Scarlet Knights, one thing’s for sure: the Big Ten is ready to put on a show!
