CBS putting together a "next in line" first round draft list for the Big Ten and yeah Jeremiah Smith deserves that spot. But what nobody wants to talk about is where Purdue fits in that conference power ranking conversation. We've got one first round pick in the last decade and the gap between us and Ohio State in roster talent is wider than ever.
The real story here is the middle class of the Big Ten. Teams like Illinois, Minnesota, Nebraska are all stockpiling portal talent while Purdue is sitting at 13th in the conference in 247's composite roster talent rating. That's not a gap you close in one spring window. Our new offensive coordinator has a system that works in the MAC but the Big Ten defensive fronts are a different animal entirely.
Calling it now - Purdue finishes 11th or worse in the Big Ten this season. The schedule has us traveling to Oregon and Penn State, and our defensive line rotation is still two deep at best. Everyone wants to talk about the top of the conferen...