Each week of the season I’ll look at how teams have faired in the most recent games, provide my take on their performance and discuss what is ahead. Keep in mind the rankings are for entertainment purposes only. Early on, I expect them to favor higher ranked teams and veteran coaches that I’m familiar with. Things should adjust to a normal state as games get knocked out and I’ve had some opportunities to view some game films. The rankings will start at the bottom and work to the top, as you move through the weekly submission. Let’s get to the fun!
18.) NORTHWESTERN (80)
Coach: matt90210 (161-157)
Don’t let the .500 record fool you, Coach Matt is very talented coach with +60% win rates in the NDL Cup and bowl games. It’s just so happened that he’s found himself in coaching positions like this numerous times throughout his career. The coach can be incredible, but if the team doesn’t have the talent, it’s going to be a tough fight. While the Northwestern OL is steady compared to other lower end B1G teams, the Wildcats are looking at starting the least talented QB in the conference, regardless of which one they choose. If I’m guessing, I think Mike Wright is going to get the nod, since he can bring the option game to the table. While the OL is adequate, the DL likely comes in as the worst in the B1G. CB Theran Johnson and SS Coco Azema are going to have their work cut out for them in the secondary, if the frontline can’t create pressure. To make things tougher, Coach Matt didn’t shy away from scheduling 2 tough opponents to kickoff the season, welcoming Kansas St. in Wk1. and Va Tech in Wk2. Upsetting either opponent is going to shoot the Wildcats up the rankings!
17.) MARYLAND (80)
Coach: Drewwbacca (0-0)
NDL newcomer Coach Drew is looking at a similar QB decision as Northwestern, but I see a few better options to help the chosen starter for Maryland. HB Roman Hemby is quick and shifty, which is going to come in handy for breaking off big plays and being available in the passing game. Having a solid TE is always a benefit when the QB play isn’t strong and 6’4” sophomore Preston Howard looks to be one of the best young TEs in the conference. Defensively, Maryland’s front line is physically strong and MLB Ruben Hyppolitte is a vicious hitter. CB Jalen Husky and FS Dante Trader Jr. are comparable to Northwestern’s combo, but overall, the secondary lacks awareness. 1 bonus for Maryland is that they’ll be easing into their schedule, as opposed to having high profile matchups right away. The opening block has Nevada, who is a new coach that is acclimating himself to the college game and another lower level B1G opponent, Michigan State. Weeks 3 through 7 also have numerous games that should be competitive matchups, with EMU, MTSU, Indiana and Northwestern.
16.) MICHIGAN STATE (80)
Coach: PaolotheGreat (0-0)
One team where QB isn’t an issue, is Michigan State. SO Aidan Chiles can get the job done with his arm and with his legs. Expect to see TE Jake Velling being targeted early and often. The biggest question mark on offense for the Spartans is on the OL. SR Tanner Miller is stud at Center, but he’s surrounded by 4 matadors. Chiles is going to have to be quick with his decisions, because time won’t be on his side. On the other side of the ball, I could best describe the team as smart, but slow. MSU simply doesn’t have the athletes on defense that other teams do. But what they don’t have in physical ability, they do make up for in awareness and play recognition. It’s a style of defense that may take some time to get used to and Coach Paolo has 3 even matchups out of the gate with Old Dominion, Maryland and Northern Illinois, but then the nastiest 1-2 punch in the conference hits in Wk.5 and Wk.6, with a visit from Ohio State and a trip to Autzen Stadium to face Oregon. Hopefully these brainiacs are quick learners.
15.) ILLINOIS (80)
Coach: uf83198 (47-27)
A late arrival to the NDL scene a decade ago, Coach UF quickly proved to be a formidable opponent. With a 4-0 bowl record under his belt, he proved that he could do a lot with mid-level power 5 schools like Nebraska and TCU, so he’s getting my nod as the highest rated the lower 4 teams to start the year. Where MSU is slow and smart on defense, that also aptly describes the Ilini offense. QB Luke Altmyer has stepped in to be a stable option, but don’t be surprised if FR Cal Swanson finds his way on the field, at least occasionally. The strength of the offense lies in a surprisingly good OL, led by LT JC Davis and C Josh Kreutz. The Illini front 7 is pedestrian, but there are athletes all around the secondary. CB Tyler Strain might be tiny, but he’s explosive and sticks to opposing WRs wherever they go. A controlled offense and getting ahead early will spell some upsets for Illinois. They are going to get the opportunity for upsets early and often, as Coach UF wasn’t shy with the OOC scheduling. Wk.1 and Wk.2 give us a trip to the Smurf Turf at Boise State and a visit from QB Noah Fifita and the lightning-fast Arizona Wildcats. Wk.3 and Wk.4 isn’t much easier, with a visit from Louisville and their first B1G matchup against Nebraska, before heading off to Happy Valley in Wk.5! 2 wins before their first bye in Wk.6 would be a nice accomplishment.
14.) UCLA (82)
Coach: Ghost of Pauley Pavilion (61-150)
Once again at his favorite program, a coach who was an NDL original, he ran for 15 seasons before stepping away. When he’s on, he’s a tough out, but will availability and focus continue to play a role in his NDL coaching career? Tough to say, but even if it does, it’s an uphill road at UCLA. The game plan for the Bruins is going to be to keep it simple on offense. QB Ethan Garbers isn’t a running threat, his job is to conduct the orchestra. That means handing the rock to the big guy 6’2 215 lbs. HB T.J. Harden and finding another big target, 6’3” 205 lbs. WR J. Michael Sturdivant. Where UCLA stands out from other lower rated B1G teams is that they have some legit playmakers and one of the few teams with B1G level athleticism. While they may lack elite skills on defense, the physical ability is there to hang with some of the top programs. UCLA will need to figure out how to get their athletes into proper position, to best utilize their physical talents. As you’d expect, the UCLA OOC was filled with NDL vets. Stealing a win or two from Stanford and USF would be nice, before meeting up in the Golden State showdown with Cal.
13.) MINNESOTA (82)
Coach: UncleLbo34 (0-0)
New coach, limited QB options and starting the season on the road against Coach BigMike and Mizzu, that’s a nightmare situation. The Gophers may be ready to climb back in their holes after their introduction to the NDL. They can hope to rebound against NDL vet led UCF in Wk.2, but that’s no easy task either. At least they’ll get a bye in Wk.3 before getting hammered again with a gauntlet of Iowa, Michigan and USC. With QB being a weakness, HB Darius Taylor is going to get plenty of work. He’s the best and possibly only real weapon on that side of the ball. DE Jah Joyner is going to have to play up to his potential and be a constant edge rushing force for the defense. If he can get the pressure from the edge, CB Justin Walley should be able to capitalize on any opposing QB mistakes. The Gophers will need to keep their mind right as they battle through a tough first 6 weeks of the season. If they can get through it, they may find that their tough battles have paid off when they take the field against a similar level of competition.
12.) RUTGERS (82)
Coach: geauxcapper (0-0)
New Jersey is a long haul from the bayou for new Coach Geaux. If nothing else, at least he’ll be used to pronouncing a lot of goofy players’ names. QB Kaliakmanis handing the ball off to HB Monangai and throwing it to TE Konopka. Good luck with that coach. From a talent standpoint, the offense is about how it sounds, more awkward than intimidating. The passing game is likely to struggle without any standouts, but 5’9” HB Kyle Monangai is a little ball of terror on the field, reminding many Maurice Jones-Drew. Don’t let the height fool you, this mighty mite delivers bone crushing hits when he’s running the rock and have fun trying to get your arms around him when he’s following the blocks of 6’8” 345 lbs. LT Hollin Pierce, one of the B1G’s best. Rutgers boasts a strong and smart DL, with some solid athletes at LB, in ROLB Mohamed Toure and MLB Tyreem Powell. The secondary isn’t filled with stars, but it’s adequate. If the LB duo shows up Rutgers likely has a higher ceiling than similarly rated B1G teams, thanks to a favorable schedule. Out of the B1G top half, only matchups with Wisconsin in Wk.7 and at USC in Wk.9 are scheduled. A word of wisdom for Coach Geaux, don’t sleep on Oregon State in Wk.1. While he’s new to the NDL, he’s got a very strong track record elsewhere.
11.) WASHINGTON (82)
Coach: Domo12 (0-0)
The Huskies lost a ton of talent to the NFL, but Washington was able to scramble and bring in QB Will Rogers. But Coach Domo is going to have his work cut out for him, because they couldn’t fill the massive voids left in the WR corps and on the OL. Rogers is going to have to protect the ball and lead a very unproven group. MLB Carson Bruener has the exact same responsibility on defense. The 6’2” Senior will be pushing for an All-Conference appearance, while helping to lead a depleted front 7. Thankfully, he’s got some help behind him with a pair of solid JR CBs in Ephesians Prysock and Elijah Jackson on the outsides and another All-B1G candidate in SS Kamren Fabiculanan. The early schedule is favorable for Coach Domo with a starting stretch of vs Colorado St, vs JMU, at Wazzu, vs Northwestern and at Rutgers, before finally meeting B1G blue blood, Michigan. A couple early wins would be nice to build confidence before facing the Wolverines.
10.) PURDUE (82)
Coach: dub6582 (0-0)
This is the area that I’d best describe as the top of the lower half of the B1G. This is where we start to see talent that can exceed expectations, with the right coach at the helm. Coach Dub is new to the NDL, but he’s got a good all around QB Hudson Card, who gives him a strong arm to throw with and enough speed to be a legitimate threat on the ground. The HB duo of Devin Mockobee and Reggie Love provide balanced options and a safety net through any wear and tear. The first big play, hidden gem in the B1G appears on the rankings here, with 6’3 super-fast WR C.J. Smith. Every defensive coordinator in the conference will have to be aware of #9. Balance continues to be the name of the game, as TE Max Klare gets the job done in the passing and running games and SR C Gus Hartwig combines with a strong right side of the line to pack a real punch. The defense is a few steps behind the offense, but FS Dillon Thieneman is an incredible Sophomore talent and a name everyone will know by the end of the season. Purdue might have the toughest schedule in the B1G. The season starts slowly with a bye and a visit from Troy but ramps up quickly with Notre Dame making the short drive across the state and then a trip to take on a very well coached Oregon State team. The conference schedule isn’t much easier, with trips to Wisconsin and Ohio State, and visits from Oregon and Penn State.
9.) INDIANA (82)
Coach: TattooBoyP (63-79)
A short trip down the road from Purdue has us looking at the Indiana Hoosiers and NDL original, Coach TattooBoy. After starting his career with his home state program Ohio State, Coach TattooBoy had a steady run with the Washington Huskies and Illini. A brief return in seasons 14 and 15 tarnished his coaching record with a combined 3-21 mark. Now in his 3rd stint in the league, Coach TattooBoy seems focused and ready to return to form. Indiana’s offense is led by QB Kurtis Rourke who has a very nice arsenal of WRs to throw to. While he’s not officially the most talented, I’ll be watching 6’5” Donaven McCulley, who should be a matchup nightmare. The Hoosiers defensive line is one of the better units out of the lower tier of B1G teams. They are consistent across the board. Where the Hoosiers stand out above the lower ranked pack is in the secondary. They don’t have the flashy traits of the B1G elite, but they may be one of the fastest all-around units you’ll see this year. Both SO CBs D’Angelo Ponds and Jamari Sharpe are in the sub-4.4 discussion. Like UCLA, Coach TattooBoy found a few NDL vets to put on the schedule and he was wise with his matchups. Indiana is going to have a shot to be in a lot of games this season and likely has the best chance to push their way through the rankings.
8.) NEBRASKA (84)
Coach: Spyder_XT (0-0)
The Huskers all-time record is 271-150 and they’ve got a history of coaches overachieving. New NDLer Coach Spyder looks to leave his mark as he takes the lead role for Nebraska. While it’s unclear if Coach Spyder will lean on FR QB Dylan Raiola or look to add a rushing dynamic with JR QB Heinrich Haarberg, what is for sure is that whoever is slinging it will have 4 excellent WRs to target. 6’4” Jahmal Banks and 6’3” Isaiah Neyor brings the physicality the Nebraska fans love, while quick and shift Sophomores Malachi Coleman and Jaylen Lloyd will look to stretch the field. The OL isn’t as great as they were back in the day, but they are consistent across the board, without much weakness. In the trenches on the other side, SR DT Nash Hutmacher is a powerhouse and will be a disruptive force. The back 7 are well rounded, with lone standout lockdown CB Tommi Hill. The 6’ Senior is a man-to-man lockdown. Nebraska has a nice 7 game opening stretch where Coach Spyder and try to separate his squad from the lower pack and prove that they need to be in the discussion with the big dogs. In Wk.9, it’ll be time to fully answer the question with a trip to The Shoe to take on Ohio State.
7.) IOWA (87)
Coach: Wildes1 (38-33)
The 7th position represents the breaking point where these teams start to pepper the field with elite talent and should all be in contention for the top 5, with some of them having B1G Championship dreams. But the question for Coach Wildes is can you make those dreams come true with a very average Cade McNamara at QB? Other than a typically strong right side of the offensive line, Iowa’s lone standout on offense is SR TE Luke Lachey, who has an NFL bloodline and Iowa yanked him right from the heart of the state of Ohio. If Coach Wildes can figure out how to generate just a few points, that might be enough for the best linebacker combo in the country, SR Jay Higgins and SR Nick Jackson, to wreck shop and for the vaunted Safety duo of potential All-Americans Xavier Nwankpa and Sebastian Castro to produce big plays. The defense is elite, but is it enough? We’re going to get that answer quick, as Iowa takes on Iowa State for the Cy-Hawk Trophy in Wk.2 and draws a cruise down Woody Hayes Drive to visit the Buckeyes in Wk.6.
6.) USC (87)
Coach: The_5thLineMason (0-0)
Gone are the glory days of Pete Carroll chomping on gum and Reggie Bush roasting defenses. But the fridge isn’t empty at USC. JR QB Miller Moss hasn’t shown he’s the next in the long line of SC QBs, but he’s got some arm talent and he’s sneaky good in playaction. The running game could use some help, but SO WR Zachariah Branch might be the most explosive WR USC has every put on the field. He’s going to have to carry the load, because the rest of the receiving crew is miles behind. The OL and DL aren’t deep, but they each have a big time anchor with SR C Jonah Monheim and JR DT Bear Alexander (Bear.. that’s perfect for a DT). The secondary is big and physical, boasting athletic CBs that go 6’2, 6’3 and 6’2. The bad news for USC is they only get Akron as a warmup game, before a bye in Wk.2, then a brutal schedule kicks off. They’ll be hearing Rocky Top on the road in Wk.3, heading to the Big House to face the Wolverines in Wk.4, then they’ll catch a very tough Badger team at home in Wk.5. You can’t be mad at 2-2 through 4 games and you’ve got to be thrilled to be sitting at 3-1.
5.) WISCONSIN (87)
Coach: Wave 214 (15-39)
Speaking of the Badgers, they clock in at #5 on the RBR (Reign’s B1G Rankings). SR QB Tyler Van Dyke isn’t going to light up the scoreboard and win you a lot of big games, but he’s good enough not to lose them. In typical Wisconsin fashion, the Badgers are going to get dirty on offense. SR HB Chez Mellusi tops the depth chart and gets the hype, while SR HB Tawee Walker is a steady backup. The scary part is, the best HB on the roster might be former FB, JR Jackson Acker. At 6’1, 235 lbs., he’s a raging bull and an impossible task for opposing defenses. Of course, Wisconsin’s O-line is everything you’d expect them to be as well. Every opposing defense is going to feel it the day after playing the Badgers. Keep an eye on ROLB John Pius. He’s the perfect mix of size and speed and he’ll be a frequent headache for opposing QBs. If he can get the QB under pressure, then playmaking CB Ricardo Hallman will make things happen. If all else fails, the Badgers can lean on potential All-American SS Hunter Wohler to clean up any messes. Inconsistency has plagued Coach Wave’s limited NDL career, so he’ll need to buckle in and be ready to go to battle right away, then keep that determination as he moves through the season. Taking on Okie State and Kansas to start the season is a real test and he’s jumping right into the fire in Wk.5 for his first B1G matchup, at USC.
4.) PENN STATE (88)
Coach: footballkelly31 (67-129)
The top 5 really starts to heat up here with Happy Valley’s own, Nittany Lions! The NDL vet and long time Temple coach has landed his biggest gig ever and he’s got an absolute stud QB in JR Drew Allar. Allar can make every through and he’s deceptively athletic for a guy that stands 6’5” 241 lbs. While the WRs aren’t world beaters, 6’6” SR TE Tyler Warren is one of the best in the business and one day he might be surpassed by his backup, 6’4 TE Luke Reynolds, who is an athletic freak (think Mike Gesicki 2.0). If that passing tandem isn’t enough to scare you, then consider that Penn State’s running game is led by 2 225 lbs monsters, Juniors Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen. The Lions are nearly as loaded on defense, where the End combo of Dani Dennis-Sutton and potential All-American Abdul Carter are going to tear apart opposing lines. Behind them, JR MLB Kobe King controls the middle of the field, while SS Kevin Winston Jr. provides support. Coach Kelly has the chance to ease into his schedule and put a few Ws on the board before a big trip to California to take on USC in Wk.7. If he can navigate that game and deal with a trip to Camp Randall in Wk.9, then the last major hurdle might be Ohio State in Wk.10. The script is there for a miracle season, can Coach Kelly pull it off?
3.) MICHIGAN (88)
Coach: phreak (50-43)
Like Washington, Michigan suffered a lot of losses this off-season. Unlike Washington, they still had ammo in the chamber. In Coach Phreakk’s NDL tenure, he has proven to be a quality coach, capable of winning some big games. They won’t get much bigger than what he’ll face in the Big House this season. When speaking about Michigan this year, it starts with defense… specifically the baddest DT and dare I suggest player in college football, Mason Graham. Graham is the total package and to make matters worse, his partner in the trenches, DT Kenneth Grant might be the 2nd best DT in the B1G. If you have plans to run up the gut on the Wolverines, you better think again. If you think you’re going to swing that HB out wide, your QB is going to be on his back before you know it. These guys aren’t super-sized slugs, they have quickness to go with their strength. As the saying goes, you can’t stop them, you can only hope to contain them. I could go on for hours talking about my man crush on these 2 players, but I’d be doing a disservice not to mention that MLB Jaishawn Barham is the next in the long line of Michigan LBs and the legacy of #2 at CB is being held up by potential All-American Will Johnson. While the defense is enough to put them in the conversation, Coach Phreakk is going to have to come up with some answers on offense. Young and developing QB Alex Orji moves like a Ferrari, but his passing game screams Fiero. Expect to see a lot of looks for 6’5” TE Colston Loveland, while Coach Phreakk and Orji fine tune the offensive machine. Michigan’s schedule is balanced, with a mix of opponents. There’s a very real chance that Michigan is undefeated heading to Oregon in Wk.10 and even with a loss, they’ll likely still control their destiny as they march toward a showdown in The Shoe, which will have as much implication as the B1G Championship, as it relates to the playoffs.
2.) OREGON (93)
Coach: mtwasik (195-188)
The world works in mysterious ways. Oregon wasn’t Coach Wasik’s first choice, but you don’t always get what you want, you get what you need, or so the song goes. After some unfortunate timing and a missed job opportunity, a gift fell right into Coach Wasik’s lap. The Oregon Ducks have talent across the board. Multiple All-B1G candidates, maybe even some All-American candidates, one of the best QBs in the country in Dillon Gabriel with 2 top notch WRs in Tez Johnson and Evan Stewart to catch passes. With 2 excellent tackles securing the outsides, this Oregon Ducks offense is going to put up the points. They won’t allow many either. LE Jordan Burch wants to stake claim to being the best edge rusher in the B1G. Meanwhile, everyone is curious to see how Coach Wasik utilizes backup ROLB Devon Jackson. At 6’2 228 lbs, Jackson is pushing the sub-4.4 territory and gives Coach Wasik a unique weapon to stop the spread offenses that are rampant throughout the game. Oregon can match teams in any formation, with a deep and talented secondary. Wk.2 at Kansas St. and Coach Bearass is going to be a test and even though the Ducks are loaded with talent, Coach Brady and the Beavers aren’t going to just handover the Platypus Trophy. If he can reel of 5 wins in a row, Coach Wasik will join the 200 wins club as he heads into the game that’s circled on everyone’s calendar in Wk.7. This is a reckoning of what could have been and what is. Ohio State comes to Oregon and Coach Wasik gets his shot to settle the score. The winner of this game is likely booking a ticket to the B1G Championship and if both handle Michigan, we might see it again with a CFB Playoff birth on the line.
1.) OHIO STATE (93)
Coach: seeitsaveit13 (225-136)
Already a member of the 200 wins club, Coach Seeit’s run from season 4 on has been nothing less than superb. He has consistently taken mid-level teams and produced quality results. Though his 1 season with Ohio State was unspectacular, it wasn’t from a lack of ability, the B1G was loaded in season 23. He’s admittedly rusty as a coach, but there’s nothing more helpful to steady your offense than having 2 of the top 10 running backs in the country, HBs Quinshon Judkins and Treyveyon Henderson are bulldozers with cat like agility. It’s really not fair. Once Coach Seeit gets a handle on the offense, look for potential All-American Emeka Egbuka to show why he's the best route runner in college football. The arguments for best in the country don’t stop on offense. LE Jack Sawyer, a hometown hero, has his sights set on double digit sacks and some end of season hardware. Defenses will be taking a risk to double him with big DT Tyleik Williams commanding attention up the middle. At the next level of defense, 2 more Ohio recruits show off their ability, OLBs Sonny Styles and CJ Hicks. Finally, this wouldn’t be Ohio State if they weren’t not 2, not even 3 deep at corner… oh no, 4 deep at CB and a potential All-American in FS Caleb Downs. There isn’t a single question about the talent on the field for OSU. It’s going to come down to Coach Seeit and whether he can make the commitment to leading this team to a championship.
If you’ve made it this far, thanks for enjoying the rankings. Future weekly content will be about half of this size. This has a lot more info as it’s our preseason introduction and an opportunity to learn a little about our group of teams. Best of luck to everyone as we kickoff the NDL this weekend!
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