There are no Big Ten football games left to be played this season meaning we are officially in the offseason. Derek Peterson already recapped how the conference fared during bowl season, but plenty has already happened since then –– coordinators and assistants are moving on, players are declaring for the draft (or not) and, of course, recruiting marches on.
Here's a quick roundup of some news and notes in the Big Ten from the first part of 2019.
NORTHWESTERN: According to a report from the Chicago Tribune's Teddy Greenstein, multiple NFL teams reached out to Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald, but the ex-Wildcats linebacker is sticking with, well, the Wildcats. That's a good thing for the Big Ten West and the conference as a whole. Northwestern went 15-4 in conference games the past two seasons.
OHIO STATTE: Been a busy couple of days for the Buckeyes as they may be engaging in a Big 12 coaches exchange of sorts. We already know that former Oklahoma State offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich is joining the Buckeyes as their passing game coordinator, but there are also reports that co-defensive coordinator Alex Grinch could be close to taking over the Oklahoma defense. The Buckeyes will have defensive back Jordan Fuller in 2019, however, as he announced his decision to return for his senior season.
PENN STATE: The Nittany Lions are losing their leading rusher from 2018 as junior running back Miles Sanders announced he will enter the NFL Draft. Add in the graduation of quarterback Trace McSorley and the loss of two offensive linemen (both leaving early for the NFL) and Penn State will have some big questions to answer on offense entering 2019. (The Nittany Lions are also losing two defensive linemen as early entrants to the NFL Draft.)
WISCONSIN: Center Tyler Biadasz, a potential Day 1 pick according to most, is staying at Wisconsin. One of his right-hand men, right tackle David Edwards, announced he's taking the NFL leap earlier this week.
ILLINOIS: The Illini earned a commitment from 4-star linebacker Shammond Cooper. He's the third 4-star in the 12-person class.
INDIANA: The Hoosiers are in the market for a new offensive coordinator following the retirement of Mike DeBord. Plenty of chatter among the IU faithful for former Maryland/LSU/Pitt/NC State/Wisconsin offensive coordinator Matt Canada to get the gig. He's an Indiana native and IU alum, but Tennessee is also reportedly interested.
MARYLAND: As the assistant-coaching carousel whirs up to full speed, nothing much is happening at Maryland. New head coach Mike Locksley still has a game to coach as Alabama's offensive coordinator. He's even continued to recruit for the Tide (to a degree) after being named the Terrapins next head coach.
The Grab Bag
- Nebraska women’s basketball staged a strong fourth-quarter rally at No. 19 Iowa last night, but came up just short.
- Jacob Padilla takes a comprehensive look at how the Big Ten basketball teams fared in nonconference play.
- Need a guide to Huskers in the NFL Playoffs? Erin Sorensen has you covered.
- Greg Smith names some of the early enrollees with a chance to contribute right away.
Today’s Song of Today
Brandon is the Managing Editor for Hail Varsity and has covered Nebraska athletics for the magazine and web since 2012, Hail Varsity’s first season on the scene. His sports writing has also been featured by Fox Sports, The Guardian and CBS Sports.
