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Wisconsin has established itself as an emerging Big Ten power by winning league titles in each of the past two seasons. Have the Badgers turned the corner in recruiting as well? It's up for debate. Wisconsin signed only 12 players in its 2012 recruiting class and lost offensive line commits Kyle Dodson and J.J. Denman to other programs. The Badgers still ended up with some quality prospects, including quarterback Bart Houston, in a class that never was going to have big numbers.

Coach Bret Bielema chatted with ESPN.com on Wednesday. Here are his thoughts on the recruiting crop.

What were your top priorities with this class?

Bret Bielema: Without a doubt, the offensive line. We were losing some pure numbers there the last two years, some guys going to the NFL, so we knew that was of major importance for us, especially with Pete [Konz] jumping out a year early. And it's always important for us to sign a quality quarterback and a quality running back, and we did that as well. Defensively, we were only going to take one D-lineman, really liked him [Arthur Goldberg], a kid we got out of Pittsburgh that we fell in love with when he came to camp. He's our kind of kid, blue collar, loves to work, get after it. We signed a really high recruit linebacker [Vince Biegel]. We weren't going to take big numbers there, but we wanted good quality, so we filled that out. And we got three DBs that are quality young men.

Did you expect to be in this range in terms of numbers, like 12 or 13?

BB: We originally thought it was going to be a class of nine or 10. There were some departures on our team. Obviously, Pete Konz, I don't want to have a great player leave early, but the benefit of that is we got to sign another kid. This was really a class we were excited about, because we were going after some high-profile guys and they were jumping in the boat. We still have a chance for one more guy out there, but for the most part I'm very excited. I was excited to get [Jake] Meador in there, we beat out Missouri and Florida. Also with Walker Williams, he's a kid that when we started to have [coaching] transition, several Big Ten schools as well as Pac-10 schools tried to get back in there, and he stood strong.

Did you experience that with a few recruits after you had your assistants leave?

BB: Absolutely. As coaches, we're all vultures. They smell something and they want to try and see if there's an interest, especially with great players. That'd be a great story if you want to call Walker Williams and ask him who came through his school the next two weeks after our Rose Bowl game. And he didn't really bat an eye.

Was this unique in that you had a small class to begin with, and then a coaching transition?

BB: One hundred percent. If it had been a class of 24, we would have had real problems, just getting enough people. At one one point we got down to only [assistant] three coaches with me, Chris Ash, Charlie Partridge and Thomas Hammock, the four of us trying to cover everything. I had to put GAs out on the road, they did a tremendous job, really did well with kids having good faith. And again, with a larger class, I don't know if that could have happened.

You mentioned wanting to get a quarterback and a running back. What stands out about Bart and Vonte Jackson?

BB: If I'm not mistaken, Bart's lost one game in three years as a starting quarterback at De La Salle. He's got an incredible record, an incredible history, something that stands second to none, and that's just winning football games. And Vonte, we had him going into his junior year in camp and he was ridiculous, the numbers he put up, his coachability and his work ethic and everything he stood for. It was very important for us, him being an in-state kid, to keep him here in the state.

You added some defensive backs. What stands out about them?

BB: Well, Hugs Etienne is a guy who is in here at school right now. He's going to be a nice kid that's going to grow into his position. The other two guys, D.J. Singleton and Reggie Mitchell, both have a lot of athletic ability. Reggie comes to us from Pittsburgh, so it was nice to get another Pittsburgh-area kid here into Camp Randall. And D.J. Singleton coming from the East Coast, from St. Peter's Prep, he's a nice guy to bring in and continue his career.

Do you fight any perception when you're signing a smaller class versus schools signing 25 or more guys at all sorts of positions?

BB: One of the things we do is we keep our kids. We don't have a lot of transition among our kids. When we get them, they usually stay four, five years and are part of our program. One of the disadvantages is you end up with smaller classes in a couple different years back to back. One thing that would be neat is if you really sat down and studied the amount of seniors graduating versus the amount of kids being signed. So if you're graduating 13 and signing 28, there are 15 kids, you have to figure out where the heck they went.

You've had some Big Ten freshmen of the year in recent seasons. In this class, do you see some guys who have a chance to contribute early, or will it be tough with the bigger numbers you have elsewhere?

BB: I've never really singled out a guy who might do that, but I'm not saying the possibility isn't there.

Was anything different this year with the Big Ten recruiting landscape, as some new coaches stepped in around the league?

BB: One of the greatest things we have going for us with the new divisional alignment was to be in the same division as Penn State and Ohio State. To me, that's where the true competition lies. Before last season, Ohio State had had six uninterrupted conference championships, and obviously we've had two now. For us to have a big conference rivalry game against Ohio State speaks volumes about where we're at. That's something we took with a lot of pride. They came in on some of our guys, and vice-versa, so it was interesting. It's going to be fun to learn the recruiting style that Ohio State's staff and the new Penn State staff has. That's what you've got to expect in these inter-conference battles. It's just good, clean football, and hopefully the best man wins.

Did you guys swing for the fences more in going for some higher-level prospects after the recent success on the field?

BB: If they're kids who lie within our normal recruiting area, we're going to go after a kid whether he's a five-star or a one-star, if he fits our program. On the flip side, if there's a kid outside of our norm, it's usually because they reached out to us, Walker Williams being a case. I believe he had every Pac-10 school [interested]. I know there were two major schools within our conference who reached out to him after the bowl game, hoping the transition of coach [Paul] Chryst and [Bob] Bostad would have an effect on the decision. It didn't. That speaks volumes about where we're at.

MADISON, Wis. -- Wisconsin loves to describe its program as "not sexy," but the label is becoming less and less accurate.

After the Badgers made their first Rose Bowl appearance in 11 seasons, nine members of coach Bret Bielema's staff received inquiries from other teams. Defensive coordinator Dave Doeren landed the head-coaching job at Northern Illinois. Two assistants, John Settle and Greg Jackson, left for posts in the NFL. Offensive coordinator Paul Chryst turned down a lucrative coordinator offer from Texas to remain with his alma mater.

The inquiries also are coming Wisconsin's way, as decorated recruits from "coast to coast" -- particularly running backs and offensive linemen, two position groups where the Badgers have flourished -- express interest in the program.

"They're getting recruited by heavy, heavy people in their area," Bielema said. "We haven't had that number of people respond from outside our area."

Wisconsin is pushing for a $76.8 million athletic performance center that would include new locker rooms and training facilities and an upgrade for the McClain Center, the team's indoor practice facility. Although Wisconsin has remained in the top half of the Big Ten on the field, it needs a boost with its facilities.

So, is Wisconsin bringing sexy back? Perhaps on the surface, but the program hasn't changed at its core.

"The only reason we're at the level we're at is because we maximize what we are," Bielema said. "Our staff, our players and our administration recognizes why we've had this success and not to deviate from that plan just because there might be better things out there.

"We're going to build this new facility, but bigger isn't always better. It's about the components and how functional it is and what it stands for."

The Wisconsin Way will be put to the test in 2011 as the Badgers lose more standout components than any other Big Ten squad. Gone are four All-Americans -- defensive end J.J. Watt, tight end Lance Kendricks and offensive linemen Gabe Carimi and John Moffitt -- the 2010 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm award winner in quarterback Scott Tolzien, the 2009 Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year in running back John Clay, and other key contributors.

Other than Ohio State, every Big Ten team has struggled to reload in recent years. Can the Badgers buck the trend in 2011?

"Here, we really have to develop our players where they're really good their last 2-3 years," co-defensive coordinator/defensive line coach Charlie Partridge said. "We feel like this is a developmental program, and we're proud of that."

No position group better demonstrates the philosophy than the defensive ends Partridge coaches.

In 2009, O'Brien Schofield went from anonymous to first-team All-Big Ten, finishing second nationally in tackles for loss (24.5) and tied for sixth in sacks. Watt began his career as a tight end at Central Michigan and finished it as one of the nation's best defenders. He's projected as a first-round pick in this week's NFL draft and could be the first Big Ten player selected.

There are other examples of Badger reloading. Wisconsin has produced at least one 1,000-yard rusher in each of the past six seasons. Carimi and his predecessor at left tackle, Joe Thomas, both won the Outland Trophy as seniors.

"People from the outside looking in, they've never heard of these names so they assume they're not any good," Bielema said. "We try to have people waiting in the wings. I remember when no one knew who Lance Kendricks was, or Gabe Carimi, or John Moffitt or Scott Tolzien or J.J. Watt. We were able to develop those guys, bring them through and the results were what you saw last year.

"It's our desire to have a championship every season, but sometimes you're not going to have the personnel to accomplish that. What you want to do is remain competitive, stay in the top level of our conference."

Bielema thinks Wisconsin has a chance to be just as good on defense.

Although Watt leaves a major void, the Badgers boast unprecedented depth at defensive tackle and more overall depth along the line. The secondary returns All-Big Ten cornerback Antonio Fenelus, playmaking safety Aaron Henry and others with experience. If linebacker Chris Borland stays healthy after missing most of 2010 with shoulder injuries, the midsection will be solid.

Leadership shouldn't be an issue as both Henry and defensive tackle Patrick Butrym are stepping forward.

"I'm sure a lot of people out there are counting us out," Henry said. "I could care less about flying under the radar. I just want guys to go out there every week and leave a statement, that we are Wisconsin football, we do play hard-nosed football and we're going to play every snap like its our last."

The bigger questions come on offense, starting with the most important position on the field. Jon Budmayr understudied for Tolzien in 2010 and, barring a major surprise, will move into the starting role. Budmayr, who had his ups and downs this spring, must not only display efficiency but remain healthy as there's no proven depth behind him.

Wisconsin once again will lean on a run game expected to be among the nation's best as backs Montee Ball and James White, the 2010 Big Ten Freshman of the Year, both return. Although three starting linemen depart, the coaches are excited about who will fill the gaps.

"There's questions for any team, what they can and cannot do," Ball said. "That's why we keep grinding every day so we can show everybody what we're capable of doing."

At Wisconsin, there's no other way. The Badgers aren't a team that can simply show up and win, a fact reinforced last season.

"The thing we did best was we practiced so well during the week," Butrym said. "The one time we didn't practice well was [before the Michigan State game]. It was a Thursday and it was very sloppy and the end result of that was a loss."

Butrym admits the poor practice made him "a little paranoid" about sniffing out signs of complacency. So far, the attitude is good.

"We definitely have to earn it," Henry said. "Ohio State's still in the conference, we added Nebraska, Iowa's still in the conference. Guys know nothing's going to be handed to us."

Adam Rittenberg talks with Wisconsin defensive coordinator Charlie Partridge.

MADISON, Wis. -- The Wisconsin Badgers are on the practice field (thankfully inside the McClain Center) right now, and I'll post a list of observations and other nuggets Wednesday morning.

I had a chance to visit with head coach Bret Bielema, assistants Paul Chryst and Charlie Partridge and defensive tackle Patrick Butrym today. Wisconsin is aware of all the stars it loses from the 2010 team, but the coaches are confident they can fill the gaps, pointing to their track record of developing players. This isn't a program that can survive lapses in leadership and work ethic (see: the 2008 season), but it seems like those areas have been strong so far. Butrym and safety Aaron Henry are taking charge on defense, while receiver Nick Toon and fullback Bradie Ewing are two potential leaders for the offense.

Here are a few notes:

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Jeff Hanisch/US PresswireJon Budmayr seems to have a tight grip on Wisconsin's quarterback job.
• Jon Budmayr entered the spring as the favorite to land Wisconsin's No. 1 quarterback spot, and nothing really has changed. Although Budmayr has had his ups and downs, Curt Phillips is still recovering from ACL surgery and it's hard to call Joe Brennan or Joel Stave legit threats for the top job right now. Budmayr has taken the bulk of the reps, and barring a setback this summer or a truly incredible surge by Phillips, I'd be surprised if he doesn't start Sept. 1 against UNLV. "You don't have a true competition with veteran guys," Chryst said. Chryst added that while a starter will be named at some stage, the race isn't a huge focal point right now. "We don't spend as much time on that as we do with each guy [saying], 'How can you get better today?'" he said.
• The other big hole comes at defensive end, where Wisconsin must replace All-American J.J. Watt. Three players have separated themselves: redshirt senior Louis Nzegwu, who started opposite Watt last season, and juniors David Gilbert and Brendan Kelly. While Nzegwu and Gilbert were expected to step up, Kelly has really come on strong this spring after redshirting in 2010 and missing time in both 2009 and 2008 with injuries. I remember the hype around Kelly as a true freshman in 2008 until he hurt himself against Ohio State. The good news is Wisconsin boasts plenty of options inside, led by Butrym. "Probably as deep at D-tackle as we've been since I've been here," Bielema said.
• The two players currently limited by injuries who really need to come back strong are Toon and linebacker Chris Borland. Wisconsin is extremely thin at receiver. Jared Abbrederis has had a good spring and provides a nice No. 2 option, but the coaches want to see more from Jeff Duckworth and others. Toon had somewhat of a disappointing junior season, but he has All-Big Ten capabilities. Borland can help with the versatility and playmaking Wisconsin loses with Watt's departure. He also would solidify the linebacking corps with Mike Taylor and Kevin Claxton. The recurring issues are a concern, but Borland can provide a major boost on defense if he can stay healthy.
• The coaches don't want to minimize the losses of players like Gabe Carimi, John Moffitt, John Clay and Bill Nagy, but Wisconsin is very confident in its ability to run the ball at a high level this fall. Running backs Montee Ball and James White both have had strong springs, and Kevin Zeitler, Ricky Wagner and Peter Konz will lead the way on the offensive line. "Up front, we're going to be very, very good," Bielema said. "No question we have guys who can step into the roles that Gabe and John and Bill left."
• Wisconsin seems to have moved on well from the Rose Bowl, although there are still reminders of the 21-19 loss to TCU in Pasadena. "Watching ESPN and Gruden Camp [Monday] night and they had [TCU quarterback Andy Dalton] on there, and it's all about the Rose Bowl and I'm like, 'Aw, jeez!'" Bielema said. "Makes me want to turn it off." We hope you keep watching, Bret.

I'll have more on the Badgers in the coming days, so stay tuned.

MADISON, Wis. -- The Big Ten achieved its primary objectives in division alignment, but if one team had a legit gripe with the setup, it'd be Wisconsin.

By being placed in the Leaders division with a protected crossover only with Minnesota, the Badgers no longer will play Iowa every year. The Wisconsin-Iowa rivalry means a lot around here. The teams from bordering states have played 85 times since their first meeting way back in 1894, and the all-time series is all square at 42-42-1. Wisconsin's placement also ensures it won't face Nebraska each year, taking a potentially spicy rivalry down a notch.

Most Badgers fans would rather have seen their team in the Legends division with Minnesota, Iowa and Nebraska.

But the way things ended up isn't all bad for Wisconsin.

"We traditionally recruit more [toward the] East," Badgers coach Bret Bielema told me Tuesday. "For us to be able to say year in and year out that we can Ohio State and Penn State is worth its weight in gold."

Bielema admits the loss of the annual Iowa series is disappointing, especially given his connection as a former Hawkeyes player. But from a recruiting standpoint, Wisconsin would much rather be where it is.

"We've just always had more success recruiting East of Wisconsin than West," he said. "If you go into an alignment with Nebraska and Iowa and Minnesota, you're going to have that natural draw to your West. For us, it remains to the East."

A glance at the Badgers' spring roster shows a large contingent from states East of Wisconsin. There are 13 Floridians, 10 Ohioans, two players from New Jersey and two more from Pennsylvania.

Wisconsin has several players from the western part of the Big Ten footprint -- five Minnesotans and one Nebraskan -- but there's a much larger group from the East. Kicker Philip Welch hails from Fort Collins, Co., and Wisconsin has no players from West of the Rockies.

The most recent recruiting class includes five players from Ohio, two from Florida, one from Pennsylvania and one from North Carolina. Only one incoming recruit, offensive lineman Tyler Marz from Springfield, Minn., comes from West of Wisconsin.

"From a recruiting standpoint, the exposure out East certainly does help," co-defensive coordinator/line coach Charlie Partridge said. "They definitely feel a closer tie to us and being in the Big Ten and guaranteeing that home game for them at Penn State or Ohio State every other year."

The Wisconsin Badgers hit the practice field Tuesday afternoon for the first of 15 spring workouts.

Here's a snapshot of the defending Big Ten co-champs as they enter spring ball:

The big story: Replacing star players. No Big Ten team loses more individual standouts than the Badgers, who say goodbye to four All-Americans as well as Johnny Unitas Golden Arm award winner Scott Tolzien. Wisconsin should to have enough coming back to survive losses at running back, offensive line and tight end, but the team really will miss superstar defensive end J.J. Watt and Tolzien, the archetypal Wisconsin quarterback who provided consistency in the pass game. Ohio State has dominated the Big Ten because of its ability to reload. Has Wisconsin reached a point in its program where it can do the same?

Position in the spotlight: Quarterback and defensive end both will be closely monitored. Jon Budmayr, who backed up Tolzien last season, will have every opportunity to distinguish himself as Wisconsin's top quarterback this spring. Curt Phillips is still recovering from knee surgery and will be limited to individual drills. Returning starter Louis Nzegwu and veteran reserve David Gilbert are the top two options at defensive end, but several young players will get a close look this spring, including sophomore Pat Muldoon.

Coaching changes: Defensive coordinator Dave Doeren left to become head coach at Northern Illinois, and secondary coach Chris Ash was promoted as his replacement. Defensive line coach Charlie Partridge will share the coordinator title, but Ash is running the show. Central Florida defensive coordinator Dave Huxtable joins the staff to coach linebackers, a group Doeren oversaw. Thomas Hammock is back in Madison to coach the team's running backs, replacing John Settle, who left for the Carolina Panthers. Wisconsin also added DeMontie Cross as safeties coach and special teams coordinator. He replaces nickelbacks coach Greg Jackson, who left for the NFL.

Keep an eye on: Beau Allen. Defensive tackle could be a position of strength for Wisconsin, and Allen adds depth after appearing in 12 games as a true freshman last season. At 6-foot-3 and 325 pounds, Allen could be a force in the interior line.

Spring game: April 23

Don't hold me to it, but I think this will be one of the more interesting spring practice sessions in recent Big Ten history.

You've got a new conference member (Nebraska), three new coaching staffs (Michigan, Minnesota, Indiana) and some unique situations (Ohio State).

Here are five big questions around the league entering the spring:

1. How will Ohio State plan for the early season suspensions? The school's appeal to the NCAA is still pending, but the Buckeyes will be without four offensive starters, including Terrelle Pryor, for the first chunk of the season. Ohio State's spring will feature competitions at quarterback, running back, wide receiver and left tackle as the team tries to identify individuals to replace Pryor, Dan Herron, DeVier Posey and Mike Adams. Running back provides several exciting options, while the early enrollment of quarterback Braxton Miller adds to the intrigue there. Posey's absence could really be felt at receiver if some players don't develop this spring.

2. Who emerges in the quarterback competitions? If you count Ohio State, seven Big Ten schools will hold quarterback competitions this spring. Arguably the most intriguing race takes place in State College, where Rob Bolden tries to regain the top spot. Bolden, who requested his release from the team after the Outback Bowl but wasn't granted it, still could bolt Happy Valley depending on how things go. We also get to see how Taylor Martinez adjusts to a new offense at Nebraska, whether Jon Budmayr can lock up Wisconsin's starting job, and the return of James Vandenberg, who admirably filled in for Ricky Stanzi in 2009.

3. Which coordinators will make the most dramatic impact? Spring ball will be huge for several top assistants around the league. Greg Mattison hopes to restore glory to a Michigan defense that veered off track the past three seasons. Tim Beck begins to shape Nebraska's offense, which could be in for some significant changes. Matt Limegrover and Tracy Claeys install new systems at Minnesota, while Mike Ekeler and Doug Mallory embark on the difficult task of making Indiana's defense respectable. The league also has several position coaches elevated to coordinator roles like Michigan State offensive coordinator Dan Roushar and Wisconsin co-defensive coordinators Charlie Partridge and Chris Ash. Gary Emanuel is now Purdue's sole defensive coordinator and must figure out how to replace superstar Ryan Kerrigan.

4. Can Wisconsin and Iowa reload? Both programs aren't far away from becoming consistent Big Ten title contenders, but to catch Ohio State, the Badgers and Hawkeyes must reload like the Buckeyes do seemingly every year. Wisconsin loses more All-Americans and All-Big Ten players than any other league school, while Iowa must replace multiyear starters at quarterback, defensive line and safety. There will be plenty at stake in both Madison and Iowa City this spring.

5. Will the Big Ten start to show greater depth? The Big Ten wasn't a deep league in 2010, and it showed in the bowls. Ohio State and Nebraska will appear in most preseason top 10 lists, but the Big Ten needs to put more teams in the discussion. Michigan State tries to build on its first Big Ten title in 20 seasons and wipe away the sting from the Capital One Bowl. Penn State returns many of its core pieces and could challenge Ohio State in the Leaders division if things come together. Illinois tries to avoid a post-bowl backslide and take another step forward, while Northwestern boasts one of the leagues most experienced rosters.

Enjoy the weekend.

• In case you missed it, my spring previews for the Leaders Division, the Legends Division and the entire league.
• Before installing the new systems, Brady Hoke wants to work on Michigan's mind-set, annarbor.com's Jeff Arnold writes. Michigan will host many of the Midwest's top recruits this weekend, Matt Dorsey writes in the Detroit Free Press.
• Some good Northwestern pre-spring notes from the Daily Herald's Lindsey Willhite.
• Wisconsin's newest defensive assistant has ties to coordinators Chris Ash and Charlie Partridge from their Iowa State days, Jeff Potrykus writes in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
• Former Penn State receiver Graham Zug, AKA Amish Lightning, is hanging up his cleats to enter the real world, Lions247's Sean Fitz writes.
• Nebraska assistant John Garrison demands perfection, Rich Kaipust writes in the Omaha World-Herald. Another new Huskers assistant, Ross Els, is looking forward to coming home, Erik Buderus writes in the Hastings Tribune.
• Former Iowa offensive lineman Brian Ferentz lands a spot on the New England Patriots' coaching staff, Pat Harty writes in the Iowa City Press-Citizen.
• Jim Tressel reflects on his decade as Ohio State's coach with The Lantern's Zack Meisel.

Nebraska's official moving date isn't until July 1, but it might as well be March 12.

On that day, the Huskers will step onto the field for their first spring practice as a Big Ten program. There's no looking back. Nebraska has closed the book on the Big 12 (probably slammed it shut and torched the damn thing). Everything the Huskers football program does from this point on -- scheme installation, player development, recruiting -- impacts them in their new league.

"We're already watching film on the Big Ten games from last year," Nebraska running back Rex Burkhead said. "We're not playing the same Big 12 teams every year, so now it's a whole new conference, a whole different style of games, so we're just looking forward to it."

Nebraska is in the Big Ten. Let that sink in for a minute.

For the first time since 1993, the Big Ten will enter spring football as a bigger league and, in all likelihood, a better one. The conference not only adds a storied football program in Nebraska, but its expansion to 12 members brings historic changes.

Divisional play begins this season and the Big Ten will hold its inaugural football championship game Dec. 3 in Indianapolis. Archrivals Ohio State and Michigan still want to destroy each other in late November, but they also must focus on winning their respective divisions, the Leaders and the Legends.

Nebraska's arrival and the expansion ripple effect are only part of the newness surrounding the Big Ten this spring. Three programs welcome new coaching staffs as Brady Hoke takes over at Michigan, Kevin Wilson at Indiana and Jerry Kill at Minnesota. The Big Ten featured no unplanned head-coaching changes in each of the previous two seasons.

The league also witnessed a surge of assistant coach changes in the offseason, including an unprecedented amount of moves from one member school to another. Four Big Ten position coaches -- Nebraska's Tim Beck, Michigan State's Dan Roushar and Wisconsin's Charlie Partridge and Chris Ash -- have been promoted to coordinator spots and will begin the scheme-shaping process this spring.

Only two Big Ten coaching staffs -- Penn State and Iowa -- remain fully intact from 2010.

There's an inherent newness about spring football, which provides a clean slate no matter what happened the previous season. But for a league steeped in tradition and not known for dramatic change, this is a fairly extreme makeover.

Hoke isn't new to Michigan -- he spent eight years as a Wolverines assistant -- and he wants to restore the old winning ways in Ann Arbor. The spring brings no shortage of challenges for Hoke and his assistants, who inherit the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year in quarterback Denard Robinson but also a defense that reached historic lows under the previous regime.

Most importantly, Hoke must outline his expectations and demands for a group of players he didn't recruit.

"I want to make sure we're crystal clear on the direction we want to go," he said. "They have to understand the goal of the program and how we're going to go about achieving that goal, the accountability to each other, the toughness that we want to play the game with, the mentality we want to play the game with and the demeanor that you play the game with."

Culture change is a term Wilson has used often during his short time at Indiana. He says he hasn't watched a nanosecond of tape from last year's team. It's a new deal now.

For the Hoosiers to truly turn a corner as a program, they have to believe they can get there.

"We have recruited harder with our current football team than the kids we [signed in February] or the kids for next year," Wilson said. "We really think we're not far away and we're excited about what we can do. I think we're a lot better than people think, including ourselves.

"Our football team is better than our football team thinks it can be."

After succeeding at just about every level of football, Kill steps on the big stage this spring in Minneapolis. He'll be working with more talent than he ever has but plans to stick with the schemes and philosophies that got him here. Among his first priorities is integrating a dynamic offensive system around MarQueis Gray, who moves back to the quarterback spot full time after playing receiver this past fall.

The spring will bring quarterback competitions at places like Penn State, Wisconsin, Iowa, Indiana and Nebraska. Ohio State faces the unique task of preparing for the impending suspensions of five players, including quarterback Terrelle Pryor and three other offensive starters. Northwestern and Purdue both will go through the spring without quarterbacks Dan Persa and Robert Marve, who are working their way back from injuries. The practice field will be a welcomed site for Iowa, which endured a rough offseason marked by the hospitalization of 13 players with rhabdomyolysis.

Illinois and Michigan State are among the squads looking to replace elite defenders such as Corey Liuget (Illinois) and Greg Jones (Michigan State).

Bottom line: Spring ball will be anything but boring in the Big Ten.

Buckle up.

Spring practice is creeping closer, and Purdue will hit the field in less than two weeks (March 1 to be exact) for the first of its 15 workouts.

Here's a snapshot of what to expect in the Leaders Division this spring.

ILLINOIS

Spring practice starts: March 29
Spring game: April 23

What to watch:

• New look at linebacker: Illinois loses first-team All-Big Ten selection Martez Wilson as well as playmaker Nate Bussey. They combined for 195 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, two interceptions and four fumble recoveries. The Illini need a middle linebacker and could turn to productive senior Ian Thomas or promising sophomore Jonathan Brown. Illinois also is replacing linebackers coach Dan Disch.
• Ford tough: All-American running back Mikel Leshoure departs, turning the spotlight to Jason Ford. At 235 pounds, Ford is a true power back who will give the Illinois offense a slightly different look in 2011. The Illini also want to build depth at running back with players like Troy Pollard.
• Replacing Liuget: Illinois begins the difficult task of replacing the Big Ten's most disruptive interior defensive lineman in Corey Liuget, a likely first-round draft pick in April. Akeem Spence had a very solid redshirt freshman season and will take on a larger role, but Illinois must build around him with Glenn Foster and others. This is a major priority for defensive coordinator Vic Koenning and line coach Keith Gilmore this spring.

INDIANA

Start of spring practice: March 8
Spring game: April 16
End of spring practice: April 19

What to watch:

• Culture change: Kevin Wilson has talked extensively about changing the culture around the Indiana program, and the process begins in full force this spring. Players will have to adjust to the demands of Wilson and his staff, which still isn't in place but soon will be. There will be plenty of teaching and learning, as players must absorb Wilson's offense and a 4-3 defensive scheme (IU operated out of the 3-4 for part of last season).
• Quarterback competition: Three-year starter Ben Chappell departs, and there's no clear-cut successor entering spring practice. Both Dusty Kiel and Edward Wright-Baker played sparingly in five games last season, and they bring different skills to the table. It'll be interesting to see who emerges under center this spring before acclaimed recruit Tre Roberson arrives for fall camp.
• Identify defensive contributors: Indiana can't expect to get over the hump until it upgrades the defense, and co-coordinators Mike Ekeler and Doug Mallory begin a crucial evaluation process this spring. The Hoosiers need to build depth and identify Big Ten-ready players throughout the defense, particularly in the back seven after losing standout linebacker Tyler Replogle and others.

OHIO STATE

Start of spring practice: March 31
Spring game: April 23

• Suspension preparation: Ohio State knows it will be without four offensive starters and a key defensive reserve for the first chunk of the 2011 season. This spring, the Buckeyes start the process of evaluating who will step in, especially at the quarterback spot for Terrelle Pryor. Joe Bauserman holds an edge in experience (though little has come in games), and he'll compete with Kenny Guiton and heralded incoming freshman Braxton Miller.
• Receiving orders for Drayton: Stan Drayton left Florida for Ohio State primarily to expand his coaching repertoire and oversee a new position group. The career running backs coach will work with a mostly unproven group of Ohio State wide receivers this spring. Ohio State must replace All-Big Ten standout Dane Sanzenbacher, and DeVier Posey is among those suspended for the first part of the season. Says Drayton of his receivers, "Personnel wise, they're in competition with the whole offensive unit."
• Up-the-middle defensive replacements: Excuse the baseball reference, but Ohio State loses several standout players in the core of its defense: linemen Cameron Heyward and Dexter Larimore, linebackers Brian Rolle and Ross Homan, and safety Jermale Hines. Although the Buckeyes always find ways to reload on defense, it will be interesting to see who emerges this spring, especially at linebacker.

PENN STATE

Start of spring practice: March 18
Spring game: April 16

What to watch:

• The quarterbacks, especially Rob Bolden: Penn State's quarterback competition should be wide open this spring, and it might be the most fascinating race in the Big Ten. You've got sophomore Rob Bolden, who asked for his release after the Gator Bowl but didn't get it from Joe Paterno, and has returned to compete for a job he thought he never should have lost. Junior Matt McGloin tries to redeem himself after the bowl disaster, and Paul Jones and Kevin Newsome also are in the mix.
• Line play on both sides: The Lions boast enough at the skill positions on both sides of the ball to be a much improved team in 2011. But they have to get better and more consistent on both lines. The offensive line must replace standout Stefen Wisniewski and find the form it displayed in 2008. The defensive line tries to regain its swagger after backsliding in 2010, and identify a pass-rushing threat or two.
• Kicking it: Collin Wagner was Penn State's top offensive weapon for much of the 2010 season, but the standout kicker departs the program, leaving a void. Punter Anthony Fera likely will handle the bulk of the kicking duties this spring until incoming freshman Sam Ficken arrives.

PURDUE

Start of spring practice: March 2
Spring game: April 9

What to watch:

• Replacing Superman: Purdue returns nine defensive starters, but the Boilers lose Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year Ryan Kerrigan. The Boilers were the league's top pass-rushing team in 2010, but Kerrigan's production and presence played huge roles in the overall sacks and tackles for loss totals. The entire defensive line took a step forward last fall, and will need to do so again without No. 94.
• The quarterbacks: Robert Marve is still recovering from his second ACL tear, so Rob Henry, Caleb TerBush and Sean Robinson will be in the spotlight this spring. Henry showed promise when healthy in 2010, and TerBush had a strong spring a year ago before being ruled academically ineligible for the season. The quarterback race won't be decided until the summer, but all the candidates can help themselves in spring ball.
• The offensive identity: A wave of injuries forced Purdue to overhaul its plan on offense in 2010. Although several key players will be out or limited this spring, the Boilers can start to reshape their plan on offense. Coach Danny Hope is optimistic Marve and the others return at full strength, but he doesn't want to take anything for granted. This is a huge spring for players a notch or two down the depth chart to get noticed.

WISCONSIN

Start of spring practice: March 22
Spring game: April 23

What to watch:

• Finding Tolzien's successor: After a one-year respite, Wisconsin's annual spring quarterback competition resumes. Sort of. Jon Budmayr will have every opportunity to establish himself as the Badgers' top option before Curt Phillips (knee) returns to full strength. Budmayr turned heads with his performance two springs ago, but played sparingly last season behind Scott Tolzien.
• New leadership on defense: Charlie Partridge and Chris Ash are familiar faces who step into new roles this spring. Partridge and Ash were promoted to co-defensive coordinators following Dave Doeren's departure, and they'll get their first opportunity to shape the defensive vision this spring.
• Reloading on the lines: Wisconsin loses three All-American linemen from 2010: Gabe Carimi and John Moffitt on the offensive side, and J.J. Watt at defensive end. Although the Badgers must replace more bodies on the offensive front, they boast excellent depth there and should be able to fill the gaps. Watt leaves a bigger void, and Wisconsin needs strong springs from players like Louis Nzegwu and David Gilbert.

Bret Bielema kept to his word and looked within his staff to fill Wisconsin's defensive coordinator vacancy.

Bielema promoted both defensive line coach Charlie Partridge and secondary coach Chris Ash to the coordinator spot. He also hired Central Florida defensive coordinator Dave Huxtable to coach the Badgers' linebackers.

All three men replace Dave Doeren, who served as Badgers' defensive coordinator and linebackers coach before taking the head-coaching position at Northern Illinois last month. Partridge and Ash both will continue to coach their position groups.

It's always nice to see assistants rewarded, and both Partridge and Ash have done well at Wisconsin. While I'm not a huge fan of co-coordinators, these two have some familiarity working together and know the personnel.

Partridge has helped mold two of the Big Ten's top pass rushers the last two seasons in O'Brien Schofield and J.J. Watt. Ash made an immediate impact in his first season with the Badgers, as the team improved from 55th nationally against the pass in 2009 to 26th in 2010.

Huxtable will become the most experienced member of Wisconsin's defensive staff, bringing 29 years of expertise with him. Anyone who watched UCF's 10-6 win against Georgia in the Liberty Bowl could see his influence on the Knights' defense. Huxtable also has served as defensive coordinator at both North Carolina and Georgia Tech.

“I think Dave is a great addition to our staff,” Bielema said in a prepared statement. “He brings a ton of experience, having coached the linebacker position virtually his entire career. His defenses at UCF were very well-coached, as evidenced by their success this season. As good a coach as he is, he is even a better person and he will fit into our staff very well.”

Wisconsin's staff appears to be complete for 2011. The school has put together an enhanced compensation package for offensive coordinator Paul Chryst, who was courted for several jobs earlier this month.

Barring a late change, expect Chryst to remain with the Badgers, a big boost for the program.

I've been falling behind on the mail -- blame the Big Ten news cycle -- and will try to catch up the rest of this week. More mailblogs coming Thursday and Friday.

Here's how you can reach me.

One programming note: I'll be chatting about all things Big Ten football at 4 p.m. ET Thursday. Join me.

Tyler from Columbus, Ohio, writes: I'm having some issues understanding why Hoke is being compared to Jim Tressel in the media. Tressel was an Ohio native who spent his whole career coaching in Ohio, as well as winning 4 national championships at Youngstown State. Hoke is an Ohio native who apparently became a Michigan fan to annoy his friends enough to run him out of the state to get a job in Ann Arbor. He has had little consistent success as a coach, and I am baffled as well as offended that he is being so immediately compared to one of the greatest coaches to ever enter the 'Shoe. Can you explain it, please?

Adam Rittenberg: I totally agree with you about the Hoke-Tressel comparison, but I think you're being a bit harsh on Hoke (to be expected as an Ohio State fan). Tressel came to Ohio State with terrific credentials, regardless of the level where he coached. Hoke had a good season at SDSU and a good season at Ball State, but his accomplishments to this point don't come close to Tressel's before he came to Ohio State. Now we've just seen Gene Chizik win a national title at Auburn after really struggling at Iowa State, so coaches have the ability to improve programs in a hurry. It'll be interesting to see if Hoke restores Michigan to elite status.

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Miles from Madison, Wis., writes: Hey Adam, Why are the Badgers playing an away game versus Michigan State next year? Two years in a row? I'm guessing it has something to do with the conference realignment but what gives? Seems a bit unfair I was looking forward to a payback game at Camp Randall next Fall.

Adam Rittenberg: The realignment changes the scheduling structure a bit, but the Big Ten also has things set on a two-year cycle where the no-plays rotate. This has resulted in teams playing at the same site two years in a row. One example I can remember is Iowa and Northwestern playing at Kinnick Stadium in consecutive seasons (2008-09). The good news is Wisconsin will host Michigan State in 2012 even though the teams are in opposite divisions.

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Andrew from Atlanta writes: If RichRod isn't offered a coaching position soon, why not grab him up as the offensive coordinator for Michigan? Even if it's only a temporary gig before teams come calling again, it would help keep a potent offense with even greater potential for 2011 on track and ready to go! Even a remote possibility?

Adam Rittenberg: Andrew, thanks for bringing some laughter to my day. As much fun as this would be to cover, it's not happening, my friend.

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John from Gilbert, Ariz., writes: Adam, any news on who will be the new DC or additions to the staff at Wisconsin?

Adam Rittenberg: Nothing official yet, but I heard late last week that Wisconsin is still committed to promoting from within to replace Dave Doeren as defensive coordinator. D-line coach Charlie Partridge and secondary coach Chris Ash are the primary candidates, and they could end up sharing the title as co-coordinators. Although Partridge has been at Wisconsin longer, Ash did an excellent job with the secondary in his first season.

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Jon from Sioux City, Iowa, writes: Adam-I read what we learned in the Big Ten bowl games, and you were almost right about everything. The only thing I have to say I disagree with the "mini-upsets". In Iowa's case, I could understand an upset, however, wouldn't their win show they have depth? I mean, a lot of younger players stepped up in that game, such as Coker, Hyde, and Morris. And I guess I really wouldn't call the Illinois game an "upset". They kind of blew Baylor out of the water. What's even more perplexing is that in early 2011 power rankings, you placed Wisconsin at number 2 because of depth.

Adam Rittenberg: Jon, the upset label is applied before games are played, not afterward, and both Iowa and Illinois entered their bowls as underdogs. Iowa had stumbled badly down the stretch of the regular season and was facing the No. 12 team in Missouri. Illinois came in 6-6 and faced Baylor in Baylor's home state. My comment had nothing to do with Iowa's depth, but sure, the Hawkeyes showed some in that game and raised hope for 2011. While Wisconsin loses several outstanding individuals, the Badgers still have depth at positions like running back, offensive line, receiver and linebacker that will pay off.

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Illini Mike from Chicago writes: Between loosing to Penn St, loosing three juniors, and loosing additional income to a lame duck tax increase; it has not been a good week for Illinois fans. I don't think the loss of Corey, Martez and Mikel will be as bad as some will think. I think Ford can be another running back that "comes out of nowhere" (aka not a five star prospect that commits to OSU or UM) to suprise people. I think Vic Koennign will continue to surprise on defense and develop talent. Mercilus (best last name for a punishing DT) can adequately fill Liuget's shoes. Who do you think can step up at middle linebacker next season?

Adam Rittenberg: Jason Ford is a different type of back than Leshoure, but he boasts experience and a powerful running style that should work in Paul Petrino's offense. Defensive tackle Corey Liuget is unquestionably the biggest loss of the three. Nothing against Whitney Mercilus, but it's unrealistic to expect him or anyone to replicate what Liuget did. It will be up to Vic Koenning to find some replacements on defense, as the unit struggled in the second half of Big Ten play. Ian Thomas likely will take over the lead role at linebacker in 2011.

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Zachary from New York writes: You said "most coaches only end up at Michigan after building an impressive legacy elsewhere." I think that is demonstrably false. Rodriguez fits that bill, but no one else does. Crisler had a decent record at Minny and Princeton, but not great. Bo isn't remembered for what he did at Miami and was greeted with headlines of "Bo Who?" when he was hired. Yost coached only three years total prior to Michigan. Moeller was a disaster at Illinois. Kipke coached one year at MSU. Okay George Little coached a lot before his one year at Michigan. Does anyone remember Little for anything other than his work as Wisconsin AD after he left Michigan? The rest (Carr, Oosterbaan, Elliott, Wiemann, and all the 19th century guys) were never head coaches prior to leading Michigan and Moeller of course hadn't been a head coach for roughly a decade.

Adam Rittenberg: Wrong, Zachary. I wrote, "Most coaches only land a job like Michigan after building an impressive legacy elsewhere." I'm placing Michigan in the elite category of programs that often attract coaches with impressive legacies at other schools. I get the Bo thing and the Lloyd thing. And Hoke very well could work out well. All I'm saying is Michigan didn't have to go this route. There were other coaches with more impressive résumés than Hoke available. There might not have been a better fit available.

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Chuck from Bloomington, Ind., writes: Based on who Indiana has hired so far as their coaches, how there doesn't seem to be many people leaving the team, and also based on how their recruiting class seems relativity intact, I can see Indiana easily becoming bowl eligible next season. That's not to say things are going to be easy, but from what I've been seeing here in how the coaching change has worked, we couldn't be in a better position! Coach Wilson and what staff he has hired already seems adamant about creating a team based on what we have, not on what scheme he wants to play. Do you think Indiana can become bowl eligible next year, or am I just full of wishful thinking and hopeless dreams?

Adam Rittenberg: Like you, I've been very impressed with the staff Kevin Wilson is putting together. Brent Pease would have been a nice offensive coordinator, but I'm confident Wilson will find a good replacement. The coaching will help, but I still look at the personnel and see a team that doesn't win more than five games. I could be wrong, but the talent level on defense still must be upgraded significantly, and Indiana will really miss Ben Chappell at quarterback. But things are heading in the right direction.

Wisconsin defensive coordinator Dave Doeren is ready to become a head coach, and he'll get his chance in 2011.

Northern Illinois will introduce Doeren as its head coach at a news conference scheduled for 3 p.m. ET today in DeKalb, Ill. Doeren has spent the past three seasons as Wisconsin's defensive coordinator/linebackers coach after serving as co-defensive coordinator/recruiting coordinator in 2006 and 2007.

Doeren had interviewed for the head-coaching vacancies at both Indiana and Vanderbilt, so it's no surprise that he landed a top job. I really like this hire for Northern Illinois, as Doeren is young and charismatic and brings a strong track record both as a coach and as a recruiter. His Wisconsin defense wasn't a lock-down unit this season, but it finished in the top four of the Big Ten in most major statistical categories. Doeren deserves credit for helping mold defenders like J.J. Watt and Chris Borland into stars.

Doeren will stay with Wisconsin through the Rose Bowl, colleague Joe Schad reports.

Don't be surprised if Wisconsin head coach Bret Bielema replaces Doeren by promoting from within. Defensive line coach Charlie Partridge would be a good choice to move into the coordinator role.

My apologies for posting this a bit late -- blame the Big Ten spring meetings -- but there have been several stories in recent weeks about high school prospect Wayne Lyons, who is taking his recruitment into his own hands. There's a Big Ten connection here, so just be patient.

Describing Lyons as the "next Myron Rolle," SI.com's Andy Staples explains how Lyons and his mother are sending a detailed list of 50 questions to each of the schools who have offered scholarships. They ask about student life, a program's history of graduating players and the coaches' backgrounds, among other topics. Here's the full list.

Lyons, like Rolle, is not only a star on the field but in the classroom, where he takes a bunch of AP courses and earned a 3.8 GPA while taking classes at a community college near his home in Florida.

OK, here's the Big Ten connection.

Wisconsin defensive line coach Charlie Partridge, who recruits South Florida, told Rolle's mother, Gwen Bush, about all the options her son had and offered a way to separate the best ones.
In fact, it was Wisconsin's Partridge who inspired the questionnaire. He mentioned to Bush that 2010 Badgers signee James White had sent questionnaires to schools recruiting him. Partridge forwarded Bush a copy of White's questionnaire and Bush added a few questions she picked up from a recruiting service. Then she sat down with her son and each listed more questions they wanted answered.

"[White's] wasn't as elaborate as what we have," Bush said. "We were very, very specific."

Wisconsin has some stiff competition for Lyons' services, as his offers list includes Alabama, Florida, Miami and fellow Big Ten schools Ohio State and Michigan. But Partridge's suggestion certainly shouldn't hurt the Badgers' chances. It shows the Wisconsin staff is willing to answer questions, not just offer information.

I'll be interested to see if more recruits follow this approach, as they try to sift through the truths and lies of the recruiting world.

Wisconsin head coach Bret Bielema has tabbed Chris Ash to coach the Badgers' defensive backs, replacing Kerry Cooks, who left for Notre Dame last month.

Ash comes to Wisconsin from Iowa State, where he coached the secondary and served as recruiting coordinator. He has spent eight of the last 10 seasons at Iowa State, though he worked with Badgers defensive coordinator Dave Doeren and defensive line coach Charlie Partridge at Drake in 1996 to 1997. Ash actually succeeded Doeren as Drake's defensive coordinator after the 1997 season.

"I’m very excited to welcome Chris aboard," Bielema said in a statement. "He brings great knowledge and tremendous experience. I've known Chris for a long time and his familiarity not only with our staff but with our schemes will help in what I think will be a seamless transition for him and the rest of our coaches."

Ash's familiarity with both Doeren and Partridge, as well as his knowledge of Midwest recruiting, certainly helped his cause for the job. One potential red flag: Iowa State ranked 102nd nationally against the pass in 2009.