{"id":727662,"date":"2026-06-26T18:11:15","date_gmt":"2026-06-26T18:11:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/727662\/"},"modified":"2026-06-26T18:11:15","modified_gmt":"2026-06-26T18:11:15","slug":"athlon-sports-releases-preseason-all-big-ten-team-for-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/727662\/","title":{"rendered":"Athlon Sports releases preseason All-Big Ten team for 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

The preseason honors continue to roll in, with the 2026 college football season inching closer. Athlon Sports<\/a> released<\/a> its preseason All-Big Ten<\/a> team this week, highlighting the conference\u2019s top projected performers.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Oregon<\/a> led the way with 19 total selections across the first through fourth teams, followed by Ohio State<\/a> with 16 and Indiana<\/a> with 15. Michigan<\/a> also reached double digits with 10 total selections.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The rankings were compiled by Athlon Sports\u2019 Steven Lassan<\/a>, based on projected performance for the 2026 season rather than past production alone. Here\u2019s a closer look at the first-team selections<\/a>.<\/p>\n

$19.99 gets you a FULL year of On3 | Rivals national coverage<\/a><\/p>\n

Quarterback\u00a0<\/p>\n

Julian Sayin, Ohio State<\/a><\/p>\n

Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin earned the nod as the conference\u2019s top signal-caller entering the season. Sayin steps into the year with enormous expectations after taking over one of college football\u2019s premier offenses last season. If he delivers, the Buckeyes should once again be in the national title conversation.<\/p>\n

Running Back<\/p>\n

Bo Jackson, Ohio State<\/a>, Jordan Marshall, Michigan<\/a>, Antwan Raymond,\u00a0Rutgers<\/a> (All-Purpose)<\/p>\n

Ohio State\u2019s Bo Jackson and Michigan\u2019s Jordan Marshall headline the backfield on the preseason first team. Rutgers\u2019 Antwan Raymond was selected as the conference\u2019s all-purpose player after showcasing his versatility. The Big Ten once again features plenty of star power at running back entering 2026.<\/p>\n

Wide Receiver<\/p>\n

Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State<\/a>, Charlie Becker, Indiana<\/a>, KJ Duff, Rutgers<\/a><\/p>\n

Ohio State superstar Jeremiah Smith leads a talented receiving corps alongside Indiana\u2019s Charlie Becker and Rutgers\u2019 KJ Duff. Smith enters the season as one of the nation\u2019s top overall players after another dominant campaign. Becker and Duff give the conference three explosive playmakers on the outside.<\/p>\n

Tight End<\/p>\n

Jamari Johnson, Oregon<\/a><\/p>\n

Oregon\u2019s Jamari Johnson earned first-team recognition at tight end. Johnson is expected to play a major role in the Ducks\u2019 offense this fall. His combination of size and athleticism makes him one of the top players at the position nationally.<\/p>\n

Offensive Line<\/p>\n

Iapani Laloulu, Oregon<\/a>, Carter Smith, Indiana<\/a>, Kade Pieper, Iowa<\/a>, Trevor Lauck, Iowa<\/a>, Austin Siereveld, Ohio State<\/a>, Luke Montgomery, Ohio State<\/a><\/p>\n

Oregon center Iapani Laloulu anchors the first-team offensive line. Indiana\u2019s Carter Smith joins Iowa standouts Kade Pieper and Trevor Lauck, along with Ohio State linemen Austin Siereveld and Luke Montgomery. That group features experienced veterans expected to pave the way for some of the nation\u2019s top offenses.<\/p>\n

Defensive Line<\/p>\n

Anthony Smith, Minnesota<\/a>, Tyrique Tucker, Indiana<\/a>, John Henry Daley, Michigan<\/a>, A\u2019Mauri Washington, Oregon<\/a>, Matayo Uiagalelei, Oregon<\/a><\/p>\n

Minnesota\u2019s Anthony Smith headlines the defensive front after an impressive 2025 season. Indiana\u2019s Tyrique Tucker, Michigan\u2019s John Henry Daley and Oregon teammates A\u2019Mauri Washington and Matayo Uiagalelei round out the unit. The group is loaded with pass-rushing talent and disruptive defenders.<\/p>\n

Linebacker<\/p>\n

Rolijah Hardy, Indiana<\/a>, Teitum Tuioti, Oregon<\/a>,\u00a0Isaiah Jones, Indiana<\/a>, Daniel Wingate, Maryland<\/a><\/p>\n

Indiana placed two linebackers on the first team, with Rolijah Hardy and Isaiah Jones earning recognition. Oregon\u2019s Teitum Tuioti and Maryland\u2019s Daniel Wingate complete the quartet. Each is expected to anchor one of the Big Ten\u2019s top defenses this season.<\/p>\n

Cornerback\u00a0<\/p>\n

Brandon Finney Jr., Oregon<\/a>, Jyaire Hill, Michigan<\/a>, Jamari Sharpe, Indiana<\/a><\/p>\n

Oregon\u2019s Brandon Finney Jr. headlines the first-team secondary at cornerback. Michigan\u2019s Jyaire Hill and Indiana\u2019s Jamari Sharpe also earned recognition. All three are projected to be among the conference\u2019s top cover defenders in 2026.<\/p>\n

Safety<\/p>\n

Koi Perich, Oregon<\/a>, Amare Ferrell, Indiana<\/a>, Zach Lutmer, Iowa<\/a><\/p>\n

Oregon safety Koi Perich leads the first-team selections at safety. Indiana\u2019s Amare Ferrell and Iowa\u2019s Zach Lutmer also made the list after standout seasons. The trio gives the Big Ten another experienced and talented defensive backfield.<\/p>\n

Specialist<\/p>\n

K\u00a0Nico Radicic, Indiana<\/a> | P\u00a0Bryce McFerson, Maryland<\/a> | KR\u00a0Koi Perich, Oregon<\/a> | PR\u00a0Jacory Barney Jr., Nebraska<\/a><\/p>\n

Indiana kicker Nico Radicic and Maryland punter Bryce McFerson earned first-team honors on special teams. Perich added another accolade as the conference\u2019s top kick returner, while Nebraska\u2019s Jacory Barney Jr. was selected as the preseason top punt returner. Special teams could once again play a major role in deciding the Big Ten race this fall.<\/p>\n

All-Big Ten Second Team\u00a0<\/p>\n

QB\u00a0Dante Moore, Oregon
RB\u00a0Jordon Davison, Oregon
RB\u00a0Darius Taylor, Minnesota
RB\u00a0Waymond Jordan, USC
All-Purpose\u00a0Wayne Knight, UCLA
WR\u00a0Dakorien Moore, Oregon
WR\u00a0Griffin Wilde, Northwestern
WR\u00a0Nick Marsh, Indiana
WR\u00a0Andrew Marsh, Michigan
TE\u00a0Benjamin Brahmer,\u00a0Penn State
TE\u00a0DJ Vonnahme, Iowa
C\u00a0Justin Evans, Nebraska
OL\u00a0Andrew Sprague, Michigan
OL\u00a0Carson Hinzman, Ohio State
OL\u00a0Jake Guarnera, Michigan
OL\u00a0Greg Johnson, Minnesota
OL\u00a0Ezomo Oratokhai, Northwestern
OL\u00a0Drew Evans, Indiana<\/p>\n

DL\u00a0Kenyatta Jackson Jr., Ohio State
DL\u00a0Bear Alexander, Oregon
DL\u00a0Mario Landino, Indiana
DL\u00a0Enow Etta, Michigan
DL\u00a0Qua Russaw, Ohio State
LB\u00a0Jacob Manu, Washington
LB\u00a0Mason Posa, Wisconsin
LB\u00a0Caleb Bacon, Penn State
LB\u00a0Payton Pierce, Ohio State
LB\u00a0Maverick Baranowski, Minnesota
CB\u00a0John Nestor, Minnesota
CB\u00a0Devin Sanchez, Ohio State
CB\u00a0Jontez Williams, USC
S\u00a0Robert Fitzgerald, Northwestern
S\u00a0Marcus Neal, Penn State
S\u00a0Earl Little Jr., Ohio State<\/p>\n

K\u00a0Connor Hawkins, Ohio State
P\u00a0Rhys Dakin, Michigan State
KR\u00a0Kenneth Williams, Michigan State
PR\u00a0Brandon Inniss, Ohio State<\/p>\n

All-Big Ten Third Team<\/p>\n

QB\u00a0Josh Hoover, Indiana
RB\u00a0Caleb Komolafe, Northwestern
RB\u00a0Dierre Hill Jr., Oregon
RB\u00a0Carson Hansen, Penn State
WR\u00a0Tanook Hines, USC
WR\u00a0Dezmen Roebuck, Washington
WR\u00a0Evan Stewart, Oregon
WR\u00a0Nyziah Hunter, Nebraska
TE\u00a0Decker DeGraaf, Washington
C\u00a0Landen Hatchett, Washington
OL\u00a0Dave Iuli, Oregon
OL\u00a0John Mills, Washington
OL\u00a0Anthony Donkoh, Penn State
OL\u00a0Kwabena Asamoah, Rutgers
OL\u00a0Elijah Paige, USC
OL\u00a0Nathan Roy, Minnesota<\/p>\n

DL\u00a0Sahir West, UCLA
DL\u00a0Zahir Mathis, Maryland
DL\u00a0Kameryn Crawford, USC
DL\u00a0Sidney Stewart, Maryland
DL\u00a0Jahkeem Stewart, USC
DL\u00a0Tobi Osunsanmi, Indiana
DL\u00a0James Smith, Ohio State
LB\u00a0Tony Rojas, Penn State
LB\u00a0Jerry Mixon, Oregon
LB\u00a0Jordan Hall, Michigan State
LB\u00a0Braydon Brus, Northwestern
CB\u00a0Zeke Berry, Michigan
CB\u00a0Andrew Marshall, Nebraska
DB\u00a0Xavier Scott, Illinois
S\u00a0Marvin Burks Jr., Wisconsin
S\u00a0Jeremiah Cooper, Penn State
S\u00a0Matthew Bailey, Illinois<\/p>\n

K\u00a0Ryan Barker, Penn State
P\u00a0Hunter Green, Washington
KR\u00a0Joseph Himon II, Northwestern
PR\u00a0Wayne Knight, UCLA<\/p>\n

All-Big Ten Fourth Team<\/p>\n

QB\u00a0Jayden Maiava, USC
RB\u00a0Khobie Martin, Indiana
RB\u00a0Turbo Richard, Indiana
RB\u00a0Ca\u2019Lil Valentine, Illinois
RB\u00a0Kamari Moulton, Iowa
WR\u00a0Jalen Smith, Minnesota
WR\u00a0Chase Sowell, Penn State
WR\u00a0Collin Dixon, Illinois
TE\u00a0Dorian Fleming, Maryland
C\u00a0Trent Fraley, Michigan State
OL\u00a0Brandon Henderson, Illinois
OL\u00a0Conner Moore, Michigan State
OL\u00a0Phillip Daniels, Ohio State
OL\u00a0Tyler Needham, Rutgers
OL\u00a0Alani Noa, USC
OL\u00a0Eugene Brooks, UCLA<\/p>\n

DL\u00a0Joe Barna, Illinois
DL\u00a0Michael Kilbane, Northwestern
DL\u00a0Elinneus Davis, Washington
DL\u00a0Jahsear Whittington, Nebraska
DL\u00a0Bryce Hawthorne, Iowa
LB\u00a0Charles Correa, Purdue
LB\u00a0Sammy Omosigho, UCLA
LB\u00a0Devon Jackson, Oregon
LB\u00a0Cooper Catalano, Wisconsin
LB\u00a0Christian Alliegro, Ohio State
LB\u00a0Desman Stephens II, USC
LB\u00a0Owen Chambliss, Nebraska
DB\u00a0Smith Snowden, Michigan
DB\u00a0Braden Turner, Northwestern
CB\u00a0Rodrick Pleasant, UCLA
CB\u00a0Deshaun Lee, Iowa
S\u00a0Aaron Flowers, Oregon
S\u00a0Alex McLaughlin, Washington
S\u00a0Kerry Brown, Minnesota<\/p>\n

K\u00a0Sean O\u2019Haire, Maryland
P\u00a0Tom Weston, Minnesota
KR\u00a0Andrew Marsh, Michigan
PR\u00a0Dakorien Moore, Oregon<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The preseason honors continue to roll in, with the 2026 college football season inching closer. Athlon Sports released…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":727663,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[67],"tags":[179247,306229,264363,281762,299309,1373,125632,312914,175223,199473,312915,399,175232,312916,309040,264365,270985,42984,175236,169841,7319,283105,301168,271779,209325,300207,312917,398,396,397,312918,289532,99,279098,283106,175257,306231],"class_list":["post-727662","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-ncaa-football","tag-amauri-washington-23-chandler","tag-amare-ferrell-23-columbia","tag-anthony-smith-22-shippensburg-area","tag-antwan-raymond-24-clearwater-academy-international","tag-austin-siereveld-23-lakota-east","tag-bo-jackson-25-villa-angela-st-joseph-hs","tag-brandon-finney-25-mcdonogh-school","tag-bryce-mcferson-22-metrolina-christian-academy","tag-carter-smith-22-olentangy-liberty","tag-charlie-becker-24-father-ryan","tag-daniel-wingate-23-st-vincent-pallotti","tag-football","tag-iapani-laloulu-23-farrington","tag-isaiah-jones-22-london","tag-jacory-barney-24-miami-palmetto","tag-jamari-johnson-23-inglewood","tag-jamari-sharpe-22-northwestern","tag-jeremiah-smith-24-chaminade-madonna-prep","tag-john-henry-daley-21-lone-peak","tag-jordan-marshall-24-archbishop-moeller","tag-julian-sayin-24-carlsbad","tag-jyaire-hill-23-kankakee","tag-kade-pieper-23-norfolk-catholic","tag-kj-duff-24-st-anthonys","tag-koi-perich-24-lincoln-secondary","tag-luke-montgomery-23-findlay","tag-matayo-uiagalelei-23-st-john-bosco","tag-ncaa","tag-ncaa-football","tag-ncaafootball","tag-nicolas-radicic-23-coppell","tag-rolijah-hardy-23-naval-academy-prep","tag-sports","tag-teitum-tuioti-23-sheldon","tag-trevor-lauck-23-roncalli","tag-tyrique-tucker-21-lake-taylor","tag-zach-lutmer-23-central-lyon-senior"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/727662","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=727662"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/727662\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/727663"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=727662"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=727662"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=727662"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}