ESPN college football analyst Greg McElroy is high on the Big Ten. In his preseason top 25, McElroy has three Big Ten teams in the top 10 (but not Michigan).
Joining Penn State and league newcomer Oregon in the top 10 is Ohio State, who the former Alabama QB has ranked No. 1, ahead of Georgia.
McElroy explains, “Everyone’s hungry. Everyone’s angry. Everyone watched their rival win the national championship last year. And that is a powerful, powerful thing.”
🚨 @GregMcElroy's Preseason Top 25 🚨 pic.twitter.com/ZiFbTdQWJJ
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But McElroy says the road to the title won’t be easy for the Buckeyes. “If you look at the schedule, you’ve got a road game against Oregon. You’ve got an epic game against Michigan there every single year. If you look at the schedule, it’s hard. No doubt about it.”
McElroy thinks Ohio State is up for the challenge. “If you look at the personnel, the weapons, that have been added to this roster, that have been developed over the last couple years, it would be really difficult not to feel great by what Ryan Day brings into the ‘24 season.”
With K-State transfer QB Will Howard under center, McElroy thinks the Buckeyes have upgraded the position. “Diving a little bit deeper into some of his tape last year, that guy is really good.” He continues, “When you look at what his role and responsibility is going to be within this offense, it’s going to be to make good decisions and be accurate with the football.”
A big name hire at offensive coordinator will also improve the Buckeyes offense according to the ESPN analyst, “There’s one thing I also note too is the addition of Chip Kelly at the offensive coordinator spot. Do not lose sight of how important that is. Go watch how UCLA ran the football the last few years. … They’re going to be super creative.”