With the Name, Image, and Likeness era in college sports in full swing as well has college football fever hitting all campuses across the country, we look at the biggest names to look out for both on and off the field in the Big 10 this season.
First we take a look at the Big Ten East and which players will look to make an impact both on and off the field.
Chris Olave - Ohio State WR
- Twitter: @chrisolave_
- Instagram: @chrisolave_
The Senior wide receiver from San Ysidro, California comes into the 2021 season aiming to capitalize on a strong season where he tied an OSU single-season receptions per game record with 7.1.
Olave was already looked at as a top wide receiver talent and this year expectations are high as he decided to come back his senior year and delay his time for the NFL draft. Chris will be a top weapon in the Buckeyes' offense this upcoming football season.
Michael Penix, Jr. - Indiana QB
- Twitter: @themikepenix
- Instagram: @themp9
The Tampa, Florida native has made a name for himself on campus having a 10-2 record as a starter for the Hoosiers. Indiana football is gaining momentum and it is a huge part due to Penix Jr's work on the football field.
Michael will be a team captain for his Junior year and will lead Indiana with their high hopes on improving on their 6-2 record in 2020.
Sean Clifford - Penn State QB
- Twitter: @seancliff14
- Instagram: @seancliff14
QB 1 in Happy Valley, Sean Clifford will aim to improve on his up and down 2020 season that gave him some time on the bench. Overall Penn State wasn't the best last season but Clifford's struggles seemed to be the highlight.
With this being his Senior season, look for the Nittany Lions' quarterback to have a breakout season and gain some notoriety as well.
Taulia Tagovailoa - Maryland QB
- Twitter: @tauliaa12
- Instagram: @taulia5
Taulia Tagovailoa is the younger brother of current Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. That lineage will give this young man instant hype as he steps into Maryland as a leader in his Junior year.
He currently finds himself on the 2021 Maxwell Award Watch List. Watch out for Tagovailoa to make some noise in the Big 10 for the Terrapins.
Bo Melto - Rutgers WR
- Twitter: @getbusy_bo
- Instagram: @getbusy_bo
Bo Melton arrives at Rutgers in his Senior year looking to absolutely cruise by defenders in the Big 10. Melton is a 2021 Biletnikoff Award Watch List member and was selected to the Preseason All-Big Ten third team.
Coming off of a year where he started every game for the Scarlet Knights, be sure to check out get busy Bo at a field near you.
Bade McNamera - Michigan QB
- Twitter: @Cademac_12
- Instagram: @cademac.12
The Junior year signal caller from Reno, Nevada has become a household name in Ann Arbor. Even though McNamara only started four games in 2020 the expectations are extremely high for the inexperienced quarterback.
If he can get on an early run, don't be surprised if number 12 leads the Wolverines to the top of the Big Ten.
Jalen Nailor - Michigan State WR
- Twitter: @SpeedyNailor
- Instagram: @speedynailor8
The always exciting Jalen Nailor will be making a huge impact for the Spartans in 2021. Last season he was selected to the third team All-Big Ten. Now in his Junior year, Nailor's work in his early years will come out in full force.
He can be used not only as a wide receiver but a kick/punt returner for MSU. Expect big plays coming out of East Lansing with Nailor on the field.
