We are now into July and college football — week zero — will be upon us in late August, so it’s time to really start thinking about college football again.
The 2022 football season is going to be taking off, so for this article, we are going to rank the top 22 returning Big Ten players for the upcoming season.
It was difficult coming up with just 22 players. This conference is pretty loaded on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. I considered All-Big Ten awards, stats, and production when making this list of the top 22. I’m sure there will be plenty of disagreement with this ranking, so please share your thoughts and what you would change.
Without further ado, here are the best 22 Big Ten football players ahead of the 2022 football season.
List
Ranking Big Ten teams by returning production
Riley Moss — DB — Iowa
Iowa defensive back Riley Moss (33) gets set during a NCAA Big Ten Conference football game against Minnesota, Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
211113 Minn Iowa Fb Extra 021 Jpg
Career stats: 111 tackles, 10 interceptions, three defensive touchdowns, and 15 pass deflections
Ji’Ayir Brown — DB — Penn State
Jan 1, 2022; Tampa, FL, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions safety Ji’Ayir Brown (16) intercepts the ball in the end zone during the first half against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the 2022 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports
Career stats: 79 tackles, six interceptions, one defensive touchdown, and six pass deflections
Olu Oluwatimi– OL — Michigan
Photo: Isaiah Hole
*Rimington Award runner-up in 2021
Sam LaPorta — TE — Iowa
Dec 4, 2021; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes tight end Sam LaPorta (84) against the Michigan Wolverines in the Big Ten Conference championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Career stats: 95 receptions, 1,129 yards, and four touchdowns
Ronnie Bell — WR — Michigan
Photo: Isaiah Hole
Career stats: 83 receptions, 1,380 yards, and five touchdowns
Rakim Jarrett — WR — Maryland
COLUMBUS, OHIO – OCTOBER 09: Rakim Jarrett #5 of the Maryland Terrapins runs the ball past Bryson Shaw #17 of the Ohio State Buckeyes for a touchdown in the third quarter during a game at Ohio Stadium on October 09, 2021 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Career stats: 79 receptions, 1,081 yards, and seven touchdowns
Evan Hull — RB — Northwestern
Oct 23,…