The Gophers have been predicted to finish third in the Big Ten West behind Wisconsin and Iowa in the 13th annual Cleveland.com Preseason Big Ten Football Poll.
P.J. Fleck’s Gophers received just one firstplace vote from the 37 voters. Wisconsin is predicted to win the Big Ten West, with Iowa coming in second.
Beat writers from all 14 Big Ten schools were invited to participate in the poll, as well as media who cover the entire league or have a national perspective. The participants were asked to predict the final standings in both divisions. First-place votes were worth seven points, second-place votes were worth six points and so on.
Big Ten West
- Wisconsin (20 first-place votes) 233 total
- Iowa (16) 232
- Minnesota (1) 176
- Illinois 152
- Nebraska 116
- Purdue 89
- Northwestern 38
The 2023 season will be the final year in which the Big Ten is split into East and West divisions. When UCLA and USC join the conference in 2024, bringing the league to 16 teams, the top two teams in the conference, based on record, will compete in the Big Ten Championship Game.
Michigan was voted as the favorite to win the Big Ten East by a wide margin over rival Ohio State, with the Wolverines receiving 27 first-place votes to the Buckeyes’ eight.
Big Ten East
- Michigan (27) 248
- Ohio State (8) 226
- Penn State (2) 192
- Maryland 143
- Michigan State 105
- Rutgers 74
- Indiana 48
The Gophers open the 2023 season Aug. 31 at home against Nebraska.
