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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Josh Keatley

Top breakout player candidates in the Big Ten for 2023

The Big Ten conference is full of potential breakout stars and no doubt a few will make themselves household names this season. We wanted to highlight the top five players that should become stars by the end of the season.

However, the challenge is that if you are reading this, you are likely already well-versed in regard to the talent throughout the Big Ten so some of these names will be obvious. Stay with us though, because nationally folks may not be aware.

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We wanted to provide a few names that didn’t see a ton of action last season or players that showed flashes of All-American ability. This should be a solid mix of that as well as both offensive and defensive players, so let’s jump into the top breakout candidates in the Big Ten for 2023.

Drew Allar, Penn State

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Why it Makes Sense

Drew Allar is a former five-star from the state of Ohio. Although replacing multiyear starter Sean Clifford might seem like a tough task, he has the ability to elevate this Penn State passing attack beyond what Clifford could provide.

Ricardo Hallman, Wisconsin

Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Why it Makes Sense

Ricardo Hallman is severely underrated because he had a rough outing against Jayden Reed, who went on to be drafted in the second round. Hallman was eventually benched for a huge portion of the season, but before that, he started the first seven games and played at a high level. He had a great spring and has No. 1 corner potential. Wisconsin fans should be excited about his sophomore season.

Will Johnson, Michigan

Credit: USA TODAY Sports

Why it Makes Sense

Will Johnson is a former five-star recruit who lived up to every bit of the hype as a true freshman and displayed the ability of a lockdown corner. He allowed 28 receptions on 50 targets for only two touchdowns, and 2023 is the season the nation recognizes the Michigan man.

Kyle McCord, Ohio State

Credit: Barbara J. Perenic/Columbus Dispatch

Why it Makes Sense

Whoever is taking the snap behind center for Ohio State is going to be surrounded by an elite cast of future NFL receivers, and even if the new presumed starting quarterback Kyle McCord is average, he will have All-American-level numbers. If McCord is as good as his former five-star ranking, then we could have something special.

Chop Robinson, Penn State

Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports

Why it Makes Sense

Chop Robinson transferred to Penn State from Maryland and made serious noise during his first season in Happy Valley. He tallied 10 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks — and he didn’t start one game. Robinson is going to produce off the charts as a full-time starter in 2023.

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Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes, and opinion. Follow Josh Keatley on Twitter.

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