DEAL DONE: Rutgers confirm a huge contract with another commitment deal
The Scarlet Knights will begin their 2024 season in just over a month. In preparation for the season, Cleveland.com released its 14th annual Big Ten preseason poll. This poll included predictions from 27 writers across the Big Ten, covering conference standings, Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year, and Coach of the Year.
Rutgers was predicted to finish ninth in the expanded Big Ten conference for 2024. Last season, the Scarlet Knights were picked sixth out of seven teams in the Big Ten East, maintaining that position for three consecutive years. This suggests an improvement for Rutgers.
New Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel was chosen as the Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, with Kyle Monangai also receiving votes. Michigan’s cornerback Will Johnson was selected as the Defensive Player of the Year. Oregon’s Dan Lanning narrowly beat Ohio State’s Ryan Day for Coach of the Year, winning by a vote of 12-10.
Cleveland.com also shared College Football Playoff predictions from the Big Ten. With the field now expanded to 12 teams, there are more opportunities for Big Ten selections.
Ohio State was selected on all 27 ballots to make the tournament, while Oregon was on 26 out of 26. Penn State was picked on 18 ballots, and Michigan on 15. Iowa appeared on three ballots as well.
The Buckeyes enter the 2024 season as the favorites to win the Big Ten for the eighth time in 14 years.
Full Preseason Big Ten Rankings
- Ohio State (21), 480
- Oregon (6), 448
- Penn State, 418
- Michigan, 411
- Iowa, 363
- USC, 346
- Wisconsin, 313
- Nebraska, 293
- Rutgers, 249
- Washington, 236
- Maryland, 185
- Minnesota, 183
- Illinois, 145
- Northwestern, 138
- UCLA, 124
- Michigan State, 119
- Indiana, 76
- Purdue, 65