Multiple issues will command the Big Ten spotlight this offseason, from a new television package to whether Michigan or Ohio State finally can win another national title. But perhaps nothing is more important — or more under the radar — than who will replace commissioner Kevin Warren, who was hired as Chicago Bears president and CEO.

Warren took over for the influential Jim Delany, who ran the Big Ten from 1989 until his retirement on Jan. 1, 2020. It was a short but important three-year term for Warren, who presided during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also was in charge for a seven-year, $8 billion media rights agreement and adding USC and UCLA beginning Aug. 2, 2024. Whoever replaces Warren will need to rebuild some internal relationships and set a new direction through College Football Playoff expansion. Even more prominent, the new leader will need to navigate financial issues impacting athletes, such as NIL, collectives and potential revenue-sharing.

But that subject is for another day. This list includes Ten B1G Topics lingering from the 2022 season and how each impacts the teams on the field this fall. The discussion begins with the two-time defending champion Michigan Wolverines.

Is Michigan the national title favorite?

The morning Michigan introduced Jim Harbaugh as its head coach, I was among a dozen or so reporters crowded around a press room television at Ohio State’s Value City Arena. The announcement took place shortly before an Iowa-Ohio State men’s basketball game, yet there was no discussion about those teams. Every sentence revolved around Harbaugh and Michigan. Even during Iowa runs on the court, the video board flashed a Block M to encourage booing.

What everyone knew that day was Michigan needed to become, well, Michigan again. And Harbaugh was the program’s best chance to revive the nation’s greatest rivalry and the league itself. It took time, but Harbaugh has elevated the Wolverines to an elite level. The question is, can he finally get Michigan over the top? It’s possible.

Harbaugh has an experienced quarterback in J.J. McCarthy and the reigning Silver Football winner in running back Blake Corum. The team’s portal losses were mitigated with immediate gains along the offensive line and pass rusher. The schedule features potential bumps at Minnesota, Michigan State and Maryland plus showdowns with Penn State on the road and Ohio State at home.

If ever there’s a dream sequence for Michigan, it’s this year. A College Football Playoff semifinal takes place in the Rose Bowl, where Michigan hasn’t played since 2006 and hasn’t won since claiming the 1997 AP national title.