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Big Ten football standings predictions for the 2023 season

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, IL - OCTOBER 12: A detailed view of a Big Ten end zone pylon seen before the Illinois Fighting Illini and Michigan Wolverines game at Memorial Stadium on October 12, 2019 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - OCTOBER 12: A detailed view of a Big Ten end zone pylon seen before the Illinois Fighting Illini and Michigan Wolverines game at Memorial Stadium on October 12, 2019 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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Maryland football head coach Mike Locksley walks off the bus as the team arrives ahead of the game vs. Michigan on Sept. 24, 2022 at the Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor.
Maryland football head coach Mike Locksley walks off the bus as the team arrives ahead of the game vs. Michigan on Sept. 24, 2022 at the Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor. /

No. 3 Maryland Terrapins (10-2 overall, 7-2 B1G)

  • Prediction

There are a couple of surprise teams in the Big Ten this season, and I think the Maryland Terrapins could be one of those units. They finished 2022 at 7-5, and I think they could take a big jump in 2023.

I have the Terrapins finishing the 2023 campaign with a record of 10-2 overall and 7-2 in the Big Ten. The only two losses I have tallied for Maryland include at No. 3 Ohio State and against No. 2 Michigan. Besides for those two games, the Terrapins will run the table.

  • Reasoning

Maryland doesn’t have the toughest schedule in the world this season. They play three ranked teams, and I have them losing to two of those programs. Their road games aren’t tough either, with Michigan State, Northwestern, Nebraska, and Rutgers as the only tilts away from College Park.

I like what the Terrapins have on the offensive side of the ball as well. Taulia Tagovailoa has had a couple of good years with Maryland, and he is ready to take the next step in 2023. He has some weapons returning too. Maryland’s top running back, wide receiver, and tight end are all back for another season.

The Terrapins could have another solid defense in 2023. They only gave up 23.2 points per game last season, which ranked No. 34 in the country. That defense returns the top four players in tackles and four out of the top six players in interceptions. Maryland could sneak up on some people this season.

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