What to know about 2022 Big Ten Football Media Days

Big Ten football is back this week — at least in talking form.

The conference is set to hold its 50th round of football media days Tuesday and Wednesday, which means the start of preseason practice is close and the beginning of the regular season not far behind.

Here is what you need to know about the annual gathering of coaches, players and reporters from around the Big Ten’s footprint (and beyond):

1. Big Ten Media Days will be held in Indianapolis for the second consecutive year.

For many year, this event was held in Chicago near the Big Ten’s headquarters, but it moved to Indianapolis last year to utilize the vast space of Lucas Oil Stadium as social distancing remained a focus because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Circle City has proven to be a great friend of the conference over the years, often hosting its basketball conference tournaments and every football championship game.

2. It starts Tuesday morning with an address from commissioner Kevin Warren.

The third-year Big Ten boss said last year the Big Ten was “constantly evaluating” expansion in the wake of reports Texas and Oklahoma were set to join the SEC and that he was still considering the pros and cons of a potential playoff expansion.

The CFP will remain at four teams for now, but Warren’s league shook the college football world last month when it accepted the applications of USC and UCLA.

That move and more figure to be topics of discussions Tuesday morning.

Credit: Doug McSchooler

Credit: Doug McSchooler

3. Nebraska, Maryland, Minnesota, Iowa, Indiana, Northwestern and Michigan will also be there on day one.

Jim Harbaugh said last year his Wolverines would beat Ohio State “or die trying.” They ultimately not only lived through the 2021 edition of The Game but followed up that 42-27 win over the Buckeyes with a Big Ten Championship Game victory over Iowa and appearance in the College Football Playoff.

Harbaugh will be joined by three of his players, including Fairfield High School grad Erick All, who will be a senior tight end for the Wolverines this fall.

4. Ohio State, Purdue, Illinois, Michigan State, Rutgers, Penn State and Wisconsin will go on the second day.

Ohio State coach Ryan Day will be the last to take the podium Wednesday, and he will have a roster full of offensive stars and defensive questions to talk about.

The Buckeyes set to be in attendance are safety Ronnie Hickman, receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and quarterback C.J. Stroud.

The Dayton Daily News will be there both days and have stories, pictures, videos and interviews to share all week ahead of Ohio State kicking off preseason practice next week.

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