With the start of the 2011 football season less than a month away, five Big Ten teams are ranked among the top 25 of the preseason USA Today Coaches’ Poll, released today. The Big Ten is one of only three conferences to feature more than two teams among the top 25 and is tied for second among all conferences.
The University of Wisconsin leads the way, ranked 10th overall after earning a share of the Big Ten Championship last season.
Nebraska enters its first Big Ten season ranked 11th overall after winning 10 games last season and advancing to the Big 12 Championship Game. Ohio State also cracked the top 20 and was slotted 16th overall. Michigan State was tabbed 17th after winning a share of its first Big Ten Championship since 1990 last season. Penn State rounds out the Big Ten’s ranked contingent at 25th overall.
Iowa, Michigan and Northwestern also received votes in the first USA Today poll of 2011.
The Badgers will open their 2011 season at home on September 1st against UNLV.