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2021 Big Ten Conference football season

The 2021 Big Ten conference football season was the 126th season of college football play for the Big Ten Conference and part of the 2021 NCAA Division I FBS football season. This was the Big Ten's eighth season with 14 teams. The league's champion was Michigan.

2021 Big Ten Conference football season
NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision
Football
August 28, 2021through January 1, 2022
14
Fox Sports (Fox/FS1, Big Ten Network), ESPN (ESPN, ESPN2, ABC)
Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Michigan
Detroit Lions, 2nd overall
Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Michigan
Michigan & Ohio State (co-champions)
Iowa
Michigan
Iowa
Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Michigan

The 2021 Big Ten conference football season was the 126th season of college football play for the Big Ten Conference and part of the 2021 NCAA Division I FBS football season. This was the Big Ten's eighth season with 14 teams. The league's champion was Michigan.

With a win on November 26 over Nebraska, and a loss by Wisconsin on November 27, Iowa won the Big Ten West division. With a win over Ohio State on November 27 Michigan clinched a share of the Big Ten East division championship and a spot in the Big Ten Championship game against Iowa on December 4 at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Nine Big Ten teams were bowl-eligible at the completion of the regular season: Iowa, Maryland, Michigan (CFP), Michigan State, Minnesota, Ohio State, Penn State, Purdue, and Wisconsin. A tenth, Rutgers, was added by NCAA contingency plans on December 23 as Texas A&M withdrew from the Gator Bowl, and with no bowl eligible teams available, the NCAA chose their replacement using Academic Progress Rate regulations.

Illinois hired former Arkansas and Wisconsin head coach Bret Bielema to serve as head coach, replacing Lovie Smith who was fired during the 2020 season.

TeamESPNRivalsScout & 24/7Signees
Illinois>40727318
Indiana>40665414
Iowa22242419
Maryland18191824
Michigan14111322
Michigan State>40464519
Minnesota27413818
Nebraska39182020
Northwestern>40535016
Ohio State22223
Penn State24262117
Purdue>40767616
Rutgers40404221
Wisconsin20151621

Below are the results of the preseason media poll with total points received next to each school and first-place votes in parentheses. For the 2021 poll, Ohio State was voted as the favorite to win both the East Division and the Big Ten Championship Game. This is the 11th iteration of the preseason media poll conducted by Cleveland.com, which polls at least one credentialed media member for each Big Ten team. Only three times in the last 11 years has the media accurately predicted the Big Ten champion.

Column 1Column 2Column 3
East
1Ohio State238 (34)
2Penn State192
3Indiana169
4Michigan144
5Maryland79
6Rutgers77.5
7Michigan State52.5
Column 1Column 2Column 3
West
1Wisconsin233 (29)
2Iowa202 (5)
3Northwestern160
4Minnesota146
5Nebraska91.5
6Purdue72.5
7Illinois47
Column 1Column 2Column 3
Media poll (Big Ten Championship)
1Ohio State over Wisconsin28
2Ohio State over Iowa5
3Wisconsin over Ohio State1

Below are the results of the annual Preseason Big Ten Player of the Year awards conducted by Cleveland.com.

Column 1Column 2Column 3Column 4Column 5
Preseason Offensive Player of the Year
1Chris OlaveWROhio State58 (11)
2Michael Penix Jr.QBIndiana44.5 (8)
3Mohamed IbrahimRBMinnesota36 (4)
4Tyler LinderbaumCIowa13 (1)
5Garrett WilsonWROhio State12 (1)
6David BellWRPurdue10 (1)
7C. J. StroudQBOhio State6 (2)
7Jahan DotsonWRPenn State6 (1)
7Graham MertzQBWisconsin6 (1)
10Tyler GoodsonRBIowa5 (1)
11Ty FryfogleRBIndiana4 (1)
12Tanner MorganQBMinnesota3.5 (1)
Column 1Column 2Column 3Column 4Column 5
Preseason Defensive Player of the Year
1Brandon JosephSNorthwestern49 (11)
2George KarlaftisDEPurdue33 (8)
3Haskell GarrettDTOhio State30.5 (5)
4Micah McFaddenLBIndiana28 (6)
5Olakunle FatukasiLBRutgers18 (3)
6Aidan HutchinsonDEMichigan11
7Jack SanbornLBWisconsin7
7Tiawan MullenCBIndiana7 (1)
9Zach HarrisonDEOhio State3.5
10Jaquan BriskerSPenn State3
10Sevyn BanksCBOhio State3
12Boye MafeDEMinnesota2
12Chris BerginLBNorthwestern2
12Cam Taylor-BrittCBNebraska2
12Jake HansenLBIllinois2
16JoJo DomannS/LBNebraska1
16Tyshon FoggLBRutgers1
16Owen CarneyLBIllinois1
Column 1Column 2Column 3
Improvement in ranking
Drop in ranking
Not ranked previous week
No change in ranking from previous week
RVReceived votes but were not ranked in Top 25 of poll
тTied with team above or below also with this symbol
Index to colors and formatting
Big Ten member won
Big Ten member lost
Big Ten teams in bold

All times Eastern time.

† denotes Homecoming game

DateTimeVisiting teamHome teamSiteTVResultAttendanceRef.
August 281:00 p.m.NebraskaIllinoisMemorial Stadium • Champaign, ILFOXILL 30–2241,064[1]
#Rankings from AP Poll released prior to game. All times are in Eastern Time.
DateTimeVisiting teamHome teamSiteTVResultAttendanceRef.
.mw-parser-output .tooltip-dotted{border-bottom:1px dotted;cursor:help}September 28:00 p.m.No. 4 Ohio StateMinnesotaHuntington Bank Stadium • Minneapolis, MNFOXOSU 45–3150,805[2]
September 39:00 p.m.Michigan StateNorthwesternRyan Field • Evanston, ILESPNMSU 38–2134,248[3]
September 412:00 p.m.TempleRutgersSHI Stadium • Piscataway, NJBTNW 61–1452,519[4]
September 412:00 p.m.FordhamNebraskaMemorial Stadium • Lincoln, NEBTNW 52–785,938[5]
September 412:00 p.m.Western MichiganMichiganMichigan Stadium • Ann Arbor, MIESPNW 47–14109,295[6]
September 412:00 p.m.No. 19 Penn StateNo. 12 WisconsinCamp Randall Stadium • Madison, WIFOXPSU 16–1076,832[7]
September 43:30 p.m.No. 17 IndianaNo. 18 IowaKinnick Stadium • Iowa City, IABTNIA 34–668,166[8]
September 43:30 p.m.West VirginiaMarylandMaryland Stadium • College Park, MD (rivalry)ESPNW 30–2443,811[9]
September 47:00 p.m.Oregon StatePurdueRoss-Ade Stadium • West Lafayette, INFS1W 30–2153,656[10]
September 47:30 p.m.UTSAIllinoisMemorial Stadium • Champaign, ILBTNL 30–3733,906[11]
#Rankings from AP Poll released prior to game. All times are in Eastern Time.
DateTimeVisiting teamHome teamSiteTVResultAttendanceRef.
September 1111:00 a.m.IllinoisVirginiaScott Stadium • Charlottesville, VAACCNL 14–4236,036[12]
September 1112:00 p.m.Youngstown StateMichigan StateSpartan Stadium • East Lansing, MIBTNW 42–1470,103[13]
September 1112:00 p.m.Miami (OH)MinnesotaHuntington Bank Stadium • Minneapolis, MNESPNUW 31–2643,372[14]
September 1112:00 p.m.Indiana StateNorthwesternRyan Field • Evanston, ILBTNW 24–626,181[15]
September 1112:00 p.m.No. 12 OregonNo. 3 Ohio StateOhio Stadium • Columbus, OHFOXL 28–35100,482[16]
September 112:00 p.m.RutgersSyracuseCarrier Dome • Syracuse, NYACCNW 17–731,941[17]
September 113:00 p.m.PurdueConnecticutRentschler Field • East Hartford, CTCBSSNW 49–014,817[18]
September 113:30 p.m.BuffaloNebraskaMemorial Stadium • Lincoln, NEBTNW 28–385,663[19]
September 113:30 p.m.Ball StateNo. 11 Penn StateBeaver Stadium • University Park, PAFS1W 44–13105,323[20]
September 114:30 p.m.No. 10 IowaNo. 9 Iowa StateJack Trice Stadium • Ames, IA (Cy-Hawk Trophy)ABCW 27–1761,500[21]
September 117:00 p.m.Eastern MichiganNo. 18 WisconsinCamp Randall Stadium • Madison, WIFS1W 34–770,967[22]
September 117:30 p.m.IdahoIndianaMemorial Stadium • Bloomington, INBTNW 56–1447,417[23]
September 117:30 p.m.HowardMarylandMaryland Stadium • College Park, MDBTNW 62–031,612[24]
September 117:30 p.m.WashingtonMichiganMichigan Stadium • Ann Arbor, MIABCW 31–10108,345[25]
#Rankings from AP Poll released prior to game. All times are in Eastern Time.
DateTimeVisiting teamHome teamSiteTVResultAttendanceRef.
September 179:00 p.m.MarylandIllinoisMemorial Stadium • Champaign, ILFS1MD 20–1737,168[26]
September 1812:00 p.m.NebraskaNo. 3 OklahomaGaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium • Norman, OK (NU-OU Rivalry)FOXL 16–2384,659[27]
September 1812:00 p.m.No. 8 CincinnatiIndianaMemorial Stadium • Bloomington, INESPNL 24–3852,656[28]
September 1812:00 p.m.Michigan StateNo. 24 Miami (FL)Hard Rock Stadium • Miami Gardens, FLABCW 38–1746,427[29]
September 1812:00 p.m.Northern IllinoisNo. 25 MichiganMichigan Stadium • Ann Arbor, MIBTNW 63–10106,263[30]
September 181:00 p.m.MinnesotaColoradoFolsom Field • Boulder, COP12NW 30–047,482[31]
September 182:30 p.m.PurdueNo. 12 Notre DameNotre Dame Stadium • South Bend, IN (Shillelagh Trophy)NBCL 13–2774,341[32]
September 183:30 p.m.Kent StateNo. 5 IowaKinnick Stadium • Iowa City, IABTNW 30–761,932[33]
September 183:30 p.m.TulsaNo. 9 Ohio StateOhio Stadium • Columbus, OHFS1W 41–2076,540[34]
September 183:30 p.m.No. 6 (FCS) DelawareRutgersSHI Stadium • Piscataway, NJBTNW 45–1340,120[35]
September 184:00 p.m.NorthwesternDukeWallace Wade Stadium • Durham, NCACCNL 23–3012,323[36]
September 187:30 p.m.No. 22 AuburnNo. 10 Penn StateBeaver Stadium • University Park, PAABCW 28–20109,958[37]
#Rankings from AP Poll released prior to game. All times are in Eastern Time.
DateBye Week
September 18#18 Wisconsin
DateTimeVisiting teamHome teamSiteTVResultAttendanceRef.
September 2512:00 p.m.No. 18 WisconsinNo. 12 Notre DameSoldier Field • Chicago, ILFOXL 13–4159,571[38]
September 25†12:00 p.m.Bowling GreenMinnesotaHuntington Bank Stadium • Minneapolis, MNESPNUL 10–1446,236[39]
September 2512:00 p.m.OhioNorthwesternRyan Field • Evanston, ILBTNW 35–627,129[40]
September 2512:00 p.m.No. 11 (FCS) VillanovaNo. 6 Penn StateBeaver Stadium • University Park, PABTNW 38–17105,790[41]
September 253:30 p.m.RutgersNo. 19 MichiganMichigan Stadium • Ann Arbor, MIABCMICH 20–13106,943[42]
September 253:30 p.m.IllinoisPurdueRoss-Ade Stadium • West Lafayette, IN (Purdue Cannon)BTNPUR 13–952,840[43]
September 253:30 p.m.Colorado StateNo. 5 IowaKinnick Stadium • Iowa City, IAFS1W 24–1465,456[44]
September 253:30 p.m.Kent StateMarylandMaryland Stadium • College Park, MDBTNW 37–1630,117[45]
September 257:00 p.m.NebraskaNo. 20 Michigan StateSpartan Stadium • East Lansing, MIFS1MSU 23–20 OT70,332[46]
September 257:30 p.m.AkronNo. 10 Ohio StateOhio Stadium • Columbus, OHBTNW 59–795,178[47]
September 258:00 p.m.IndianaWestern KentuckyHouchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium • Bowling Green, KYCBSSNW 33–3125,171[48]
#Rankings from AP Poll released prior to game. All times are in Eastern Time.
DateTimeVisiting teamHome teamSiteTVResultAttendanceRef.
October 18:00 p.m.No. 5 IowaMarylandMaryland Stadium • College Park, MDFS1IA 51–1445,527[49]
October 212:00 p.m.No. 14 MichiganWisconsinCamp Randall Stadium • Madison, WIFOXMICH 38–1774,855[50]
October 2†12:00 p.m.MinnesotaPurdueRoss-Ade Stadium • West Lafayette, INBTNMN 20–1351,111[51]
October 212:00 p.m.CharlotteIllinoisMemorial Stadium • Champaign, ILBTNW 24–1430,559[52]
October 23:30 p.m.No. 11 Ohio StateRutgersSHI Stadium • Piscataway, NJBTNOSU 52–1351,006[53]
October 27:30 p.m.IndianaNo. 4 Penn StateBeaver Stadium • University Park, PAABCPSU 24–0105,951[54]
October 2†7:30 p.m.NorthwesternNebraskaMemorial Stadium • Lincoln, NEBTNNEB 56–787,364[55]
October 2†7:30 p.m.Western KentuckyNo. 17 Michigan StateSpartan Stadium • East Lansing, MIBTNW 48–3170,075[56]
#Rankings from AP Poll released prior to game. All times are in Eastern Time.
DateTimeVisiting teamHome teamSiteTVResultAttendanceRef.
October 9†12:00 p.m.MarylandNo. 7 Ohio StateOhio Stadium • Columbus, OHFOXOSU 66–1799.277[57]
October 9†12:00 p.m.No. 11 Michigan StateRutgersSHI Stadium • Piscataway, NJBTNMSU 31–1341,117[58]
October 9†3:30 p.m.WisconsinIllinoisMemorial Stadium • Champaign, ILBTNWIS 24–040,168[59]
October 94:00 p.m.No. 4 Penn StateNo. 3 IowaKinnick Stadium • Iowa City, IAFOXIA 23–2069,250[60]
October 97:30 p.m.No. 9 MichiganNebraskaMemorial Stadium • Lincoln, NEABCMICH 32–2987,380[61]
#Rankings from AP Poll released prior to game. All times are in Eastern Time.
DateBye Week
October 9IndianaMinnesotaNorthwesternPurdue
DateTimeVisiting teamHome teamSiteTVResultAttendanceRef.
October 1612:00 p.m.NebraskaMinnesotaHuntington Bank Stadium • Minneapolis, MN ($5 Bits of Broken Chair Trophy)ESPN2MIN 30–2345,436[62]
October 16†12:00 p.m.No. 10 Michigan StateIndianaMemorial Stadium • Bloomington, IN (Old Brass Spittoon)FS1MSU 20–1550,571[63]
October 16†12:00 p.m.RutgersNorthwesternRyan Field • Evanston, ILBTNNW 21–730,218[64]
October 16†3:30 p.m.PurdueNo. 2 IowaKinnick Stadium • Iowa City, IAABCPUR 24–769,250[65]
October 168:00 p.m.ArmyWisconsinCamp Randall Stadium • Madison, WIBTNW 20–1476,314[66]
#Rankings from AP Poll released prior to game. All times are in Eastern Time.
DateBye Week
October 16IllinoisMaryland#8 Michigan#6 Ohio State#7 Penn State
DateTimeVisiting teamHome teamSiteTVResultAttendanceRef.
October 2312:00 p.m.NorthwesternNo. 6 MichiganMichigan Stadium • Ann Arbor, MI (Jewett Trophy)FOXMICH 33–7109,449[67]
October 23†12:00 p.m.IllinoisNo. 7 Penn StateBeaver Stadium • University Park, PAABCILL 20–18 9OT105,001[68]
October 233:00 p.m.WisconsinNo. 25 PurdueRoss-Ade Stadium • West Lafayette, INBTNWIS 30–1361,320[69]
October 233:30 p.m.MarylandMinnesotaHuntington Bank Stadium • Minneapolis, MNESPN2MIN 34–1641,011[70]
October 237:30 p.m.No. 5 Ohio StateIndianaMemorial Stadium • Bloomington, INABCOSU 54–752,656[71]
#Rankings from AP Poll released prior to game. All times are in Eastern Time.
DateBye Week
October 23#11 Iowa#9 Michigan StateNebraskaRutgers
DateTimeVisiting teamHome teamSiteTVResultAttendanceRef.
October 3012:00 p.m.No. 6 MichiganNo. 8 Michigan StateSpartan Stadium • East Lansing, MI (Paul Bunyan Trophy)FOXMSU 37–3376,549[72]
October 30†12:00 p.m.No. 9 IowaWisconsinCamp Randall Stadium • Madison, WI (Heartland Trophy)ESPNWIS 27–774,209[73]
October 30†12:00 p.m.IndianaMarylandMaryland Stadium • College Park, MDBTNMD 38–3532,308[74]
October 3012:00 p.m.RutgersIllinoisMemorial Stadium • Champaign, ILBTNRUT 20–1436,942[75]
October 303:30 p.m.PurdueNebraskaMemorial Stadium • Lincoln, NEESPN2PUR 28–2385,902[76]
October 303:30 p.m.MinnesotaNorthwesternRyan Field • Evanston, ILBTNMIN 41–1428,158[77]
October 307:30 p.m.No. 20 Penn StateNo. 5 Ohio StateOhio Stadium • Columbus, OH (rivalry)ABCOSU 33–24102,951[78]
#Rankings from AP Poll released prior to game. All times are in Eastern Time.
DateTimeVisiting teamHome teamSiteTVResultAttendanceRef.
November 612:00 p.m.IllinoisMinnesotaHuntington Bank Stadium • Minneapolis, MNESPN2ILL 14–646,382[79]
November 612:00 p.m.No. 6 Ohio StateNebraskaMemorial Stadium • Lincoln, NEFOXOSU 26–1784,426[80]
November 63:30 p.m.WisconsinRutgersSHI Stadium • Piscataway, NJBTNWIS 52–340,280[81]
November 63:30 p.m.No. 22 Penn StateMarylandMaryland Stadium • College Park, MD (MD-PSU Rivalry)FS1PSU 31–1446,924[82]
November 63:30 p.m.No. 5 Michigan StatePurdueRoss-Ade Stadium • West Lafayette, INABCPUR 40–2957,282[83]
November 67:00 p.m.No. 19 IowaNorthwesternRyan Field • Evanston, ILBTNIA 17–1238,141[84]
November 67:30 p.m.IndianaNo. 9 MichiganMichigan Stadium • Ann Arbor, MIFOXMICH 29–7109,890[85]
#Rankings from AP Poll released prior to game. All times are in Eastern Time.
DateTimeVisiting teamHome teamSiteTVResultAttendanceRef.
November 1312:00 p.m.NorthwesternNo. 20 WisconsinCamp Randall Stadium • Madison, WIESPN2WIS 35–773,194[86]
November 1312:00 p.m.No. 9 MichiganNo. 23 Penn StateBeaver Stadium • University Park, PAABCMICH 21–17109,534[87]
November 1312:00 p.m.RutgersIndianaMemorial Stadium • Bloomington, INBTNRUT 38–340,171[88]
November 133:30 p.m.MinnesotaNo. 19 IowaKinnick Stadium • Iowa City, IA (Floyd of Rosedale)BTNIA 27–2269,250[89]
November 133:30 p.m.PurdueNo. 6 Ohio StateOhio Stadium • Columbus, OHABCOSU 59–31101,009[90]
November 134:00 p.m.MarylandNo. 8 Michigan StateSpartan Stadium • East Lansing, MIFOXMSU 40–2167,437[91]
#Rankings from AP Poll released prior to game. All times are in Eastern Time.
DateBye Week
November 13IllinoisNebraska
DateTimeVisiting teamHome teamSiteTVResultAttendanceRef.
November 2012:00 p.m.PurdueNorthwesternWrigley Field • Chicago, ILBTNPUR 32–1431,500[92]
November 2012:00 p.m.No. 7 Michigan StateNo. 5 Ohio StateOhio Stadium • Columbus, OHABCOSU 56–7101,858[93]
November 2012:00 p.m.RutgersPenn StateBeaver Stadium • University Park, PABTNPSU 28–0106,038[94]
November 202:00 p.m.IllinoisNo. 18 IowaKinnick Stadium • Iowa City, IAFS1IA 33–2364,132[95]
November 203:30 p.m.MinnesotaIndianaMemorial Stadium • Bloomington, INBTNMIN 35–1438,079[96]
November 203:30 p.m.No. 8 MichiganMarylandMaryland Stadium • College Park, MDBTNMICH 59–1836,181[97]
November 203:30 p.m.NebraskaNo. 19 WisconsinCamp Randall Stadium • Madison, WI (Freedom Trophy)ABCWIS 35–2867,888[98]
#Rankings from AP Poll released prior to game. All times are in Eastern Time.
DateTimeVisiting teamHome teamSiteTVResultAttendanceRef.
November 261:30 p.m.No. 17 IowaNebraskaMemorial Stadium • Lincoln, NE (Heroes Trophy)BTNIA 28–2186,541[99]
November 2712:00 p.m.No. 2 Ohio StateNo. 6 MichiganMichigan Stadium • Ann Arbor, MI (The Game)FOXMICH 42–27111,156[100]
November 2712:00 p.m.MarylandRutgersSHI Stadium • Piscataway, NJBTNMD 40–1642,729[101]
November 273:30 p.m.NorthwesternIllinoisMemorial Stadium • Champaign, IL (Land of Lincoln Trophy)BTNILL 47–1427,624[102]
November 273:30 p.m.IndianaPurdueRoss-Ade Stadium • West Lafayette, IN (Old Oaken Bucket)FS1PUR 44–761,320[103]
November 273:30 p.m.Penn StateNo. 12 Michigan StateSpartan Stadium • East Lansing, MI (Land Grant Trophy)ABCMSU 30–270[104]
November 274:00 p.m.No. 18 WisconsinMinnesotaHuntington Bank Stadium • Minneapolis, MN (Paul Bunyan's Axe)FOXMIN 23–1349,736[105]
#Rankings from AP Poll released prior to game. All times are in Eastern Time.
DateTimeVisiting teamHome teamSiteTVResultAttendanceRef.
December 48:00 p.m.No. 2 MichiganNo. 15 IowaLucas Oil Stadium • Indianapolis, INFOXMICH 42–367,183[106]
#Rankings from AP Poll released prior to game. All times are in Eastern Time.

For the 2020–2025 bowl cycle, The Big Ten will have annually eight appearances in the following bowls: Rose Bowl (unless they are selected for playoffs filled by a Pac-12 team if champion is in the playoffs), Citrus Bowl, Guaranteed Rate Bowl, Las Vegas Bowl, Music City Bowl, Pinstripe Bowl, Quick Lane Bowl, and Outback Bowl. The Big Ten teams will go to a New Year's Six bowl if a team finishes higher than the champions of Power Five conferences in the final College Football Playoff rankings. The Big Ten champion is also eligible for the College Football Playoff if it's among the top four teams in the final CFP ranking.

On December 22, Texas A&M withdrew from the Gator Bowl, citing a breakout of positive COVID-19 cases and season-ending injuries limiting them to few players. On December 23, the NCAA football oversight committee approved Rutgers as the first bowl alternate, under rules where five-win teams are calculated by Academic Progress Rate calculations. Rutgers finished first in APR among the five-win schools and was given the offer to accept the bid. The NCAA also allowed the game to be postponed as late as January 10 in order to allow any replacement teams time.

Legend
Big Ten win
Big Ten loss
Bowl gameDateSiteTelevisionTime (EST)Big Ten teamOpponentScoreAttendanceRef.
Guaranteed Rate BowlDecember 28, 2021Chase Field • Phoenix, AZESPN10:15 p.m.MinnesotaWest VirginiaW 18–621,220[107]
Pinstripe BowlDecember 29, 2021Yankee Stadium • New York, NYESPN2:15 p.m.MarylandVirginia TechW 54–1029,653[108]
Music City BowlDecember 30, 2021Nissan Stadium • Nashville, TNESPN3:00 p.m.PurdueTennesseeW 48–45 OT69,489[109]
Las Vegas BowlDecember 30, 2021Allegiant Stadium • Las Vegas, NVESPN10:30 p.m.WisconsinArizona StateW 20–1332,515[110]
Gator BowlDecember 31, 2021TIAA Bank Field • Jacksonville, FLESPN11:00 a.m.Rutgers#20 Wake ForestL 10–3828,508[111]
Outback BowlJanuary 1, 2022Raymond James Stadium • Tampa, FLESPN212:30 p.m.Penn State#22 ArkansasL 10–2446,577[112]
Citrus BowlJanuary 1, 2022Camping World Stadium • Orlando, FLABC1:00 p.m.#17 Iowa#25 KentuckyL 17–2050,769[113]
New Year's Six Bowls
Peach BowlDecember 30, 2021Mercedes-Benz Stadium • Atlanta, GAESPN7:00 p.m.#11 Michigan State#13 PittsburghW 31–2141,230[114]
Rose BowlJanuary 1, 2022Rose Bowl • Pasadena, CAESPN5:00 p.m.#7 Ohio State#10 UtahW 48–4587,842[115]
College Football Playoff
Orange Bowl (semifinal)December 31, 2021Hard Rock Stadium • Miami Gardens, FLESPN7:30 p.m.#2 Michigan#3 GeorgiaL 11–3466,839[116]

Rankings are from AP Poll. All times Eastern Time Zone.

2021–2022 records against non-conference foes:

The following individuals won the conference's annual player and coach awards:

AwardPlayerSchool
Most Valuable PlayerAidan HutchinsonMichigan
Graham–George Offensive Player of the YearC. J. StroudOhio State
Griese–Brees Quarterback of the YearC. J. StroudOhio State
Richter–Howard Receiver of the YearDavid BellPurdue
Ameche–Dayne Running Back of the YearKenneth Walker IIIMichigan State
Kwalick–Clark Tight End of the YearAustin AllenNebraska
Rimington–Pace Offensive Lineman of the YearTyler LinderbaumIowa
Nagurski–Woodson Defensive Player of the YearAidan HutchinsonMichigan
Smith–Brown Defensive Lineman of the YearAidan HutchinsonMichigan
Butkus–Fitzgerald Linebacker of the YearLeo ChenalWisconsin
Tatum–Woodson Defensive Back of the YearRiley MossIowa
Thompson–Randle El Freshman of the YearC. J. StroudOhio State
Bakken–Andersen Kicker of the YearJake MoodyMichigan
Eddleman–Fields Punter of the YearJordan StoutPenn State
Rodgers–Dwight Return Specialist of the YearCharlie JonesIowa
Hayes–Schembechler Coach of the YearMel TuckerMichigan State
Dave McClain Coach of the YearMel TuckerMichigan State
Dungy–Thompson Humanitarian AwardMalcolm JenkinsOhio State
Ford–Kinnick Leadership AwardPat RichterWisconsin
AwardHead coach/PlayerSchoolPositionLink
Lott TrophyAidan HutchinsonMichiganDE
Doak Walker AwardKenneth Walker IIIMichigan StateRB
Rimington TrophyTyler LinderbaumIowaC
Lou Groza AwardJake MoodyMichiganPK
Walter Camp AwardKenneth Walker IIIMichigan StateRB

2021 Big Ten All-Conference Teams and Awards

Coaches Honorable Mention: ILLINOIS: Sydney Brown, Owen Carney, Vederian Lowe, Alex Palczewski; INDIANA: Matthew Bedford, Peyton Hendershot; IOWA: Tyler Goodson, Jack Koerner, Mason Richman, Noah Shannon, Tory Taylor; MARYLAND: Jakorian Bennett, Dontay Demus, Jaelyn Duncan, Ami Finau, Rakim Jarrett, Chig Okonkwo, Taulia Tagovailoa; MICHIGAN: Erick All, Christopher Hinton Jr., Trevor Keegan, Josh Ross, Brad Robbins, Luke Schoonmaker, Mazi Smith, D. J. Turner, Andrew Vastardis; MICHIGAN STATE: Matt Allen, Quavaris Crouch, Xavier Henderson, Connor Heyward, Jarrett Horst, Kevin Jarvis, Jacob Slade, Payton Thorne; MINNESOTA: Ko Kieft, Esezi Otomewo, Sam Schlueter, Mariano Sori-Marin; NEBRASKA: Damion Daniels, Marquel Dismuke, Adrian Martinez, Luke Reimer, Ben Stille, Deontai Williams; NORTHWESTERN: Adetomiwa Adebawore, A. J. Hampton, Evan Hull, Brandon Joseph, Cameron Mitchell; OHIO STATE: Sevyn Banks, Cameron Brown, Emeka Egbuka, Antwuan Jackson, Jeremy Ruckert; PENN STATE: Tariq Castro-Fields, Sean Clifford, Jesse Luketa, Juice Scruggs, Rasheed Walker; PURDUE: Jaylan Alexander, Cam Allen, Branson Deen, Payne Durham, Mitchell Fineran, Jalen Graham, Greg Long, Dedrick Mackey, Tyler Witt, Milton Wright; RUTGERS: Olakunle Fatukasi, Isiah Pacheco, Julius Turner; WISCONSIN: Noah Burks, Nick Herbig, Faion Hicks, Isiah Mullens, Jack Nelson, Scott Nelson, Joe Tippmann, Collin Wilder.

Media Honorable Mention: ILLINOIS: Sydney Brown, Owen Carney, Blake Hayes, Doug Kramer, Vederian Lowe, James McCourt, Johnny Newton, Alex Palczewski, Keith Randolph, Devon Witherspoon; INDIANA: Ryder Anderson, Matthew Bedford, Ty Fryfogle, Jaylin Williams; IOWA: Seth Benson, Jack Koerner, Sam LaPorta, Mason Richman, Noah Shannon, Tory Taylor; MARYLAND: Spencer Anderson, Jakorian Bennett, Nick Cross, Ami Finau, Rakim Jarrett, Jordan Mosley, Chig Okonkwo, Sam Okuayinonu, Taulia Tagovailoa; MICHIGAN: Erick All, Blake Corum, Ryan Hayes, Christopher Hinton Jr., Trevor Keegan, Brad Robbins, Luke Schoonmaker, Mazi Smith, D. J. Turner; MICHIGAN STATE: Matt Allen, A. J. Arcuri, Blake Bueter, Matt Coghlin, Quavaris Crouch, J. D. Duplain, Cal Haladay, Connor Heyward, Jarrett Horst, Kevin Jarvis, Jalen Nailor, Darius Snow, Payton Thorne; MINNESOTA: Chris Autman-Bell, Jack Gibbens, Ko Kieft, Tyler Nubin, Conner Olson, Esezi Otomewo, Sam Schlueter, Mariano Sori-Marin; NEBRASKA: Damion Daniels, Cam Jurgens, Luke Reimer, Ben Stille, Samori Toure, Deontai Williams; NORTHWESTERN: Adetomiwa Adebawore, A. J. Hampton, Evan Hull; OHIO STATE: Sevyn Banks, Cameron Brown, Denzel Burke, Steele Chambers, Emeka Egbuka, Tommy Eichenberg, Antwuan Jackson, Matthew Jones, Jeremy Ruckert, Bryson Shaw, Taron Vincent, Tyleik Williams, Luke Wypler; PENN STATE: Ellis Brooks, Ji'Ayir Brown, Tariq Castro-Fields, Sean Clifford, Jahan Dotson, Curtis Jacobs, Mike Miranda, P. J. Mustipher, Joey Porter Jr., Juice Scruggs, Brandon Smith, Jordan Stout, Brenton Strange; PURDUE: Jaylan Alexander, Cam Allen, Branson Deen, Mitchell Fineran, Jalen Graham, Gus Hartwig, Tyler Witt, Milton Wright; RUTGERS: Christian Izien, Isiah Pacheco, Julius Turner; WISCONSIN: Tyler Beach, Keeanu Benton, Noah Burks, Nick Herbig, Faion Hicks, Chez Mellusi, Isiah Mullens, Jack Nelson, Scott Nelson, Joe Tippmann, Collin Wilder, Caesar Williams.

TeamRound 1Round 2Round 3Round 4Round 5Round 6Round 7Total
––1––2–3
––––1––1
1––1–––2
––11–––2
21–1––15
–1–––214
–1–111–4
–2––––13
––––––––
2–2–1–16
12–2–128
1–1–––13
––––––22
––21–115
Column 1Column 2Column 3
*compensatory selection
×2020 Resolution JC-2A selection
Rnd.Pick No.NFL teamPlayerPos.CollegeConf.Notes
Detroit LionsAidan HutchinsonDEMichiganBig Ten2021 Lombardi Award, Lott Trophy, and Ted Hendricks Award winner
New York JetsGarrett WilsonWROhio StateBig Tenfrom Seattle
New Orleans SaintsChris OlaveWROhio StateBig Tenfrom Washington
Washington CommandersJahan DotsonWRPenn StateBig Tenfrom Indianapolis via Philadelphia and New Orleans
Baltimore RavensTyler LinderbaumCIowaBig Tenfrom Buffalo 2021 Rimington Trophy winner
Kansas City ChiefsGeorge KarlaftisDEPurdueBig Ten
Cincinnati BengalsDaxton HillSMichiganBig Ten
Atlanta FalconsArnold EbiketieOLBPenn StateBig Tenfrom Carolina via New York Jets and New York Giants
Seattle SeahawksBoye MafeDEMinnesotaBig Tenfrom Denver
Seattle SeahawksKenneth Walker IIIRBMichigan StateBig Ten2021 Walter Camp Award and Doak Walker Award winner
Baltimore RavensDavid OjaboOLBMichiganBig Ten
Chicago BearsJaquan BriskerSPenn StateBig Tenfrom L.A. Chargers
Philadelphia EaglesCam JurgensCNebraskaBig Ten
Cincinnati BengalsCam Taylor-BrittCBNebraskaBig Tenfrom Tampa Bay via Buffalo
Tennessee TitansNicholas Petit-FrereOTOhio StateBig Tenfrom N.Y. Jets
Indianapolis ColtsNick CrossSMarylandBig Tenfrom L.A. Rams via Denver
3*Detroit LionsKerby JosephSIllinoisBig Ten
3×Cleveland BrownsDavid BellWRPurdueBig Ten2020 Resolution JC-2A selection
3×New York JetsJeremy RuckertTEOhio StateBig Ten2020 Resolution JC-2A selection from New Orleans via Philadelphia and Tennessee
3×Kansas City ChiefsLeo ChenalLBWisconsinBig Ten2020 Resolution JC-2A selection
3×Los Angeles RamsLogan BrussGWisconsinBig Ten2020 Resolution JC-2A selection
Baltimore RavensDaniel FaaleleOTMinnesotaBig Tenfrom N.Y. Giants
New York GiantsDane BeltonSIowaBig Tenfrom Atlanta
Carolina PanthersBrandon SmithLBPenn StateBig Tenfrom New Orleans via Washington
Dallas CowboysJake FergusonTEWisconsinBig Ten
Baltimore RavensJordan StoutPPenn StateBig Tenfrom Buffalo
Tennessee TitansHassan HaskinsRBMichiganBig Ten
4*Tennessee TitansChig OkonkwoTEMarylandBig Ten
New York GiantsMicah McFaddenLBIndianaBig Tenfrom N.Y. Jets
Seattle SeahawksTyreke SmithDEOhio StateBig Tenfrom Miami via New England and Kansas City
Minnesota VikingsEsezi OtomewoDEMinnesotaBig Tenfrom Las Vegas
Minnesota VikingsVederian LoweOTIllinoisBig Tenfrom N.Y. Jets
Minnesota VikingsJalen NailorWRMichigan StateBig Tenfrom Baltimore via Kansas City
Denver BroncosMatt HenningsenDTWisconsinBig Tenfrom Tampa Bay via N.Y. Jets and Philadelphia
Chicago BearsDoug KramerCIllinoisBig Tenfrom San Francisco via N.Y. Jets and Houston
Pittsburgh SteelersConnor HeywardFBMichigan StateBig Tenfrom Kansas City
6*Tampa Bay BuccaneersKo KieftTEMinnesotaBig Tenfrom L.A. Rams
6*San Francisco 49ersTariq Castro-FieldsCBPenn StateBig Ten
Seattle SeahawksBo MeltonWRRutgersBig Ten
Denver BroncosFaion HicksDBWisconsinBig Ten
Las Vegas RaidersThayer MunfordOTOhio StateBig Tenfrom Miami via L.A. Rams
New England PatriotsAndrew StueberGMichiganBig Tenfrom Dallas via Houston
Green Bay PackersRasheed WalkerOTPenn StateBig Ten
Kansas City ChiefsIsiah PachecoRBRutgersBig Ten
7*Arizona CardinalsJesse LuketaLBPenn StateBig Ten
7*Green Bay PackersSamori ToureWRNebraskaBig Ten
7*Los Angeles ChargersZander HorvathFBPurdueBig Ten
7*Los Angeles RamsA. J. ArcuriOTMichigan StateBig Tenfrom Tampa Bay

Trades In the explanations below, (PD) indicates trades completed prior to the start of the draft (i.e. Pre-Draft), while (D) denotes trades that took place during the 2022 draft.

Round one

Round two

Round three

Round four

Round five

Round six

Round seven

TeamHead coachYears at schoolOverall recordRecord at schoolB1G record
Bret Bielema*1102–65 (.611)5–7 (.417)41–24 (.631)
Tom Allen*526–32 (.448)26–32 (.448)15–28 (.349)
Kirk Ferentz23190–131 (.592)178–110 (.618)110–79 (.582)
Mike Locksley*315–49 (.234)13–23 (.361)7–22 (.241)
Jim Harbaugh7119–51 (.700)61–24 (.718)42–17 (.712)
Mel Tucker218–14 (.563)13–7 (.650)9–7 (.563)
P. J. Fleck565–45 (.591)35–23 (.603)21–22 (.488)
Scott Frost434–36 (.486)15–29 (.341)10–25 (.286)
Pat Fitzgerald16109–90 (.548)109–90 (.548)64–68 (.485)
Ryan Day*334–4 (.895)34–4 (.895)23–1 (.958)
James Franklin891–49 (.650)67–34 (.663)42–28 (.600)
Jeff Brohm558–39 (.598)28–29 (.491)20–22 (.476)
Greg Schiano*1376–81 (.484)76–81 (.484)5–13 (.278)
Paul Chryst784–42 (.667)65–23 (.739)43–16 (.729)

** Bret Bielema coached in the Big Ten from 2006 through 2012 at Wisconsin, going 37-19 in Big Ten play and winning three Big Ten championships.*

** Tom Allen was hired to replace Kevin Wilson in December 2016 at Indiana and coached the Hoosiers in their 2016 bowl game, going 0–1.*

** Mike Locksley served as interim head coach at Maryland in 2015 and coached for six games, going 1–5.*

** Ryan Day served as interim head coach at Ohio State for the first three games of the 2018 season while Urban Meyer served a three-game suspension and went 3–0.*

** Greg Schiano served as head coach at Rutgers from 2001 through 2011 then left for the NFL. Following the conclusion of the 2019 season, Schiano returned to Rutgers for his second stint as head coach. The Scarlet Knights competed in the Big East Conference in his previous stay at the school.*

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