Five Big Ten teams land on ESPN’s College Football Live’s 2012 preseason top 25, and each will be featured on a segment of the show at 3:30 p.m. ET in the coming weeks. Ohio State’s turn came Monday (watch it here), while Nebraska and Wisconsin are up Thursday and Friday, respectively. See where the five teams are ranked in this post.

Who do you think are the top three candidates to win the Big Ten offensive and defensive player of the year honors? Tell us in the comments below and watch Howard Griffith and Gerry DiNardo give you their nominations on tonight’s “Big Ten Football Report” at 6:30 p.m. ET (and again at 9 and 11:30 p.m. ET). To get ready, watch this Internet-only interview with Wisconsin wide receiver Jared Abbrederis conducted earlier today.

Yesterday, BTN.com senior writer Tom Dienhart released his All-Big Ten Spring Offensive Team. Today, it’s time to recognize the best on defense and special teams. Which players shined the most from Lincoln, Neb., to State College, Pa.? Dienhart talked to media, coaches and college officials across Big Ten country to get their views.

Big Ten spring practices officially ended last Saturday, with Michigan State and Wisconsin playing their spring games. What players shined from Lincoln, Neb., to State College, Pa.? I talked to media, coaches and college officials across Big Ten country to get their views. With that, I unveil my All-Big Ten Spring offensive team. My defensive team will follow. See my offensive stars in this post.

With 2011 Big Ten Football Championship Game participants Michigan State and Wisconsin wrapping up spring football Saturday, every Big Ten team can turn its attention to the summer. Here at BTN.com, we’re not ready to put spring football behind us just yet. That’s why we compiled this post featuring the best from this year’s spring action. And when talking the best of spring, nothing — at least in our minds — comes close to topping Sparty lining up in the backfield and taking the handoff. Watch the entertaining play now.