Chart: Ranking the Big Ten quarterback units

1. Ohio State: Braxton Miller is the Big Ten's best Heisman Trophy candidate, after passing for 2,039 yards and rushing for 1,271 last year.

2. Nebraska: In his fourth year as a starter, Taylor Martinez needs to prove he can win the big ones.

3. Michigan: Devin Gardner took over for Denard Robinson last year and is a better fit for Brady Hoke's system.

4. Northwestern: Kain Colter is a good dual threat QB who willingly moves to receiver when Trevor Siemian goes under center.

5. Wisconsin: New coach Gary Andersen has an open competition between Joel Stave, Curt Phillips and junior college transfer Tanner McEvoy.

6. Indiana: Tre Roberson's broken leg has healed, but Cam Coffman and Nate Sudfeld both proved capable last season.

7. Michigan State: Senior Andrew Maxwell led a woeful offense last year, so sophomore Connor Cook could unseat him.

9. Illinois: Senior Nathan Scheelhaase threw 30 touchdown passes his first two seasons and only four last year.

10. Penn State: Bill O'Brien will see if highly touted freshman Christian Hackenberg is ready, or go with junior-college transfer Tyler Ferguson.

11. Iowa: Nobody on the roster took a snap last season; Jake Rudock is the favorite to emerge from a three-man race.

12. Purdue: New coach Darrell Hazell basically has a two-man battle between senior Rob Henry and true freshman Danny Etling.