Big Ten Football Power Rankings: Week 7 Shakes the Foundation

Indiana cheerleaders celebrate a touchdown as the Oregon Ducks host the Indiana Hoosiers Oct 11 2025 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene Oregon

If Week 6 was chaos, Week 7 was a seismic shift that shattered the traditional Big Ten hierarchy. Two former top-3 teams suffered disastrous losses, while Indiana cemented itself as a legitimate national title contender with the biggest win in program history. Penn State went from CFP contender to firing James Franklin in just three weeks!!! The conference race is now defined by the stunning emergence of new contenders.

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The Week 7 Scoreboard Highlights

#7 Indiana 30, #3 Oregon 20 (Hoosiers deliver program’s biggest win)
#1 Ohio State 34, #17 Illinois 16 (Buckeyes dominate on the road)
USC 31, #15 Michigan 13 (Trojans crush the Wolverines at home)
Northwestern 22, Penn State 21 (Wildcats stun reeling Nittany Lions)
Iowa 37, Wisconsin 0 (Hawkeyes post a shutout rivalry win)
Nebraska 34, Maryland 31 (Huskers survive a tight road battle)
Minnesota 27, Purdue 20 (Gophers sneak past Boilermakers)
UCLA 38, Michigan State 13 (Bruins look like a new team after major coaching change)
Washington 38, Rutgers 19 (Huskies easily handle the Scarlet Knights)

Oct 11 2025 East Lansing Michigan USA UCLA Bruins defensive back Key Lawrence 4 holds up a towel branding the Michigan State logo after beating the Spartans at Spartan Stadium Mandatory Credit Brendan Mullin Imagn Images

The Rankings

Ohio State Buckeyes (6-0, 3-0 B1G) The Buckeyes marched into a ranked opponent’s stadium and controlled the game, beating Illinois 34-16. Their defense remains the nation’s best, and with all the chaos around them, Ohio State is now the overwhelming favorite for the Big Ten title. Next Week: at Wisconsin
Indiana Hoosiers (6-0, 3-0 B1G) It’s official: the Curt Cignetti era is for real. The Hoosiers marched into Eugene and beat undefeated Oregon 30-20, validating their perfect start and vaulting them to the top of the Big Ten East standings. This team is built to win ugly, and they are now squarely in the College Football Playoff conversation. Next Week: vs. Michigan State
USC Trojans (5-1, 2-1 B1G) The Trojans bounce back in a huge way after their stunning loss to Illinois, completely dismantling Michigan 31-13. The offense looked explosive, and the defense finally played like a top unit. They are back in the driver’s seat for a major bowl bid. Next Week: at #13 Notre Dame (Non-Conference)
Oregon Ducks (5-1, 2-1 B1G) The Ducks suffer their first loss, falling to Indiana 30-20. This loss is a tough pill to swallow, especially at home, but their overall resume is still strong enough to keep them in the top five. Their playoff hopes hinge on winning out. Next Week: at Rutgers
Nebraska Cornhuskers (5-1, 2-1 B1G) The Huskers survived a 34-31 shootout on the road against Maryland, securing their fifth win and improving to 2-1 in conference play. Matt Rhule has this team focused, and they are firmly in the mix in the West. Next Week: at Minnesota (Friday, Oct 17)
Washington Huskies (5-1, 2-1 B1G) The Huskies got another solid win, handling Rutgers 38-19. They are 2-1 in conference play and have wins against Maryland and USC (non-conference resume). They have a huge test coming up this week. Next Week: at #8 Michigan
Iowa Hawkeyes (4-2, 2-1 B1G) Classic Iowa. After a tough loss last week, the Hawkeyes post a stunning 37-0 shutout victory over rival Wisconsin. The defense is playing at an elite level, leading them back into the top half of the rankings. Next Week: vs. #23 Penn State
Michigan Wolverines (4-2, 2-1 B1G) A brutal performance in Los Angeles sees the Wolverines lose to USC 31-13. The offense couldn’t generate anything, and the defense was overwhelmed. Michigan is now 4-2, and questions about their elite status are officially loud. Next Week: vs. #6 Washington
Northwestern Wildcats (4-2, 2-1 B1G) The Wildcats get another stunning win, beating Penn State 22-21 at Beaver Stadium. Northwestern is playing with incredible confidence and is now 4-2 overall and 2-1 in conference. Next Week: vs. Purdue
Minnesota Golden Gophers (4-2, 2-1 B1G) The Gophers got back in the win column by beating Purdue 27-20. They are now 4-2 and, thanks to the chaos, remain relevant in the Big Ten West race. Next Week: vs. Nebraska (Friday, Oct 17)
Illinois Fighting Illini (5-2, 2-2 B1G) The Illini suffered a tough loss to Ohio State, 34-16. Their amazing run of back-to-back wins is over, but they proved they belong by taking down USC last week. Next Week: Bye
UCLA Bruins (2-4, 2-1 B1G) The Bruin turnaround is real. After their shocking win over Penn State, they crushed Michigan State 38-13. With a 2-1 conference record, Nico Iamaleava has injected life into this program. Next Week: at Maryland
Maryland Terrapins (4-2, 1-2 B1G) Maryland let a win slip away, losing 34-31 to Nebraska. They have two conference losses now, and the pressure is on to find a win this week. Next Week: vs. UCLA
Penn State Nittany Lions (3-3, 0-3 B1G) This is now a complete collapse. After losing to UCLA, the Nittany Lions lost at home to Northwestern 22-21, dropping them to 0-3 in conference play. Their season is officially in free fall. Next Week: at Iowa
Rutgers Scarlet Knights (3-3, 0-3 B1G) The losing streak continues as the Scarlet Knights fall to Washington, 38-19. They are now 0-3 in conference and face another tough test this week. Next Week: vs. Oregon
Purdue Boilermakers (2-4, 0-3 B1G) The Boilermakers fall to 0-3 in conference after losing to Minnesota, 27-20. They need to find a way to win or risk missing a bowl game. Next Week: at Northwestern
Michigan State Spartans (3-3, 0-3 B1G) The Spartans drop to 0-3 in conference after being hammered by UCLA 38-13. The lack of offensive consistency is a major concern. Next Week: at #2 Indiana
Wisconsin Badgers (2-4, 0-3 B1G) The Badgers were shut out at home by Iowa, 37-0. The offense is non-existent, and the program is experiencing its worst struggles in years. Next Week: vs. #1 Ohio State