It wasn’t a goodbye, it was I’ll see you later.

BadgerBlitz.com’s Power Poll is back and better than ever for the 2017-2018 season. Here, I display my title of exceptional ranking aficionado and use some common sense to compile BadgerBlitz.com's ranking of the BIG Ten’s best.

1. Ohio State (2016 Record: 11-2, 8-1)

Here we go again. Quarterback J.T. Barrett is back with a vengeance after the Buckeyes suffered through a 31-0 defeat to eventual champion Clemson. Then, insert running back Mike Weber, who rushed for 1,096 yards in 2016 and will create chaos for opposing defensive lines. Additionally, the majority of the OSU offensive line returns under one of the best coaches in the BIG Ten. Seems like a sure-bet contender to me.

2. Wisconsin (2016 Record: 11-3, 7-2)

Despite the loss of running back Corey Clement, Wisconsin appears poised for another big year. Sophomore quarterback Alex Hornibrook has taken the reigns as full-time starter and kicker Rafael Gaglianone is healthy once again. One concern is if new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard can adjust as he assumes a larger role in the program. Regardless, Wisconsin should have a competitive defense that can lead itself despite T.J. Watt’s departure.

3. Michigan (2016 Record: 10-3, 7-2)

Khakis never went out of style and neither did the Wolverines when discussing the Big Ten’s most well-rounded teams. Head coach Jim Harbaugh will have some tinkering to do with the roster, though, because the wide receiver competition is mostly young and battling for play time. The defensive backs are talented enough to overcome early season struggles until they create a play style that works.

4. Penn State (2016 Record: 11-3, 8-1)

The reigning BIG Ten champions are ranked fourth on this college football preseason list. A one-two combination of quarterback Trace McSorley and running back Saquon Barkley can help ease the pressure of repeating last season's incredible run. However, the offense cannot be expected to do all the heavy lifting. The Lions lose both defensive end starters, Garrett Sickles and Evan Schwan, forcing head coach James Franklin to plunge into his depth chart.

5. Iowa (2016 Record: 8-5, 6-3)

A lot has changed for the redesigned Hawkeyes. During the offseason, head coach Kirk Ferentz renovated his coaching staff and there is still uncertainty on a permanent starting quarterback. Besides this, the Iowa offensive and defensive line are experienced as much as they are skilled. However, many players will have to step up to prevent disaster and a finish in the bottom-third of the conference.

6. Nebraska (2016 Record: 9-4, 6-3)

The Cornhuskers were scraping to the finish line by the commencement of the 2016 season. New quarterback Tanner Lee takes over alongside a core of new receivers, which showed potential during practices. The defense will struggle without cornerback Chris Jones, but could remain formidable under new-hire defensive coordinator Bob Diaco.

7. Northwestern (2016 Record: 7-6, 5-4)

The Wildcats are the dark horse team of the Big Ten. Yes, you read that right. Although they’re slotted in at seventh, Northwestern returns running back Justin Jackson and quarterback Clayton Johnson. On defense, the secondary has the potential to perform extremely well, especially against in-conference opponents. A looming issue that head coach Pat Fitzgerald needs to prevent is the inexperience of his defensive line.

8. Minnesota (2016 Record: 9-4, 5-4)

The Golden Gophers are currently without a clear-cut quarterback; a position no football team in any competitive level enjoys experiencing. Plus, their schedule is challenging, featuring stops in Michigan and Iowa during a tough late-season stretch. However, the two-headed running back monster, Rodney Smith and Shannon Brooks, return. It’s not a good Gophers team, but it's not a bad one, either.

9. Michigan State (2016 Record: 3-9,1-8)

Often overshadowed by an in-state rival, the Spartans can only go up after a miserable 2016 season. There is experience at running back, quarterback and defensive backs. Regarding Michigan State special teams, new kicker Cole Hahn will walk onto the field, the first time since their Rose Bowl run when a different kicker donned the green and white.

10. Indiana (2016 Record: 6-7, 4-5)

Many forget this team went to a bowl game in 2016, giving hope to a promising 2017 campaign. Nine starters return for the Hoosiers, but this isn’t enough to keep them competitive amongst a stacked conference.

11. Maryland (2016 Record: 6-7, 3-6)

The Terrapins are slowly building, but their schedule and roster are not efficient enough to maintain a presence against the likes of Michigan, Wisconsin and Ohio State. Their passing game is yet to be seen and many question marks revolve around a consistent rushing strategy.

12. Purdue (2016 Record: 3-9, 1-8)

The Boilermakers are led by new head coach Jeff Brohm, who aims to improve upon Darrell Hazer’s less than glamorous tenure. The offense has shown signs of life, but the Big Ten’s leading passer David Blough cannot be expected to put an entire team on his shoulders.

13. Illinois (2016 Record: 3-9, 2-7)

Come 2017, former quarterback Wes Lunt will not play another snap for Illinois, perhaps for the best. He led an offense that was ranked among the worst in 2016. There are only six seniors on head coach Lovie Smith’s roster, further emphasizing the necessary improvements that are yet to be seen in Champaign.

14. Rutgers ( 2016 Record: 2-10, 0-9)

The only member of the BIG Ten to go winless against the entire conference, Rutgers isn’t on the upswing anytime soon. Head coach Chris Ash has made improvements to his coaching staff, but change does not always yield immediate results. On a positive note, Janarion Grant returns for his senior year, offering a glimmer of hope to the not-so-Scarlet Knights.