The Big Ten’s regular season is down to its final week, and the playoff picture is sharper than ever after a Week 13 packed with implications. Indiana kept their dream alive with a dominant 31-7 thumping of Wisconsin, while Ohio State reminded everyone why they’re a CFP contender in a 48-10 demolition of UCLA. Oregon bounced back with a 42-13 rout of Minnesota on Friday night, and Michigan escaped Northwestern 24-22 in a thriller. Upsets like USC’s 26-21 squeaker over Iowa and Penn State’s 28-10 road win at Michigan State shake up the middle, but the top tier remains locked in. These rankings blend records, recent form, strength of schedule, and that Big Ten grit—heading into rivalry week.
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1. Indiana Hoosiers (11-0 overall, 8-0 Conference)
The Hoosiers are the story of 2025, suffocating Wisconsin 31-7 to stay undefeated and atop the Big Ten. Their offense (476 points!) and defense (just 128 allowed) scream playoff lock. Next up: BYE.
2. Ohio State Buckeyes (10-0 overall, 7-0 Conference)
A 48-10 clinic over UCLA cements OSU’s dominance—their defense has surrendered a measly 75 points all season. They’re knocking on the door of No. 1 nationally. Next up: Rutgers.
3. Oregon Ducks (9-1 overall, 6-1 Conference)
The Ducks torched Minnesota for 42-13 in a Friday rout, avenging earlier stumbles. The Ducks’ explosive attack (390 scored) makes them a nightmare in the expanded playoff. Next up: vs. USC.
4. USC Trojans (8-2 overall, 6-1 Conference)
A gritty 26-21 home win over Iowa keeps USC in the hunt for a Big Ten championship game spot. Their home fortress (6-0) and +165 point differential shine bright. Next up: @ Oregon
5. Michigan Wolverines (8-2 overall, 6-1 Conference)
Bryce Underwood’s late magic sealed a 24-22 escape at Northwestern, extending their win streak to four. Michigan’s defense remains elite (177 allowed), but road tests loom large. Next up: vs. Maryland.
6. Washington Huskies (7-3 overall, 4-3 Conference)
A 49-13 thrashing of Purdue vaults Washington into contention—their offense is humming (343 points). Rivalry week could punch their playoff ticket. Next up: @ UCLA.
7. Illinois Fighting Illini (7-3 overall, 4-3 Conference)
Bret Bielema’s crew stonewalled Maryland 24-6, with a suffocating D (239 allowed). They’re bowl-bound and then some. Next up: @ Wisconsin.
8. Nebraska Cornhuskers (7-3 overall, 4-3 Conference)
Matt Rhule’s rebuild hits stride with a strong 7-3 mark and +126 point differential so far this season. Next up: @ Penn State.
9. Iowa Hawkeyes (6-4 overall, 4-3 Conference)
A tough 26-21 road loss to USC drops Iowa, but their defense (only 149 allowed this season) is still elite. Next up: vs. Michigan State.
10. Minnesota Golden Gophers (6-4 overall, 4-3 Conference)
A 42-13 Friday flop at Oregon exposes road woes (0-4 away). But 6-0 at home keeps hope alive. Next up: @ Northwestern.
11. Northwestern Wildcats (5-5 overall, 3-4 Conference)
Heartbreaking 24-22 home loss to Michigan, but +23 differential shows fight in this scrappy bunch. Next up: vs. Minnesota.
12. Rutgers Scarlet Knights (5-5 overall, 2-5 Conference)
A win keeps them .500, with balanced scoring (299-300). Greg Schiano’s trademark toughness shines. Next up: @ Ohio State.
13. UCLA Bruins (3-7 overall, 3-4 Conference)
UCLA was blasted 48-10 by Ohio State brings the Bruins back to earth. Next up: vs. Washington.
14. Penn State Nittany Lions (4-6 overall, 1-6 Conference)
Penn State rallied for a 28-10 win at Michigan State, snapping a skid. Talent is there (304 scored). Next up: vs. Nebraska.
15. Maryland Terrapins (4-6 overall, 1-6 Conference)
The Terps lost 24-6 at Illinois—the defense is crumbling (235 allowed). Mike Locksley’s squad eyes the portal. Next up: vs. Michigan.
16. Wisconsin Badgers (3-7 overall, 1-6 Conference)
Luke Fickell’s crew managed just 7 points in a 31-7 loss to Indiana. The Badgers’ offense is in crisis (120 scored). Next up: vs. Wisconsin.
17. Michigan State Spartans (3-7 overall, 0-7 Conference)
A 28-10 home defeat to Penn State caps a winless conf slog. Jonathan Smith’s honeymoon ends. Next up: @ Iowa.
18. Purdue Boilermakers (2-9 overall, 0-8 Conference)
Purdue was crushed 49-13 at Washington—2025 is another long season in West Lafayette (326 allowed). Next up: BYE.
