Big Ten Football: Biggest Needs For Every Team in the Spring Transfer Portal Window

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College football’s second transfer portal window officially opens on April 16 and runs through April 30. The first window brought a significant round of movement, and while this period probably won’t have the same volume, expect plenty of players to be on the move as transfers. Also, all 134 teams will be looking to the portal to fill needs, especially with this window taking place at the end of spring practice.

The spring workouts provided every coach with one more opportunity to evaluate their depth chart and needs for the upcoming year. The April portal window can help address some of those concerns and is the last chance to add to the roster before the ’24 season gets underway.

Indiana was the Big Ten’s most active squad in the first portal window, as new coach Curt Cignetti reeled in 20 transfers. Conference title favorites Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State weren’t as active with each team bringing in fewer than 10 transfers.

Where could the Big Ten teams look for help when the second window officially opens on April 16? Here are the biggest needs, position groups and areas to watch for each of the 16 teams later this month:

Big Ten Football: Biggest Needs For College Football’s Spring Transfer Portal Window

The Top Contenders in 2024

Michigan

Biggest Needs:

WR, OL, QB, Depth at LB/DB

It’s no surprise the Wolverines have a few major needs to address after a significant exodus of talent off the national title team. Finding help at receiver and offensive line top the list of priorities for new coach Sherrone Moore, but Michigan could also look for depth on defense.

If the right quarterback hits the portal, could the Wolverines opt to bring one in to compete with Alex Orji, Jadyn Davis, and Jayden Denegal for the starting job?

Ohio State

Biggest Needs:

OL

The Buckeyes don’t have a glaring need for the spring window. Coach Ryan Day could add depth or competition for a starting job along the offensive line if the right fit hits the portal.

Oregon

Biggest Needs:

DB and DL

The Ducks don’t have many glaring needs, but coach Dan Lanning could add depth to the defensive line or secondary.

Penn State

Biggest Needs:

WR

The Nittany Lions added Ohio State transfer Julian Fleming in the first window but will need more help with Keandre Lambert-Smith opting to hit the portal.

The Rest of the Big Ten

Illinois

Biggest Needs:

WR, DL, DB, OL

The Fighting Illini lost three out of their top four receiving targets from last season and did not add a receiver in the first window. Adding depth up front and a dependable player in the secondary top the offseason needs on defense.

Indiana

Biggest Needs:

DL, DB

The Hoosiers added help at every position in the first window, which should boost the turnaround efforts of new coach Curt Cignetti. Restocking the depth on defense should be the top priority this spring.

Iowa

Biggest Needs:

OL, DT, QB, WR

Could the Hawkeyes add a quarterback to provide insurance behind starter Cade McNamara? Depth additions along the line of scrimmage and at receiver are also possibilities.

Maryland

Biggest Needs:

OL, DB

The Terrapins added three offensive linemen in the first window and could look for more help in the spring after losing all five starters from ’23.

Michigan State

Biggest Needs:

WR, OL, DL

New coach Jonathan Smith’s roster overhaul in East Lansing should continue this spring with additions potentially coming on both sides of the ball. Help at receiver is a must.

Minnesota

Biggest Needs:

DL, DB, and WR

Landing New Hampshire transfer Max Brosmer to start at quarterback filled the biggest need Minnesota had going into the ’24 season.

Nebraska

Biggest Needs:

LB, Depth at RB/WR

The Cornhuskers don’t have a ton of glaring needs, especially after adding help at running back and receiver in the first window. If the right fit comes along at either spot again or at linebacker, coach Matt Rhule could opt to add more depth.

Northwestern

Biggest Needs:

QB, DB

The Wildcats might be one of the few power conference teams looking for a quarterback this spring.

Purdue

Biggest Needs: WR, DL, LB

The Boilermakers were active in the first window with 16 additions for ’24. Coach Ryan Walters could still look for more help at receiver and on defense this spring.

Rutgers

Biggest Needs:

WR, OL, DB

Coach Greg Schiano’s list of needs isn’t lengthy, but the Scarlet Knights could add depth or competition at a couple of spots.

UCLA

Biggest Needs:

OL, DB, TE, DL/Edge, QB

The Bruins have some significant needs under new coach DeShaun Foster as the program makes its move to the Big Ten.

USC

Biggest Needs:

DL, OL, WR

The Trojans should be looking for an impact addition (or two) on the defensive front.

Washington

Biggest Needs:

OL, DL, WR

New coach Jedd Fisch returns only two starters from last year’s squad. Help on the offensive line is arguably the team’s biggest need.

Wisconsin

Biggest Needs:

DL, DB

The Badgers lost two potential starters to the portal earlier this offseason and are thin on proven depth.

Steven Lassan is the senior college football writer and editor for AthlonSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.