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

5. Penn State

The last two seasons have been disappointing for Penn State who lost to Michigan, Michigan State, and Ohio State last season. Sean Clifford battled injuries and struggles last season, but he’s likely going to start once again for James Franklin who got a big contract extension.

The Nittany Lions need to find an answer at running back and there are a number of talented options including top-50 freshman Nick Singleton. Joey Porter Jr. is one of the Big Ten’s top defenders but Clifford’s play will likely determine Penn State’s ceiling.

4. Wisconsin

The Badgers started last season 3-3 before nearly surging to win the Big Ten West before a late-season loss to Minnesota cost them a trip to the Big Ten Football championship game.

The biggest key in making that happen was Braelon Allen, the freshman running back who rushed for 1,268 yards and 12 touchdowns while averaging 6.8 yards per attempt last season.

Behind an offensive line that features Jack Wilson and Joe Tippman, among others, the running game should be elite, and as long as QB Graham Mertz doesn’t screw it up, the defense and running game should be good enough to win the West in 2022.