Way too early Big Ten favorites

The 2024 college football season is off and running and already, there’s been some big upsets all around. And after two weeks it may be a little too early to have a clear picture of who’s winning the Big Ten this year, but let’s speculate anyway.

Here are a few teams that could make a run at the Stagg Championship Trophy:

5. Nebraska Cornhuskers

The No. 23-ranked Cornhuskers are on a roll to start the season. Led by star quarterback Dylan Raiola, the Cornhuskers have some momentum going after steamrolling Colorado. Their defense has held opponents to an impressive eight average points, taking the pressure off the offense.

With only one future opponent currently ranked, there’s a reason to be excited in Lincoln.

4. Oregon Ducks

I wanted to put the Ducks higher on this list, but after their scare against Boise State this past weekend I can’t. The team has to work on protecting Dillon Gabriel, who’s already been sacked seven times this season.

Their rushing yards per game could also use some improvement. They’ve still got some loose ends to figure out before their game of the year: an Oct. 12 date with Ohio State.

3. Penn State Nittany Lions

No. 8-ranked Penn State is kind of in the same situation Oregon is in: they look good, but there’s still more to be desired. After a dominant win against West Virginia, any momentum from that game was stomped out by a nailbiter vs. Bowling Green.

The PSU defense struggled to contain the Falcons’s offense, allowing 375 yards in the game. This much needed bye week will allow them to reset before taking on one of the worst teams in college football: Kent State.

There’s still a lot to be excited about for the Blue & White, with Nicholas Singleton having a stellar season, and Tyler Warren finally coming into shape at tight end.

2. USC Trojans

Coming into the season, there were a lot of unknowns about this team. After losing standout quarterback Caleb Williams to the draft, many were concerned if the Trojans could replace him.

Miller Moss seems to be fitting into that role just fine with 607 passing years already on the season. The defense looks to be in good shape too, shutting out Utah State last Saturday. After defeating No. 13 LSU in Week 1, USC faces another ranked opponent in No. 17 Michigan this weekend.

1. Ohio State Buckeyes

Going into the season it was expected that OSU would be favorites not only to win the Big Ten, but to win the National Championship. The Ohio State offense is going to be one of the best in the country this season, already putting up over 50 points in both of their games this season.

This all comes behind an exceptional effort from the Will Howard/Quinshon Judkins duo, who’ve terrorized their first two opponents. Their true test will come later this season when they take on three of the teams on this list in a row (Oregon, Nebraska, and Penn State). For now, however, the Big Ten runs through Columbus, Ohio.

Ethan Ellis is a fourth year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email ece5133@psu.edu.