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Tis the season for holiday shopping. And in the transfer portal world, every Big Ten team will have a wish list to help make up for its departures — whether they’re through graduation, the draft or the other side of the portal.
That departure list will likely expand after bowl season, perhaps altering those needs. But the following positions should be at the top of each team’s respective Christmas lists.
Illinois: Quarterback (maybe)
The Illini might not need a starting quarterback. Tommy DeVito, reportedly, might apply to the NCAA for a 7th season of eligibility. He took a redshirt season in 2017 at Syracuse and played in only 3 games for the Orange in 2021. He played in 4 games in 2020, the season that doesn’t count against eligibility because of the pandemic.
But if he decides not to come back or doesn’t get the waiver, the Illini will have no one with experience at the position. Backup Art Sitkowski is expected to take a coaching or support staff role with the program next season.
Whether or not Illinois lucks out with DeVito’s eligibility, tight end also stands out as a position of need.
Indiana: Everything but returner
All-America return man Jaylin Lucas is the only player on the roster who should feel secure as a starter going into next season. Pretty much every other Hoosier capable of a star turn jumped into the other end of the portal at the end of the season.
Indiana should accept help from any player who is interested.
Iowa: Wide receiver
The Hawkeyes have hemorrhaged receivers in the portal the past 2 off-seasons, with Keagan Johnson and Arland Bruce IV joining Charlie Jones and Tyrone Tracy in leaving the program for greener offensive pastures.
But with quarterback Cade McNamara and tight end Erick All arriving from Michigan, perhaps Iowa can entice some wideouts with the promise of an improved offense.
Maryland: Defensive line
You can never have too many defensive linemen — especially when all 4 of your current starters are seniors.
Michigan: Tight end
The Wolverines were hoping to have All back along with current freshman Colston Loveland next season. Now the team that loves to use 2 tight ends — or more — will certainly have an eye open for the best in the market.
Defensive line is another position of potential need with Mazi Smith and Mike Morris probably headed to the NFL.
Michigan State: Cornerback
A year after allowing the most passing yards in the country, the Spartans only picked off 2 passes in 2022.
Seriously. Just 2 interceptions for an entire defense.
Michigan State did a good job pressuring quarterbacks this season, but desperately needs to find corners who can cover.
Minnesota: Edge rusher
Despite being 3rd nationally in scoring defense, the Gophers were just 116th in sacks with 17. It’s time to find the next Boye Mafe.
Quarterback is a possible need, but freshman Athan Kaliakmanis showed enough promise down the stretch that PJ Fleck might trust him moving forward.
Nebraska: Linemen
The Cornhuskers were whipped on both sides of the trenches this season. Nebraska was 11th in the B1G in yards per carry and 13th in yards per carried allowed.
Matt Rhule needs to rebuild this program from the inside out, and the offensive and defensive lines are positions where experience matters most.
Northwestern: Everything but running back
Cam Porter is a good running back. There are holes everywhere else on the roster, which is how you go 1-11.
Given Northwestern’s academic standards, I wouldn’t be overly optimistic about Pat Fitzgerald making a ton of portal additions.
Ohio State: Quarterback (maybe) and safety (definitely)
If Ryan Day thinks CJ Stroud’s replacement is already on the roster, I certainly trust his judgement. And if not, Ohio State is certainly an attractive destination for any quarterback in the portal.
If Day is comfortable with what he already has, safety is perhaps the biggest position of need. Ronnie Hickman and Tanner McCalister are both done after this season, and Lathan Ransom is a potential early draft entrant.
Penn State: Wide receiver
Now that Parker Washington has entered his name in the NFL Draft, KeAndre Lambert-Smith is Penn State’s top returning receiver. He’s 5th on the team with 21 receptions this season.
Mitchell Tinsley worked out great for the Nittany Lions this year, so James Franklin will likely look for a receiver who can follow in his footsteps.
Purdue: Quarterback
Aidan O’Connell won’t be easy to replace. Don’t be surprised if the Boilermakers turn to JT Daniels, who played for new Purdue offensive coordinator Graham Harrell at both USC and West Virginia.
Rutgers: Wide receiver
Like Northwestern and Indiana, Rutgers could point to most positions on the field and find a player in the portal capable of upgrading it. But wide receiver appears to be the Scarlet Knights’ most acute need.
Of Rutgers’ top 5 receivers this season, 4 are either out of eligibility or in the portal. Rutgers had the Big Ten’s worst passing attack this season, and desperately needs help getting out of that rut.
Wisconsin: Quarterback
The Badgers are guaranteed to have a different look at quarterback next year. Graham Mertz is in the portal, and new offensive coordinator Phil Longo specializes in using dual-threat quarterbacks.
No matter who winds up at Wisconsin, it promises to be the Big Ten’s most intriguing transfer portal addition.
Alex Hickey is an award-winning writer who has watched Big Ten sports since it was a numerically accurate description of league membership. Alex has covered college football and basketball since 2008, with stops on the McNeese State, LSU and West Virginia beats before being hired as Saturday Tradition's Big Ten columnist in 2021. He is an Illinois native and 2004 Indiana University graduate.