Big Ten football teams with most returning starters in 2024, ranked (2024)

Offense:9

Defense:9

Special Teams:1(Kicker)

Can Iowa post another 10-win season in 2024? The Hawkeyes rank among the best in the Power Four for number of returning starters with nine each on offense and defense. Unanimous All-American cornerback Cooper DeJean is the only member of the Iowa starting secondarynotreturning in 2024. The Hawkeyes should be difficult to score on again next season. Whether the offense makes improvements is unknown. New coordinator Tim Lester has experience to work with in Iowa City this spring.Former Michigan transfer quarterback Cade McNamara, who suffered a season-ending injury after just five starts, did not factor into the returning starters number for Iowa.

Offense:10

Defense:7

Special Teams:2 (Kicker, Punter)

A plethora of experience also returns to Nebraska in 2024 as the Huskers try to end a streak of seven-consecutive losing seasons. Although quarterback Heinrich Haarberg is back after makingeight starts last season, incoming five-star freshman Dylan Raiola shouldtake over the role with a number of weapons around him. Running back Emmet Johnson emerged as a speedy ball carrier for Nebraska, averaging 4.6 yards per attempt.Seven starters are back from a defense that held opponents to less than 100 rushing yards per game last season. The massive defensive tackle duo of Nash Hutmacher and Ty Robinsonheadline that list for the Huskers.

Offense:6

Defense:9

Special Teams:2 (Kicker, Punter)

Northwestern has a chance to build upon its surprising bowl appearance under now-full-time head coach David Braun. The Wildcats return nine starters on defense, a unit that came up big at times last season when Northwestern won six of eight one-possession games. Linebacker Xander Mueller and edge rusher Sean McLaughlin are a pair of fifth-year seniors returning to Evanston for one last go-round. Mueller recorded 110 total tackles with five sacks and a team-high three interceptions in 2023. Only three players in the Big Ten recorded more total stops last season.

Offense:8

Defense:7

Special Teams:1 (Punter)

Former five-star quarterback Drew Allar and one of the best running back duos in college football is featured on the listof returning starters at Penn State. Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton split carries almost equally in the Nittany Lions backfield last season, totaling 1,654 yards and 14 touchdowns. With new offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki calling the plays in 2024, Penn State is hopeful Allar can reach another level needed to get the Nittany Lions in the Big Ten championship conversation again. On defense, Abdul Carter is back, but moved from linebacker to edge rusher this spring to help fill the void left by the departures of Adisa Isaac and Chop Robinson.

Offense:7

Defense:8

Special Teams:1 (Kicker)

Rutgers last made consecutive bowl appearances in 2014. With a majority oftheir starters back from a year ago, the Scarlet Knights and head coach Greg Schiano look to get back to the postseason in 2024. Running back Kyle Monangai — the leading rusher in the Big Ten last season with 1,262 yards — returns behind an offense line with four of five starters back.Rutgers also returns seven of its top eight individual tacklers from 2023 withsixth-year Mohamed Toure headlining that experienced group. The schedule sets up favorably for the Scarlet Knights, avoiding traditional Big Ten East opponents Michigan, Ohio State and Penn State this fall.

Offense:5

Defense:8

Special Teams:2 (Kicker, Punter)

There is an abundance of familiar faces on the Minnesota defense in 2024, but stud safety Tyler Nubin and coordinator Joe Rossi are not among those back for the Golden Gophers. Will the returners be able to handle the added responsibility? Minnesota ranked last in the Big Ten in yards per carry allowed. With most of the starters fromthe front seven back, the Golden Gophers hope to see improvements in stopping the run. A new starting quarterback will take the reins of the offense in 2024 as New Hampshire transfer Max Brosmer learns the system this spring behind a line that returns four of five starters up front.

Offense:6

Defense:8

Special Teams:1 (Kicker)

There are returning starters scattered throughout the Ohio State roster this spring, but a new QB1 will need to emerge. Marvin Harrison Jr., a projected top-five pick in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft, is no longer the major threat at receiver for the Buckeyes. Former five-star recruit Emeka Egbukais the only returning pass-catcher that recorded at least 20 receptions last season. The defense is loaded with talent, highlighted by the pass-rushing duo of Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau. That experience could be key for Ohio State as it looks to reclaim the Big Ten title for the first time since 2020.

Offense:5

Defense:7

Special Teams:1 (Punter)

New Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti did not have to do a complete overhaul of the Hoosiers' roster upon his arrival. Although there are only a handful of returning starters on offense — which includes top receiver Donaven McCulley — much of that unit will look different withprojected startingquarterback Kurtis Rourke among the newbies. Defensive coordinator Bryant Haines, who followed Cignetti from James Madison, has experience to work with this spring as he installs a new scheme. The loss of linebacker Aaron Casey andsafety Louis Moore, who combined to make 192 tackles last season, must be addressed. Returning starting linebacker Jacob Mangum-Farrar could likely see an increased role.

Offense:5

Defense:7

Special Teams:1 (Kicker)

As Maryland tries to reach a bowl game for the fourth-consecutive season — which would be its longest streak since 1982-85 — the Terrapins willlean on a strong group of returning defensive starters. Linebacker Ruben Hyppolite II finished second on the team in total tackles last season with 66 stopsand is back for a fifth season. Quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa is no longer behind center for Maryland in 2024 after a record-setting career. Plus, of the seven offensive linemen that started at least six games last season, only left guard Kyle Long is back.

Offense:2

Defense:9

Special Teams:2 (Kicker, Punter)

The group of returning starters certainly favors one side of the ball for Michigan State as new head coach Jonathan Smith takes over in East Lansing. Top rusher Nathan Carter and left tackle Brandon Baldwin are the only two starters back for the Spartans offense. Meanwhile, most of the Michigan State defense returns as new coordinator Joe Rossi looks to retool a unit that ranked in the bottom half of the Big Ten for scoring the past four seasons. Each of the top four individual tacklers, including star linebacker Cal Haladay, are back.

Offense:8

Defense:4

Special Teams:0

UCLA finds itself in the opposite situation with most of its offense starters back and only a handful from defense.Ethan Garbers made six starts for the Bruins, splitting time with Dante Moore and Collin Schlee, both of whom since transferred out. Top receivers Logan Loya and J. Michael Sturdivant combined for 1,252 yards and nine touchdowns last season. Four of five starting offensive linemen for UCLA also return, giving new coordinator Eric Bieniemy plenty to work with in 2024. A lot of pressure falls onsixth-yearlinebacker Kain Medrano as one of only four returning defensive starters for new head coach DeShaun Foster.

Offense:5

Defense:5

Special Teams:2 (Kicker, Punter)

The first season for Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell was rather disappointing after failing to contend for a Big Ten West title despite high expectations. Now, a mix of returning starters and newcomers look to piece together a more consistent campaign in 2023. Incoming transfer quarterback Tyler Van Dyke has two veteran pass-catchers in Will Pauling and Bryson Green as his disposal. The Badgers return just one defensive lineman that started at least six games last season, but having veteran safety Hunter Wohler back gives Wisconsin something to build around heading into 2024.

Offense:5

Defense:5

Special Teams:1 (Punter)

Illinois has a balance of returning starters on both sides of the ball as head coach Bret Bielema tries to get the Fighting Illini back to the postseason. Quarterback Luke Altmyer missed the finalthree games of last season due to injury, but returnsto Champaign looking for a bit more consistency in 2024. Not having his top two targets in Isaiah Williams and Casey Washington could be difficult to overcome. All of the top three individual tacklers for Illinois return, led by linebacker Dylan Rosiek, who posted a team-high 82 stops.

Offense:6

Defense:4

Special Teams:1 (Punter)

Oregon lost nearly its entire starting defensive line from last season and only two members of the secondary return in 2024. Linebacker Jeffrey Bassa likely needs to emerge into a greater leadership role as the top returning individual tackler for the Ducks this spring. Head coach Dan Lanning and the staff took advantage of the transfer portal to fill in some spots, but piecing it all together could be a difficult task. Heisman Trophy finalist quarterback Bo Nix, as well as leading rusher Bucky Irving and top receiving target Troy Franklin are all gone from Oregon. Again, the Ducks relied on the portal for plug-and-play additions.

Offense:5

Defense:5

Special Teams:1 (Kicker)

Hudson Card returns to Purdue as one of the most experienced quarterbacks in the Big Ten this season. The former transfer from Texas played in 33games and made16starts the previousfour years. Card missed only one game during his first season at Purdue in 2023, completing 58.9% of his passes for 15 touchdowns and eight interceptions. The Boilermakers hope for a jump offensively, but the biggest gains need to be made on defense, where only five starters return. That group includes a core led by safety Dillon Thieneman, as well as linebackers Kydran Jenkins and Yanni Karlaftis — all of which finished among the top four individual tacklers for Purdue last season.

Offense:3

Defense:4

Special Teams:2 (Kicker, Punter)

The apparent flip-flop decision by defensive lineman Bear Alexander of whether to enter the transfer portal for a second time would affect the number of returning starters for USC. Alexander said he is staying with the Trojans, but there is still plenty of turnover for a defense looking to change its identity in 2024. The top two tacklers — Mason Cobb and Jaylin Smith — return as well, giving new coordinator D'Anton Lynn some experience to work with. The USC offense certainly will not look the same without Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams running the show.

Offense:1

Defense:4

Special Teams:1 (Punter)

Michigan lost almost its entire starting offense and returned only a handful on the defensive side after finally breaking through for a national championship last season. Not to mention head coach Jim Harbaugh and several other key members of that staff are also gone. New head coach Sherrone Moore certainly has his work cut out for him in Year 1. Defensive tackle Mason Graham is the only returning starter on the front six for the Wolverines. The secondary is by far the most experienced, but the injury to safety Rod Moore this spring is another massive blow for Michigan.

Offense:0

Defense:3

Special Teams:2 (Kicker, Punter)

Washington was also gutted after reaching the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. The departure of head coach Kalen DeBoer started a wave of departures with several offensive stars like quarterback Michael Penix Jr., wideout Rome Odunze and the rest of the receiving corps preparing for the 2024 NFL Draft. New head coach Jedd Fisch must piece together an entirelyfresh starting offense this spring. The Huskies should be active in the transfer portal to address both sides of the ball. Rising senior cornerback Thaddeus Dixon, who made the game-ending pass breakup in the CFP semifinal, is one of only a few returning starters back on the Washington defense.