Big Ten Football Power Rankings Begin With Penn State and Ohio State Leading the Charge Into a New Era of Conference Play
The 2025 college football season in the Big Ten is already taking shape as one of the most compelling in recent memory. The conference has grown significantly in prestige, depth, and national influence, thanks in part to its aggressive expansion, increased television presence, and consistently elite recruiting. With the additions of powerhouses like USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington, the traditional pecking order is being challenged. Still, as the dust settles and teams prepare for the upcoming campaign, it’s clear that two programs have emerged as early favorites: Penn State and Ohio State.
Penn State’s rise to the top of the early power rankings isn’t surprising given their blend of returning experience, top-tier young talent, and defensive dominance. Under head coach James Franklin, the Nittany Lions have built a culture based on physical play, elite recruiting, and a chip-on-the-shoulder mentality that has paid dividends. Despite missing out on the College Football Playoff in 2024, Penn State finished strong and returns the core of one of the nation’s best defenses. With quarterback Drew Allar gaining confidence and consistency, the offense should evolve into a more explosive unit. Coupled with one of the best running back duos in college football—Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen—the Nittany Lions have the tools to not only contend for the Big Ten title but to make a serious push for the national championship.
On the defensive side of the ball, Penn State is fast, physical, and opportunistic. Led by linebacker Abdul Carter and a host of future NFL-caliber players, the defense figures to set the tone in most matchups. The defensive line is deep, athletic, and capable of controlling games in the trenches, which is essential in a conference that still values toughness up front. The secondary, anchored by KJ Winston and Cam Miller, is aggressive and ball-hawking. This is a unit that can turn defense into offense in an instant.
Ohio State, meanwhile, is in a bit of a transitional phase—but don’t mistake that for weakness. Ryan Day remains under considerable pressure to deliver a national championship, and the addition of Chip Kelly as offensive coordinator adds intrigue to a Buckeyes team brimming with talent. The quarterback position is a focal point, with sophomore Devin Brown and incoming freshman Air Noland expected to compete for the starting role. Whoever wins the job will be surrounded by elite talent. Emeka Egbuka returns as one of the most dynamic wide receivers in the country, and the running back room is stocked with explosive playmakers, including TreVeyon Henderson.
Defensively, the Buckeyes may be the best unit in the conference. The return of stars like JT Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer on the edge ensures that Ohio State will pressure opposing quarterbacks relentlessly. The linebacker corps is experienced and versatile, while the secondary boasts NFL potential across the board. Sonny Styles and Denzel Burke headline a group that will test every quarterback it faces. If the offense gels early, Ohio State has every chance to reclaim its position atop the Big Ten and challenge for national honors.
Behind these two powerhouses lies a logjam of potential contenders and dark horses. Michigan, still recovering from the loss of head coach Jim Harbaugh to the NFL and a large contingent of NFL Draft departures, finds itself in the third tier of the power rankings for now. Sherrone Moore has a tall task ahead of him as the new head coach, but he inherits a strong culture and plenty of talent. The Wolverines may take a step back in 2025, but dismissing them entirely would be a mistake. The offensive line, a hallmark of the program’s identity, remains a strength, and running back Donovan Edwards will be asked to carry a heavy load.
Oregon and USC are the most intriguing newcomers to the Big Ten. Oregon, led by Dan Lanning, brings a defensive-minded approach and one of the most athletic rosters in the country. With Dillon Gabriel stepping in at quarterback and a wealth of weapons at his disposal, the Ducks could become a serious threat in their debut Big Ten campaign. Their defensive front is ferocious and fast, and the team’s overall speed will test even the most seasoned conference foes. Lanning has already shown that he can recruit and develop talent at a high level, and his SEC experience brings a certain edge to the Ducks’ style of play.
USC, on the other hand, enters the conference with some question marks. Lincoln Riley’s program is still trying to shake off the defensive woes that plagued them in the Pac-12. Without Caleb Williams at quarterback, the Trojans will need a new identity. Miller Moss appears to be the next man up, and while he’s shown flashes, the consistency and leadership that Williams provided won’t be easily replicated. The defense, which cost them multiple games over the past two seasons, must improve dramatically for USC to compete in the rugged Big Ten. Riley’s ability to adapt to a more physical, defense-first style of football will ultimately determine USC’s ceiling in 2025.
Wisconsin, under Luke Fickell, remains a tough out in any game. The Badgers continue to evolve offensively but will rely heavily on their traditional strengths: running the ball and playing disciplined defense. With quarterback Tyler Van Dyke transferring in, the offense could become more balanced, though Braelon Allen’s departure to the NFL leaves a big void in the run game. The defense will be solid, but the Badgers need to find ways to generate more explosive plays on both sides of the ball if they hope to keep pace with the top-tier programs.
Iowa, as always, brings a fundamentally sound, if not flashy, brand of football. The Hawkeyes’ defense remains their calling card, with one of the most effective units in the nation year in and year out. But until the offense proves it can be more than a liability, Iowa’s ceiling is capped. The addition of a new offensive coordinator brings hope, but improvement must come quickly for Iowa to be considered a serious contender.
Further down the rankings, Maryland and Illinois are teams that could play spoiler. Mike Locksley has built a respectable program at Maryland, and quarterback MJ Morris gives the Terrapins a playmaker under center. The defense has improved, and the Terrapins are always good for an upset or two. Illinois, led by Bret Bielema, plays an old-school brand of football that can wear teams down. They’ll be physical in the trenches and opportunistic on defense, but a lack of offensive firepower may keep them from making a major leap.
Rutgers and Northwestern continue to fight an uphill battle in terms of recruiting and resources, but both programs have shown grit. Greg Schiano’s team is improving steadily, and the Scarlet Knights are no longer an automatic win for opponents. Northwestern, under new head coach David Braun, is beginning a long rebuild but has laid the groundwork for future competitiveness.
Minnesota and Michigan State are wild cards. The Gophers, under PJ Fleck, need to find a quarterback who can elevate the offense. The defense remains solid, but inconsistency on offense has plagued the program. Michigan State, meanwhile, is looking to find stability after a chaotic coaching transition. Jonathan Smith brings a disciplined, balanced approach and could turn things around quickly, but the Spartans are in rebuild mode.
Indiana and Purdue find themselves at the bottom of the rankings, struggling to find consistency and direction. While both programs have pieces in place, they’ll need several things to go right to avoid finishing in the cellar.
As the Big Ten prepares for its first season as an 18-team superconference, the stakes have never been higher. With national championship contenders at the top, rising programs in the middle, and a brutal schedule ahead for everyone, the margin for error is razor-thin. Every week will be a war, and depth will matter as much as star power. Penn State and Ohio State may sit atop the early rankings, but the nature of the Big Ten means that no position is ever truly secure.
In the end, the 2025 Big Ten season could be defined by who adapts the quickest. Whether it’s USC adjusting to physical Midwest football, Michigan reloading post-Harbaugh, or Penn State and Ohio State asserting their dominance early, the race for conference supremacy is wide open. One thing is certain—Big Ten football is entering a new golden age, and the battle for the top is only just beginning.
