The 2020 college football season has just recently been tucked in and put to bed, and already we’re looking ahead to the upcoming year. But isn’t that why we love the sport so much?

With the NFL Draft deadline ending on Monday night, ESPN released its way-too-early 2021 All-America Team. Now that we know who’s all returning, it gives us a better understanding of which players have the best chance to make a huge impact on the field when the fall arrives.

Four B1G players earned a spot on the 2021 All-America Team from ESPN. No team had more than one selection, with Indiana, Iowa, Northwestern and Ohio State all being represented on the list.

Here are the four B1G players to make the cut:

  • WR: Chris Olave, Ohio State
  • C: Tyler Linderbaum, Iowa
  • CB: Tiawan Mullen, Indiana
  • S: Brandon Joseph, Northwestern

Linerbaum had an outstanding season along the offensive line for the Hawkeyes and was considered one of the top centers in college football in 2020. He’ll be a strength for Iowa in 2021.

Mullen was part of one of the best secondary units in the B1G at Indiana last year. The cornerback tallied 38 tackles, 4 pass break-ups, 3.5 sacks, 3 interceptions and forced a fumble as the Hoosiers ended the season 6-2.

Joseph was the breakout star in college football, earning the B1G Freshman of the Year and All-America honors at safety after leading the conference with 6 interceptions. He also had 52 stops and broke up 2 more passes with the Wildcats winning the B1G West and finishing 7-2.

The biggest surprise of the NFL Draft deadline was Olave announcing his decision to return to Columbus for one more year. The talented wide receiver was Ohio State’s leading pass catcher, totaling 729 yards and 7 touchdowns on 50 receptions.

All four players mentioned are poised for big seasons in 2021. Will there be any other breakout stars next year from the B1G?