If you’re looking for unbelievably epic games jam-packed with outstanding plays, world-class players, and adrenaline-filled stands, just wait. Fans need to look no further than the Midwest college football season to find some of the sport’s most exciting and jaw-dropping events.
As part of the elite Big Ten Conference, these exceptional teams hold some of the region’s most outstanding reputations. Initially formed in 1896, the Big 10 Conference is one of the country’s oldest and most respected college-level athletic series in the country. Over the years, legendary coaches and players have helped create one of the strongest gridiron conferences imaginable.
This year’s Big Ten Conference is lined with heart-racing stories and limitless possibilities. Between New Coaches, transferring players, and questionable contract renewals, there is plenty to keep an eye out for this upcoming season.
University of Iowa
Upcoming Games: Sep 2nd VS Utah State Sep 30th VS Michigan State Oct 7th VS Purdue Conference Standings: 5-4
Fans are definitely going to want to follow Iowa’s movements this season. While Head Coach Kirk Ferentz has been with this renowned team since 1999, his position is currently anything but guaranteed. After a horrendous 2022 season where Iowa averaged only 252 yards per game, Ferentz received highly publicized contract revisions. As a result, his team must score at least 25 points per game and win at least 7 games during the season. Otherwise, the esteemed head coach will lose his position at the end of the year.
Luckily, Ferentz has two Big Ten Crowns from 2002 and 2004 sitting on his head, and the team has won the Big Ten West twice in 2015 and 2021. Ferentz will also have the help of Cade McNamara, a former Michigan quarterback with a stunning record. McNamara is all but guaranteed to shake things up and make huge improvements to Iowa’s often-overlooked offense.
University of Minnesota
Upcoming Games: Aug 31st VS University of Nebraska Sep 30th VS University of Louisianna Oct 28th VS Michigan State Conference Standings: 5-4
With Minnesota undergoing numerous player changes this year, it’s no wonder the team is flying under the radar. Minnesota hasn’t won a Big Ten title since 1967. However, that doesn’t mean the team should be overlooked entirely this year by Midwest college football fans.
Recognized as one of the top 25 teams in the country, the Minnesota Golden Gophers have made some serious role changes to this year’s roster. Athan Kaliakmanis has been added as the team’s starting quarterback. Named the Gatorade Player of the Year in 2021, Kaliakmanis started his career as a redshirt freshman with a debut against Penn State, and his skill has skyrocketed since. However, the loss of leadership and talent provided by star players Tanner Morgan and Mohamed Ibrahim leaves a questionable shadow over the Gopher’s offense that might be hard to overcome.
Additionally, the team is facing what is sure to be one of the most challenging schedules of the season, starting off against their Western Conference foe, Nebraska. Luckily, Head Coach P.J. Fleck has taken this in stride, challenging his team to consider this formidable season an opportunity.
University of Nebraska
Upcoming Games: Aug 31st VS University of Minnesota Sep 29th VS Louisianna Tech Oct 21st VS Northwestern Conference Standings: 3-6
Arguably Iowa’s biggest Big Ten rival, there’s a reason the University of Nebraska has sold out every home game since 1962. With Rhule taking over the role of Head Coach, this year is sure to be no exception. As former Head Coach of Temple, Baylor and the NFL Carolina Panthers, this world-class expert has made it a goal to get the Cornhuskers into their first bowl in six years.
Rhule isn’t the only major change this season, either. Jeff Sims, a transfer from Georgia Tech, has been slated as the team’s starting quarterback. Having totaled over 5,500 yards in his three seasons with the Yellow Jackets, to say that expectations are high for this incredible player would be an understatement.
While there are still concerns over the team’s lackluster defense, fans are hopeful that Tony White will use his first season as defensive coordinator to bring the Huskers back into the limelight. As one of the most respected teams in the conference, it’s high time they reclaim their place at the top.
University of Wisconsin
Upcoming Games: Sep 22nd VS Purdue Oct 7th VS Rutgers Oct 14th VS University of Iowa Conference Standings: 4-5
Wisconsin football fans have been in a whirlwind since the mid-season firing of Paul Chryst last year. Hopefully, his replacement, Luke Fickell, lives up to the hype and exceeds the team’s already astronomically high expectations. While the Badgers have been consistently falling into obscurity over the past few years, the 2023 season has brought many significant and, hopefully, helpful changes.
To start with, Phil Longo was brought on as the team’s offensive coordinator. There’s no doubt that his record is incredibly impressive, having won six conference championships in this role already.
Another big change to the team’s roster is the addition of Tanner Mordecai as Quarterback. Having already scored 51 touchdowns in his career, this is a fantastic opportunity for Wisconsin, especially if he can work well with the team’s star Running Back, Braelon Allen.
Wisconsin also made a serious effort to bring in new talent this year. Several freshman receivers find themselves on this year’s roster, which might just be the change this team needs to get things rolling.
Midwest College Football
Midwest athletics are some of the best in the country, and Midwest college football is no exception to that rule. With some of the country’s best players and highly recognized coaches, it’s no wonder the Big Ten Conference is one of the most revered around. Filled with unbelievable talent and admiration that has lasted generations, these teams offer their fans some of the most edge-of-your-seat-worthy moments imaginable. Make sure you get your tickets for this upcoming Big Ten Season soon to see some of the best football has to offer.
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