Phil Steele unveils 2024 Big Ten power rankings, season preview (2024)

Ben Kenney

June 16, 2024 10:10 am CT

The release of the annual Phil Steele College Football Preview magazine marks an important milestone in the offseason cycle.

Many of the top metrics have already been released, most notably ESPN SP+ and FPI. But Phil Steele’s magazine hitting the shelves across the country means we’re inching closer to the season kicking off.

Related: Big Ten class of 2025 recruiting rankings after Wisconsin’s recent big-time commitments

That season kickoff in 2024 will see a brand new landscape from top to bottom. The old Power Five is now the Power Four after the offseason destruction of the Pac-12. Oregon, Washington, UCLA and USC are Big Ten members. Cal and Stanford are in the ACC. Utah and Colorado play in the Big 12. That conference realignment is in place while top programs Texas and Oklahoma move to the SEC.

The new structure should see the Big Ten and SEC become the sport’s premier powers with a large gap to the third conference.

Wisconsin’s place in that new structure is to be determined. The Badgers enter 2024 with more continuity after a disruptive offseason led to on-field struggles in 2023. The program hired Luke Fickell in November 2022 to reestablish its position toward the top of the Big Ten Conference. While his first season was a disappointment, he is still expected to make that happen.

As we enter the all-important second campaign for Fickell and his coaching staff, here is where Phil Steele forecasts the Badgers finishing in a crowded Big Ten landscape — plus our analysis of every team’s ranking:

Michigan State Spartans

Michigan State’s head coach Jonathan Smith looks on during the Spring Showcase on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. Nick King/Lansing State Journal-USA TODAY NETWORK

Schedule Ranking: No. 22 in nation

Returning Starters + Transfers:

Offense: 5
Defense: 10

Projected All-Big Ten First Team Players: 1 (punter Ryan Eckley)

Michigan State has a bright future under head coach Jonathan Smith, but expecting a turn-around in Year 1 may be premature. The Spartans enter with a talented but inexperienced quarterback (Aidan Chiles) and a 24-person transfer class.

Turnover is a good thing entering a new coaching regime. But it usually doesn’t lead to immediate wins.

Badgers Wire Power Ranking: No. 12

Get more (Michigan State) news, analysis and opinions onSpartans Wire

Purdue Boilermakers

Nov. 18, 2023; Evanston, Illinois; Purdue Boilermakers head coach Ryan Walters watches his team play against the Northwestern Wildcats in the fourth quarter at Ryan Field. Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports

Schedule Ranking: No. 6 in nation

Returning Starters + Transfers:

Offense: 8
Defense: 6

Projected All-Big Ten First Team Players: 1 (safety Dillon Thieneman)

Purdue is in a tough spot in the new Big Ten landscape. The elimination of the Big Ten West was a massive blow to the program’s year-in, year-out expectations. Ryan Walters has his hands full entering Year 2 at the helm.

Badgers Wire Power Ranking: No. 18

Northwestern Wildcats

Nov. 4, 2023; Chicago, Illinois; Northwestern Wildcats head coach David Braun looks on during the first half against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Wrigley Field. David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Schedule Ranking: No. 25 in nation

Returning Starters + Transfers:

Offense: 7
Defense: 8

Projected All-Big Ten First Team Players: 1 (ILB Xander Mueller)

2023’s surprise team with an 8-5 final record should take a step back in 2024. The Wildcats still are not big players in the transfer portal, which should mean larger swings from year-to-year. That, and projected starting quarterback Brendan Sullivan transferred to Iowa during the spring. A winning record in 2024 would be a fantastic achievement.

Badgers Wire Power Ranking: No. 15

Minnesota Golden Gophers

Oct. 21, 2023; Iowa City, Iowa; Minnesota Golden Gophers head coach P.J. Fleck watches a replay against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Schedule Ranking: No. 37 in nation

Returning Starters + Transfers:

Offense: 8
Defense: 8

Projected All-Big Ten First Team Players: 3 (WR Daniel Jackson, OT Aireontae Ersery, K Dragan Kesich)

Minnesota may be at a crossroads under P.J. Fleck. 2023’s 5-7 regular season represented a clear slip from the program’s consistent performance. The new era of the Big Ten should add pressure onto what is an already-important season.

Football Championship Subdivision transfer QB Max Brosmer is the most important player to Minnesota’s success. If he hits, the Gophers could return to their 8-win pace.

Badgers Wire Power Ranking: No. 14