The Big Ten preseason media poll is out, and unsurprisingly, Michigan soccer ranks second in the Big Ten East behind Ohio State.
Believe it or not, Big Ten Media Days starts this week, and that means we’re getting preseason polls in addition to interviews and quotes.
And the media poll for the Big Ten has already been released, according to Nebraska reporter Sean Callahan. At least the polls are for both divisions, the championship prediction hasn’t been released, but it’s safe to assume who everyone thinks will win the Big Ten in 2022 – Ohio State.
Why Ohio State, not Michigan, is the favorite
The Buckeyes will be a top-three preseason team in the AP poll, and rightly so, with quarterback CJ Stroud and an offense that should be the best in college football.
Accordingly, Big Ten media members unanimously gave the state of Ohio first place in the Big Ten East. Michigan Football is the defending champion and finished runner-up. Penn State was third, followed by Michigan State, Maryland, Rutgers and Indiana.
Another factor to consider is where The Game will be played this season. It was the defining game in the Big Ten East race a year ago, and it was played on a snowy day in Ann Arbor.
Playing the game in Columbus is a definite advantage for Ohio State, which has not lost to Michigan Football at the Horseshoe since 2000, when Drew Henson started at quarterback and Anthony Thomas was running back.
The Wolverines defeated Ohio State and earned a share of the Big Ten championship that year, but it’s been a heartbreak since then, including 2006, 2016 and 2018 when Michigan and Ohio State essentially fought for the Big Ten title played (Michigan lost all three times).
The hope for Michigan fans is that the game will again be for the East Division title, although Michigan State and Penn State will have something to say about it.
On the west side, Wisconsin is the preseason favorite, followed by Iowa and Minnesota. Then it’s Purdue, Nebraska, Illinois and Northwestern.
The Big Ten Media Days begin tomorrow. Michigan will have Cade McNamara, Erick All, Mazi Smith and DJ Turner representing the Wolverines.
