Big Ten Football: Post-spring power rankings heading into 2022

9. Nebraska

Even though Nebraska only won three games last season, Scott Frost and the Huskers felt really close to finally reaching relevance again among Big Ten football programs.

However, the Huskers couldn’t get out of their own way and lost games to Michigan, Michigan State, Iowa, and Minnesota, despite leading in each. Yet, Adrian Martinez transferred to Kansas State and the offensive staff is entirely new.

Offensive coordinator Mark Whipple came over from Pitt and Casey Thompson, who transferred from Texas, is expected to start at QB. Nebraska has been active in the transfer portal throughout the offseason and landed top edge rusher Ochaun Mathis, so things appear to be looking up, but Frost and the Huskers have to finally prove it on the field.

8. Purdue

Purdue won nine games last season including wins over Iowa and Michigan State. However, the Boilermakers led by Jeff Brohm lost wide receiver David Bell and also pass rusher George Karlaftis, which will make repeating last season’s success more difficult.

The good news is that Aidan O’Connell is one of the best quarterbacks returning in the conference and you could make a strong case he’s the best signal-caller in the West division. Wide receiver Milton Wright is also back and if the Boilermakers can continue to play mistake-free football as they did much of last season, another winning season will be the reward.