Big Ten Network football analysts’ projected standings place Ohio State near the top, but the exact position varies. They generally consider Ohio State a leading contender in the conference.

The Big Ten Conference, one of college football’s most storied and competitive leagues, consistently draws national attention for its intense rivalries, high-level talent, and championship aspirations. Each offseason, analysts and experts from various outlets, including the Big Ten Network (BTN), assess and predict the order of finish for the upcoming season, considering factors such as returning production, coaching stability, recruiting, and recent performance.

Among these projections, Ohio State frequently emerges as a central figure—either at or near the top of the conference. As the Buckeyes prepare for their upcoming campaign, understanding where analysts place Ohio State in the conference hierarchy offers valuable insight into expectations, perceived strengths and weaknesses, and the overall competitive landscape.

This analysis will delve into the BTN analysts’ projected standings, specifically focusing on Ohio State’s position, the factors influencing these projections, and the broader implications for the Big Ten in 2024. We will explore historical context, recent trends, and strategic considerations shaping these predictions, providing a nuanced perspective on Ohio State’s standing and prospects.

The Big Ten Conference: A Brief Overview
Before examining the projections, it’s important to contextualize the Big Ten’s current landscape:

Historical Powerhouses: Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State, and Wisconsin have historically been dominant programs within the Big Ten.
Recent Trends: The league has seen a rise in competitive parity, with programs like Iowa, Nebraska, and Illinois improving, while traditional powers face transitions.
National Relevance: The Big Ten often fields multiple top-10 teams, with national championship aspirations centering around a handful of programs.
In recent seasons, Ohio State has maintained its status as a perennial contender, often vying for the league title and playoff berths. However, the conference landscape is dynamic, with coaching changes, roster turnover, and recruiting impacts contributing to shifting projections.

The Big Ten Network’s Role in Preseason Predictions
The BTN’s analysts, comprising former coaches, players, and seasoned experts, analyze a multitude of factors to generate their projected standings:

Roster Talent & Experience: Returning starters, key recruits, and transfer impacts.
Coaching Stability: Continuity and coaching staff effectiveness.
Schedule Difficulty: Toughness of opponents and scheduling quirks.
Recent Performance & Trends: How teams performed in recent years and offseason developments.
Injuries & External Factors: Potential disruptions impacting team health and preparation.
Their predictions serve as a valuable benchmark for fans, bettors, and the media, reflecting expert consensus and informed speculation.

Ohio State’s Position in the BTN Projections
The General Consensus
Across most BTN projections, Ohio State is positioned among the top tier of Big Ten teams—often either first or second. This consistent placement underscores the program’s perceived strength, talent pool, and coaching excellence under head coach Ryan Day.

While some projections might place Michigan ahead, especially if they have a particularly strong roster or coaching momentum, Ohio State’s prestige and recruiting prowess keep it firmly in the top echelon.

Specific Placement
1st or 2nd Place: Many analysts see Ohio State as either the favorite or co-favorite to win the Big Ten. Their roster depth, recruiting rankings, and recent success support this.
Contenders: Ohio State is usually grouped with Michigan, Penn State, and Wisconsin as primary contenders for the conference crown.
Tiebreaker Dynamics: In some projections, Ohio State edges out Michigan, especially if the Buckeyes’ quarterback situation or defensive improvements are highlighted.
Factors Contributing to Ohio State’s High Placement
Elite Talent: Ohio State consistently ranks among the nation’s best recruiting classes, bringing in high four- and five-star prospects.
Quarterback Stability: The development of a talented quarterback—be it returning or newly named—is crucial. Ohio State’s recent history of producing NFL-ready QBs bolsters confidence.
Offensive Power: With a high-powered offense featuring skilled receivers and dynamic playmakers, Ohio State’s scoring potential remains formidable.
Defensive Improvements: Recent emphasis on defensive scheme adjustments and recruiting have aimed to bolster a historically inconsistent defense.
Variability in Projections
While most agree on Ohio State’s high standing, the exact order can vary due to:

Injuries or Unexpected Attrition: Key injuries to star players can shift expectations.
Offseason Transfers: Departures or arrivals of impactful players influence perceived strength.
Schedule Toughness: Variations in conference and non-conference opponents can affect projections.
Broader Conference Implications
The Michigan Factor
In recent seasons, Michigan has challenged Ohio State’s dominance, culminating in impressive seasons and a potential shift in the Big Ten pecking order. Some BTN analysts project Michigan as the favorite or co-favorite, which impacts Ohio State’s positioning.

The Rise of Penn State and Others
Penn State has demonstrated consistent improvement, with a well-rounded roster and strong recruiting. Other programs like Wisconsin, Nebraska, and Iowa have their own aspirations, making the race for the top spots highly competitive.

The Impact of the New Conference Alignment
The 2024 season marks the beginning of the Big Ten’s expanded schedule, adding schools like USC and UCLA. This expansion introduces new dynamics and potential challenges for traditional powerhouses, including Ohio State.

Strategic and Tactical Factors Influencing Ohio State’s Outlook
Offense
Ohio State’s offensive system, led by Ryan Day, emphasizes:

Quarterback Development: The program’s success hinges on developing a high-caliber quarterback, with recent Heisman contenders raising expectations.
Skill Position Depth: Talented receivers and running backs provide explosive options.
Line Play: Offensive line strength is crucial to protect the QB and establish the run game.
Defense
Historically, Ohio State has had periods of defensive inconsistency. Recent emphasis on scheme adjustments, recruiting defensive linemen and linebackers, and improving secondary play are critical factors analysts consider.

Special Teams & Discipline
Special teams can swing close games, and discipline minimizes penalties and turnovers—areas where Ohio State aims to excel to secure victories over top opponents.

The Role of Coaching and Development
Ryan Day’s leadership and coaching staff play a pivotal role in Ohio State’s projected success. The program’s ability to retain staff, adapt schemes, and develop players from recruitment to NFL-ready status influences analyst confidence.

Additionally, the culture of excellence and high expectations at Ohio State often translates into motivated players and a competitive edge.

External Factors and Uncertainties
While projections are based on available data and trends, unforeseen factors can alter the landscape:

Injuries: Loss of key players early in the season could impact rankings.
Transfers: Departures to the NFL or transfers within college football affect depth.
Emerging Competitors: Programs like Michigan, Penn State, or new conference members may elevate unexpectedly.
Regulatory Changes: NCAA or conference rule adjustments could influence game strategies or player eligibility.
Historical Context: Ohio State’s Recent Performance
In the past decade, Ohio State has been a consistent fixture at or near the top of the Big Ten standings, often contending for national titles:

Conference Titles: Multiple Big Ten championships.
Playoff Appearances: Regular appearances in the College Football Playoff.
NFL Talent: Producing a significant number of first-round NFL draft picks.
This recent history reinforces the analysts’ confidence in Ohio State’s continued prominence.

The Significance of Projections for Fans and Stakeholders
Accurate projections serve multiple purposes:

Fan Engagement: Heightened anticipation and strategic planning for the season.
Program Confidence: Reinforces recruiting efforts when analysts favor the team.
Media Coverage: Drives narrative and storylines throughout the season.
Betting & Predictions: Provides a data-driven foundation for wagers and betting markets.
For Ohio State fans, the general consensus placing the Buckeyes near the top validates the program’s status and sets high expectations.

Ohio State’s Position in the 2024 Big Ten
In summary, Big Ten Network football analysts predominantly place Ohio State among the conference’s elite teams for the upcoming season. While the exact order varies—sometimes positioning Michigan slightly ahead—the Buckeyes are consistently viewed as a leading contender, possessing the talent, coaching, and resources to contend for both the conference title and national honors.

This high placement reflects Ohio State’s storied tradition, recruiting dominance, and recent competitive success. However, the Big Ten remains highly competitive, with emerging programs and conference realignment adding complexity to the race.

As the season unfolds, Ohio State’s ability to capitalize on its talent, execute strategically, and stay healthy will determine whether it lives up to the lofty projections. The BTN’s predictions serve as a benchmark of expectation, but the true measure will be on the field.

If Ohio State maintains its competitive edge and addresses its remaining weaknesses, it is well-positioned to challenge for the top spot in the Big Ten and make a strong case for a playoff appearance—a testament to its status as a perennial powerhouse in college football.