Airing on Saturday, Sept. 2 on the CBS Television Network Ahead of Ohio State-Indiana, Special to Highlight Season Preview Storylines for All 14 Big Ten Teams

Preview: ‘CBS Sports Confidential: B1G Ten Football 2023’

In conjunction with CBS Sports’ inaugural season of its BIG TEN ON CBS package, the network will present CBS SPORTS CONFIDENTIAL: B1G TEN FOOTBALL 2023 on Saturday, Sept. 2 (1:00 PM, ET) on the CBS Television Network and streaming on Paramount+.

The one-hour special will provide viewers with access to all 14 Big Ten programs while exploring a key preseason storyline of each team, including position battles, new coaches and coaching schemes, returning players, transfer portal additions and future NFL first-rounders.

Immediately following the special will be a one-hour COLLEGE FOOTBALL KICKOFF leading into COLLEGE FOOTBALL TODAY before CBS Sports’ first Big Ten Football broadcast when Ohio State takes on Indiana at 3:30 PM, ET on the CBS Television Network and Paramount+.

Dedicated storylines for each team within the special include:

• Illinois – Defensive linemen Keith Randolph and Johnny Newton are the leaders of an Illinois defense that led the nation last season in fewest points per game. They are known as “The Law Firm” of Randolph & Newton. 

• Indiana – With only one returning starter on defense, the Hoosiers have brought in 20 new players through the transfer portal. Getting those players to gel will be a key to Indiana’s season.

• Iowa – Tight End U has featured names like Hockenson, Kittle, Fant, and Clark over the years. Luke Lachey (son of Pro-Bowler Jim Lachey), Michigan transfer Erick All and Addison Ostrenga now anchor the Hawkeyes tight end room.

• Maryland – Taulia Tagovailoa returns for his senior season rather than opting for the NFL. 

• Michigan – Arguably the top running back duo in the country, Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards are vital to Michigan’s national championship aspirations this season.

• Michigan State – Jaden and Jaren Mangham are brothers and Detroit natives who play on opposite sides of the ball. Jaren, a redshirt senior running back – who played for Coach Mel Tucker at Colorado and most recently at South Florida – brings depth and maturity to the Spartans’ roster. His return allows the brothers to play together one final time.

• Minnesota – In a twist of pandemic magic, the Gophers have both a sixth and seventh-year player returning for a final season. Chris Autman-Bell is a wide receiver; Brevyn Spann-Ford is a tight end. They are best friends and team leaders.  

• Nebraska – As Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule returns to the college game, the on-campus access in Lincoln offers an up-close look at a new coach getting to know his players and working to mold them into a team.

• Northwestern – Interim coach David Braun addresses the challenges ahead as the Wildcats navigate the fallout from allegations of hazing and mistreatment within its program. 

• Ohio State – Marvin Harrison Jr, Emeka Egbuka and Xavier Johnson headline what might be the deepest wide receiver room in all of college football.

• Penn State – Left tackle Olu Fashanu is a top student and future first round pick who returns for a senior season to finish his degree in Business.

• Purdue – At 37-years-old, Ryan Walters takes over a Purdue roster while looking to change the culture in West Lafayette.

• Rutgers – Walk-on Hollin Pierce initially approached head coach Greg Schiano in a parking lot to ask about joining the team. Standing 6’8” and 340 pounds, he now anchors the Scarlet Knights’ offensive line. 

• Wisconsin – How will head coach Luke Fickell’s Badgers – and specifically power running back Braelon Allen – respond to the new-look Air Raid offense that offensive coordinator Phil Longo has brought to Madison? 

The special is produced by Dave Anerella and Michael Stypulkoski for CBS Sports. Emilie Deutsch is Vice President, Original Programming and Features, CBS Sports. Harold Bryant is Executive Vice President, Production, CBS Sports.

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Media Contacts:

Jeff Szklinski, jeff.szklinski@paramount.com

Matthew Fils-Aime, matthew.fils-aime@viacomcbs.com