Big Ten Media Days: First Day

A new season of college football is upon us, media days always welcome you to that fact. The Big Ten has 18 teams this year, so that means three days of coverage and coaches lifting up their teams.

Ohio State

Day one is highlighted by Big Ten favorite Ohio State and head coach Ryan Day . Ohio State had another giant off-season in the transfer portal and in the coaching ranks. Chip Kelly being brought in as offensive coordinator will be a huge talking point as well as new starting QB Will Howard and running back Quinshon Judkins . It will be a highly intriguing to see how Ryan Day responds to any Michigan related questions and about his tenure being based on that this season. Win or go home for a man who wins 11 plus games a season, is must see TV

Rutgers

Greg Schiano and Rutgers will be part of day one, coming off its best season in the Big Ten. There are expectations for the Scarlett Knights now, something the program hasn't been used to since Schiano first stint in charge. The biggest question for Rutgers, "Is Athan Kaliakmanis the guy to help Rutgers take the next step?". That will be a huge part of Tuesday for a team loaded on defense and bringing back one of the Big Tens best backs Kyle Monangai . Schiano has recruiting rolling for 2025 and the buzz is loud in Piscataway. A tough schedule awaits but Rutgers has tons of pieces in a good spot.

Northwestern

Northwestern and head coach David Braun were the biggest surprise of the 2023 season.Not just because they had a horrendous 2022 campaign, Pat Fitzgerald had just been fired for lack of control in his program (serious accusations). Several key pieces left commitments or transferred, what Braun did last year was spectacular, capping the season off beating a ranked Utah team in the Las Vegas bowl. Repeating last year's success will be even harder in my opinion. Ryan field will be getting renovated into a brand new facility and that puts the Wildcats playing several home games in a 15,000 seat practice facility right off Lake Michigan. Longtime linebackers coach Tim Mcgarigle takes over at defensive coordinator as well.  Add onto that, Starting QB Brendan Sullivan transferred to Iowa, leaving the wildcats with career backups fighting for the starting spot this season. Tuesday should be fun listening to all these topics discussed from coach Braun.

Illinois

Bret Bielema leads Illinois into his fourth season as head coach. He has brought respectability back to a program who lost much of it with Lovie Smith. This is an important season for him as the leader of the program. Two blown leads late against Iowa and Wisconsin cost them a bowl game appearance last year. The biggest question heading into media day for Illinois? Can second year defensive coordinator Aaron Henry get his bunch to get critical stops late and become competent in the secondary. Illinois was one of the worst defenses in the league last year and another bad year will be a recipe for another missed bowl season. Illinois added highly sought after DB Terrence Brooks from Texas and healthy Matt Bailey should help out in the back end. Offensively a much improved Offensive Line could be a key to success. Bielema is always a fun listen at media days, I expect Tuesday to be no different.

Wisconsin

Luke Fickell will be entering his second season at Wisconsin after a mixed bag in year one. The Badgers ended the Big Ten season on a high note beating Minnesota for the Floyd of Rosedale which sent them to sunny Tampa and the Reliaquest Bowl. Midway through the season that didn't look likely, injuries hurt and derailed what could have been an 8-10 win season. Tanner Mordecai was hurt and had to be replaced with a true freshman, losing Chez Mellusi against Purdue really stifled some momentum with a daunting rushing attack that included Braelon Allen. Tyler Van Dyke takes over at QB, transferring in from Miami. Expectations of a very talented offensive group and wide receiving room headlined by Will Pauling . Defensive shortcomings will be a big part of what I'm listening to Fickle about Tuesday.

Purdue

Ryan Walters also comes into year 2 as head coach in the Big Ten. He leads Purdue into an important year for him. Bowl game isn't necessary but growth and being more competitive will be key. As a defensive coach, taking pride in that aspect, I know seeing improvement on that side of the ball is a must. Implementing a new system is never easy and rarely sprouts success immediately, he should have more weapons to use and having a whole season under their belts always helps. Offensively Hudson Card was electric and dynamic at times when he wasn't banged up. Having a two headed attack with Devin Mockabee and Illinois transfer Reggie Love should alleviate the pass heavy offense. Ryan Walters is a confident young coach who I plan on showcasing that in Indianapolis Tuesday.