Big Ten college football preview

After a summer of significant news — the expansion additions of USC and UCLA, followed by a record new media rights deal — the Big Ten swaggers into the season. The league has proven it can compete with the SEC in revenue and realignment. National championships? That’s a different story.

Ohio State has been the only Big Ten program to win a national title during the College Football Playoff era, and the only one to win a playoff game. Although the Buckeyes missed the CFP and saw their Big Ten title streak end at four last season, they are the overwhelming favorites to win the league. Anything short of a national championship — and perhaps a Heisman Trophy for quarterback C.J. Stroud — would be deemed disappointing. Michigan isn’t getting as much respect as the defending league champ, but coach Jim Harbaugh’s team returns a lot on offense and should start strong. Michigan State also aims to reload after a top-10 finish, and Penn State enters a key season after struggling since 2019. The West Division should be very competitive as top contenders Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Purdue return quarterbacks and other key pieces.

Storylines to watch

1. Will Ohio State end its national title drought?

When Ohio State won the inaugural CFP eight years ago, the Buckeyes looked likely to pile up titles. While they’ve continued to dominate the Big Ten, they have just one CFP victory — and only three playoff appearances — since winning it all. Ohio State has a title-worthy team, led by an offense that could score at will. Stroud returns alongside top wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, running back TreVeyon Henderson and a host of other playmakers. Coach Ryan Day wisely hired coordinator Jim Knowles from Oklahoma State to improve a…