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The book is closed on spring football in the Big Ten, but what did the chapters reveal? Although no games are played during the spring, which fuels optimism for all 12 teams, the 15 practices provide clues for the upcoming season. The Big Ten saw few major injuries to key players, some good news (the NCAA declaring Michigan State WR DeAnthony Arnett eligible for 2012) and some potentially troubling signs.

It's time to revive the power rankings coming out of the spring. We see separation with the top two teams, while Nos. 3-5 are closely matched. The same holds true for Nos. 7-10.

Here they are ...

1. Michigan State: The Spartans' defense looks like the single best unit in the Big Ten entering the season. Spring practice only enhanced our opinion of Pat Narduzzi's group, which has no shortage of stars. While the passing game needs work, Arnett's presence should help, and the Spartans will rely more on their run game with Le'Veon Bell and an improved offensive line.

2. Michigan: Quarterback Denard Robinson and Fitzgerald Toussaint, who affirmed himself as Michigan's top tailback this spring, form arguably the Big Ten's most dangerous backfield tandem. If Michigan can fill some key pieces on both lines, where there was some shuffling this spring, it will be back in the BCS bowl mix and among the favorites to win the Big Ten crown.

3. Wisconsin: It seems hard to fathom, but Montee Ball appeared to take his game to an even higher gear this spring. The Badgers' star running back will fuel the offense again, although quarterback remains a question mark as Maryland transfer Danny O'Brien arrives this summer. Wisconsin still needs more playmakers to emerge on the defensive line and in the secondary.

4. Nebraska: Tough call on this spot, but the Huskers return their core pieces on offense from a 9-4 team. Footwork-conscious quarterback Taylor Martinez received good reviews this spring, and he should be more comfortable in Year 2 at the helm of Tim Beck's offense. Coach Bo Pelini thinks the defense will be improved and potentially deeper, although the Huskers lose a lot of star power on that side of the ball.

5. Ohio State: There were few dull moments in Ohio State's first spring under Urban Meyer, who began installing an offense unlike any seen in Columbus. After resembling a "clown show" early on, the offense made strides and quarterback Braxton Miller looks like a strong fit for the system. An improved defense, led by linemen John Simon and Johnathan Hankins, should buy the offense some time to get acclimated.

6. Penn State: New coach Bill O'Brien ushered in a historic spring in Happy Valley, and Penn State players for the most part embraced the many changes taking place. The Lions still don't have a quarterback, but they have an excellent running back in Silas Redd and an improved offense line that pleasantly surprised O'Brien this spring. Penn State's defensive front seven, led by linebacker Gerald Hodges and tackle Jordan Hill, might need to carry the team at times.

7. Purdue: Fourth-year coach Danny Hope thinks this is clearly his best team in West Lafayette, and with 18 starters back, it's easy to see why. The Boilermakers are one of the Big Ten's deepest teams at positions like quarterback, defensive tackle, running back and cornerback. Purdue must continue to absorb the new defense installed by Tim Tibesar and fill some key gaps along the offensive line.

8. Iowa: Although Iowa's changes this spring didn't make national headlines like the ones at Penn State and Ohio State, they were very significant. New offensive coordinator Greg Davis began installing a more up-tempo and multifaceted offense that seems to be clicking with senior quarterback James Vandenberg. Jordan Canzeri's ACL injury once again clouds the picture at running back entering the summer, and Iowa needs its young defensive line to grow up in a hurry.

9. Northwestern: The Wildcats showcased one of the league's top wide-receiving corps this spring, and if Kain Colter can improve his passing, the offense should surge. Defense has been Northwestern's bugaboo in recent years, and young players like end Deonte Gibson and cornerback Nick VanHoose stepped forward this spring. It's crucial for the defense to keep making progress if Northwestern wants to maintain its bowl streak.

10. Illinois: There's little doubt Illinois will be a defense-driven team, and the Illini look loaded in the front seven with players like end Michael Buchanan, who turned in a very strong spring, as well as tackle Akeem Spence and linebacker Jonathan Brown. An offense that flatlined late last season began learning a new system this spring and still lacks playmakers at running back and wide receiver. Running back Josh Ferguson's spring-game performance is encouraging.

11. Minnesota: The second spring of the Jerry Kill era brought greater comfort for both players and coaches alike. Quarterback MarQueis Gray made strides in his second spring session as the starter, although the Gophers are still looking for more weapons to surround No. 5. The defensive line should be an improved group after several lifeless seasons. Minnesota still needs to develop depth in the secondary and at wide receiver.

12. Indiana: After playing an insane number of freshmen in 2011, Indiana began to reap the benefits this spring. An influx of junior-college defenders, including linebackers David Cooper and Jacarri Alexander, also should boost a unit that needs all the help it can get. The Hoosiers have some nice building blocks on offense at both quarterback (Tre Roberson) and running back (Stephen Houston, Isaiah Roundtree), but they still have a lot of work to do before the season.

Now that spring practices are over, it’s time to re-evaluate the ACC pecking order for 2012. There wasn’t much change at the top from the pre-spring power rankings, but Georgia Tech did get a slight bump, along with two teams on Tobacco Road. Here’s a look at the latest ACC power rankings:

1. Florida State: The Noles’ defensive line should be one of the deepest and best in the conference, if not the country, and they’ve got an outstanding quarterback in EJ Manuel. If the young offensive line can mature quickly and the running game improves from 2011, there’s no reason the Seminoles shouldn’t be contending for the ACC title.

2. Clemson: The Tigers could open the season without star receiver Sammy Watkins, who is awaiting his punishment after he was arrested on misdemeanor drug charges, but as long as he’s in the lineup and the offensive line is playing well, Clemson has enough talent to defend its 2011 ACC title.

3. Virginia Tech: It’s hard to forget how the Hokies fared against Clemson in two meetings last season, but they enter this season with the better defense. The question is how quickly the revamped offensive line can come together, and who will emerge as the next star running back.

4. NC State: This team is quietly preparing a championship-caliber roster. Quarterback Mike Glennon is still under the radar, and he’s got an experienced offensive line to work with. This is a team that could surprise some people.

5. Georgia Tech: The Jackets had a promising spring, but the defensive line has to replace two of three starters, and last season’s atrocious special teams still have a lot to prove. One thing is for sure: These guys will be able to run the ball on just about anyone.

6. Wake Forest: Much like the rest of its division, Wake Forest’s success will hinge in part on how quickly the new starters on the offensive line come together. The Demon Deacons have an experienced and much-improved quarterback in Tanner Price, and last year they made a statement that they’re not to be overlooked in the ACC race.

7. North Carolina: The two biggest questions for the Tar Heels are how quickly they can adapt to and execute a new system under first-year coach Larry Fedora, and where they will find their motivation now that the NCAA has banned them from the postseason. This spring revealed a positive outlook for the new offense, which should give quarterback Bryn Renner a chance to shine.

8. Virginia: The ACC’s 2011 Coach of the Year has quickly raised expectations, but they should be tempered because seven starters have to be replaced on defense. Michael Rocco is the undisputed starting quarterback -- unless Alabama transfer Phillip Sims has something to say about it.

9. Miami: With Stephen Morris out this spring with a back injury, quarterback transfer Ryan Williams had a chance to impress the coaches. The position is one of many questions still looming for the Canes, a young team still waiting for closure from an NCAA investigation.

10. Maryland: The Terps had a good spring and were able to move forward with players who wanted to be there. It was a positive vibe, but coach Randy Edsall is still tangled in the shadow of last year’s two-win season. He’ll have to improve upon it without the services of former quarterback Danny O’Brien.

11. Boston College: Several offseason staff changes were embraced this spring, and quarterback Chase Rettig made strides under yet another offensive coordinator, Doug Martin. The Eagles have to find a way to win without two of their most valuable players in running back Montel Harris, who was dismissed from the team, and linebacker Luke Kuechly, who left early for the NFL.

12. Duke: The Blue Devils had a good spring and are still buying into the philosophies of coach David Cutcliffe. They’ve been on the verge of making the postseason before, but fans are looking for them to finally break through in Year 5 under Cutcliffe. Quarterback Sean Renfree can get them there if they minimize the turnovers and play better defense.

MADISON, Wisc. -- Just thinking about all the talent Wisconsin has lost in the past two years can be a little daunting.

The Badgers saw four first- or second-team All-Americans leave after the 2010 season (Gabe Carimi, John Moffitt, Lance Kendricks and J.J. Watt) and two more depart after last season (Peter Konz, Kevin Zeitler), along with their NCAA record-breaking transfer quarterback (Russell Wilson). Many programs would expect a dip after having so much star power leave town, but Bret Bielema is feeling fine.

"I used to freak out when we lost players, too," Bielema said. "But we do a good job of just developing. We always talk about being a developmental program, and I think it truly is that type of program now."

Wisconsin's ability to keep reloading will be put to the test in 2012. The team returns just 11 starters from last year's Big Ten champions, and six assistant coaches -- including almost all of the offensive brain trust -- left for other jobs in the offseason. Yet many still predict the Badgers will repeat as Leaders Division champs.

They will need new starters to emerge at receiver, on the right side of the offensive line, on the defensive line, in the secondary and of course at quarterback, where Maryland transfer Danny O'Brien could plug the hole. But O'Brien is the exception, as Wisconsin usually just brings along the next man on the depth chart.

"There are All-Americans sitting behind All-Americans, especially at spots like offensive line and running back," linebacker Chris Borland said. "Like last year, having lost Moffitt and Carimi, and then our line was arguably better. I think it speaks more to the development than it does to the players."

Madison might well be the world's leading producer of offensive linemen, and the running back tradition is just as strong. But other positions are becoming known for their string of successes as well, including tight end and safety. In each of the past two years, Wisconsin has lost an all-conference safety -- Jay Valai in 2010 and Aaron Henry in 2011. But Bielema says this year's pair of starters, Dezmen Southward and Shelton Johnson, might be his best duo yet.

"A guy might not be good enough to play right away, but a lot of times he'll develop for a year and come on the scene when a guy leaves or gets injured," said Jared Abbrederis, who's gone from former walk-on to one of the league's best wideouts. "That's kind of how it goes around here."

What's most impressive about the Badgers' recent run is that they've done it without many high-profile recruits. Bielema mostly signs three-star types and rarely brings in the true blue-chipper that gets scouting services drooling. Even though the program's exposure has increased of late, he still has little interest in trying to recruit much outside of a few key areas.

"We do what we can with what we've got," Bielema said. "I don't think we want more national recruits. A lot of times, those guys come with some issues you don't want to deal with. I take a lot of pride with the way our guys go about their business and handle themselves."

Player development is going to be key for Wisconsin's immediate future, because a cavalry of help isn't coming. The team signed only 12 players in February and expects to bring in an even smaller class next year. The reason? So few players have left before their eligibility ended.

"A lot of places sign 24 or 25 kids every year, so something is happening to those kids," Bielema said. "Of the last 66 kids we signed, 64 of them are still on campus, which is an unheard of number."

Last year's Rose Bowl team had only 24 juniors and seniors, and the rest were underclassmen. If those youngsters develop the way their predecessors have, then the Badgers will have a deep and experienced team soon. In fact, when O'Brien -- who has two years of eligibility remaining -- came on his visit, Bielema told him, "I think we'll be really good this year. But next year, on paper, might be the best team I've ever had."

That's a big statement, given how much talent -- both players and coaches -- has exited Madison in the past two years. But Wisconsin is confident in its ability to reload from within.

"We realize we're a developmental program," athletic director Barry Alvarez said. "We don't have the access to a lot of five-star guys. We might have a Joe Thomas coming out of the state or get a Ron Dayne because of his ties to the area. But for the most part, we develop players. And I think we have the right formula."

After an offseason jam-packed with change, most players and coaches in the Leaders Division haven't had time to examine anyone but themselves.

"I have no idea," first-year Penn State coach Bill O'Brien said. "I'm only concerned about one program, and that's Penn State."

The Big Ten had three head-coaching changes in the offseason, all of them in the Leaders Division (Penn State, Ohio State and Illinois). Wisconsin, the two-time defending Big Ten champion, had to replace six assistant coaches, including premier playcaller Paul Chryst and offensive line guru Bob Bostad. Purdue replaced its defensive coordinator, while Indiana brought in a new offensive coordinator.

All six teams have some new flavor and the uncertainty that comes with it. All six teams also sense opportunity in what could be a wide-open division race.

"Everybody has new people," Penn State defensive tackle Jordan Hill told ESPN.com. "Even Wisconsin, they've got six new assistants, and in most cases, the assistants are who deal with the players the most. So I feel it's wide open. Not that I don't feel that every year, but it's more than usual."

Wisconsin has reached the past two Rose Bowls and won 32 games during the past three seasons. The Badgers return Heisman Trophy finalist Montee Ball, the Big Ten's offensive player of the year in 2011, and recently added another quarterback transfer in Danny O'Brien, the former Maryland signal-caller.

Although the staff turnover is significant, Bret Bielema has replaced key assistants before, like defensive coordinator Dave Doeren after the 2010 season. There's still a strong case to be made that the Leaders Division title still goes through Mad-city.

"We are the targeted team in the Big Ten because of what we've done the past two years," Ball said. "Everyone is shooting and gunning for us."

Added Bielema: "Everyone thinks it's complacency that's going to affect us, but here at Wisconsin we've become greedy."

Ball lists Ohio State as the team Wisconsin is gunning for, and the Badgers and Buckeyes have a spicy rivalry brewing. Some think Ohio State will end up as the division's top team, but the Buckeyes are banned from postseason play and the Big Ten title game, adding a subplot to the division race.

"We have a great opportunity right now," Purdue defensive tackle Kawann Short said. "We've got a lot of starters coming back. ... Ohio State can't get back in conference championship, so it just gives us a little edge.

"We've got to take advantage of it."

Purdue likely will be a popular pick as a sleeper team in the division. The Boilers return nine starters on both sides of the ball and three quarterbacks -- Caleb TerBush, Robert Marve and Rob Henry -- who have started multiple games. They also have recorded two wins against Ohio State during coach Danny Hope's three-year tenure.

Indiana has a bigger hill to climb after a 1-11 season in 2011. But the Hoosiers are a year older and more familiar with the demands of coach Kevin Wilson and his staff.

"Last year we struggled in my first year, didn't play up to our capabilities," Wilson said. "Hopefully that'll lead to giving ourselves an opportunity to compete with some of those teams as they go through some transition."

While Ohio State can't make it to Indianapolis in Urban Meyer's first year, the other two division teams with new coaches could surprise people. Both Penn State and Illinois have similar profiles, boasting strong defensive front sevens but question marks on offense.

"At this time, everybody is saying the same thing, whether it's Illinois, Ohio State, Wisconsin," Illinois quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase said. "... It really comes down to who’s going to go out there every day and get better, who's going to put in the extra work to be the best football team.

"Everybody wants to be, but ultimately one team is going to do it more so than anybody else."

Spring practice is in full gear around the Big Ten, and that means optimism is also running high for the 2012 season on just about every campus.

A new season means new names and faces throughout the league, and this is the time to daydream about unlimited potential. So today we're taking a look at a few of the top newcomers (i.e., those who haven't played a down of Big Ten football before this season) to watch this fall:

DeAnthony Arnett, WR, Michigan State and Kyle Prater, WR, Northwestern: We put these two together because technically neither is yet eligible to play for his respective team in 2012. But the two transfers -- Arnett played at Tennessee last year, while Prater was at USC -- are both appealing to the NCAA for waivers to become immediately eligible, and both schools feel good about their chances of winning those cases. Each player fills a need; Michigan State lost its top three receivers from last year and desperately needs some experienced playmakers at the position, while Prater could step into the No. 1 receiver role that Jeremy Ebert left behind. Both could make a big impact on the season if they are able to see the field.

Noah Spence, DE, Ohio State: The top-rated recruit to sign with a Big Ten team in February, Spence was rated as the No. 4 overall prospect in the 2012 class. It's easy to see why, as he's a 6-foot-4, 245-pound athletic specimen who looks ready to chase after opposing quarterbacks from Day One. Urban Meyer said he doesn't plan to redshirt many freshmen and expects his defensive line recruits to contribute right away. If not Spence, then Se'Von Pittman, Adolphus Washington or Tommy Schutt could all make their presence known up front on defense as true freshmen.

Danny O'Brien, QB, Wisconsin: Let's see. Former ACC starting quarterback graduates and transfers to Wisconsin, where he's immediately eligible. Haven't we heard this story before? True, maybe O'Brien won't play at a superstar level like Russell Wilson did a year ago. But the former Maryland signal caller plugs a huge hole on the Badgers roster, as injuries and inexperience at quarterback threatened to derail an otherwise promising season. O'Brien won't arrive in Madison until later this spring, but he's likely to grab hold of the starting quarterback job right away and perhaps lead Wisconsin back to the Big Ten title game.

Joe Bolden, LB, Michigan: Our recruiting gurus loved Bolden when he signed with the Wolverines, and the early enrollee has already drawn praise from head coach Brady Hoke on the way he's practiced this spring. Don't be surprised to see him get major minutes at linebacker and possibly contribute on special teams.

James Gillum, RB, Minnesota: The junior college transfer ran for over 1,000 yards in each of his two seasons at Mississippi Gulf Coast, and he has the opportunity to start at tailback right away for a Gophers offense in search of more playmakers. The 5-foot-11, 204-pound Gillum already has many of the skills needed for a top-flight Big Ten running back but still must adjust to a higher level of play. If he pans out, he could pair with quarterback MarQueis Gray to form a dangerous Minnesota rushing attack.

Big Ten bloggers Adam Rittenberg and Brian Bennett will occasionally give their takes on a burning question facing the league. We'll both have strong opinions, but not necessarily the same view. We'll let you decide which blogger is right.

Today's Take Two topic is this: What will be the impact on the Big Ten race from quarterback Danny O'Brien's transfer to Wisconsin?

Take 1: Brian Bennett

In my mind, O'Brien's arrival makes Wisconsin the Leaders Division favorite by a slightly more convincing margin. I already was leaning toward the Badgers repeating as division champs, mostly because Ohio State is ineligible to go to the Big Ten title game, because Penn State and Illinois are going through coaching transitions, because Purdue hasn't shown enough consistency yet and because Indiana is, well, Indiana.

The biggest concern about Bret Bielema's team, of course, was the quarterback spot, which lacked any real experience and was decimated by injuries. O'Brien immediately stabilizes the position and gives the Badgers a veteran presence. But while it's tempting to compare O'Brien's arrival to that of Russell Wilson -- after all, they are both ACC graduate transfers -- we shouldn't. Wilson was already a highly successful, well-decorated quarterback before he ever got to Madison; O'Brien has a career completion percentage of under 57 percent, and he threw 10 interceptions with only seven touchdowns last year. Yeah, you can blame the coaching and system change at Maryland for O'Brien's decline as a sophomore, but isn't he going to go through the same thing at Wisconsin?

Still, O'Brien doesn't have to be Davey O'Brien to help the Badgers win, as they just need someone to make a few plays downfield and manage the game while Montee Ball and the offensive line rule the day. Penn State was also heavily in the mix for O'Brien, but I feel like Matthew McGloin or one of the other quarterbacks can produce similar results in Bill O'Brien's offense, which will likely feature a lot of manageable throws to tight ends and receivers. So the Nittany Lions won't be much worse off. Yet there's no question that the defending Leaders champions just got a little bit better.

Take 2: Adam Rittenberg

Wisconsin might have been the default Leaders division favorite even if O'Brien didn't come to Madison, but his arrival solidifies the Badgers as the team to beat in a year where Ohio State can't reach Indianapolis. The quarterback situation would have been dire in 2011 had Russell Wilson not come aboard, and it might have been just as tenuous this season as only two healthy signal-callers (Joe Brennan and Joel Stave) are practicing right now in spring ball. Wisconsin faces some important road tests in 2012, namely trips to Nebraska, Penn State and Purdue. Having a quarterback with some experience on board could really help.

I agree that it's unfair and likely unrealistic to expect O'Brien to be just like Wilson. They're different players with different skill sets at different stages in their careers. Wilson had a stronger résumé, but unlike O'Brien, he didn't go through a coaching change at his previous stop. Although O'Brien could be closer to the quarterback we saw in 2010, I don't expect him to be the game-changer Wilson was in 2011. I do expect him to be just as sharp in picking up Wisconsin's offense. It would be a surprise if he didn't claim the starting job, just as it would have been a shock had Wilson not led the offense last fall.

Wisconsin can win the Leaders division in 2012 without a first-team All-Big Ten, NCAA record-setting quarterback. It likely could not win the division with a major liability under center. The Badgers have other areas to address, namely identifying a No. 2 and No. 3 wide receiver, an elite pass-rusher and more speed on the defensive side. But their biggest issue was quarterback depth, which is now addressed. O'Brien really could have helped Penn State as well, as the Lions might return the best defense in the division but need much more from their offensive field general. While you might be right about McGloin, I really think O'Brien would have given Penn State a little bit more in Bill O'Brien's offense. Although Penn State should by no means be counted out in the division, Wisconsin will enter the fall as the clear favorite.

1. The biggest project on the plate of new Arizona State athletic director Steve Patterson is a proposed renovation of Sun Devil Stadium that will cost at least $300 million and need some five years to complete. The reason: the stadium is wedged between two buttes, which limits the space in which the crews may work. The capacity of 71,706 would be diminished in increasing amounts, from 62,000 in Year 1, to 42,000 in Year 3, before increasing to a newly configured seating plan somewhere in the low-60,000s range.

2. Danny O'Brien, the former Maryland starter and newest Wisconsin quarterback, follows the path of Russell Wilson, who left NC State and in one season made All-Big Ten and returned the Badgers to the Rose Bowl. Wilson’s success raises the ante for O’Brien, who spurned Vanderbilt, where his former position coach, James Franklin, is the head coach. That surely provides a measure of satisfaction to Maryland coach Randy Edsall, who didn’t want to sign a release for O’Brien to play for Franklin. Edsall gave O’Brien a full release when overruled by the school administration.

3. Texas A&M announced this week that it has sold out its season tickets earlier than ever as Aggie fans anticipate the move to the SEC. The Aggies made the move for financial security and it already is paying off. That shows how naïve all of us were who decried the loss of tradition when A&M moved. That includes athletic director Bill Byrne, who admitted his surprise that Texas had no interest in continuing the rivalry with A&M once it left the Big 12. Bidness is bidness on all sides of this equation.

On the day the 24th player to leave Maryland under Randy Edsall found a new destination, a 25th player is now on his way out the door.

Defensive back Avery Graham quit the Terrapins, the schools announced Wednesday. Edsall said Graham will be given his unconditional release should he decide to transfer.

"I'm disappointed that Avery has decided to leave us, but he didn't feel he was going to be a starter in the fall," Edsall said in a statement. "Avery was a hard worker during his time here and we wish him well."

A redshirt junior, Graham entered the spring as a reserve cornerback. He has 17 tackles in 13 career games, playing corner, linebacker and special teams. Graham's 2011 season came to an end after suffering a knee injury Oct. 15 against Clemson, and a groin injury in 2010 limited him to just seven games during that campaign.

Earlier Wednesday, Danny O'Brien — until today, the most recent player to exit Maryland — transferred to Wisconsin.

Graham is the 25th player with eligibility remaining to leave Maryland since Edsall was hired last Jan. 24, and he is the 13th player to leave following this past season.

Danny O'Brien held a conference call with reporters Wednesday afternoon during which he discussed his decision to transfer to Wisconsin. The former Maryland quarterback who graduated in three years will have two seasons of eligibility remaining with his new team.

Some nuggets from Wisconsin's newest quarterback:

O'Brien
• Why Wisconsin? "The vibe I got at Wisconsin was special," O'Brien said. "Being with the players on the team, the coaching staff, the city, the campus was great. It was everything I was looking for." He later added: "It was the complete package: the style of offense, the coaches I connected with, the players I connected with, it's a great area."
• O'Brien said the decision ultimately came down to Wisconsin and Penn State, a school he visited for a second time on Monday. After talking with his high school coach, he took a second visit to Penn State because he hadn't seen the Nittany Lions practice. Although he enjoyed it and connected well with new PSU coach Bill O'Brien, he still felt stronger about Wisconsin, calling it a "close" decision. "It was a pretty similar situation in a lot of respects," he said. "Great people, great players, I felt good there. But there was no denying after I took the Wisconsin visit … that Wisconsin was home." Wisconsin, by the way, travels to Penn State on Nov. 24.
• O'Brien handled the Russell Wilson questions well, acknowledging that comparisons will inevitably be made but pointing out that he's a different player. "Our paths are kind of similar coming from the ACC to Wisconsin specifically, but it's a new year," he said. "The 2012 season has yet to be written. I'm a completely different player and a different guy, so I don't compare myself to him. … I don't see it as pressure at all." O'Brien hasn't spoken to Wilson about Wisconsin but followed Wilson's 2011 season in Madison after facing him in the ACC. "The fact he showed it was possible was big," O'Brien said.
• O'Brien is scheduled to graduate from Maryland in mid-May, after which he wants to get to Madison as soon as possible. He has talked to offensive coordinator Matt Canada about getting a copy of Wisconsin's playbook as soon as NCAA rules allow him to.
• O'Brien connected with Canada during his visit and views Wisconsin's offense as similar to the system he played in at Maryland in 2010, when he earned ACC Rookie of the Year honors. O'Brien called himself a "pass-first quarterback." He also ate lunch with Wisconsin's offensive linemen during his visit and spent some time with Montee Ball and the running backs. He didn't meet with the quarterbacks. Not surprisingly, the O-line stood out during the practice he watched. "You hear how big those guys are, but until you see them practice, it does it no justice," he said.
• Although O'Brien played high school football in North Carolina, he has Midwest roots. He was born in St. Paul, Minn., and his entire extended family is in the Twin Cities area. Several family members joined him in Madison during his visit. "When I grew up, it was all Big Ten football," he said. "My dad went to Notre Dame, so it was Big Ten and Notre Dame. I saw a lot of Wisconsin football growing up. And with Russell going to Wisconsin last year, they were always on TV."
• O'Brien feels rejuvenated and knows he'll need to prove himself again with his new team. Asked how he'd establish himself as a leader, he said, "My plan is to go in there and not say a whole lot about what I'm going to do," he said. "I'll try to be the hardest worker out there, and there are a lot of hard workers on that team. It's the best way to earn respect." Unlike most graduate transfers, O'Brien gets to spend two years at his new school. "Being there for two years, it'll settle in eventually and feel like a new home. It'll be great to be there for that long."
• O'Brien said his left (non-throwing) arm is 100 percent after he broke it in the Notre Dame game last year. The injury didn't require surgery. "It set perfectly," he said. "I'm stronger than ever now."

Wisconsin fans probably got worried Monday when photos of Danny O'Brien wearing a Penn State jacket at the Nittany Lions' first spring practice began making their way around the Web.

Sure, O'Brien reportedly had enjoyed his visit to Madison during the weekend. But the coveted quarterback transfer was making his second trip to Penn State, which could show off a straight-from-the-NFL offense and a head coach (Bill O'Brien) who weeks ago was working with Tom Brady. Two SEC schools, Ole Miss and Vanderbilt, also reportedly courted Danny O'Brien, the former ACC Rookie of the Year who decided to transfer from Maryland last month.

Wisconsin had some nice selling points, too: a Heisman Trophy candidate at running back (Montee Ball), Big Ten championship trophies from the past two seasons and a path to success blazed by another ACC quarterback transfer (Russell Wilson). A great college town doesn't hurt, either.

But the Badgers also had four new offensive assistants, including a new coordinator in Matt Canada. They were losing three stud offensive linemen and their top receiver. Despite three consecutive seasons of 10 or more wins, Wisconsin looked like a team that might have missed its window to become elite.

In many ways, Wisconsin had a tougher sell with O'Brien than it had with Wilson.

But by late Wednesday morning, any angst in Badger Land had turned to joy. Danny O'Brien will suit up for Wisconsin in 2012 and 2013.

O'Brien's decision to pick Wisconsin, first reported by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, confirms that the program remains an appealing destination despite the recent transition. While some fans grumbled when Wisconsin signed only 12 recruits in February, they were giddy about the 13th. Penn State would have been a good spot for O'Brien. He had ties to Vanderbilt because of head coach James Franklin. But in the end, he picked Wisconsin.

Here's coach Bret Bielema's statement on O'Brien's arrival:

"We're excited that Danny has chosen to attend Wisconsin. The first thing we did when we were aware of Danny's interest was to try and find out what type of person he was and if he would fit into our program. From our dealings with him and all the things I have heard from those who have been around him, he is a tremendous person and has great character. He had a fantastic visit and our current players who met him came away impressed. Having graduated from Maryland in just three years, you know right away that he is a smart kid.

"As is the case with any player who joins our program, we have not promised Danny anything other than the chance to come in during the fall and compete for the starting quarterback position. He understands that and is excited for that opportunity."

There are several reasons Wisconsin should be excited -- and relieved -- about this addition.

• The Badgers currently have only two healthy quarterbacks practicing this spring in Joe Brennan and Joel Stave. Neither is proven in games, and there are no guarantees that Jon Budmayr or Curt Phillips will be ready to go by the fall. People will mock Wisconsin for taking another transfer quarterback, but there's really no downside to this move. The Badgers need bodies at the quarterback spot.
• Unlike Wilson, who played just one spectacular season in Madison, O'Brien has two years of eligibility left after graduating from Maryland in three years. Should he win the starting job this fall, he could establish some continuity under center for a team that hasn't had too much of it in recent years other than Scott Tolzien.
• Wilson said former Badgers offensive coordinator Paul Chryst was a huge factor in his decision to pick Wisconsin over Auburn. Chryst is no longer at UW, leaving to become Pitt's head coach, but the program still appealed to O'Brien more than several others in major conferences. This is a good sign.

Moments after Wisconsin announced O'Brien's signing, Ball tweeted, "Danny o brien just messaged me this.. 'let's do this'... it shall be done then my man. #wiscONsin."

The Wilson comparisons will be made, but it's unfair to expect O'Brien to replicate what No. 16 did. O'Brien is a different type of quarterback. He struggled last season at Maryland, throwing 10 interceptions and seven touchdowns and lost his starting job. Then again, he thrived for the Terrapins under coach Ralph Friedgen in 2010 and didn't seem to fit with what the new staff wanted.

O'Brien clearly is a sharp guy, and he'll have to quickly absorb Wisconsin's offense, as Wilson did last summer.

It's not ideal for a program to take graduate quarterback transfers in consecutive years. But injuries have left Wisconsin in a unique position, and you can't fault the coaches for trying to get better. The Badgers undoubtedly got better Wednesday.

While it's unlikely the transfer trend continues beyond 2013, Wisconsin has reached a level of success as a program that when it needs personnel help, it can attract good prospects.

The Danny O'Brien saga ended Wednesday, 44 days after Maryland announced the quarterback would leave the Terrapins.

And for ACC fans, the landing spot may look a bit familiar.

O'Brien will join coach Bret Bielema at Wisconsin, marking the second straight year the Badgers notched a signal-caller from an ACC school through the graduate student exception rule. Former NC State quarterback Russell Wilson had great success in taking advantage of the rule last season, leading Wisconsin to a Big Ten title and the program's second straight appearance in the Rose Bowl.

The circumstances surrounding each transfer were different, but Wisconsin could reap more benefits in the short-term from O'Brien than it did from Wilson, as O'Brien is set to graduate this spring and will have two years of eligibility upon immediate arrival in Madison, Wis.

Yes, there are certain stereotypes that may plague a program that repeatedly uses the rule to bring in someone at the game's most important position year after year, and Wisconsin will have to overcome that through recruiting in the years to follow. But that shouldn't diminish the importance of the rule, as it is one of the few that truly rewards the student-athlete for taking care of business in the "student" part of that label.

O'Brien did just that, and it was clear that his marriage with Terps coach Randy Edsall was not going to last. So, despite earlier well-documented obstacles after the decision to transfer, O'Brien found a new home, an opportunity that was well-deserved. Now, both he and his former school can officially move on from this complicated chapter.

Penn State coach Bill O'Brien said earlier Monday that he wouldn't comment more about quarterback Danny O'Brien's interest in the Nittany Lions.

He didn't need to. Pictures like this and this say it all.

That's O'Brien, the former Maryland quarterback, donning a Penn State jacket during the Nittany Lions' first spring workout on Monday afternoon. Danny O'Brien made his second visit to Penn State after spending some time in State College about a week ago. He visited Ole Miss late last week and spent the weekend at Wisconsin, calling his visit to Madison "unbelievable" in an interview with Scout.com (subscription required). Vanderbilt also reportedly is in the mix for O'Brien, who was granted his release to Vandy after media pressure built against Maryland coach Randy Edsall.

Vanderbilt looked like the favorite to land O'Brien, but he's back at Penn State, which could be a very good sign for a Nittany Lions team that could use another quarterback in the fold. O'Brien didn't say much Monday but told one reporter Penn State would be a great opportunity for him.

Bill O'Brien said Monday that Matthew McGloin, Rob Bolden and Paul Jones will compete for Penn State's starting quarterback spot this spring. But if Danny O'Brien enrolls at Penn State, he immediately would become the favorite to win the job. The big plus with Danny O'Brien is he has two years of eligibility remaining.

Exciting times for Nittany Nation ...

The Danny O'Brien tour is in full swing.

O'Brien, the former Maryland quarterback, reportedly visited Penn State during the weekend. After a midweek stop at Ole Miss, O'Brien will head to Wisconsin, according to The Badger Nation's Benjamin Worgull. Wisconsin also is in the mix for another quarterback transfer, former Kansas signal caller Jordan Webb, who is exploring Colorado as well.

It's no secret that both Penn State and Wisconsin could really, really use another quarterback. Wisconsin must replace first-team All-Big Ten signal caller Russell Wilson and might not be able to count on the injury-plagued Jon Budmayr and Curt Phillips. Penn State's quarterback situation has been messy the past two seasons, and while Matthew McGloin, Rob Bolden and Paul Jones all remain with the team, the Lions really could use a guy like O'Brien.

Both Big Ten schools face competition for O'Brien's services, particularly from SEC suitors Ole Miss and Vanderbilt, but they also offer exciting opportunities for the former ACC rookie of the year.

Let's take a look at the sales pitches Wisconsin and Penn State might make to O'Brien.

Wisconsin's pitch: Remember this guy? He made a seamless transition from an ACC program to Wisconsin, setting team and NCAA records in leading the Badgers to a second consecutive Big Ten title and Rose Bowl appearance. He flourished in a pro-style offense that will remain in place despite a coordinator change. You can be the next Russell Wilson, Danny. And like Russell, you'll step into an offense built to succeed. You might have heard of this guy. He was a Heisman Trophy finalist last season, and he chose to return for his senior year. You won't share a backfield with a better running back than Montee Ball, Danny. You also won't play behind a better offensive line. Sure, we lose some All-Americans, but we did after the 2010 season and didn't take any steps back. Our offensive lines always are among the nation's elite. You'll also be working with a proven receiver in Jared Abbrederis and an excellent tight end in Jacob Pedersen. Still not convinced? You might have heard of the "Jump Around." It's pretty sweet. So is State Street. Come to Madison, Danny, and help Wisconsin defend its Big Ten championship.

Penn State's pitch: You might have heard of this guy. Sure, he's a Michigan guy, but our new head coach, Bill O'Brien, served as his offensive coordinator with the New England Patriots this past season and helped the Patriots to some record-setting performance. O'Brien knows quarterbacks, and he can help you take your game to the next level. Bill O'Brien can revolutionize the quarterback position at Penn State. You won't find better preparation for the NFL than two years in O'Brien's offense, which will test you mentally. Doesn't O'Brien coaching O'Brien have a nice ring to it? Plus, you'll share a backfield with one of the nation's most dynamic young running backs in Silas Redd. Receiver Justin Brown returns, and the tight end position should be significantly upgraded under O'Brien, who helped make Gronk a cult hero. You also can play before 106,000 people in one of the nation's best college towns. This is a historic time at Penn State, Danny. Be a part of the next chapter.

Vanderbilt athletic officials have completed their investigation dealing with allegations of tampering by the Commodores' coaching staff regarding the possible transfer of Maryland quarterback Danny O'Brien and have sent the report to the SEC.

The backstory:

O'Brien was one of three Maryland players who all expressed a desire to transfer from the program earlier this year. Vanderbilt coach James Franklin coached O'Brien during his freshman season as Maryland's offensive coordinator (O'Brien was named the ACC freshman of the year), so the feeling was that Vanderbilt would be one of the top choices for the quarterback. However, O'Brien and his teammates weren't originally granted a release to Vanderbilt -- or any of the other ACC schools.

O'Brien was eventually granted a full release by Maryland coach Randy Edsall, but just when people thought O'Brien and Franklin would reunite, Maryland filed a complaint against Vanderbilt alleging that improper contact occurred between the school and the quarterback.

Vanderbilt officials are unable to elaborate or release the conclusion of the report until the SEC reviews it, but vice chancellor David Williams did release a statement through the school on the situation Wednesday:

We did a thorough review. We looked closely at months of phone and email records, and Twitter accounts. We interviewed all of our coaches with University of Maryland backgrounds and we also interviewed the student-athlete.

Our reputation is our primary concern. We have a long and proud history of playing by the letter and the spirit of the rules. Coach Franklin feels the same way. He and his staff were most cooperative.

Williams said the study was done internally because if the matter was indeed a violation it would -- at most -- be a secondary one.

O'Brien will graduate from Maryland this spring, meaning he'd be able to play immediately this fall and would have two years of eligibility remaining. O'Brien has shown interest in other schools, but he hasn't committed anywhere, meaning Vanderbilt still has a chance. The longer this drags on, the worse it is for Vandy's staff, but his decision to take his time with this certainly helps the Commodores' chances.

One way or the other, a decision from the SEC will speed up the process.

Maryland coach Randy Edsall made the right call Wednesday when he finally changed his mind and decided to grant quarterback Danny O'Brien and two other players their full releases from the program with no transfer restrictions.

Edsall took loads of criticism for his decision to not allow three Maryland players the opportunity to transfer to Vanderbilt -- a school that isn't scheduled to play Maryland in the near future and rarely ever competes with the Terps in recruiting.

Maybe all that negativity thrown toward him and the program helped him come to his senses.

Here's what Edsall said in a prepared statement:

"While at first I thought it was important to limit the institutions to which they could transfer, I have since reconsidered my decision. At the end of the day, I want what's best for these guys and I wish them well in their futures."

O'Brien also released a statement on the situation:

"I am pleased to be able to move on and pursue a graduate degree and continue my athletic career at the school of my choosing. "I would like to thank Coach Edsall for his support throughout this process."

Now, it appears O'Brien can take his talents to Vanderbilt and reunite with coach James Franklin, who was the offensive coordinator at Maryland during O'Brien's successful freshman season in 2010.

Well, once the rules are made clear ...

Tuesday, two sources close to the situation told ESPN.com's Heather Dinich that Maryland filed a complaint against Vanderbilt alleging that improper contact occurred between the school and O'Brien.

Vanderbilt vice chancellor David Williams released a statement Wednesday afternoon acknowledging the ACC's complaint against Vandy's football program:

“We have been informed by the Southeastern Conference that the Atlantic Coast Conference has filed a formal complaint involving Vanderbilt University football on behalf of one of its members. We are complying with SEC and Vanderbilt procedures and are conducting an investigation on the matter.”

Until things get cleared up, O'Brien and Vanderbilt will have to wait before taking the next step, if both sides choose to.