The Big Ten’s undefeated giants stayed unbeaten in Week 11—Indiana with late-game heroics and Ohio State managing a tough road test—while the West division saw a massive upset that reshuffled the standings yet again.
Here is your updated Big Ten Power Rankings through Week 11. Check Out All EasySportz’s College Football Content Here!
Big Ten Power Rankings: Week 11 – Undefeateds Survive
The Week 11 Scoreboard Highlights
- #2 Indiana 27, Penn State 24 (Hoosiers win with a game-winning drive in Happy Valley)
- #1 Ohio State 34, Purdue 10 (Buckeyes handle business on the road)
- #9 Oregon 18, #20 Iowa 16 (Ducks kick game-winner to win West division tiebreaker)
- Wisconsin 13, #23 Washington 10 (Badgers pull off a massive upset in Madison)
- #19 USC 38, Northwestern 17 (Trojans win convincingly on the road)
- Nebraska 28, UCLA 21 (Huskers secure bowl eligibility with a big win)
- Rutgers 35, Maryland 20 (Scarlet Knights win huge in their rivalry game)
The Rankings
Tier 1: The Championship Collision Course
- Ohio State Buckeyes (9-0, 6-0 B1G) The Buckeyes were efficient in their 34-10 win over Purdue. Julian Sayin keeps his Heisman campaign rolling, and their flawless record means they are still the team to beat. They now have a critical bye week to prepare for the final stretch. Next Week: BYE
- Indiana Hoosiers (10-0, 7-0 B1G) The Hoosiers are the first team in the nation to reach 10 wins! They survived their toughest road test, beating Penn State 27-24 with a thrilling, game-winning drive led by Fernando Mendoza. They are perfect and in control of the Big Ten West destiny. Next Week: vs. Wisconsin (Saturday, 12:00 PM ET, BTN)
Tier 2: One-Loss Big Ten Title Hopes
- Oregon Ducks (8-1, 5-1 B1G) The Ducks escaped Iowa City with a dramatic 18-16 victory, securing the crucial head-to-head tiebreaker over the Hawkeyes. This win positions them perfectly to potentially meet one of the undefeated teams in the title game. Next Week (Friday Night): at Minnesota (Friday, 9:00 PM ET, FOX)
- Michigan Wolverines (7-2, 5-1 B1G) Michigan was on a bye week and benefited greatly from Oregon’s win, which keeps the Ducks as the main threat in the West. The Wolverines are well-rested for the final two-game conference stretch. Next Week: vs. Northwestern (Saturday, 12:00 PM ET, FOX)
- USC Trojans (7-2, 5-1 B1G) The Trojans bounced back with a decisive 38-17 road win over Northwestern. They remain a one-loss conference team and are still fighting for a top-tier Playoff spot. Next Week: vs. Iowa (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, CBS)
Tier 3: The Bowl-Bound & West Chaos
- Iowa Hawkeyes (6-3, 4-2 B1G) The Hawkeyes suffered a heartbreaking 18-16 loss to Oregon after giving up a field goal in the final seconds. They now have two conference losses, but they are bowl eligible and remain one of the best defenses in the league. Next Week: at #19 USC (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, CBS)
- Nebraska Cornhuskers (7-3, 4-3 B1G) Nebraska secured their seventh win and bowl eligibility with a gutsy road win over UCLA, 28-21. This team has done enough to be rewarded with a respectable postseason game. Next Week: BYE
- Washington Huskies (6-3, 3-3 B1G) The Huskies suffered the most shocking upset of the week, falling to Wisconsin 13-10. This loss severely damages their Playoff hopes and knocks them back into the middle of the conference. Next Week: vs. Purdue (Saturday, 7:00 PM ET, FS1)
- Minnesota Golden Gophers (6-3, 4-2 B1G) The Gophers were on a bye week but remain firmly in the West contention picture due to Washington’s loss. They are bowl eligible and have a chance to play spoiler against Oregon. Next Week (Friday Night): vs. #9 Oregon (Friday, 9:00 PM ET, FOX)
- Illinois Fighting Illini (6-3, 3-3 B1G) The Illini were on a bye week after achieving bowl eligibility last week. They are well-rested for the final stretch. Next Week: vs. Maryland (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, FS1)
Tier 4: Everyone Else
- Northwestern Wildcats (5-4, 3-3 B1G) The Wildcats fell to USC 38-17. They need one more win over their final three games to secure bowl eligibility. Next Week: at #21 Michigan (Saturday, 12:00 PM ET, FOX)
- Rutgers Scarlet Knights (5-5, 2-5 B1G) Rutgers secured their fifth win by beating Maryland 35-20. They are one win away from bowl eligibility with two games remaining. Next Week: BYE
- UCLA Bruins (3-6, 3-4 B1G) The Bruins lost a close one to Nebraska, 28-21. Their unexpected four-game win streak is over, and they are now eliminated from bowl contention. Next Week: at Ohio State (Saturday, 7:30 PM ET, NBC/Peacock)
- Wisconsin Badgers (3-6, 1-5 B1G) The Badgers finally got their first Big Ten win, upsetting Washington 13-10. This is a massive boost for their program and ensures they won’t go winless in league play. Next Week: at #2 Indiana (Saturday, 12:00 PM ET, BTN)
- Maryland Terrapins (4-5, 1-5 B1G) Maryland’s struggles continue with a 35-20 loss to Rutgers. They need two wins in their final three games to reach bowl eligibility. Next Week: at Illinois (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, FS1)
- Penn State Nittany Lions (3-6, 0-6 B1G) A heartbreaking 27-24 loss to Indiana. Despite the loss, Penn State is mathematically eliminated from bowl contention. Next Week: vs. Michigan State (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, CBS/BTN)
- Michigan State Spartans (3-6, 0-6 B1G) The Spartans were on a bye week. They are also eliminated from bowl contention. Next Week: at Penn State (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, CBS/BTN)
- Purdue Boilermakers (2-8, 0-7 B1G) Purdue lost to Ohio State 34-10. They remain winless in conference play and are mathematically eliminated from bowl eligibility. Next Week: at #23 Washington (Saturday, 7:00 PM ET, FS1)
Big Ten Week 12 Preview: A Quiet Week?
Most Big Ten teams are on bye this week, with only 4 games on the schedule.
- Oregon at Minnesota (Friday, 9:00 PM ET, FOX) – The Ducks look to maintain their tiebreaker advantage against the tough Gophers.
- USC at Iowa (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, CBS) – Iowa needs a win to stay alive in the West race, while USC fights for a top Playoff spot.
- Michigan at Northwestern (Saturday, 12:00 PM ET, FOX) – Michigan tries to avoid a late-season upset to the Wildcard team.
- Wisconsin at Indiana (Saturday, 12:00 PM ET, BTN) – The undefeated Hoosiers try to keep their historic season rolling.
