Preseason Big Ten poll predicts champion, order of finish for 2023

The preseason Big Ten poll for the 2023 season has been released with Cleveland.com publishing its 13th edition of the B1G media poll.

At this point, it should come as no surprise but 2-time defending league champion Michigan is the favorite. The Wolverines received 27 of a possible 37 first-place votes to win the B1G Championship Game this season.

Ohio State was the next closest with the Buckeyes receiving 8 first-place votes. Penn State received the remaining 2 first-place votes, shutting out the B1G West from receiving a single first-place vote.

While Michigan is the favorite in the media poll, the Big Ten Championship Odds for 2023 have a slightly different picture. Ohio State is a slight favorite at +160 entering the season with Michigan just behind at +180.

Speaking of the B1G West, Wisconsin and first-year head coach Luke Fickell led the way with 20 first-place votes for the division. Iowa trailed slightly with 16 first-place votes while Minnesota surprisingly received the remaining vote.

As for the other first-year head coaches in the league, Matt Rhule’s Nebraska program is predicted to finish 5th in the West. Purdue, now led by Ryan Walters, is predicted to finish 6th while Northwestern is predicted dead last on the heels of Pat Fitzgerald’s firing amidst a hazing scandal.

Preseason Big Ten poll full results

B1G East

1-Michigan (27 first-place votes) 2482-Ohio State (8) 2263-Penn State (2) 1924-Maryland 1435-Michigan State 1056-Rutgers 74

7-Indiana 48

B1G West

1-Wisconsin (20 first-place votes) 2332-Iowa (16) 2323-Minnesota (1) 1764-Illinois 1525-Nebraska 1166-Purdue 89

7-Northwestern 38

B1G Championship Game predictions

Michigan over Wisconsin (15)Michigan over Iowa (11)Michigan Minnesota (1)Ohio State over Iowa (4)Ohio State over Wisconsin (4)Penn State over Iowa (1)