7. Iowa Hawkeyes
Iowa finished among the top of the Big Ten and yet they perpetually seem underwhelming. The Hawkeyes are a scrappy team that finds ways to win big games and lose random games. They should be looking at another run at the top of the conference.
6. Michigan Wolverines
Similar to the Hawkeyes, they were a bit of an enigma last season with some big wins and weird losses. They are going to be tough next season with reloaded talent, but we are now in the ranking stage where all the teams are tough.
5. Illinois Fighting Illini
Besides maybe Minnesota, this is the team most Wisconsin fans want to beat next year. It's hard to watch Bret Bielema rebuild a Big Ten program. They are currently the most gassed-up Big Ten team this season, and that should scare Illini fans. The expectations are almost too high for this team.
4. Indiana Hoosiers
If Jedd Fisch hates losing, what is Curt Cignetti? The man is competitiveness in bottled-up form. He does seem to have the Hoosiers headed in the right direction. They were one big win away last season from doing something that no one expected.
3. Alabama Crimson Tide
The Tide aren't the same as they used to be with Nick Saban, but they still have 5-star recruits sitting on the bench. Alabama's talent is insane, and until that changes, they will perpetually be a top team in the collegiate landscape.
2. Oregon Ducks
The Ducks may have won the Big Ten last season, but they failed to accomplish their ultimate goal of winning the championship. They reloaded as they always do in the offseason, and Dan Lanning will have his Ducks ready to go on another run this next season. I'm not sure they will go undefeated in the Big Ten next year, but they will be good.
1. Ohio State Buckeyes
The national champions will have a target on their back, and they've proven they can be knocked off during the regular season. When the Buckeyes are at their best, they've also proven they are the best team in the nation.