Oregon Emerges as Top Rival to Ohio State

The Big Ten Conference is undergoing a significant transformation as it prepares for the upcoming college football season. Once perceived as a conservative entity resistant to change, the Big Ten has evolved into a powerhouse, now encompassing teams from coast to coast following the addition of former Pac-12 members USC, UCLA, Washington, and Oregon. This expansion positions the conference at the forefront of college football's new landscape. As the reigning College Football Playoff champion, Michigan, and runner-up Washington gear up for the season, both teams will do so without their head coaches from last year's title game. Ohio State and Oregon are favored to lead the conference, while Penn State, Michigan, and Iowa are also in contention for playoff spots. Other teams like USC, Wisconsin, and Nebraska may emerge as potential playoff contenders as well. In a notable shift, the Big Ten has eliminated its traditional East and West divisions, opting for a single unified structure. This change paves the way for exciting matchups reminiscent of classic Rose Bowl encounters, such as UCLA versus Iowa and Penn State against USC. The new format promises to enhance the competitive landscape of the conference. The Athletic has provided an in-depth analysis of the Big Ten's 18 members, ranking them in tiers based on expected wins and projections. This comprehensive preview aims to shed light on the teams poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming season, highlighting the Big Ten's dynamic evolution in college football.