Top 5 Big 10 Transfers for the 2022 Season

David Patalano

There will be a lot of new faces in the Big Ten this year, and some of those guys will make a big impact. If you’re an Illinois fan looking for some Tommy DeVito love, this isn’t the article for you. I don’t think he has a chance of winning the job. These are my top five transfers in the Big Ten.

1. Casey Thompson QB – Nebraska

Casey Thompson was a gigantic addition for Scott Frost’s Huskers. After Adrian Martinez left by way of the transfer portal, they had a big hole to fill, and Thompson became their savior. At Texas, he was very serviceable; he made some great plays, but I wouldn’t say he was exactly eye-popping. He did have three games with over 300 yards, which is as promising as it can get. He’ll turn the ball over a lot less than Martinez did, and I expect him to succeed in Frost’s offense. Recently, there hasn’t been much to be excited for in Lincoln, but Thompson has the potential to be a bright spot. 

2. Jarek Broussard RB – Michigan State

After losing Kenneth Walker III to the draft, the Spartans were a little light in the backfield, but then came Jarek Broussard. This is a huge get for Michigan State, picking up a guy who’s two years removed from being Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year and averaging 150 yards a game. While Broussard came back down to earth last season, he still finished his sophomore campaign with a 151-yard game against Oregon State and a 108-yard outing against UCLA. Michigan State also brought in Jalen Berger from Wisconsin, who will lighten the load for Broussard and be a change-of-pace back. The Spartans offense creates monsters at running back, and Broussard has a very good chance to be the next one. 

3. Olu Oluwatimi C – Michigan

Not often does a center transferring make headlines, but Olu Oluwatimi isn’t just any center. The guy was a finalist for the Rimington Award (nation’s best center), which was won by draft darling Tyler Linderbaum from Iowa. Oluwatimi is incredibly quick off the snap and almost never lets his guy get past him. When it comes to new college offensive linemen, questions always swirl about whether they’re ready or not. Michigan doesn’t have to worry about that, as it has a bona fide starter in the trenches with Oluwatimi.

4. Connor Bazelak QB – Indiana

Indiana was in almost an identical situation to Nebraska when Michael Penix, Jr. transferred to Washington. Luckily for the Hoosiers, Connor Bazelak fell right into their lap. While Mizzou isn’t known as being an SEC powerhouse, Bazelak actually played really well in the early part of the season, averaging 304 yards and two touchdowns in his first five games. After a blowout loss to Tennessee, he struggled and his production plummeted. He’ll throw his fair share of interceptions, but Bazelak has a really strong arm and can drop the ball in a bucket. Tom Allen needs him to play well if he wants to keep his job.

5. Demeioun Robinson EDGE – Penn State

Getting Demeioun Robinson to flip from Maryland was huge for the Nittany Lions. After the departure of key linebacker Arnold Ebiketie, Robinson can take over where Ebiketie left off. Edge rushers like Robinson thrive in these Penn State defenses, getting to the quarterback and making plays in the backfield. There’s chatter that because Robinson is built like Micah Parsons, he can be as effective. If he can turn in even a fraction of Micah’s production, that would be an immense boost to Manny Diaz’s defense. 

About the author

David Patalano
Website | Read more posts by this author

I'm a Penn State grad with a degree in Film Production, pursuing my Master’s in Journalism. There’s nothing better than a 14-7 B1G game in 30° weather. I love Penn State football way too much, and I believe that you could be a better head coach than James Franklin. I don’t have many good CFB memories, but my least favorites are when Ohio State ripped my heart out in front of my face in 2017 and ‘18.

You may like these posts