The Rebirth of the Big 10: How 2015 Changed the Conference’s Status
While walking at work, someone took notice of my Penn State hat. Over my shoulder, I hear someone shout “Big 10 sucks!” True story. I looked over my shoulder and just smirked, knowing if I had the time to stop and debates this guy over it I would have him wishing he kept his mouth shut; no problem.
While in history the Big 10 hasn’t shown all the same finesse at the SEC, its recent success and prospects have taken not just college football, but the NFL by storm. We’re seeing superstar caliber names such as Melvin Gordon coming out in recent years and guys like Brandon Scherff being taken early and primed to make a major impact in the NFL.
You could easily argue that the top three college quarterback prospects looking at entering the draft make their name in the Big 10. Christian Hackenberg, Cardale Jones, and Connor Cook reside here, and by this time next year they will most likely be flaunting top 10 pick deals and their own franchise to run with. That would match the record 2012 draft which had three quarterbacks go in the first round from the Big 12 (RGIII, Ryan Tannehill, Brandon Weeden).
The top 2016 defensive prospect? Joey Bosa is one of the first names that pops into people’s minds. His strength and knowledge might make him the first pick of the draft. Throw in those quarterbacks and Elliot at Ohio State and you will really have a top 10 Big 10 dominated draft.
The fact that Ohio State’s success has grown exponentially since Urban Meyer took over is probably the biggest boost the conference has gotten. Winning the first national championship playoff is another big feat. Hopefully the influx of big name coaches such as Jim Harbaugh and James Franklin will help those respective schools grow as strong as Ohio State did.
Looking towards the future, the Big 10’s is as bright as ever. In the latest recruiting rankings, the Big 10 has three top ten recruiting classes (Ohio State, Penn State, and Michigan). Michigan State is right there as well at 12. Between those four schools, there is one 5 star, 39 four stars, and 37 three star prospects. Plenty of incoming talent spread throughout the conference.
The Big 10 is making a comeback, and this years star-studded quarterback class is leading the way. In my research, I have gone back over thirty years and I have not found an NFL draft where three of the top ten quarterbacks came from the same conference, let alone same division within the conference. We may also as many as half of the top ten picks coming out of the Eastern Division of the Big 10, three of those coming from Ohio State. 2015 has been a major year for the Big 10, and the future is as bright as ever.