Iowa

2018 record: 9-4 (5-4)

Predicted 2019 record: 9-3 (6-3)

Head coach: Kirk Ferentz (21st season, 152-101)

Quick fact: Nate Stanley ranked second in the Big Ten with 26 passing touchdowns last season, trailing only Ohio State’s Dwayne Haskins’ 50.

Season outlook: The Hawkeyes aren’t playing the easiest schedule, but a third-year starter under center paired with two early draft picks on the offensive line helps. Oh, and they boast a potential top-five draftee in A.J. Epenesa on the defensive line as well. He led the Big Ten with 11 sacks in 2018 despite not starting.

Nebraska

2018 record: 4-8 (3-6)

Predicted 2019 record: 8-4 (5-4)

Head coach: Scott Frost (second season, 4-8)

Quick fact: Nebraska was outscored by 56 in its first three games last season, but outscored opponents by 9 in its last three.

Season outlook: Improving quickly from 4-8 isn’t easy, but Adrian Martinez isn’t a freshman anymore, and the same injuries aren’t likely to strike twice. Expect a turnaround from the Huskers, even if it doesn’t get them to Indianapolis.

Wisconsin

2018 record: 8-5 (5-4)

Predicted 2019 record: 8-4 (5-4)

Head coach: Paul Chryst (fifth season, 42-12)

Quick fact: Wisconsin’s worst finish in the Big Ten West under Paul Chryst is tied for second.

Season outlook: Alex Hornibrook is gone, but Jack Coan – recently named the Badgers’ starting quarterback — has experience starting. Wisconsin faces a wringer of a crossover schedule with Michigan, Ohio State, and Michigan State, but with Jonathan Taylor in the backfield, anything is possible.

Purdue

2018 record: 6-7 (5-4)

Predicted 2019 record: 7-5 (5-4)

Head coach: Jeff Brohm

Quick fact: Rondale Moore led the conference in receptions (114), receiving yards (1,258), and tied for the lead in receiving touchdowns (12).

Season outlook: The Boilermakers are entering the season without a quarterback controversy and with an explosive offense. Purdue is simply too talented on that side of the ball to be worse than last season.

Northwestern

2018 record: 9-5 (8-1)

Predicted 2019 record: 7-5 (5-4)

Head coach: Pat Fitzgerald (14th season, 96-70)

Quick fact: The top two Big Ten tackle leaders in 2018 were both Wildcats: Blake Gallagher (127) and Paddy Fisher (116).

Season outlook: Northwestern starts the season with a tough matchup against No. 25 Stanford. If former five-star prospect and Clemson transfer Hunter Johnson takes over completely, however, this ranking could change very quickly.

Minnesota

2018 record: 7-6 (3-6)

Predicted 2019 record: 6-6 (3-6)

Head coach: P.J.  Fleck (third season, 12-13)

Quick fact: Minnesota quarterback Zack Annexstad posted two career-highs against Iowa last season: passing touchdowns (3) and interceptions (3). 

Season outlook: Zack Annexstad’s foot injury doesn’t help Minnesota’s case this season, especially when the Gophers close the season with Penn State, Iowa, Northwestern, and Wisconsin.

Illinois

2018 record: 4-8 (2-7)

Predicted 2019 record: 2-10 (0-9)

Head coach: Lovie Smith (fourth season, 9-27)

Quick fact: Illinois finished last in the Big Ten West last season despite ranking second in the conference with 2,916 rushing yards. 

Season outlook: Lovie Smith and Company may need to prepare for their third last-place finish in the Big Ten West in a row. After Illinois’ nonconference schedule, things could go downhill fast.