Rivals nationwide analyst Greg Smith has ideas on the brand new Huge Ten scheduling mannequin, Ryan Wingo’s doubtlessly large recruitment and Huge Ten groups staying sizzling on the recruiting path.
MORE THREE-POINT STANCES: East’s two five-stars, June recruiting, extra
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RIVALS RANKINGS WEEK
sunday: Who needs to be No. 1?
Monday: 5-star countdown | Meet the brand new five-stars
Tuesday: Rivals 250 launched | Ten prospects on the verge of five-star standing | Gorney’s ideas
Wednesday: Offensive place rankings launched | QB rankings spotlight
Thursday: Defensive place rankings launched
Fridays: State rankings launched | Who will end as prime RB?
Saturdays: Rankings Roundtable
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1. It is a complete new Huge Ten world.
The Huge Ten unveiled its newly revised schedule mannequin not too long ago to account for the additions of USC and UCLA in 2024. The league will develop to a 16-team convention that spans from coast to coast, which ensures that tweaks have to be made.
It would not precisely roll off the tongue, however the mannequin is called “Flex Defend Plus.” The nine-game convention schedule is unbroken, however divisions are gone after this season. So lengthy, East and West, even when we like “Legends and Leaders” higher. The highest two groups within the convention standings will play for the Huge Ten Championship recreation. There are protected rivalry video games and “two-play” opponents. These aren’t protected, however video games that might be performed back-to-back seasons and rotates.
The large (pun supposed) factor I like right here is that flexibility stayed on the coronary heart of the Huge Ten’s strategy. The league truly went out of its method to make sure groups play one another extra typically. That is attention-grabbing as we inch towards the Faculty Soccer Playoff being expanded. That is in stark distinction to the SEC, which shrunk on the concept of elevated competitors not too long ago.
There are sure to be drawbacks to the brand new format, however total I like the place issues are headed for the Huge Ten. We’ll see if a semi-regular Ohio State versus Michigan recreation within the Huge Ten Championship recreation occurs. One thing tells me the tv networks would not thoughts.
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2. Ryan Wingo’s recruitment might be a wild experience.
5-star recruitments which have the potential to go all the best way to signing day provide plenty of intrigue. That is precisely what I believe we’re going to get with St. Louis College (Mo.) large receiver Ryan Wingo. Issues appear to be very large open for the large out, even via June official visits. To this point, he is taken a visit to Georgia (June 2) and Michigan (June 9). There are nonetheless journeys deliberate to Texas on the weekend of June 16 and Missouri on the weekend of June 23.
Wingo would not appear to have any favorites and did inform me that he plans to take his recruitment for signing day. He’d like to soak up some game-day atmospheres at his prime faculties. If he sticks to that plan, we might be a heavyweight struggle till the top for his signature. Do not low cost the possibilities of one other staff swooping in, both, now that prospects can take limitless official visits. Buckle up, faculty soccer followers.
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3. Huge Ten groups are making noise on the recruiting path.
The Huge Ten is having a heck of every week on the recruiting path. The convention is paced proper now by Michigan, which is aiming for the No. 1 staff rating spot this cycle. As all the time, Ohio State is correct there within the combine as effectively.
However this final week has seen a number of Huge Ten faculties gaining momentum on the path. Illinois picked up six commitments within the final week, together with a pair of four-star gamers in athlete Tysean Griffin and defensive finish Eddie Tuerk.
Minnesota landed 4 commitments within the final week, together with three-star Iowa tight finish Jacob Simpson. Rutgers landed 4 verbals over the span of three days. Three-star Michigan linebacker Montele Johnson was the headliner.
Maryland additionally picked up a trio of prospects. Nebraska gained a pair of 2024 commitments and a 2025 pledge as effectively.
It has been a busy first half of the month within the Midwest for commitments – with loads extra to come back.
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