Much like Ohio State did after a disappointing 2004 campaign, Michigan hopes to rebound from a 2005 let-down of their own to contend for this fall's Big Ten title. The Buckeyes and Wolverines appear to be the front-runners early on in 2006. Last year's champ Penn State should slide back a notch this season, while we look for Iowa to continue hanging around the top of the standings, much like they've done for several seasons now. Purdue hopes to take a step forward this fall, while both Wisconsin and Minnesota will both be replacing star players and in a transition stage in 2006. Northwestern will be under the national spotlight after the death of head coach Randy Walker this summer, while Michigan State and coach John L. Smith are hoping to finally get things on track, as are second-year head coaches Ron Zook at Illinois and Terry Hoeppner at Indiana.