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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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Nov 5, 2022; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Northwestern Wildcats flags blow in the high winds during the second half of the NCAA football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus DispatchNcaa Football Ohio State Buckeyes At Northwestern Wildcats
Nov 5, 2022; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Northwestern Wildcats flags blow in the high winds during the second half of the NCAA football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus DispatchNcaa Football Ohio State Buckeyes At Northwestern Wildcats /

Big Ten – West

No. 7 Northwestern Wildcats (2-10 overall, 0-9 B1G)

  • Prediction

Right there with Indiana as one of the worst teams in the country is likely to be the Northwestern Wildcats. They finished 1-11 last season, and the only win was overseas in Dublin, Ireland. So, the Wildcats haven’t actually won a game in the United States since October 16, 2021.

I have Northwestern going 2-10 overall and 0-9 in the Big Ten. The hope for the Wildcats in 2023 comes from the non-conference. I have them knocking off UTEP and Howard. This might be an optimistic take, though.

  • Reasoning

Northwestern was absolute garbage last season, and I don’t expect too much better heading into 2023. While they avoided Ohio State and Michigan, the Wildcats play a lot of solid teams. I think their lone hope for a Big Ten win is probably against Nebraska, but that game is on the road.

The Wildcats were able to land sixth-year transfer, Ben Bryant to be their quarterback in 2023. He is an upgrade over what they had last season. In 2022, Bryant threw for 2,732 yards, 21 touchdowns, and seven interceptions for Cincinnati. Bryant might not have much help, though.

Evan Hull, Northwestern’s top running back from last season, departed for the NFL. I believe Cam Porter is the projected starter, and he only averaged 3.3 yards per carry in 2022. The Wildcats also lost their top three players in receiving yards.

Northwestern’s defense gave up 28.1 points per game last season, which ranked No. 68 in the nation. They do return their top four players in tackles and three out of the top five players in interceptions. But three out of the top five players in sacks departed the program.

I think the Wildcats have one of the worst rosters in the country. Bryant might be able to help them, but I see him struggling with limited weapons and playing against better defenses than with the Bearcats.

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