The College Football season is still several months away, but that hasn't stopped early looks at the Top 25 teams for 2016. ESPN published its updated Top 25, and we're here to take a look at where the Big Ten teams rank. Below, we have the four Big Ten teams that made the Top 25, along with where in the Top 25 they check in.
23. Iowa Hawkeyes
Iowa is coming off one of the best seasons in school history, but ESPN is projecting some regression in 2016. The defensive line could be a major issue, with Drew Ott and Nate Meier both gone. In total, 13 starters return, perhaps non more important than QB C.J. Beathard. Another easy schedule (no Ohio State or Michigan State and Michigan is at home) means another double-digit win season and Big Ten title game appearence is within the grasp of Iowa this year.
The Spartans lost QB Connor Cook and all but nine starters on offense and defense, but ESPN thinks MSU will have another solid season. QB play will be critical for Michigan State, but the team has been consistently good under Mark Dantonio. Expect a big year from DT Malik McDowell this year.
Just six starters return (excluding special teams) and there isn't a team in the nation that lost more talent than Ohio State. But QB J.T. Barrett is still in town and the Buckeyes have recruited as well as any team in the country. That's why Ohio State is ranked so high by ESPN, although there might be a few growing pains early in the season.
All aboard the hype train! The Wolverines have 15 starters back and it's clear ESPN is fully on-board with the Jim Harbaugh Era at Michigan. The biggest question for Michigan is at QB. Jake Rudock was good but not great last year and John O'Korn was the favorite to take over the starting job. But it's Wilton Speight that has the edge after spring ball. If the Wolverines get steady, and at times great, play from whomever starts at QB, they will be a College Football Playoff contender.
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