Indiana Football: Big Ten Position Rankings – Penix Jr a top five quarterback?

5. Brandon Peters – Illinois

Peters started his college career at Michigan and got a chance, but would lose his spot to Shea Patterson when he transferred from Ole Miss. After sitting a year behind him, Peters decided to transfer to Illinois and had a great 2019. Despite suffering a couple of concussions, Peters still threw for 1,884 yards and 18 touchdowns. He has a great arm and is very accurate. He helped lead Illinois to a surprise bowl berth last year and a huge upset of Wisconsin. With Peters under center, the Illini could be a dark horse to win the West.

4. Michael Penix Jr.- Indiana

Penix Jr burst on to the scene last year to the delight of Hoosier fans and before getting injured was having one of the best years an IU quarterback has had in years. Penix threw for just under 1,400 yards and had 10 touchdowns in just six games. He didn’t rush for a lot of yards last year, but is very elusive and can be dangerous with his legs. The biggest thing for Penix Jr is that he has his main target in Whop Philyor back this year. He and Philyor had a great rapport last year and could be the most dangerous qb/receiver combo in the Big Ten next year.

3. Sean Clifford – Penn State

Clifford helped lead the Nittany Lions to an 11-2 record but had some close calls against the Hoosiers and Michigan. But he did also help keep Penn State closer to Ohio State than anyone else in the conference. He threw for 2,654 yards and 23 touchdowns while only throwing 7 interceptions. He was incredibly efficient and throws a great deep ball. He also showed his toughness with his running. He used his legs in key moments last year, especially in their win against Indiana.

2. Tanner Morgan – Minnesota

Morgan and the Gophers came out of nowhere last year, winning their first nine before losing a close one to Iowa. He threw for 3,253 yards and 30 touchdowns last year. He shredded defenses all year long and he really shined against Penn State and Auburn in their wins. He does lose his top receiver in Rodney Smith, but he still has weapons and if he continues to be as accurate as he was last year, 66% completion percentage, then the Gophers will be just fine. Morgan is a rising star and one you need to keep an eye on this year.

1. Justin Fields – Ohio State

Fields transferred to Ohio State from Georgia and stepped right in and was amazing. He threw for 3,273 yards which is great, but his 40 touchdowns to just three interceptions were incredible. The Buckeyes had some question marks coming into last year, but with Fields leading the way they were also answered and then some. Until they lost to Clemson they were rarely tested as they blew out team after team. Fields did lose his backfield mate in JK Dobbins, but the Buckeyes just seem to reload. Fields is so far ahead of the rest of the Big Ten quarterback pack. He is one of the top Heisman contenders this year and the Buckeyes are once again the favorite in the Big Ten.