NCAA Football Futures: Big 10 Picks and Predictions

Quinn Allen
By , Updated on: Sep 4, 2022 08:00 PM
NCAA Football Futures: Big 10 Picks and Predictions

With the 2022 NCAA Football season officially just a week away, it's the perfect time for some online college football betting. The Big 10 is always a competitive conference with no shortage of intriguing programs, headlined by Ohio State, one of the top teams in the entire nation. They're an early -210 favorite in the Big 10 picks, followed by Michigan (+550) and Wisconsin (+850). The Buckeyes also have the second-best odds in the future for the 2022-23 NCAA Football National Championship.

Before we get into the odds and analysis, make sure to check out our reviews of the top online sportsbooks.

Big 10 Odds

BetOnlineOdds
Ohio State-210
Michigan+550
Wisconsin+850
Nebraska+1600
Penn State+1800
Iowa+2200
Minnesota+2500
Purdue+3300
Michigan State+3300
Indiana+20000
Maryland+20000
Illinois+20000
Northwestern+30000
Rutgers+50000

Ohio State

It's really no surprise Ohio State is the top dog. They've captured the Big 10 title in four of the last five years, but 2021 was Michigan's time to shine as they won it and ultimately lost in the CFP semifinal to Georgia. The Buckeyes still had a decent campaign though, finishing with an 11-2 record and beating Utah in an excitement-filled Rose Bowl, 48-45. Also, OSU has a total of 14 starters returning to Columbus, which is a massive reason they're expected to be such a force. Leading the charge is Heisman frontrunner CJ Stroud.

The QB is one of the top players in the country and had a massive first season with the Buckeyes, completing 72% of his passes for 4,435 yards, 44 touchdowns, and six interceptions. The definition of video game numbers. One could only believe Stroud will be even better in 2022. He's also got two absolute weapons at his disposal, forming arguably the best QB-WR-RB trio in the nation. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is a fantastic wideout with huge potential, while running back TreVeyon Henderson is quick, shifty, and just rushed for over 1,200 yards and 15 touchdowns last season. He rushed for 6.8 yards per carry, too. It's no wonder Ohio State is the frontrunner in Big 10 picks.

Michigan

Jim Harbaugh's group cannot be overlooked, either. After all, they made it to the CFP playoff and won the Big 10. They finished with a record of 8-1 in the conference and 12-2 overall, losing their only Big ten game to rivals Michigan State. The Wolverines do have a lot of their core returning to Ann Arbor, with 13 players in total running it back. But, they did lose Aidan Hutchinson and David Ojabo to the NFL, two of their best defenders who are future stars at the pro level. Offensively, Harbaugh has two solid QBs at his disposal in Cade McNamara and J.J. McCarthy. McNamara got the majority of the snaps a year ago, throwing for 2,576 yards and 15 touchdowns. McCarthy is a good option too, but McNamara is the more experienced and consistent signal-caller. Their fate in 2022 will definitely be based on an October 26th matchup with Ohio State, one of the best Big ten rivalries around. Michigan took down the Buckeyes last season, but OSU is a 14-point favorite here.

Wisconsin

Competing in the Big 10 West, the Wisconsin Badgers have a legitimate chance of being in the title game. Iowa and Nebraska are honestly their only true threats on this side of the conference. The Badgers went 6-3 in conference play and 9-4 overall last year and have a serious weapon at running back in Braelon Allen. He's even a long shot in the Heisman odds after posting 1,268 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns in 21' and should thrive again after a year of growth. But, quarterback Graham Mertz has to be a lot better after a rather average campaign, throwing for 11 interceptions and just 10 touchdowns. The reason Wisconsin has an opportunity to get started on the right foot is that their first three opponents are Illinois State, Washington State, and New Mexico State. All of those contests come before taking on Michigan State in Week 7. Also, the Badgers close out the season with quite a few home contests. That's definitely a benefit. Don't sleep in Wisconsin.

Big 10 picks

When it comes to the Big 10 title, I have to ride Ohio State. There is just no doubt about it. This offense is absolutely electrifying with Stroud, Henderson, and Smith-Njigba. They wreaked havoc in 2021, and it'll be a lot of the same this time around. To be honest, I could even see them ending up in the CFB Championship. But for now, riding them to take home the Big 10 crown is a solid bet. Ryan Day will take the Buckeyes to the promised land.

Ohio State To win Big 10 title
-210
BetOnline

Meet the author

Quinn Allen

Quinn Allen leverages his broadcast journalism degree and passion for sports in his betting previews and analysis. Based in Kelowna, Canada, he has emerged as an expert voice with picks featured on OSB, MTS, SBD, and as a ClutchPoints editor. With a lifelong fandom of...

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