The 2024 college football season was a landmark year for the Big Ten, with four of its teams—oregon, Penn State, Ohio State, and Indiana—securing spots in the expanded College football Playoff. This made the Big Ten the most represented conference in the playoff’s inaugural expanded format. While only the Buckeyes remain in contention for the national championship, the season was a resounding success for the Nittany Lions, Ducks, and Hoosiers, showcasing the conference’s depth and competitiveness.
However, not every team in the Big Ten lived up to expectations. USC struggled in its first year as part of the 18-team conference, regressing for the second consecutive season under head coach Lincoln Riley. Similarly,Michigan faced challenges in the debut season of the Sherrone Moore era, though the Wolverines managed to end the season on a positive note.
The disparity between the conference’s top and bottom teams highlights the importance of grading college football success on a curve. Programs like Ohio State, which is the only remaining playoff team, set the standard for excellence, while others, like USC, fell short of their potential. Penn state’s season, despite falling short of a championship, was still a resounding success, proving that even in defeat, the Big Ten’s elite programs remain formidable.
As the season concludes, here’s a summary of the final grades for each Big Ten team:
| Team | Grade | Key Notes |
|————–|——-|—————————————————————————|
| Oregon | A+ | Dominant debut in the Big Ten, secured a playoff spot. |
| Penn State | A | Strong season, playoff appearance despite criticism of James Franklin. |
| Ohio State | A- | Only Big Ten team remaining in playoff contention. |
| indiana | B+ | Surprise playoff team, exceeded expectations. |
| USC | D | Struggled in first Big Ten season, regressed under Lincoln Riley. |
| Michigan | C+ | Tough start under Sherrone moore, finished with some positives. |
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Big Ten Football 2024: A Season of Triumphs and Challenges
Table of Contents
- Big Ten Football 2024: A Season of Triumphs and Challenges
- The Big Ten’s Dominance in the Expanded Playoff
- oregon’s Stellar Debut in the Big Ten
- Penn State’s Resilience Amid Criticism
- Ohio State’s Continued Excellence
- indiana’s Surprise Playoff Run
- USC’s Struggles in the Big Ten
- Michigan’s transition Under Sherrone Moore
- Looking Ahead: The Future of the Big Ten
The 2024 college football season marked a historic year for the Big Ten, with four of its teams—Oregon, Penn state, Ohio State, and Indiana—securing spots in the expanded College Football Playoff. This made the Big ten the most represented conference in the playoff’s inaugural expanded format. While only Ohio State remains in contention for the national championship, the season showcased the conference’s depth and competitiveness.though, not every team lived up to expectations, with USC and Michigan facing critically important challenges. To delve deeper into the season’s highs and lows, we sat down with college football analyst and Big Ten expert, Michael Carter, for an exclusive interview.
The Big Ten’s Dominance in the Expanded Playoff
Senior Editor: Michael, the Big Ten had four teams in the playoff this year. What does this say about the conference’s strength and depth?
Michael Carter: It’s a testament to the conference’s evolution. The Big ten has always been competitive,but this year,we saw teams like Oregon and indiana step up in ways that surprised even the most seasoned analysts. Oregon’s seamless transition into the Big Ten and Indiana’s Cinderella story were highlights. The expanded playoff format allowed the conference to showcase its depth, and it delivered.
oregon’s Stellar Debut in the Big Ten
Senior Editor: Oregon received an A+ grade for their dominant debut. What made them stand out this season?
Michael Carter: Oregon’s success can be attributed to their adaptability and coaching. Dan Lanning has built a program that’s not just talented but also incredibly disciplined.Their defense was relentless, and their offense, led by a dynamic quarterback, kept opponents on their toes. They didn’t just join the Big Ten—they made a statement.
Penn State’s Resilience Amid Criticism
Senior Editor: Penn State had a strong season but faced criticism, notably around James Franklin. How do you assess their performance?
Michael Carter: James Franklin is one of the most polarizing figures in college football, but you can’t argue with results. Penn state made the playoff, and while they didn’t win it all, they proved they belong among the elite. The criticism is part of the job when you’re at a program with such high expectations,but Franklin has consistently delivered competitive teams.
Ohio State’s Continued Excellence
Senior Editor: Ohio State is the only Big Ten team still in playoff contention. What’s been the key to their success?
michael Carter: Ohio State’s consistency under Ryan Day is remarkable. They recruit at an elite level, develop talent, and execute their game plan with precision. Even in a year where they weren’t the outright favorite, they found a way to stay in the hunt. That’s the mark of a championship-caliber program.
indiana’s Surprise Playoff Run
Senior Editor: Indiana was the surprise team of the season. How did they exceed expectations?
Michael Carter: Indiana’s success was a combination of great coaching and player progress. Tom Allen has done an incredible job building a culture of resilience and belief. They played with a chip on their shoulder and proved that even programs without a storied history can compete at the highest level.
USC’s Struggles in the Big Ten
Senior Editor: On the flip side, USC had a disappointing season. What went wrong for them?
Michael Carter: USC’s struggles were a combination of factors. The transition to the Big Ten was tougher than anticipated, and Lincoln Riley’s offense, while explosive, couldn’t compensate for defensive shortcomings. There’s also the pressure of expectations—USC is a program that’s supposed to win, and when they don’t, it’s magnified.
Michigan’s transition Under Sherrone Moore
Senior Editor: Michigan had a rocky start under Sherrone Moore but finished strong. What’s your take on their season?
Michael carter: Sherrone Moore inherited a tough situation, and while there were growing pains, he showed promise. Michigan’s ability to finish the season with some positives is a good sign for the future.Moore has the potential to build on this foundation and keep Michigan competitive in the Big Ten.
Looking Ahead: The Future of the Big Ten
Senior Editor: What does the future hold for the Big Ten after such a landmark season?
Michael Carter: The Big Ten is only going to get stronger. With the addition of teams like Oregon and USC, the conference has solidified itself as a powerhouse. The expanded playoff format will continue to provide opportunities for multiple teams to compete for a national championship. The future is luminous, and I expect the Big Ten to remain at the forefront of college football.
