Big Ten Football is officially back! Some appetizing matchups are on the Week 1 schedule, beginning with Rutgers, Minnesota, and Illinois in action Thursday evening. The undeniable highlight of the opening weekend sees the newly-minted Big Ten program USC (No. 23) facing SEC powerhouse LSU (No. 13) on Sunday evening.
With so many exciting matchups on the schedule, we’ve identified five Big Ten talents that can improve their draft stock on opening weekend. Our latest Draft Network 100 Big Board has served as a reference point.
Daniel Jackson, WR, Minnesota
Minnesota Golden Gophers wide receiver Daniel Jackson enters the season as our 90th-ranked overall prospect and WR12. The Kansas City, Kansas native led the team in every major receiving category last year by compiling 59 receptions for 831 yards and eight touchdowns. An even bigger campaign looms large for Jackson in 2024.
Minnesota's matchup versus North Carolina on Thursday evening is among the most exciting games featuring a Big Ten program in Week 1. The Tar Heels are slight favorites, so a big showing from Jackson could improve his national narrative. Other must-watch prospects in the game include Omarion Hampton and Aireontae Ersery.
Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State
Off-ball linebacker turned EDGE rusher Abdul Carter is going to dominate the pass-rushing headlines for the Nittany Lions this season. His running mate will be Dani Dennis-Sutton, a technically advanced run defender with room to improve his overall arsenal. Together, Carter and Dennis-Sutton will be tasked with replacing Chop Robinson and Adisa Isaac.
Penn State are mere eight-point favorites over West Virginia on Saturday. Dennis-Sutton barely cracked our Draft Network 100 at No. 98 overall. A more productive pass-rushing campaign for Dennis-Sutton, who recorded a modest 3.5 sacks last season, would improve his draft stock.
Luke Lachey, TE, Iowa
Death, taxes, and Iowa tight ends. Luke Lachey projects as the latest talent in the Hawkeyes' long-tenured factory of producing successful players at the position. Our scouts immediately believe in Lachey, ranking him as the 36th overall prospect entering the season.
Lachey will step into Iowa’s TE1 role this season vacated by Erick All. He’s a smooth-moving and athletic pass rusher who could lead the offense in receiving this season. Iowa’s 2024 journey begins on Saturday afternoon versus Illinois State.
Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
With programs like Michigan, Ohio State, and Oregon having cupcake matchups this weekend, it's Penn State's aforementioned meeting with West Virginia that projects as the most dangerous for a legitimate Big Ten contender. The committee is placing faith in the Nittany Lions by ranking them at No. 8 overall.
That places pressure on Penn State starting quarterback Drew Allar entering Week 1. Currently our 73rd prospect and QB8, Allar must show growth with his mechanics this season to prove he's an improved passer.
Ty Hamilton, DT, Ohio State
The Buckeyes have a sizable nine players in August’s Draft Network 100. The lowest-ranked talent among those who cracked the list? Defensive tackle Ty Hamilton at 92nd overall.
No. 2 ranked Ohio State will make light work of Akron this weekend. Hamilton needs to use this warm-up opportunity to begin his campaign on the appropriate foot. A powerful and immovable defender, Hamilton should control the line of scrimmage versus an overmatched Zips program.
