10 biggest storylines fans shouldn't miss at Big Ten Media days
When Big Ten Media Days open in Indianapolis on July 23, it's a unique opportunity to break in an 18-team mega league. With a conference that stretches from Washington to New Jersey, the Big Ten is a behemoth.
There's plenty to watch over the three-day Big Ten Media Days. But here are 10 stories to keep an eye on as college football approaches.
Big Ten Media Days 2024: 10 storylines fans shouldn't miss
#10 Welcoming the new members
Yes, we're in a world where USC and UCLA will play as a Big Ten conference game. No conference has ever stretched geography to the extent that the Big Ten will.
However, new members USC, UCLA, Washington and Oregon are expected to add vibrancy and excitement to a league that could be a bit stodgy. How will the new teams fit in? We'll learn in a hurry.
#9 How will Washington adjust to Jeff Fisch?
It's a huge offseason for the Huskies. They reached the national title game a year ago, meaning both teams from the title game are now in the Big Ten.
However, they lost MIchael Penix, 1,000 yard rusher Dillon Johnson and a pair of 1,000 yard receivers. They also lost coach Kalen DeBoer to Alabama. Can Arizona transplant Jedd Fisch thrive in 2024? Big Ten Media Days will be an early clue.
#8 Can Wisconsin stay relevant?
One of the Big Ten powers which may slide down a step with the new league members is Wisconsin.
The Badgers haven't topped 10 wins in the last six seasons and are coming off back-to-back 7-6 campaigns. With young coach Luke Fickell, it feels like a volitale time for Wisconsin.
#7 Will Nebraska ever be good again?
The Huskers edge farther and farther from their collegiate glory days, but Matt Rhule's team has big hopes in 2024.
Freshman standout Dylan Raiola was brought in to take over the reigns of the offense, and the Big Ten Media Days should provide some clues on that front.
#6 Is Iowa nearing a change?
The Iowa Hawkeyes have the longest tenured coach in major college football in Kirk Ferentz, in his 26th season at Iowa City.
However, the Hawkeyes failure to play competitive offensive football has led some to insist that the defensive-minded Ferentz may be past his prime. It's a tricky thing to potentially replace a legend and a story that bears watching at Big Ten Media Days.
#5 Will Penn State get over the hump or slide back?
Penn State has been close to top-level football several times in the James Franklin years. With four 11-win seasons in the last eight years, PSU is obviously a dangerous team.
However, they've been perennially unable to get over the hump at the top of the league, that's Ohio State and Michigan. Is this the year or will USC and Oregon push them down?
#4 Heisman hopefuls?
The Big Ten hasn't had a Heisman Trophy winner since Troy Smith in 2006, but there are some genuine hopefuls who could change that.
A pair of transfer QBs might have the best shot. Dillon Gabriel brings a world of experience to Oregon and Will Howard could shine with Ohio State. Drew Allar, Donovan Edwards and Quinshon Judkins are three more possibilities for the Heisman battle.
#3 How will the defending champion fare?
Michigan ended the SEC's run of CFP dominance with an impressive 15-0 run. But many of the key contributors who made it happen are gone (JJ McCarthy, Blake Corum and Junior Colson to name a few).
Jim Harbaugh has headed back to the NFL and new coach Sherrone Moore will have some work to do. Still, Michigan didn't get here by accident, and they won't leave quietly.
#2 Can Oregon be the spoiler?
Entering into a league with the defending champion and the most talented roster in the sport, it might seem unusual for Oregon to be a team of interest.
However, this Ducks squad is absolutely dangerous. Dillon Gabriel, Tez Johnson and an underrated defense make Oregon a legitimate title contender. Ohio State will get to experience a new world in Autzen Stadium on October 12th.
#1 Is it finally Ohio State's year, or is Ryan Day in trouble?
Every year seems like it should finally be Ohio State's year. But it has been a decade since OSU's lone CFP title and the Buckeyes have little to show for that favored status. Ryan Day is 56-8 in Columbus, but the eight losses seem to always outweigh the wins. Day's mood at Big Ten Media Days will be interesting.
Michigan figures to be retooling, and while Oregon and Penn State are both formidable, there's no reason Ohio State shouldn't be the best team in the Big Ten. If they don't hit postseason success this year, could Day be in danger?
Nobody wants to fire a coach whose winning percentage is one of the nation's best, but it's time for Day and the Buckeyes to win the big games.
Which stories will you be watching at Big Ten Media Days? Weigh in below in the comments section: