The Big Ten had an array of excellent players this season, including two in Michigan State quarterback Connor Cook and Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott, who both finished in the top 10 in Heisman voting.
Here is a look at the talented players who made the all-conference team:
| Position | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| QB | Connor Cook | Michigan State |
| RB | Ezekiel Elliott | Ohio State |
| RB | Jordan Howard | Indiana |
| WR | Aaron Burbridge | Michigan State |
| WR | Jehu Chesson | Michigan |
| TE | Jake Butt | Michigan |
| OL | Jack Allen | Michigan State |
| OL | Jordan Walsh | Iowa |
| OL | Taylor Decker | Ohio State |
| OL | Jack Conklin | Michigan State |
| OL | Dan Feeney | Indiana |
| K | Griffin Oakes | Indiana |
| RET | Desmond King | Iowa |
Cook embodies the program player, as he said no to NFL money to return to school and complete unfinished business. The senior did so exceptionally, orchestrating scoring drives in high-pressure situations to help lead the Spartans to the playoff.
Elliott led the Big Ten in rushing yards with 1,672, which is saying something considering he shares the conference with talented backs like Justin Jackson, Jordan Howard, and Saquon Barkley. What makes Elliott such a special player is that he's just as dangerous when he doesn't have the ball - he's arguably the nation's best blocking running back, making him the total package.
Chesson emerged as one of Jake Rudock's main targets late in the season. His best performance came against Indiana, where he hauled in 10 receptions for 207 yards and four touchdowns. Chesson also had eight receptions for 113 yards and one touchdown against Ohio State's talented secondary, showing just how good a receiver he's become.
| Position | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| DE | Joey Bosa | Ohio State |
| DE | Shilique Calhoun | Michigan State |
| DT | Malik McDowell | Michigan State |
| DT | Carl Nassib | Penn State |
| LB | Joshua Perry | Ohio State |
| LB | Anthony Walker Jr. | Northwestern |
| LB | Joe Schobert | Wisconsin |
| CB | Desmond King | Iowa |
| CB | Eli Apple | Ohio State |
| S | Vonn Bell | Ohio State |
| S | Jabrill Peppers | Michigan |
| P | Sam Foltz | Nebraska |
Bosa is one of the few players in college football good enough to alter his opponents' scheme. While his numbers didn't indicate it as much this season - due to all the double and at times triple teams he faced - his explosive play made it possible for other players to step up and make huge stops. For his dominant performance this season, Bosa earned the Big Ten's Smith-Brown Defensive Lineman of the Year honor.
King is adept at reading a quarterback's eyes and stealing his throws. King had eight interceptions this season, including pairs of thefts against Pittsburgh and Wisconsin - two of Iowa's biggest games - as his leadership and play helped the Hawkeyes to their best season since 2009.
Is there anything Peppers can't do? His athleticism and on-field maturity, including the ability to blend into so many positions well, is impressive. He had 45 tackles as a safety, averaged almost 28 yards as a kick returner, and on offense, had two rushing touchdowns. It will be exciting to see what Jim Harbaugh and his staff devises for Peppers in the future.