Coming off a 12-2 campaign in 2023, the Oregon Ducks have high hopes for the 2024 season despite the program making a move to the Big Ten. As a team with College Football Playoff aspirations, the Ducks also have hopes to win the Big Ten during their first season in their new home. Of course, with the Big Ten being a super conference, that won’t be easy.
Last year, it was longtime rival Washington that kept the Ducks from winning the Pac-12 title. Let’s take a look at the five teams that pose the biggest threat to Oregon winning the 2024 Big Ten title.
Ohio State
As usual, the Buckeyes are the favorites to win the Big Ten. Even the addition of a few powerhouse programs from the Pac-12 couldn’t stop oddsmakers from giving Ohio State the shortest odds. Of course, the Buckeyes aren’t a slam dunk to win the Big Ten. Kyle McCord surprised college football by transferring, forcing HC Ryan Day to grab Kansas State’s Will Howard in the transfer portal.
Howard will have to raise his game if he expects to lead the Buckeyes to a conference crown. The good news for Ohio State is that the running game should be strong with TreVeyon Henderson and Ole Miss transfer Quinshon Judkins.
Oregon fans will also be familiar with the new OSU offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, who looks to help the Buckeyes get back on top of the Big Ten. The Ducks will host Kelly and Ohio State during the season, which could help Oregon’s chances of winning the Big Ten. Before placing any football bet, sites like usalegalbetting.com are a good resource. It can help you to learn where sports betting is legal and what platforms receive the best reviews from users.
This is a strange sight for Oregon fans. (Screenshot from Bucknuts 247 Sports Video
Penn State
The Nittany Lions were disappointed not to win the Big Ten last year, but things are set up for them to take another shot in 2024. Quarterback Drew Allair was one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the country last season, limiting himself to just one interception. That has raised expectations for this season, even with Penn State bringing in a new offensive coordinator.
The Nittany Lions figure to be among the elite defenses in the country, so it won’t be entirely up to Allair. Plus, without Oregon and Michigan on their schedule, the Nittany Lions have a clear path to reach the Big Ten Championship Game and win their second conference title since 2008.
USC
Oregon isn’t the only Pac-12 transplant that has aspirations to take the Big Ten by storm. Lincoln Riley is always a threat to win a conference title despite failing to do so during his first two seasons with the Trojans. Of course, Riley has to replace Caleb Williams at quarterback, although the hype train for Miller Moss is running full steam ahead after last season’s bowl victory. Aside from replacing a former Heisman winner, USC’s other problem is a brutal schedule that avoids Oregon but features road games against Michigan and Washington, and home dates with Wisconsin and Penn State. However, since the Trojans miss both Ohio State and Oregon, they should be considered a threat in the Big Ten this year.
Wisconsin
HC Luke Fickell didn’t have the success he wanted during his first season in Madison, finishing just 7-6. But in his second season in charge, Fickell should have the Wisconsin defense playing at a high level. The Badgers also hope that Miami transfer Tyler Van Dyke can prove to be the answer at quarterback, giving them an experienced passer leading their offense. There are a few challenging games on Wisconsin’s schedule, including a late-September road game against USC.
However, the Badgers can be tough at home, hosting both Penn State and Oregon during the second half of the season. In fact, Oregon’s November 16 trip to Camp Randall could potentially trip up the Ducks because Wisconsin figures to be a team that will get better as the season moves along.
Oregon upset Michigan twice in the 2000’s. Can they win at the Big House again? (Photo by John Giustina)
Michigan
For a reigning national champ, the Wolverines may not be the biggest threat to repeat as Big Ten champs. Michigan lost over a dozen players with NFL-caliber talent from last year’s roster. New head coach Sherron Moore has his work cut out for him trying to replace quarterback J.J. McCarthy and a wealth of talent on both sides of the ball.
However, a youthful Michigan roster could be peaking when the Wolverines host Oregon on November 2. Plus, outside of the season finale at Ohio State, most of Michigan’s toughest games come at home, so don’t count out the reigning champs just yet.
OregonReigns
Lakeside, Oregon
Top Photo by John Giustina
Share your thoughts about this team in the only free, “polite and respectful” Oregon Sports message board, the Our Beloved Ducks forum!
OregonReigns is an occasional contributor to FishDuck and loves his Ducks!