Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year Power Rankings -

In the race for the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, Zack and J.R. offer their unique takes on which players are most likely to claim the coveted title. While their lists overlap in some areas, there are notable differences in their rankings, reflecting their individual perspectives on player potential, team dynamics, and historical trends.

Zack’s Top 10 Rankings:

1. Dillon Gabriel
Zack places the Oklahoma quarterback at the top of his list, citing Gabriel’s consistent performance and strong potential to lead his team to success.

2. Emeka Egbuka
The Ohio State wide receiver is ranked highly by Zack, who believes Egbuka is set for a standout season, particularly with Chip Kelly’s plans to utilize him in versatile roles.

3. Quinshon Judkins
Judkins, a dynamic running back, is positioned third on Zack’s list. He anticipates Judkins will be a key offensive weapon, capable of racking up significant touchdowns.

4. Tez Johnson
Zack includes Johnson in his top five, expecting him to have a high volume of involvement in his team’s offense.

5. Miller Moss
The USC quarterback makes Zack’s list due to his position in Lincoln Riley’s high-powered offense, which traditionally elevates its quarterbacks to national prominence.

6. Drew Aller
As one of the few returning quarterbacks in the Big Ten, Aller secures a spot in Zack’s rankings, backed by the potential for a breakout season at Penn State.

7. Donovan Edwards
Zack acknowledges Edwards’ talent but expresses some uncertainty about how many touches he will receive, considering Michigan’s depth at running back.

8. Kyle Monangai
Monangai is included for his explosive playmaking ability, which could make him a dark horse candidate for the award.

9. Jonah Coleman
Coleman’s potential to be a focal point in Washington’s offense earns him a spot in Zack’s rankings, highlighting his potential to surprise this season.

10. Colson Loveland
Although Loveland just misses Zack’s top 10, he acknowledges that the tight end could have a significant impact, particularly given his role in the offense close to the line of scrimmage.

J.R.’s Top 10 Rankings:

1. Dillon Gabriel
Like Zack, J.R. also ranks Gabriel as the top contender for the Offensive Player of the Year, emphasizing his ability to deliver impressive stats and lead Oklahoma’s offense.

2. TreVeyon Henderson
J.R. differs from Zack by including Ohio State’s running back, Henderson, in the second spot. He believes Henderson’s speed and big-play potential make him a strong candidate.

3. Donovan Edwards
Edwards ranks higher on J.R.’s list, reflecting his belief that Edwards could have a breakout season if given enough opportunities.

4. Quinshon Judkins
Judkins holds the fourth spot in J.R.’s rankings, praised for his consistency and ability to produce significant yardage and touchdowns.

5. Will Howard
J.R. includes Kansas State’s quarterback, Howard, recognizing his potential to contribute both in the air and on the ground, particularly in Chip Kelly’s system.

6. Drew Aller
J.R. agrees with Zack on Aller’s inclusion, placing him sixth, and notes the importance of the Penn State quarterback in their offense.

7. Miller Moss
Moss is slightly lower on J.R.’s list, but he still sees the USC quarterback as a top contender due to the offensive system he plays in.

8. Evan Stewart
J.R. adds Stewart to his rankings, believing that the wide receiver will shine in high-profile games and could emerge as a key playmaker for his team.

9. Emeka Egbuka
J.R. also ranks Egbuka but positions him a bit lower, reasoning that while Egbuka will have volume, others may outshine him in pivotal moments.

10. Kyle Monangai
Like Zack, J.R. includes Monangai in his top 10, noting his ability to deliver big plays and contribute significantly to his team’s success.

Key Differences and Analysis

TreVeyon Henderson: J.R. ranks Henderson second, while Zack omits him entirely, showing a stark difference in their predictions for the Ohio State running back’s season.
Will Howard: J.R. includes Howard in his top five, anticipating a strong season in Chip Kelly’s offense, whereas Zack leaves him out, potentially underestimating his impact.
Emeka Egbuka: Both rank Egbuka, but Zack is more optimistic about his potential, placing him second, while J.R. positions him ninth, factoring in the possibility of other players overshadowing him.
Tez Johnson and Evan Stewart: Zack favors Johnson, placing him in the top four, while J.R. leans towards Stewart, seeing him as a standout in crucial matchups.

Conclusion

Zack and J.R.’s rankings highlight the depth of talent in the Big Ten this year and the different factors that could influence the race for Offensive Player of the Year. While they agree on some players like Dillon Gabriel and Quinshon Judkins, their differences offer a comprehensive view of who might emerge as the season’s top offensive performer. As the season unfolds, it will be intriguing to see whose predictions come closer to reality.