In the upcoming season of the Big Ten's new 18-team superconference, the Nebraska football team is expected to make significant strides, according to the Preseason Big Ten Football Poll. The poll, consisting of local media members, conference-wide media outlets, and national writers, reveals Ohio State as the runaway favorite to clinch their first conference championship since 2020.

Out of the 33 voters across the league, a staggering 27 have chosen Ohio State as the team to beat, leaving Oregon trailing with just six votes. As per the consensus, the Big Ten standings are predicted to have Ohio State securing the top spot, followed by Oregon in second place, Penn State in third, Michigan in fourth, and Iowa in fifth. Notably, this season marks the first time the Big Ten will not have divisions since 2010.

The preseason poll also sheds light on USC's expected sixth-place finish in their inaugural season in the conference. Wisconsin is projected to finish seventh, while Nebraska, led by coach Matt Rhule in his second season, is predicted to claim the eighth spot. Last season, Nebraska finished in a four-way tie for fourth in the West Division with Illinois, Minnesota, and Purdue, each with a 3-6 conference record. Had divisions been disregarded, the Huskers would have tied for eighth place in the 14-team Big Ten alongside Rutgers and the aforementioned programs.

However, with the addition of new teams such as Oregon, UCLA, USC, and Washington, the expanded 18-team conference offers the Huskers an opportunity for significant improvement with an anticipated eighth-place finish.

The preseason poll further reveals Rutgers as the predicted ninth-place finisher, followed by Washington in the tenth spot. Other teams expected to rank in the bottom half of the conference, in order from 11th to 18th, include Maryland, Minnesota, UCLA, Illinois, Michigan State, Northwestern, Indiana, and Purdue.

Aside from projecting the final standings, the Big Ten media voters also gave their picks for Big Ten Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year, as well as their predictions for the B1G title game and input on the College Football Playoff. The overall poll results provide an exciting glimpse into the upcoming season and the anticipation surrounding the Big Ten's new superconference.

As preseason preparations continue, Nebraska and the other teams will be eagerly striving to surpass expectations and make their mark in the competitive landscape of Big Ten football.