The task of whittling the best players in the Big Ten into a Top-25 list is challenging under any circumstances. Considering the league added 4 new programs (for 18 teams total), it was downright grueling.

So, let’s get one thing out of the way: There will be snubs on this list. Got it?

No, I could not select the favorite player of every team’s fan base in the conference. It doesn’t mean I hate your program. (Or maybe it means I do, but I am sure you will be the judge of that.)

Some of the omissions will be noteworthy. Some may be deserving, but I went into this endeavor knowing full well there is at least a large handful of players who could be interchanged.

It’s an imperfect list. But taking past production and the best guess of future projection, this is the list I came up with. So, let’s get to it.

Here are the Top 25 Big Ten football players in 2024.

25. Cal Haladay, LB, Michigan State

Cal Haladay gets one more season in East Lansing to solidify his legacy at Michigan State. After recording 90+ in each of the past 3 seasons, Haladay opted to remain with the Spartans following the coaching change and hiring of Jonathan Smith. He gives MSU a much-needed veteran presence in the middle of the defense with 307 career tackles, 21.5 TFL and 3 interceptions with a shot at All-B1G accolades.

24. Dillon Thieneman, DB, Purdue

The reigning B1G Freshman of the Year is the only player on this list who won an individual conference award last season. The rest of the award winners are off to the NFL, but Thieneman is just getting started. Purdue’s defense was dreadful in 2023, but Thieneman was an immediate star with a team-high 106 tackles and 6 interceptions as a freshman. He tied for 2nd nationally in interceptions and should make another strong impact for the Boilermakers. Now, if the defense can give him some help.

23. Denzel Burke, DB, Ohio State

Denzel Burke is 1 of several Buckeyes on this list who had a chance to leave for the NFL. Instead, he’s back as a major contributor in a secondary with some star power for Ohio State. If he stays healthy, and grabs a few more interceptions (just 2 in his career), Burke could be even higher on this list.

RELATED: Is Burke ready to lead Ohio State’s defense to a win over Michigan and a shot at the B1G Title? Track the latest odds and get in on the action with Tradition’s OH betting apps.

22. Drew Allar, QB, Penn State

I have shared my concerns related to Drew Allar previously. For this piece, I’ll stick to his positives. Mainly: In his first Power 5 action as a starter, Allar produced a 25-to-2 TD-to-interception ratio. Only Florida State’s Jordan Travis (a potential Heisman candidate before a season-ending injury) produced 2 or less interceptions with more than 200 attempts. With a new OC known for opening up the formation and pre-snap movement, Allar could deliver the big season fans envisioned a year ago.

21. Logan Jones, OL, Iowa

After beginning his career on defense, Logan Jones has since been forging a new path at center. Jones has been the starter there 2 years while missing just 1 game due to injury. Iowa has hopes the offensive line will rebound from a lackluster showing in 2023, and Jones is the cornerstone of that group. Cade McNamara’s health is a big key for Iowa, but don’t overlook what Jones’ performance will mean for the Hawkeyes.

20. Aireontae Ersery, OL, Minnesota

Aireontae Ersery has a chance to be the B1G’s Offensive Lineman of the Year this season. He has started all 26 games at left tackle for the Gophers from 2022-23 and earned All-B1G honors a season ago. With durability and consistency, Ersery looks like the top offensive tackle in the conference entering the season

19. Zachariah Branch, WR, USC

B1G fans unaware of Zachariah Branch’s game are in for some fun moments this fall. A 5-star prospect as one of the best players in the 2023 recruiting class, Branch went on to become a First-Team All-American by many publications as a return man. Branch returned a kick and a punt for a touchdown as a true freshman while averaging 20.8 yards across 16 punt returns. There is plenty of room for Branch to grow as a receiver after 31 catches for 320 yards and 2 touchdowns, but his speed and instincts make him an instant threat with the ball in his hands.

18. Kyle Monangai, RB, Rutgers

Kyle Monangai was instrumental in Rutgers’ turnaround in 2023, leading the B1G with 1,262 rushing yards. Those numbers only become more impressive considering the hindrance of Rutgers’ passing attack last fall. After turning the QB page from Gavin Wimsatt to Athan Kaliakmanis, I expect the offense to be more well-rounded. However, things will still flow through Monangai and his hard running style.

17. Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan

Kenneth Grant is 1 of 4 players from Michigan’s top-10 2022 recruiting class on this list. After playing a rotational role as a true freshman, Grant began to emerge as a game-wrecker for the Wolverines in 2023. He finished the season with 5 TFL, 3.5 sacks and even recorded an interception against Nebraska. After terrorizing Washington in the national championship, Grant could make a push for All-American honors this fall.

16. Jack Sawyer, DE, Ohio State

Jack Sawyer arrived in Columbus with all the pressure of a 5-star, in-state prospect. That possibly led to unrealistic expectations early in his career, but make no mistake: Sawyer has gotten better every season, including 48 tackles, 10 TFL and 6.5 sacks as a junior in 2023. Now, he’s back for one more. If his development continues as expected this fall, Sawyer could deliver some eye-popping performances.

15. Tez Johnson, WR, Oregon

Tez Johnson was among the best receivers in a loaded Pac-12 group at the position last season. Johnson was 4th in the Pac-12 with 1,182 yards and averaged 84.4 yards per game. He also tied for 5th in the Pac-12 with 10 receiving touchdowns. Johnson was ultimately relegated to All-Pac-12 Honorable Mention, but he is primed to be the primary target for new QB Dillon Gabriel this fall.

14. TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State

TreVeyon Henderson probably deserves a top-5 spot on this list based on talent alone. Henderson was second in the B1G with 92.60 yards per game, but he was limited to 10 games after a 2nd straight season plagued by injuries. He has a chance to make a major impact for the Buckeyes, though he is now 1 of 2 Ohio State running backs on this list after some major work in the transfer portal. It doesn’t diminish what Henderson is capable of, but it’s fair to wonder whether he will be the go-to back in Columbus.

13. Donovan Jackson, OL, Ohio State

Donovan Jackson is a true anchor for Ohio State’s offensive line, and he has a chance to be one of the best in the country this season. A 3-year contributor and a starter for 26 straight games at left guard, Jackson is yet another Buckeye who spurned the NFL for another season in Columbus. If he continues his track record, Jackson will be up for All-American honors and individual OL awards by season’s end. Ohio State will also need his veteran presence to elevate the rest of the o-line.

12. Jordan James, RB, Oregon

Jordan James was a game-changing back for Oregon last season even while splitting time with Bucky Irving. Irving is now off to the NFL, and James will be looked to as the feature back, even if the Ducks use a rotation in the backfield. James led the Pac-12 with 7.09 yards per carry in 2023 and tied for 3rd in the conference with 11 rushing touchdowns. His work out of the backfield helps take a lot of the pressure out of Dillon Gabriel’s transition to Eugene in what should be one of the best offenses in college football.

11. Caleb Downs, DB, Ohio State

Caleb Downs arrives at Ohio State after an electric freshman season for Alabama. He earned the Shaun Alexander National Freshman of the Year honors after becoming the first freshman in history to lead Alabama with tackles at 107. A dynamic defender, Downs added 3.5 TFL, 2 interceptions, 4 pass breakups and a forced fumble. Downs looks like the textbook safety for Jim Knowles’ defense, and many analysts already are penciling down into a top-10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

10. Nicholas Singleton, RB, Penn State

Nicholas Singleton took a step back in his sophomore campaign along with the rest of Penn State’s lack of explosiveness on offense. However, he still managed to post another season with 1,000 yards from scrimmage and 10 touchdowns. James Franklin’s decision to switch offensive coordinators and landing Andy Kotelnicki is a major move for Penn State. Singleton could be the largest benefactor with a huge season.

9. Jay Higgins, LB, Iowa

Jay Higgins was the most productive linebacker in the nation a season ago, leading the country with 171 total tackles and finishing 3rd nationally with 12.21 tackles per game. Yet, somehow, Higgins did not win the B1G’s LB of the Year award. (Ohio State’s Tommy Eichenberg won with 82 tackles in 10 games. For what it’s worth, Higgins was a first-team All-American while Eichenberg was not.) Higgins’ spot on this list is not to rectify the mistakes of last year. He’s back to be the leader on a veteran-rich defense for Iowa and should deliver another massive season.

8. Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

Emeka Egbuka has the rare distinction of being ranked lower on this list than he was a season ago. That’s what happens after an injury-interrupted season led Egbuka to 515 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns in a junior regression. However, take a moment to remember where Egbuka was after a breakout sophomore season. Had he not been injured, Egbuka had an outside shot at becoming another high draft pick for Ohio State at receiver. Now, he’ll get a true chance as the No. 1 option to rebuild his NFL stock and should deliver big numbers for the Buckeyes.

7. Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

Michigan is never going to be an offense to throw the ball around the yard under this regime, but Colston Loveland still managed to post 649 yards and 4 touchdowns in a breakout season as a sophomore. Trying to project his stats with Michigan’s QB situation is murky, but the talent is undeniable. Loveland is a matchup nightmare at 6-5 and 245 pounds and is as complete a package as you will find in the college game. The Wolverines are also going to lean on Loveland in a major way with a young QB and receiving room.

6. Abdul Carter, LB/Edge, Penn State

Abdul Carter has been a frightening and versatile defender across his first 2 seasons at Penn State. After working on his pass-rushing skills at edge this spring, he could be an even scarier sight for opposing offenses this fall. James Franklin insists Carter will play multiple positions on a week-to-week basis, but I don’t think it matters. Carter’s first step from the line of scrimmage is lethal, and he has the speed to cover plays across the field. Whether as a pass rusher (16 TFL, 11 sacks in his career) or in the middle of the field (1 interception, 9 pass breakups), Carter is going to be a problem in the B1G.

5. Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio State

Quinshon Judkins arrives at Ohio State after rushing for over 2,700 yards with 31 touchdowns in 2 seasons at Ole Miss. His numbers took a slight dip in Year 2, but that doesn’t change the fact he has all the makings of a dynamic workhorse back. The presence of TreVeyon Henderson complicates projections a touch, but Judkins did not transfer to the Buckeyes to be a backup. I believe Judkins is the guy Chip Kelly, Ryan Day and the Buckeyes as a whole will ride when looking for a big play this season.

4. JT Tuimoloau, DL, Ohio State

JT Tuimoloau is another former 5-star recruit who has improved each season. Last season, Tuimoloau set career-high numbers with 38 tackles and 5 sacks. Now, he looks poised — along with Jack Sawyer — to produce the kind of season of terror on QBs fans imagined when the Buckeyes signed both in the 2021 recruiting class. To little surprise, Tuimoloau was 1 of 7 players to receive a first-place vote in the preseason B1G Defensive Player of the Year vote.

3. Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

Mason Graham is lining up to be one of the top overall prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft. He’s also poised to be the most disruptive interior lineman in the country. Graham set career-high numbers with 36 tackles, 7.5 TFL and 3 sacks last year. With slightly less depth than a season ago, it’s possible the Wolverines lean on Graham more extensively which could lead to even bigger numbers.

RELATED: The Wolverines will try to ride the strength of their defense to a shot at a 4th straight B1G title. Track the latest odds for the 2024 season with Tradition’s Michigan sportsbook apps.

2. Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

Will Johnson is the embodiment of elite expectations, talent and the ability to deliver in the clutch. A true lockdown cornerback, Johnson came up big in key moments of Michigan’s title run and finished the season with 4 interceptions, a pick-6 and 4 pass breakups. That includes a dramatic interception of Michael Penix Jr. in the national championship. And, if we’re being honest, Johnson probably has the best NFL Draft stock of any player on this list, but college production is also included.

1. Dillon Gabriel, QB, Oregon

The toughest call on this list was between Dillon Gabriel and Johnson for the top spot. Both are deserving, but I’m going with the guy who has the best odds to win the Heisman Trophy this fall according to DraftKings. Gabriel is also coming off a season where he accounted for 42 total touchdowns and completed 69% of his passes. As a QB, Gabriel gets the add advantage of having the ball in his hands just about every snap, so he’s able to affect the game in more ways than Johnson. (You can bet B1G QBs will avoid Johnson’s side of the field whenever possible.)