Phil Steele predicts final rankings in 2023 Big Ten forecast

The Big Ten could have some surprises this season, but college football analyst Phil Steele has the big boys running the conference once again.

The two-time defending conference champions, Michigan, are poised to win the East division once again, before expansion in 2024, and represent its half in the Big Ten Championship Game. What’s that say for Ohio State, Penn State and others?

Below are Steele’s projections for the final rankings in the Big Ten during the 2023 season.

EAST

1. Michigan

This might be the most talented Michigan team under Jim Harbuagh yet. Feels like we’ve said that the last two seasons. But a third straight Big Ten title and College Football Playoff appearance are there for the taking. 

It helps to have JJ McCarthy at quarterback plus Donovan Edwards and Blake Corum behind him. This might be a freight train that rolls right to the playoff.

2. Ohio State

Ohio State doesn’t have its quarterback battle settled yet, but Kyle McCord or Devin Brown should do just fine. That’s the benefit of this offense with some of the best weapons in college football.

Ryan Day has a history of coaching top notch quarterbacks. Justin Fields and CJ Stroud are great examples. With a bevy of offensive weapons like Marvin Harrison Jr. and defensive talent returning, this is a national championship roster.

3. Penn State

Oh yeah, this is another loaded Big Ten team that happens to play in the same division as Michigan and Ohio State. Drew Allar takes over at quarterback with weapons like Nick Singleton there to help.

James Franklin won a Big Ten title before but it’s definitely a challenge to do so again. But hey, Penn State could shake up the apple cart and come out on top in a tough conference.

4. Maryland

The Terrapins bring back quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa and that has to count for something. Maryland is likely postseason bound once again but it’s up to the quarterback to determine if the team can go further.

The top three in the division are obviously overwhelming to some. But don’t be surprised if Maryland can pull off a big upset somewhere.

5. Michigan State

Michigan State is just trying to recapture its magic from a couple of years ago. If Mel Tucker can bring the program back to those heights, he can quiet down the talk about his job.

The long term deal is in place for a reason and Tucker is a good coach. Maybe not great at this moment. 2023 is a pivotal year.

6. Rutgers

Greg Schiano wanted to bring Rutgers back to the national spotlight. So far? That hasn’t happened, aside from viral plays, embarrassing defeats and the occasional bright spot.

It doesn’t help Rutgers’ offense has been a revolving door of coordinators. But Kirk Ciarocca could put things back on the right track with quarterback Gavin Wimsatt.

7. Indiana

Indiana is a far cry from the magical 2020, albeit shortened, season where the Hoosiers had an argument for the Big Ten title game. Tom Allen hasn’t been able to push the same buttons.

The way Steele sees it, Indiana is basement bound again in the Big Ten East. At their peak, the Hoosiers could climb up to No. 4, but the top three seem miles away. 

WEST

1. Wisconsin

Luke Fickell steps in as head coach and Steele putting the Badgers in the top spot in the West should tell you something. That’s how good of a coach Fickell is after his tenure at Cincinnati.

The Badgers were a Big Ten Championship regular and with a jumpstart in Year 1 under Fickell, Wisconsin could be a program to be reckoned with. Big Ten champions? Remains to be seen.

2. Iowa

Iowa remains the old school team that can beat almost anyone on any given day. But the offense might be in the 21st century now. Jokes aside, the Hawkeyes pulled in some good transfers.

Cade McNamara goes under center after coming from Michigan, as well as his Wolverine teammate Erick All. The QB-TE combo could be deadly in the Iowa offense that desperately needs a kick in the rear end.

3. Illinois

Bret Bielema quickly rebuilt Illinois into a division contender. How that looks in an expanded Big Ten remains to be seen.

But for now, the Fighting Illini have a “fighting” chance, if you will, to win the division. No one overwhelms anyone in the West, so why not Illinois at the end of the year?

4. Minnesota

Will PJ Fleck and the Gophers row the boats past fourth place in the West? Not according to Steele this season.

Fleck built a consistent program up north but has yet to reach that elusive Big Ten Championship Game. It just feels like Minnesota continually knocks on the door only to be left hanging by the end of November.

5. Nebraska

New head coach Matt Rhule could bring a much needed energy back to Lincoln. Former favorite son Scott Frost did not pan out as a head coach, despite the initial promise, he could just never get it going.

Rhule is a noted program builder, see Temple and Baylor. Can he do it for a third time after a failed NFL stint? Maybe not right away, but don’t count out the Huskers.

6. Northwestern

Steele actually has the Wildcats finishing above last place this season despite the hazing scandal and coaching change. David Braun has a big task ahead and even though Rutgers is on the schedule, it’s no easy first Big Ten game.

That could set the tone of the season, but for now, Steele has the Wildcats doing at least something in 2023. Bowl game? Probably out of the realm of possibility for now.

7. Purdue

Purdue might have to totally rebuild after seeing head coach Jeff Brohm leave for Louisville, his alma mater. What a change from last year’s Big Ten runner ups.

The Boilermakers have to play some catch up, but they can certainly surprise some people in the West. New head coach Ryan Walters probably wants to make a big first impression.

The Big Ten might be the “Big Three” out in the East division. But, it should be a fascinating season in the East division while the West is always wild. So be sure to tune into the Big Ten to see if Steele can hit these picks on the money.