Big Ten race is not 'just an Ohio State, Michigan thing' in 2023

When it comes to the Big Ten in 2023, the conversation starts in Ann Arbor and Columbus. Michigan and Ohio State have been the top two teams in the Big Ten East for some time, and they’ve combined to win the last six conference championship games.

But another team could be waiting in the wings.

Penn State is the last team not named Michigan or Ohio State to win the Big Ten Championship, doing so in 2016. As the 2023 season gets rolling, On3’s Andy Staples argued the Nittany Lions could have an opportunity to play spoiler in the Big Ten East and, just maybe, compete for a league title.

“I look at the Big Ten this year, I don’t even think it’s just an Ohio State, Michigan thing,” Staples said on Barstool Sports’ Pardon My Take. “Everybody’s kind of come to terms with, ‘Oh, wait. Michigan’s actually good.’ It wasn’t a fluke that they beat Ohio State two years in a row. But the thing is like Penn State is loaded with freaky talent this year. Like, they could really be a Big Ten title contender.

“And if you’re a Big Ten title contender, it means you could actually be a national title contender. It’s gonna be very strange. That one’s gonna be wild.”

Penn State brings a loaded lineup into the 2023 season

The Nittany Lions are loaded with talent, including multiple players who appeared on The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman’s “Freaks List.”

Reigning conference freshman of the year back in running back Nick Singleton highlights the group of returners, as does offensive lineman Olu Fashanu. He was a projected first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, but ultimately opted to return to college for one last go-round. While James Franklin hasn’t named a starting quarterback yet, all signs point toward Drew Allar winning the job after a solid freshman season behind Sean Clifford.

That’s just on offense. Abdul Carter and Chop Robinson will both look to anchor the defense after leading Penn State in sacks with 6.5 and 5.5, respectively. With Tyler Elsdon and Kobe King also back in the fold, the Nittany Lions return four of their top five tacklers from 2022.

Penn State also added some playmakers via the transfer portal, most notably wide receiver Dante Cephas. The former Kent State star came in at No. 15 in the On3 Transfer Portal Rankings and is poised to help the Nittany Lions’ passing game, which ranked No. 4 in the Big Ten with 252.5 yards per game in 2022.

Expectations are high in Happy Valley this year as Penn State prepares for its season opener Sept. 2 against West Virginia.