Way-too-early rankings of Big Ten defensive units ahead of the 2024 season

Oregon's Bryce Boettcher, 28, celebrates a defensive stop against Hawaii during the first half.
Oregon's Bryce Boettcher, 28, celebrates a defensive stop against Hawaii during the first half. | =Chris Pietsch/The Register-Guard / USA
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Illinois has climbed up Big Ten power rankings in almost every statistical category throughout the past few years.

From the transfer portal, head coach Bret Bielema brought in multiple three-star defensive players this offseason along with four-star cornerback Terrance Brooks from the Texas Longhorns.

The additional defensive juggernauts to Illinois' already improved defensive unit should make for an excellent squad for the Fighting Illini.

Schedule

Schedule