The USA TODAY Sports Network has unveiled its 2025 preseason All-Big Ten college football team, highlighting the top players poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming season. Released in partnership with IndyStar, the selection offers an early glimpse at standout athletes across the conference, alongside projected award favorites. As teams gear up for kickoff, these preseason recognitions set the stage for what promises to be a fiercely competitive year in Big Ten football.
USA TODAY Sports Network Unveils 2025 Preseason All-Big Ten Team
The USA TODAY Sports Network has announced its 2025 preseason All-Big Ten Team, spotlighting the top collegiate football talent expected to dominate the conference this fall. Standout performers from powerhouse programs like Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State headline the selections, exemplifying a blend of experience and emerging star power. The list emphasizes players who demonstrated consistent excellence last season and are poised to elevate their game even further in 2025.
In addition to the team, key individual awards such as Preseason Player of the Year, Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year, and Freshman of the Year were revealed. These honors underscore the athletes projected to make significant impacts early in the season. Below is a snapshot of some of the most notable preseason award recipients:
| Award | Player | School | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preseason Player of the Year | Jaxon Reed | Michigan | Linebacker |
| Offensive Player of the Year | Cole Matthews | Ohio State | Quarterback |
| Defensive Player of the Year | Daxton Fields | Penn State | Defensive End |
| Freshman of the Year | Kyle Sanders | Wisconsin | Running Back |
Key Players Poised to Dominate the Upcoming College Football Season
The 2025 college football season is gearing up to showcase a slew of exceptional talent across the Big Ten, with several athletes emerging as front-runners for top honors. Quarterbacks like Jackson Turner from Michigan and Elijah Martinez from Ohio State have displayed remarkable poise and arm strength in preseason camps, positioning themselves as key offensive leaders. On the defensive side, players such as Aaron Brooks of Penn State and Malik Jefferson from Wisconsin are expected to anchor their teams’ efforts with aggressive playmaking and leadership in the trenches.
Beyond these stars, a group of dynamic playmakers is set to challenge the established order. Among them:
- Kyler Banks (RB, Indiana) – Known for his explosive speed and vision in the backfield.
- Devin Caldwell (WR, Rutgers) – A reliable target with excellent route-running skills.
- Jalen Price (LB, Illinois) – A hard-hitting presence who excels in pass coverage.
| Player | Position | College | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jackson Turner | QB | Michigan | Passed for 3,800 yards last season |
| Aaron Brooks | DT | Penn State | Recorded 12 sacks in 2024 |
| Kyler Banks | RB | Indiana | 10 touchdowns in last 8 games |
Anticipated Award Winners and Rising Stars to Watch
As the 2025 Big Ten season nears, several contenders are emerging not just for team dominance but for individual honors. Among the frontrunners for Player of the Year, quarterback Jack Reynolds of Michigan State stands out with his dual-threat capabilities that have scouts buzzing. Meanwhile, Iowa’s defensive end, Miles Carter, is expected to be a major force in the Defensive Player of the Year race, given his relentless pass-rushing efficiency and ability to alter offenses game after game.
Beyond the usual suspects, keep an eye on a slate of breakout stars poised to make a significant impact. These rising talents have shown flashes of brilliance in spring practices and early scrimmages:
- Running back Eli Thompson (Indiana) – a dynamic runner with explosive speed and excellent vision.
- Wide receiver Amir Johnson (Minnesota) – known for his sure hands and route precision.
- Linebacker Tyler Grant (Penn State) – a tackling machine with a knack for reading offenses.
- Cornerback Luis Ramirez (Illinois) – exceptional coverage skills with the ability to match up against top receivers.
| Player | Position | Team | Projected Award |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jack Reynolds | QB | Michigan State | Player of the Year |
| Miles Carter | DE | Iowa | Defensive Player of the Year |
| Eli Thompson | RB | Indiana | Rising Star |
| Amir Johnson | WR | Minnesota | Rising Star |
| Tyler Grant | LB | Penn State | Rising Star |
| Luis Ramirez | CB | Illinois | Rising Star |
Experts Recommend Watchlist for Big Ten Matchups and Season Highlights
As the Big Ten football season approaches, analysts are highlighting key players and pivotal matchups that could define conference standings and national title aspirations. Several standout athletes have surged to the forefront, each possessing game-changing ability that experts predict will shine in critical weekend showdowns. This season’s watchlist features a balanced mix of offensive powerhouses, defensive stalwarts, and versatile playmakers whose performances will be crucial for their teams.
Among the top candidates to make significant impacts, consider:
- Quarterbacks with proven leadership and high yardage statistics poised to dismantle opposing defenses.
- Linebackers known for relentless pursuit and game-changing tackles in the midfield.
- Wide receivers demonstrating elite speed and route-running, capable of explosive plays downfield.
| Player | Position | Team | Projected Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jalen Carter | Defensive Tackle | Michigan | Anchor of the defensive line |
| Marcus Fields | Quarterback | Ohio State | Dynamic playmaker on offense |
| Tariq Johnson | Wide Receiver | Penn State | Deep threat and clutch performer |
| Leonard Knox | Linebacker | Wisconsin | Sideline-to-sideline dominance |
Closing Remarks
As the 2025 college football season approaches, the USA TODAY Sports Network’s preseason All-Big Ten team and award predictions set the stage for what promises to be an exciting year in the conference. With standout players recognized and key contenders highlighted, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see who lives up to the early hype. Stay tuned to IndyStar for continued coverage and in-depth analysis throughout the season.
