SAM MCKEWON
Omaha World-Herald
Big Ten beat writers selected Ohio State to win the league title again and Nebraska to finish fifth in the West Division, according to the annual preseason media poll released by Monday morning.
The poll surveyed 36 writers from across the league who unanimously picked the Buckeyes to both win the East Division and the Big Ten Championship game. Wisconsin (31 first-place votes) was the overwhelming favorite in the West, with Iowa (three) and Minnesota (two) receiving first-place votes, as well. The Hawkeyes and Gophers finished second and third in the West, followed by Purdue, Nebraska, Illinois and Northwestern.
In the East, Michigan, Penn State, Michigan State, Maryland, Rutgers and Indiana. Nebraska plays the Wolverines, Scarlet Knights and Hoosiers in 2022.
Ohio State quarterback CJ Stroud received 32 of the 36 first-place votes for preseason offensive player of the year. Iowa linebacker Jack Campbell received 20 of the 36 first-place votes to lead the preseason defensive player of the year horse race. Nebraska outside linebacker Garrett Nelson received three points for defensive player of the year.
WEST DIVISION 1. Wisconsin (31 first-place votes) 246 points
EAST DIVISION
BIG TEN CHAMPIONSHIP GAME Ohio State over Wisconsin (31)
Ohio State over Minnesota (2)
PRESEASON OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR 1. C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State (32 first-place votes) 101 points 2. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State (2) 42 3. Braelon Allen, RB, Wisconsin 37 4. Blake Corum, RB, Michigan 8 5. Aidan O’Connell, QB, Purdue 7 6. TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State 5 7. Taulia Tagovailoa, QB, Maryland (1) 4 8. Mohamed Ibrahim, RB, Minnesota 3 9. (tie) Rakim Jarrett, WR, Minnesota 1 9. (tie) Payton Thorne, QB, Michigan State 1 9. (tie) Jayden Reed, WR, Michigan State 1
PRESEASON DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR 1. Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa (20 first-place votes) 74 2. Nick Herbig, LB, Wisconsin (10) 55 3. Zach Harrison, DE, Ohio State (4) 26 4. Riley Moss, CB, Iowa (1) 20 5. Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State 8 6. Ji’Ayir Brown, S, Penn State 7 7. (tie) Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State 3 7. (tie) Tiawan Mullen, CB, Indiana 3 7. (tie) Garrett Nelson, LB, Nebraska 3 7. (tie) J.T. Tuimoloau, DE, Ohio State 3 11. (tie) Junior Colson, LB, Michigan 2 11. (tie) Ronnie Hickman, S, Ohio State 2 11. (tie) P.J. Mustipher, DT, Penn State 2 14. (tie) Xavier Henderson, S, Michigan State 1 14. (tie) Adam Korsak, P, Rutgers 1
2022 Husker Camp Countdown
No. 50 Eteva Mauga-Clements
Nebraska needs Eteva Mauga-Clements’ seasoned-leadership on special teams. But it could probably use him on the Husker defense, too. Read more .
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
No. 49 Noa Pola-Gates
This season will be Noa Pola-Gates’ fourth at Nebraska, which means it’s time to produce. The Huskers added two juco safeties this offseason, but Pola-Gates has experience in NU’s defense. Read more .
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
No. 48 Brant Banks
Odds are decent that the Huskers will need a pinch-hitter along the offensive line at some point. Banks’ positional versatility makes him a prime candidate to fill that need. Read more .
LILY SMITH, THE WORLD-HERALD
No. 47 Mosai Newsom
Nebraska addressed its defensive line needs in the transfer portal, but it’s still crucial for incumbents like Mosai Newsom to flash. Read more .
RYAN SODERLIN/THE WORLD-HERALD
No. 46 Gabe Ervin
Nebraska's running back room has changed significantly since Gabe Ervin won the starting job and then suffered a season-ending injury. Can he make up for lost time fast enough to maintain a significant role this season? Read more .
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
No. 45 Nate Boerkircher
Nate Boerkircher, a 6-foot-5, 230-pound walk-on from Aurora, is squarely in the conversation at tight end for Nebraska this season.
ANNA REED, Omaha World-Herald file photo
No. 44 Logan Smothers
The storyline to watch this season with Logan Smothers is whether he can win the backup quarterback job. Long term, it’s how much he can develop as a passer under Mark Whipple. Read more .
LILY SMITH, THE WORLD-HERALD
No. 43 Marcus Washington
There’s a lot of evidence suggesting Nebraska has significant plans for Marcus Washington. But there are a few uncertainties. Read more .
RYAN SODERLIN, THE WORLD-HERALD
No. 42 Jimari Butler
Butler
No. 41 Janiran Bonner
Janiran Bonner only arrived on campus this summer, but he has the build and athleticism to earn snaps this year. Read more .
EILEEN T. MESLAR, THE WORLD-HERALD
No. 40 DeShon Singleton
DeShon Singleton should play this season. He’s big enough, fast enough and said this spring that he felt comfortable with his knowledge of Nebraska’s defensive scheme. Read more .
LILY SMITH, THE WORLD-HERALD
No. 39 Blaise Gunnerson
Blaise Gunnerson likely begins this season as a backup pass rusher, but he could earn more opportunities depending on the formations Nebraska deploys. Read more .
CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD
No. 38 Ethan Piper
Center or right tackle? Ethan Piper faces stiff competition no matter what position he wants this fall. Read more .
CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD
No. 37 Thomas Fidone
Thomas Fidone could be Nebraska’s top receiving tight end this season ... if he’s healthy. He’ll be a dangerous weapon if the Huskers are allowed to use him. Read more .
CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD
No. 36 Timmy Bleekrode
Timmy Bleekrode made 84% of his kicks at Furman which would be a welcome improvement for the Huskers. But he’ll kick with bigger stakes in front of louder crowds at Nebraska. Read more .
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
No. 35 Isaiah Garcia-Castaneda
Mickey Joseph’s coaching record speaks for itself. What can he do with Isaiah Garcia-Castaneda? Read more .
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
No. 34 Alante Brown
Nebraska has long liked Alante Brown's versatility and has used him primarily on special teams in Lincoln. Maybe more field time at receiver is his next step. Read more .
CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD
No. 33 Chris Kolarevic
Inside linebacker or nickel? Chris Kolarevic will be a rotational regular on Nebraska's defense. The question is where. Read more .
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
No. 32 Nash Hutmacher
Physical ability isn’t in doubt for Nash Hutmacher, already one of the team’s best weightlifters and a former nationally ranked prep wrestler. If the football technique follows, so will production for a high-ceiling prospect. Read more .
CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD
No. 31 Jaquez Yant
This season, Jaquez Yant will have to earn his chances at a crowded position — running back. His edge? His size. Read more .
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
No. 30 Stephon Wynn
After four seasons and a national championship with Alabama, Stephon Wynn will have one year with the Huskers to show what he can do in a bigger role. Read more .
ROGELIO V. SOLIS, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
No. 29 Kevin Williams
Depth and versatility. Kevin Williams provides both to an offensive line that may need all of it in the months to come. Read more .
CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD
No. 28 Brian Buschini
Brian Buschini will be a major upgrade for the Huskers if he can put Nebraska even in the same neighborhood as many of the Big Ten’s elite punters. Read more .
CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD
No. 27 Braxton Clark
Braxton Clark has long bided his time as a reserve across most of his 28 career games and will push for extended action in his fifth college season. Read more .
CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD
No. 26 Broc Bando
Broc Bando has played the long game at Nebraska, appearing in 29 career contests as reserve. His reward is a likely starting job at right guard. Read more .
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
No. 25 Rahmir Johnson
Rahmir Johnson may possess the best straight-line speed of any Nebraska rusher and is the most versatile as a pass catcher. Read more .
EILEEN T. MESLAR, THE WORLD-HERALD
Isaac Gifford
Nebraska's Isaac Gifford is shown during the Huskers' game against Iowa on Nov. 26, 2021, at Memorial Stadium.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World-Herald
No. 23 Chubba Purdy
Is Chubba Purdy Nebraska's No. 2 quarterback? An impressive spring game reminded that the Huskers have quality depth at the position this season. Read more .
LILY SMITH, THE WORLD-HERALD
No. 22 Marques Buford
Chances are good Marques Buford will be a downfield fixture for multiple seasons to come. As future stock goes, his is among Nebraska's brightest. Read more .
LILY SMITH, THE WORLD-HERALD
No. 19 Oliver Martin
Oliver Martin appears to have a position coach in Mickey Joseph who believes in him and knows which buttons to push with a player who’s never quite found a home. Read more .
EILEEN T. MESLAR, THE WORLD-HERALD
No. 20 Bryce Benhart
Bryce Benhart has had his struggles in 2021, but he has the requisite size and experience to start once again at right tackle. Read more .
CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD
No. 21Trent Hixson
Trent Hixson is the Huskers' odds-on favorite at center, tasked with replacing a longtime starter and NFL draft pick. Read more .
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
No. 18 Nouredin Nouili
While the NCAA suspended Nouredin Nouili for the 2022 season for a failed drug test, he still continued to practice with the team. He’s a popular, well-liked teammate who can help behind the scenes.
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
No. 16 Myles Farmer
After logging 30 tackles and an interception last season as a part-time starter, Myles Farmer is the odds-on favorite to be a leader in NU’s secondary. Read more .
CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD
No. 15 Devin Drew
Drew was better against the run than the pass — Tech’s style of defense made it hard for any Red Raider lineman to reach the quarterback — but Drew could be a good cog in a defensive line rotation. Read more .
THE WORLD-HERALD
No. 17 Tommi Hill
Nebraska would love to see Tommi Hill follow a similar trajectory to Cam Taylor-Britt who, as a sophomore, began to come into his own as a cornerback. Read more .
CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD
No. 5 Garrett Nelson
Garrett Nelson has taken over as the leader of Nebraska’s defense, and his vocal approach to that role may be the most important thing he does for the Huskers in 2022. Read more .
CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD
No. 12 Ty Robinson
Ty Robinson may be a better interior rusher than Ben Stille and Damion Daniels. How will he hold up against the run in 2022? Read more .
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
No. 11 Omar Manning
Omar Manning's frame makes him an ideal player for Nebraska in the red zone, and he’s decent after the catch, too. But, whatever happened in spring camp, he didn’t appear to be one of the guys new coach Mickey Joseph praised too much. Is that motivation — or a reflection of where Manning is on the depth chart? Read more .
EILEEN T. MESLAR, THE WORLD-HERALD
No. 4 Luke Reimer
Luke Reimer is Nebraska’s best blitzer from depth. He might be the Huskers' fastest on-field defender and clearly one of its most fearless. Read more .
EILEEN T. MESLAR, THE WORLD-HERALD
No. 9 Nick Henrich
Nick Henrich comprises one of the Big Ten's inside linebacker duos with Luke Reimer. Their frames are different, but they both possess sharp instincts to diagnose plays. Read more .
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
No. 8 Turner Corcoran
When your head coach suggests you could play all five spots on the offensive line, you’re officially versatile. That’s Turner Corcoran. Read more .
CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD
No. 14 Travis Vokolek
Travis Vokolek will get a chance to surpass his best season as a pass-catcher — which happened at Rutgers in 2018 — with a sixth year of eligibility. Read more .
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
No. 6 Teddy Prochazka
Teddy Prochazka is the rare 6-10 player who has the athleticism of a shorter guy, he was smart enough to pick up the offense as a true freshman, and he plays a premium position. Read more .
CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD
No. 10 Anthony Grant
Nebraska needed a true home-run hitter at running back, and Anthony Grant, who averaged 7.1 yards per carry over two seasons at the New Mexico Military Institute, fits that bill. Read more .
SCOTT BRUHN, NEBRASKA ATHLETICS
No. 2 Casey Thompson
Sharp as a tack, organized to the max, Casey Thompson is the clear favorite to be Nebraska’s starting quarterback. Barring injury or something unforeseen, he will be the guy taking the first snaps in Ireland. Read more .
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
No. 13 Caleb Tannor
Setting aside two personal fouls that helped cost Nebraska a game at Illinois, Tannor had a strong 2021 season. He’ll be able to log fewer snaps this season because of Ochaun Mathis, and that’s a good thing. He will stay fresher that way. Read more .
CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD
No. 1 Ochaun Mathis
Nebraska edge rusher Ochaun Mathis participates in Fan Day on Aug. 1 at Memorial Stadium. Mathis helps headline the Huskers' haul from the transfer portal this offseason.
CHRIS MACHIAN, Omaha World-Herald file photo
No. 7 Quinton Newsome
Quinton Newsome was left off the Thorpe Award watch list despite 57 tackles and four pass breakups in 2021. The snub will motivate him. Read more .
CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD
No. 3 Trey Palmer
Trey Palmer has all the tools — height, length, elite speed, fluidity of movement — to be as good, and perhaps better than any Husker receiver has been under Scott Frost, including Stanley Morgan. Read more .
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
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