One of the most-talked-about topics at this year’s Big Ten media days was the addition of conference newcomers Maryland and Rutgers. I asked several Big Ten coaches and players about the new division realignment and the choice to add Maryland and Rutgers into the conference.

It’s no secret that the Big Ten lost a lot of talented receivers. Just how much, you ask? All seven of last year’s receiving yards leaders are gone, to be exact, and only two (Devin Funchess and Christian Jones) of the top 10 return. Who will lead the Big Ten this year? See Tom Dienhart, Sean Merriman and Brent Yarina’s picks.

Kirk Ferentz isn’t one to get lost in hyperbole. Grand statements? Bold proclamations? They won’t come from the dean of Big Ten coaches who is entering his 16th season in Iowa City. So, don’t expect him to tout and embrace any talk of his team winning the Big Ten West this fall.

At 9 p.m. ET tonight, BTN/BTN2Go airs the premiere of The Opening Kickoff: The Tumultuous Birth of a Football Nation. The show’s title comes from a new book written by BTN lead studio host Dave Revsine, who spent the majority of his free time over the last four years poring through microfilm and university archives and conducting original research on football’s early days to put the issues the sport faces today in context.

How often do some of the best players from all 14 Big Ten teams gather under one roof? Once a year, at the annual Big Ten media days. To take advantage of the opportunity, we conducted a Big Ten poll that asked one player from every team the same five questions. Who’s the preseason Big Ten favorite? What’s the toughest road venue? See all the results in this post.

There was a smile on Braxton Miller’s face as he sat down to field questions from reporters at Tuesday’s Big Ten Media Day session. It was the look of someone who is comfortable with himself. Comfortable with the expectations that lie ahead.