2023 Buckeyes Wire Preseason All-Big Ten team: Defensive Backs

The 2023 college football season is right around the corner and the Big Ten is loaded with top-notch talent and predicting who will end up on the All-Big Ten has proven challenging. Not only was it hard to choose one player over another, but it was also hard to admit that some of Ohio State’s most prominent rivals have some serious dogs on their squad.

This list will dive into the defensive backfield — and as expected — the Big Ten has some dominant defensive backs that make it very hard to narrow it down to just four. This list contains two cornerbacks and two safeties and we have a Buckeye make the team at corner, but not at safety.

In the age of the transfer portal, it is possible for a complete dark horse to rise as a frontrunner, but we will do our best to provide the most educated guess based on previous performances and situations.

Cornerback: Denzel Burke, Ohio State

Why the Pick

Despite his inconsistent 2022 season, Denzel Burke has shown the potential to be a shutdown cornerback with the elite ability to dominate in man-to-man coverage. Burke is likely to have a big season and hear his name called in the first round of the NFL Draft.

Cornerback: Max Melton, Rutgers

Why the Pick

The Scarlet Knight defense is expected to be much improved and Max Melton is the biggest reason why. Melton has the athleticism to stick with any receiver in the nation.

Safety: Tyler Nubin, Minnesota

Why the Pick

Tyler Nubin is arguably the best safety in the country and is taking advantage of the Super Senior season to wreak havoc on the Big Ten one more time. Nubin is a large safety who knows how to utilize his unique length at 6’2″ and 210 pounds.

Safety: Rod Moore, Michigan

Why the Pick

R.J. Moteen would have likely made this slot for me before he announced his transfer to Florida, but with the talent the Wolverines have in the defensive backfield someone needs to be on here, and its Rod Moore. Moore is an experienced stud in an elite Michigan defensive backfield.

Story originally appeared on Buckeye Wire