So if a B1G job were to come open today, which would be the most appealing?

You could argue that Michigan State, which has had nothing but stability in the Mark Dantonio era, could fit that bill. Perhaps Iowa, with its passionate but supportive fanbase, would be an attractive place to take over.

ESPN went with the traditional B1G powers at the top of its list. Those might not have changed much in the last 10 years, but think about the idea of Michigan State being a more attractive opening than Penn State. Nobody was saying that 10 years ago.

But that’s what ESPN’s Travis Haney and Adam Rittenberg said in their latest rankings, which includes all 129 FBS teams.

Here’s where they slotted each B1G team:

2. Ohio State

“It’s the Big Ten’s flagship program in terms of resources and support, though times are changing. It’s becoming more competitive largely due to Urban Meyer changing the league’s coaching DNA, most notably in recruiting.”

12. Michigan

“AD stability is meaningful, so credit interim Jim Hackett for navigating the program through a tough stretch. Full-time boss Warde Manuel starts soon. Jim Harbaugh re-establishing the brand is helpful, too.”

17. Michigan State

“There’s nothing overly flashy with MSU’s program — there’s no coach constantly creating headlines — and yet it has consistently gotten results under AD Mark Hollis and coach Mark Dantonio. Is Dantonio just special, or could another coach do the same?”

19. Penn State

“This job was considered almost toxic in the wake of scandal and NCAA sanctions. Bill O’Brien and James Franklin have brought PSU back from the brink. Commitment and fan passion is outstanding — but so is the competition in the division.”

23. Wisconsin 

“It isn’t going to pay like an SEC school; AD Barry Alvarez has recently said as much. It’s a challenging recruiting gig, too, given a lack of regional talent and admissions hurdles. Still, Madison is an iconic college town and it’s a solid brand.”

Outside the top 25

29. Nebraska

33. Iowa

49. Maryland

51. Minnesota

59. Northwestern

61. Illinois

62. Rutgers

67. Indiana

73. Purdue