The Big Ten is full of teams loaded with talent, and most of the conference's stars are also the best players in country. Here are the five guys that have proven themselves to be the best of the best:
Just missed the cut:
Jabrill Peppers, S, Michigan
Darron Lee, LB, Ohio State
5) Aaron Burbridge, WR, Michigan State Spartans
Burbridge has been the most reliable and explosive wideout in the conference all season, emerging has quarterback Connor Cook's favorite target. The 6'1", 210-pounder has caught 62 passes for 994 yards and six touchdowns this season, and has notched 100+ yards receiving in seven of Michigan State's nine games.
4) Carl Nassib, DE, Penn State Nittany Lions
Nassib has developed into an elite pass rusher this season as the former walk-on has learned to utilize his 6'7", 272 lbs frame to the tune of 16.5 sacks through 10 games this season. He has also proven to be extremely stout against the running game, showing he's a multi-dimensional player.
3) Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State Buckeyes
The Buckeyes have leaned on Elliott for much of the season and for good reason. He's racked up 1,244 yards and 14 TDs on 193 carries. OSU is trying to limit his touches to about 25 per game, which makes sense since Ohio State needs Elliott fresh for a postseason run. However, there's no denying how good he is and has been in a Buckeyes uniform, averaging 6.1 yards per carry - and over four yards after contact per carry.
2) Jourdan Lewis, CB, Michigan
Head coach Jim Harbaugh has had an amazing affect on Michigan's defense as a whole, but no one more so than Lewis. He leads the nation with 17 passes defensed to go along with two interceptions, but has absolutely shut down whoever he's guarding. According to Pro Football Focus, he has only allowed 18 catches this season.
1) Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State Buckeyes
Bosa showed last year that he can do it all, possessing a lethal combination of power and speed that many think will make him the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft this spring. He only has 3.5 sacks through nine games this year, but he does have an astounding 36 pressures and had 13.5 sacks last season. As the perfect combination of speed, power, and technique, it's no surprise to see Bose wreaking havoc in opposing backfields every week.
Back to the Big Ten Newsfeed