The Big Ten was shut out of the College Football Playoff for the second consecutive year, largely due to Michigan’s meltdown at the Horseshoe and Ohio State’s disastrous blowout loss at Purdue, but the strength of the conference is not in question. From perennial playoff contenders like Ohio State and Michigan to up-and-comers like Nebraska, Minnesota and Purdue to steady challengers like Penn State, Wisconsin, Michigan State, Iowa and Northwestern, the Big Ten has a claim to be the deepest league in the country, even if Illinois and Rutgers drag that reputation down.
Here’s what to keep an eye on as the Midwest thaws out and spring football begins.