There were some massive additions for some of the top programs in the conference
We are about two months from the Big Ten football season kicking off, and most of the major additions from the portal are likely behind us. There have been some big additions in the conference via the portal this offseason — check out our mini-series evaluating each Big Ten program’s offseason in the portal (Part 1 and Part 2 ) if you haven’t already.
Today, we dive a bit deeper and take a look at the top-10 most important players who transferred into the conference who will impact the 2024 season:
10. Indiana Hoosiers WR Elijah Surratt
Surratt was one of the best players for James Madison last season — 82 receptions for 1,191 receiving yards and eight touchdowns — and followed head coach Curt Cignetti to Indiana. The junior won the team’s MVP award, was an honorable mention All-American by Phil Steele and the College Football Network, and was an All-Sun Belt first-team performer. He’ll now have a chance to shine on the Big Ten stage and help rebuild Indiana football.
9. Washington Huskies WR Jeremiah Hunter
Lots of change has happened in Seattle this offseason. To help the transition, the Huskies earned a commitment from Hunter, a former Cal wideout. The last two seasons, Hunter had 60+ receptions on one of the worst passing offenses in the Pac-12. Hunter will very likely be the top option at receiver this year.
8. Michigan State Spartans QB Aidan Chiles
It’s safe to say Michigan State is not close to contending in the Big Ten. However, if Jonathan Smith is going to make that change quickly, he’ll need Chiles to be as promised. The former four-star quarterback is a dual-threat that followed Smith from Oregon State . He didn’t play much last year as a true freshman, but is fully expected to take over immediately in East Lansing.
7. Penn State Nittany Lions WR Julian Fleming
The pressure is on for Drew Allar and James Franklin. Adding former Ohio State wideout Julian Fleming could be the key for them, after the former five-star was buried by superior talent in Columbus. Fleming will finally get his opportunity to shine, just in different Big Ten colors than what he originally anticipated.
6. Washington Huskies QB Will Rogers
Let’s not forget Rogers was originally recruited by DeBoer to be Washington’s quarterback. Even after his recommitment following the coaching change, Rogers is still the expected quarterback for the Huskies this fall. While a step back is anticipated through many changes, Washington is still an elite football program coming off a National Championship appearance. If they can tap into Rogers — who threw for 4,739 yards and 36 touchdowns as a sophomore for Mississippi State — the drop-off may not be as severe as some expect for the final Pac-12 champs.
5. Wisconsin Badgers QB Tyler Van Dyke
Wisconsin is expected to take the next step in year two under Luke Fickell and it appears Van Dyke is going to be the guy at quarterback this fall. Van Dyke had an up-and-down career at Miami, but he’s played in 32 games and has thrown for nearly 7,500 yards. If they hope to contend in the conference and for one of the 12 spots in the College Football Playoff, Van Dyke will have to be at his best for the Badgers in 2024.
4. Michigan Wolverines LB Jaishawn Barham
If the Michigan Wolverines are going to four-peat as Big Ten champs and have another shot at a national championship, their defense will need to stay elite. Their biggest losses came in the linebacker room, as both Michael Barrett and Junior Colson got drafted this spring. Ernest Hausmann played meaningful snaps last year and will return to the program, but Barham will be just as important for this team’s success. Barham’s 95 career tackles are a great start, but another level is necessary for the Wolverines to get back with a new coaching staff on the defensive side.
3. Ohio State Buckeyes DB Caleb Downs
As a true freshman at Alabama last season, Downs was one of the best defensive backs in college football. The SEC Freshman of the Year earned All-American accolades from PFF, the Sporting News, USA Today and the AP thanks to his 107 tackles and two interceptions. Downs is a difference-maker and he’ll be a force for the Buckeyes’ defense.
2. Oregon Ducks QB Dillon Gabriel
The story has not yet been fully written for Gabriel, which is somewhat crazy to say. Entering 2024, Gabriel is tied for fourth in NCAA history with 152 total touchdowns and seventh in total yards with 15,925. He’s been a collegiate starter for five seasons, including 49 starts. Ironically, Bo Nix has the NCAA record with 61 that could be broken by Gabriel this season.
Nix and Gabriel having similar collegiate tales bodes well for Dan Lanning and Oregon. This team is still stacked on defense and is one of the favorites to win the Big Ten this season. If Lanning strikes gold again with a veteran quarterback in the portal, they’ll have a great shot at being the top dogs in year one in the Big Ten.
1. Ohio State Buckeyes QB Will Howard
The Buckeyes kicked Kyle McCord out of town this offseason in favor of Kansas State’s Will Howard. Some may consider Howard a downgrade. In 2023, McCord outperformed Howard in almost every single metric; McCord had more passing yards and passing touchdowns, a higher completion percentage and QBR, and fewer interceptions and attempts than Howard. The only area where Howard takes a step forward is with his legs, where he ran for nine touchdowns and 351 yards last season.
This was a monumental decision for the Buckeyes. If they don’t win the conference/beat Michigan in 2024, Day’s quarterback decision may ultimately lead to some uncomfortable conversations in Columbus.