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

1. Ohio State

There is a clear talent gap between Ohio State and every other Big Ten football team. There just is. Michigan is trying to narrow it, as are Michigan State and Penn State, but those programs just aren’t recruiting at the same level Ohio State is.

C.J. Stroud was a Heisman finalist a year ago and is a leading contender heading into next season with Alabama’s Bryce Young. Incredibly though, Stroud isn’t Ohio State’s only Heisman Trophy candidate on offense as wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Ojigba is a name to watch, as is former five-star running back TreVeyon Henderson, who might be college football’s best RB.

Henderson averaged 6.8 yards per rush last season (1,248 yards) for the Buckeyes and also averaged 11 yards per catch (27 for 312) as he finished with 1,560 yards from scrimmage and 19 touchdowns.

Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson were both first-round draft picks but Julian Fleming and Marvin Harrison Jr. have been waiting their turn and they are each elite wideouts in their own right.

The offense is going to be the best in college football and the defense added Oklahoma State DC Jim Knowles who gets to work with a first-round caliber edge rusher in Zach Harrison.

Ohio State also gets Michigan at home in the final game of the season. The Wolverines haven’t won in Columbus since 2000 and it’s hard to see this offensive juggernaut losing to U-M two years in a row.

So expect the Big Ten football championship trophy back in Columbus, Ohio when the 2022 season is all said and done.