Big Ten football: Early conference championship odds released for 2024 season (2024)

247Sports' Pre-Spring Projected Record:6-6, 3-6 Big Ten

Indiana made arguably one of the best coaching hires of the recent cycle by bringing in Curt Cignetti from James Madison. The Hoosiers attacked the transfer portal with intentions of increasing the talent level in Bloomington. The schedule is manageable for Indiana, which could be in position to reach a bowl game despite having the longest odds to win the Big Ten in 2024.

247Sports' Pre-Spring Projected Record:2-10, 0-9Big Ten

Purdue could be moving in the wrong direction under second-year head coach Ryan Walters. The Boilermakers are a long shot to even contend in the Big Ten title race. The schedule is brutal with games against three of the four teams with the best odds to win the conference in 2024 — Ohio State, Oregon and Penn State. Purdue is just two years removed from playing in the Big Ten Championship Game under former head coach Jeff Brohm.

247Sports' Pre-Spring Projected Record:4-8, 1-8Big Ten

Minnesota failed to live up to expectations last season when it projected among the favorites to win the Big Ten West. With conference divisions no more, theroad to a Big Ten title is far more difficult for the Golden Gophers. Minnesota facesfive of theeight teams with the best odds to win the Big Ten crown in 2024, while also managing long trips to Rutgers and UCLA.

247Sports' Pre-Spring Projected Record:6-6, 3-6 Big Ten

Northwestern won the Big Ten West twice under longtime head coach Pat Fitzgerald. Making a return trip to Indianapolis is a lofty goal for the Wildcats and second-year coach David Braun, but being a consistent bowl-eligible team is more than reasonable. Northwestern returns a lot of key pieces — especially on defense — from last season, which saw the Wildcats reach eight wins after projecting to finish last in the West.

247Sports' Pre-Spring Projected Record:5-7, 3-6Big Ten

Illinois expects to be fighting for bowl eligibility late into November under fourth-year coach Bret Bielema. The Fighting Illini have just one postseason appearance during his tenure and another challenging schedule in 2024 could keep them out again. Illinoisfaces Big Ten opponents Michigan, Oregon and Penn State. The Fighting Illini may be favored in only two conference games.

247Sports' Pre-Spring Projected Record:6-6, 3-6Big Ten

Jonathan Smith has a lot to prove as he begins a rebuild at Michigan State. The Spartans reached the postseason just once in the past four years and need stability given the tumultuous ending to the Mel Tucker era. Year 1 in East Lansing is not about competing for a Big Ten title, but rather setting the foundation for future success. A bowl appearance would be a step in the right direction.

247Sports' Pre-Spring Projected Record:8-4, 5-4Big Ten

Rutgers immediately benefits from the end of divisions in the Big Ten. The Scarlet Knights avoid Michigan, Ohio State and Penn State this upcoming season, while dodging Oregon too. In fact,of the six Big Ten teams with the best odds to win the conference title, USC is the only one Rutgers faces in 2024. Greg Schiano could have the Scarlet Knights on the verge of a top-25 ranking in September.

247Sports' Pre-Spring Projected Record:4-8, 2-7Big Ten

New UCLA head coach DeShaun Foster has his work cut out for him as the Bruins make the transition to the Big Ten in 2024. Still, maybe the change in leadership benefits UCLA after the program seemed to lack excitement under Chip Kelly. The schedule is tough with the Bruins facing onlythree Big Ten opponents will lower conference title odds — Indiana, Minnesota and Rutgers.

247Sports' Pre-Spring Projected Record:6-6, 4-5Big Ten

Wisconsin also failed to live up to the hypelast season under new coach Luke Fickell, which resulted in a reset of expectations for the Badgers in 2024. Even with the arrival of transfer quarterback Tyler Van Dyke to operate the air-raid offense, Wisconsin couldbe fighting for bowl eligibility down the stretch once again with games against Iowa, Nebraska, Oregon and Penn State in the second half of the season.

247Sports' Pre-Spring Projected Record:9-3, 6-3Big Ten

Nebraska could be in for a major jump in 2024 as Matt Rhule continues the rebuild in Lincoln. The Huskers look to snap a streak of seven-consecutive losing seasons and return to a bowl game for the first time since 2016. Five-star freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola likely takes command of the Nebraska offense, which was among the worst in the FBS last season.The schedule gives the Huskers a legitimate chance to start 7-0 before facing several difficult challenges late.

247Sports' Pre-Spring Projected Record:7-5, 4-5Big Ten

Maryland begins a new era without veteran quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa, but maybe more importantly the Terrapins are no longer trapped in the Big Ten East. Although Maryland does face Oregon and Penn State in November, it avoids Michigan and Ohio State. Head coach Mike Locksley led the Terrapins to back-to-back 8-win seasons and three-consecutive bowl appearances. The schedule in 2024 is manageable enough that Maryland could finish in the top half of the Big Ten standings.

247Sports' Pre-Spring Projected Record:8-4, 5-4Big Ten

The drop off for reigning national runner-up Washington may not be as bad as expected. The Huskies lostKalen DeBoer and a vast majority of the two-deep from last season, but new head coach Jedd Fisch is piecing together a roster, starting with Will Rogers at quarterback. Washington could be big buyers during the spring portal window too. As the Huskies make the transition to the Big Ten, they will face each of the other former Pac-12 schools — Oregon, UCLA and USC — in 2024.

247Sports' Pre-Spring Projected Record:9-3, 6-3Big Ten

Iowa often benefited from being in the Big Ten West, reaching double-digit wins in three of the past five seasons. The Hawkeyes will certainly be tested more moving forward, but the schedule in 2024 is feasible with Ohio State being the only opponent with better odds to win the Big Ten title. Iowa returns most of its defensive starters from last season and the hiring of Tim Lester as offensive coordinator could lead to improvements.

247Sports' Pre-Spring Projected Record:8-4, 6-3Big Ten

USC will be tested right away in 2024 as it begins the post-Caleb Williams era ina new conference. Big Ten games against reigning national champion Michigan followed by Wisconsin at the end of September could result in a slow start for the Trojans. Offense may not be a major concern under Lincoln Riley, but the hope is the drastic changes made on the defensive side pay off to match the physical identity of the Big Ten.

247Sports' Pre-Spring Projected Record:10-2, 7-2Big Ten

Penn State avoids Michigan and gets Ohio State at home in 2024. That alone increases the Nittany Lions' chances at making a run at the Big Ten title. Trips to USC and Wisconsin will not be easy, though.A more experienced Drew Allar at quarterback paired with new offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki could lead to success in big games for Penn State.

247Sports' Pre-Spring Projected Record:9-3, 7-2Big Ten

Three-time defending Big Tenwinner and reigning national champion Michiganis third in the conference title odds for 2024. New head coach Sherrone Moore must overcome the loss of key pieces on the Wolverines offense as well as several notable staff members, but the defense should be strong given the returning talent. Michigan draws Big Ten favorites Oregon and Ohio State in November.

247Sports' Pre-Spring Projected Record:11-1, 8-1Big Ten

Can Oregon win the Big Ten in its first season as a new member? The Ducks expect to be a top contender as Dan Lanning leads the transition in Year 3 as the head coach in Eugene. Oregon will have a new starting quarterback, most likely transfer Dillon Gabriel. The Ducks could start strong before taking on Ohio State in a potential Big Ten Championship preview in mid-October. Oregon must also travel to Michigan to face the reigning national champions.

247Sports' Pre-Spring Projected Record:11-1, 8-1Big Ten

Ohio State went all in on roster upgrades and staff changes in an effort to reclaim its superiority in the Big Ten. After three-straight losses to rival Michigan, the Buckeyes are doing just about everything to put an end to that streak. Although Ohio State is the favorite to win the Big Ten, it does face fellow top contenders Michigan, Oregon, Penn State and even Iowa in 2024. It is likely Big Ten title or bust for Ryan Day and the Buckeyes.