What an offseason it has been for the Big Ten. Two major players are joining the conference in the coming years, potentially more as well, and they just secured a massive TV rights deal. Even as the SEC tries its best to further itself from the rest of the pack, the Big Ten won’t let them go alone.
That’s the future, though. What about now? USC and UCLA are absolutely meaningless to what happens in the Big Ten this season. While there are many grand things happening in the future, there still is a season to play this year.
Last year there was a big shakeup in the conference. For the first time since 2016, a team not named Ohio State won the Big Ten. Everything finally came together for Jim Harbaugh’s Wolverines, Michigan making it all the way to the College Football Playoff. Joining them (somewhat) was Iowa. The Hawkeyes cooled off from their hot start, but still were able to make it to the big dance, though it did not go quite as planned for them.
In 2022, the Big Ten is as strong as ever. Ohio State looks to return to glory, but they will have to stave off a Michigan side looking to reclaim their throne atop the conference. Michigan State is also cause for concern, and don’t forget about Iowa and Wisconsin lurking out of the West.
As usual, there are few bad teams in the Big Ten, and any team can put up a big fight and beat anyone. ESPN took a look at the Big Ten Conference with the season right around the corner, and here are the big takeaways for Hawkeyes fans.
Iowa is ranked fourth in the conference
AP Photo/Julio Cortez
That’s right! Iowa is directly behind Big Ten East division giants Ohio State, Michigan, and Michigan State. As such, the Hawkeyes are the highest-ranked team from the West division. Clearly, ESPN does not buy the regression narrative for the Hawkeyes and firmly eyes them as a contender in the West.
Iowa misses out on a return trip to the Big Ten Championship…
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