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Wisconsin Football: Top Five Big Ten Defensive Players

By Sam Land

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 02: The Ohio State Buckeyes celebrate after their 27-21 win over the Wisconsin Badgers during the Big Ten Championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 2, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 02: The Ohio State Buckeyes celebrate after their 27-21 win over the Wisconsin Badgers during the Big Ten Championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 2, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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#1 – Ohio State DE Nick Bosa

(Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /

Ohio State junior edge-rusher Nick Bosa is the best returning player in the Big Ten, and maybe even the country. Many consider him to be even more talented than his brother, former Buckeye star and current Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa.

He has been a star on Ohio State’s defense from the beginning of his college career. A former top ten recruit, Bosa was named to the Freshman All-American team in 2016. Last season, he led the Buckeyes’ talented defense with 16 tackles for loss and 8 sacks. In addition to being named Big Ten defensive lineman of the year, he was a First Team All-American and First Team All-Big Ten selection.

Bosa is a special talent and an absolute terror coming off the edge. He has all the tools: instincts, athleticism, and a relentless motor, just to name a few. It is no surprise that scouts believe he will the first player selected in  the 2019 NFL Draft.

Last season, Bosa was part of an incredibly talented defensive end rotation that also included Sam Hubbard and Tyquan Lewis, who were both selected in the 2017 draft. With those guys now playing on Sundays, Bosa should put up some big numbers this year and have an even greater impact.

Look for Bosa to dominate Ohio State’s opponents all season and leave no doubt that he is the Big Ten’s best defensive player.

Next: Five Badgers who can breakout in 2018

Do you agree with our list? Let us know who we missed, or what you would change, in the comment section below.