CFB: Top Five Players for the Big 10 in 2021

I will be starting a series focusing on each conference in college football. The series will feature a ranking of the top five players in each conference regardless of position. It will be based on statistics, leadership, talent, and the overall influence the player has on the outcome of the game.

The Big Ten is filled with countless talent on both sides of the ball in 2021. Certain players will flash their brilliance this year on the field which will ultimately contribute to team success. This list consists of the top five players in the Big Ten as these players look to bring a Big Ten championship to their universities.

5. Brandon Joseph - Northwestern, Safety

Brandon Joseph sets the tone for Northwestern in the secondary and is set to be one of the most talented players in the conference. In 2020, the Wildcats had an outstanding year, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Northwestern’s success can be attributed to Joseph’s playmaking ability as he has 46 tackles and 6 interceptions in 2020. Joseph was First-Team All-American and First-Team All-Big 10 due to his coverage capabilities and he will look to continue his success this upcoming year. Joseph is only a sophomore, he has room to improve and is already one of the best players in the nation at his position.

4. Ty Fryfolge - Indiana, Wide Receiver

Ty Fryfogle will be the main contributor to why Indiana has another fortunate season in 2021. Fryfogle and Penix Jr. come in as one of the best quarterback, receiver duos in the nation. There is a lot of noise coming out of the media regarding Fryfolge and his talent. He will want to make sure he lives up to the standard that is being set. In eight games during the 2020 season, Fryfogle had 37 receptions and over 700 yards along with 7 touchdowns. Fryfogle is so valuable to the Hoosiers because the combination of his route running, speed, and red zone threat allows Indiana to keep defenses off balance. Being named to the All-Big Ten and All-American teams, Fryfogle proves why he is one of the most talented football players in the Big Ten.

3. Thayer Munford - Ohio State, Offensive Tackle

Ohio State’s offensive line for the upcoming 2021 season is dominant. The leader of the unit is Thayer Munford who took advantage of his extra year of eligibility and surprisingly returned to the Buckeyes. Munford plays the most crucial offensive line position, Left Tackle. His protection will be even more significant during the 2021 season as there will be a new quarterback in Columbus. Munford will accept the challenge of protecting his new quarterback who is young and inexperienced. Munford is physical and fast, his 6 foot 6 inches, 321-pound frame allows him to protect the quarterback's blindside. With his return to Columbus, he has a chance to improve his NFL stock and win a championship for the Buckeyes.

2. Michael Penix Jr. - Indiana, Quarterback

Michael Penix Jr.'s 2020 season was cut short due to an ACL tear. However, before the injury, Penix Jr. was torching the conference showing the nation just what he is capable of accomplishing. In 6 games, Penix Jr. threw for over 1,600 yards and 16 total touchdowns. Penix Jr. was 5-1 as a starter in 2020 with his only loss coming to Ohio State and the game was close as the Hoosier lost 42-35. Penix Jr. has his favorite target returning in Ty Fryfolge and he will continue to rely on his talent. Penix Jr. can read defenses at a high level and his elusiveness allows him to scramble and create big-play opportunities.

1. Chris Olave - Ohio State, Wide Receiver

After a somewhat shocking decision to return to Columbus for his senior year, Chris Olave is the number one player in the conference. Not only is Olave the most talented receiver in the conference, but he might be in the nation. In 2020, Olave put up ridiculous numbers, he averaged over 100 yards and a touchdown per game. Olave has all the attributes that contribute to his overall talent. He is a deep ball threat, has extreme speed that is comparable to a track star, and is a polished route runner. Olave will be the security blanket for the inexperienced C.J. Stroud. The first-year quarterback will lean on Olave all year to bring a championship back to Columbus.

References Stats: https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/