JD PicKell tabs Wisconsin as the Big Ten's biggest sleeper in 2023

The usual suspects are at the top of the Big Ten this season. Michigan has won the conference two years in a row, while Ohio State is looking to reclaim their crown. Picking those two to win the conference would be easy but On3’s J.D. PicKell decided to look for a sleeper in the Wisconsin Badgers.

Many would be quick to think Penn State is there, especially with how Jame Franklin’s squad stacks up this year. PicKell does not consider them a dark horse though, looking a little further down the Big Ten odds list. He decided to go with Wisconsin, citing how much trust he has in newly hired head coach Luke Fickell.

“They’re a +650,” PicKell said. “Fourth best odds, first year head coach. When it comes to betting on college football, when it comes to betting on dark horses — I think you bet on people. I think you bet on the individual and the person behind the operation… I would follow Luke Fickell into a dark alley. That’s just the way that it works. He knows how to put together winning football teams, his resume proves that.”

Part of the reason Wisconsin is getting some love is because of their new look offense. For years, the program has been focused on running the ball. Now, with Phil Longo running the show, the quarterback will be dropping back to pass more often.

“There’s so much smoke around the new offense and Phil Longo,” PicKell said. “The air raid, Tanner Mordecai, all the receivers from the transfer portal. That’s a real thing. That’s who I think they will try to be. But let’s say that falls apart… Still got Braelon Allen. At the very worst case scenario for Wisconsin, turn around, give the ball to 0. Not a bad offensive game plan.”

Schedules matter when trying to win a championship. Wisconsin has a favorable one, missing out on two of the Big Ten’s perceived top three teams as Ohio State will travel to Madison on Oct. 14. Outside of that, the Badgers will face familiar opponents.

“They don’t play Penn State, don’t play Michigan,” PicKell said. “Big Ten West is very wide open. If I’m Luke Fickell and company, I’m telling those guys ‘let’s just get in the door in Indy. Just get us in that building, Lucas Oil Stadium, we’ll handle that when it gets here.'”

Getting in the building will be Step One for Wisconsin. Being able to take down one of Michigan, Penn State, and potentially Ohio State again will be another challenge.