10 players to watch in the Big Ten

J.T. Barrett, Ohio State QB

Can Barrett rediscover the form that made him a Heisman Trophy candidate in 2014? He may need to in order to get the Buckeyes back to the College Football Playoff.

Saquon Barkley, Penn State RB

Already a star in 2016, Barkley used New Year's Day 2017 to announce his candidacy for the Heisman Trophy this season, compiling 249 yards of offense and three touchdowns against USC in the Rose Bowl.

Josey Jewell, Iowa LB

Jewell added another high-caliber season to his resume, leading the Hawkeyes with 124 tackles, including six tackles for loss, in 2016. If he repeats that production, he could make it three consecutive seasons with over 100 tackles.

Tegray Scales, Indiana LB

The nation's leader in tackles for loss last season with 23.5, Scales thrived in Tom Allen's defense to also rack up a Big Ten-best 126 tackles. His seven sacks also led the Hoosiers.

Justin Jackson, Northwestern RB

Jackson topped 1,000 yards on the ground for the third consecutive season, finishing with a career-best and Big Ten-leading 1,524 rushing yards in 2016. At 5'11", 193 pounds, Jackson's durability in his three seasons has been outstanding.

Rodney Smith, Minnesota RB

Relatively unknown entering the 2016 season, Smith quickly established himself as one of the Big Ten's top backs, finishing the year with 1,158 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns.

Wilton Speight, Michigan QB

As one of just five returning starter for Michigan this season, Speight faces big expectations to keep the Wolverines in the hunt for the Big Ten title. His numbers last season (61.6% completion rate, 2,538 yards passing, 18 touchdowns, seven interceptions) weren't bad, but he'll need to progress to offset some of Michigan's other losses.

T.J. Edwards, Wisconsin LB

Edwards did a bit of everything last season for a Badgers defense that ranked fourth in points allowed. His 89 tackles led the team while he also recorded 8.5 tackles for loss, three sacks and three interceptions. With fellow standout linebackers T.J. Watt and Vince Biegel leaving for the NFL, Wisconsin will look to Edwards to anchor the defense.

Jerome Baker, Ohio State LB

Injuries forced Baker into a bigger role in 2016, and he rose to the occasion, finishing with 83 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and two interceptions. Now with star linebacker Raekwon McMillan gone, Baker must take the next step in his development.

Trace McSorley, Penn State QB

McSorley shined in an explosive Nittany Lions offense to finish last year with a Big Ten-best 3,614 passing yards. With him and Barkley both back, Penn State should have among the best QB-RB combos in the country.