PFF Announces 2023 Preseason All-Big Ten Team
Photo via Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Pro Football Focus has officially announced their All-Big Ten Team ahead of the 2023 season. The Michigan Wolverines lead the league with seven total selections; four on offense and three on defense. Meanwhile, five teams had no players selected for the first team: Nebraska, Michigan State, Maryland, Northwestern, and Purdue.
The Wolverines that made the list include J.J. McCarthy (QB), Blake Corum (RB), Zak Zinter (G), Drake Nugent (C), Kris Jenkins (DL), Will Johnson (CB), and Rod Moore (S).
Iowa finished second with five players selected, including two of the three available special teams spots. Connor Colby (G), Quin Shulte (S), Cooper DeJean (Flex), Drew Stevens (K), and Tory Taylor (P) were among the Hawkeyes selected.
Interestingly, Ohio State, Wisconsin, and Penn State all only had three players selected despite being legitimate contenders this season.
The quarterback and running back slots on the first team were easily the most debated. Taulia Tagovailoa (Maryland) and Drew Allar (Penn State) were selected to quarterback the second and third teams respectively. In a talented quarterback conference, McCarthy’s selection to the first team has sparked fierce debate online about whether or not the Michigan QB is more than just a game manager.
The running back discussion is even more of a heated debate as Michigan, Penn State, and Ohio State all have valid claims as to why their running back tandem is the best.
Both Michigan and Ohio State had both running backs selected for All-Big Ten Teams. Obviously, Blake Corum highlighted the first team while Donovan Edwards was slotted to the second team. The Buckeye tandem of Treveyon Henderson and Miyan Williams were selected to the third team.
Only Nicholas Singleton was selected to the second team for the Nittany Lions.
