It is no surprise that the Nittany Lions are one of the heavy favorites to win the Big Ten conference. After all, they return the bulk of their CFP semifinal team from last year. That does not mean that they will not have their challengers throughout the campaign. Therefore, it will not be easy sledding for a team that haven’t yet proved they can win games when they matter. Here are the five teams most likely to challenge Penn State throughout the season and more importantly, for the Big Ten crown.
5. Washington
Washington may not be on every Big Ten’s radar, but if that prolific backfield improves upon the strides they made last year, they very well could be the shock team in the conference this season. With Demond Williams Jr. in his first full year as the starter, look for him to brink back a certain level of dynamism to the offense not unlike what Michael Penix Jr. offered a couple of years ago. Look for Denzel Boston to be the new Rome Odunze, with his elite catch radius and detailed route tree. Definitely don’t forget about the dynamic tandem of Jonah Coleman and rising star Adam Mohammed. While Penn State and Washington do not face off in the regular season, a potential Big Ten championship game will almost certainly provide fireworks. The Huskies are ready to make waves in the Big Ten. The rest of the conference better look out.
Illinois won’t be surprising anyone this season. After their first 10-win season in over a decade, the Illini are now on everyone’s radar as a true contender. Yes, they may not have the same depth at the receiver position as last year, but with Luke Altmyer’s steadying presence and calm in the clutch, Illinois can make up for it. The return of All-Big Ten first team selection Gabe Jacas off the edge is another scary proposition. The Illini may not be as fun and frisky as last year, but…
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Publish date : 2025-07-28 12:13:00
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