As the calendar flips to Week 14, the Big Ten is a powder keg of undefeated showdowns, rivalry rematches, and championship implications. Week 13 delivered drama: Oregon defeated USC in a convincing win, Michigan steamrolled Maryland, and clutch kicks kept Iowa alive while Washington unleashed on UCLA. Ohio State and Indiana, both 11-0 after a blowout and a bye respectively, sit atop the heap, but “The Game” between OSU and Michigan could redefine the conference landscape–as always.
EasySportz’s power rankings blend records, strength of schedule, head-to-heads, and that intangible Week 13 momentum. We’re eyeing the Big Ten Championship in Indianapolis—who joins Indiana or Ohio State there? Let’s rank ’em all, with records through Week 13 and Week 14 matchups locked in.
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1. Ohio State Buckeyes (11-0, 8-0 Big 10)
The Buckeyes continue their reign with a 42-9 demolition of Rutgers, showcasing a defense that suffocates and an offense firing on all cylinders. They’re the nation’s No. 1 team for a reason—now they head to Ann Arbor for a statement win. Next up: at Michigan
2. Indiana Hoosiers (11-0, 8-0 Big 10)
Curtis Leonard’s squad used their bye to recharge, maintaining their stranglehold on the conference lead. Their resume boasts marquee wins, and they’re have the surest path to the title game. A rivalry rout awaits in West Lafayette. Next up: at Purdue
3. Oregon Ducks (10-1, 7-1 Big 10)
Dante Moore’s two touchdown passes sealed a 42-27 victory over USC, bolstering the Ducks’ playoff case. Oregon’s speed and depth make them a nightmare—Washington better brace. Next up: at Washington
4. Michigan Wolverines (9-2, 7-1 Big 10)
Donovan Edwards ran wild in a 45-20 thrashing of Maryland, climbing Michigan back into the top tier. With two losses to top-10 foes, they’re battle-tested—but can they upset the Buckeyes again at home? Next up: vs. Ohio State
5. Washington Huskies (8-3, 5-3 Big 10)
Demond Williams Jr.’s dual-threat magic (two rushes, two passes for TDs) powered a 48-14 rout of UCLA, injecting life into a middling season. Facing Oregon will test if this is a resurgence or a fluke. Next up: vs. Oregon
6. USC Trojans (8-3, 6-2 Big 10)
A 42-27 defeat to Oregon stings, but the Trojans hung tough on the road in a rivalry classic. Their schedule was brutal—now they get a breather against a struggling UCLA squad. Next up: vs. UCLA
7. Iowa Hawkeyes (7-4, 5-3 Big 10)
Drew Stevens’ 44-yard game-winner as time expired lifted Iowa past Michigan State 20-17—a vintage Hawkeye heart-stopper. Nebraska’s Black Friday crowd will be hostile, but Iowa thrives in grit. Next up: at Nebraska
11. Nebraska Cornhuskers (7-4, 4-4 Big 10)
Matt Rhule’s crew fell 37-10 to Penn State, exposing defensive woes despite a solid overall mark and pushing them down in this week’s Power Rankings. Iowa on Black Friday? Expect a defense slugfest in Lincoln. Next up: vs. Iowa
10. Northwestern Wildcats (6-5, 4-4 Big 10)
A 20-17 squeaker over Minnesota keeps Northwestern bowl-eligible and climbing. Hosting Illinois in the Land of Lincoln could cap a sneaky-good turnaround year. Next up: vs. Illinois
11. Minnesota Golden Gophers (6-5, 4-4 Big 10)
PJ Fleck’s bunch dropped a gut-wrenching 20-17 decision to Northwestern. Wisconsin invades—can the Gophers avoid giving up Paul Bunyan’s Axe? Next up: vs. Wisconsin
12. Illinois Fighting Illini (7-4, 4-4 Big 10)
Bret Bielema’s team faltered in a 27-10 loss to Wisconsin. Home cooking vs. Northwestern might spark one last rally to improve their bowl seeding. Next up: vs. Northwestern
13. UCLA Bruins (3-8, 3-5 Big 10)
Vaunted transfer quarterback Nico Iamaleava hit rock bottom during last week’s 48-14 shellacking by Washington. He entered the season as a potential first round NFL draft pick, but the production never lived up to the hype. A win in the USC rivalry offers redemption, but expectations are low. Next up: at USC
14. Penn State Nittany Lions (2-6, 5-6 Big 10)
Kaytron Allen’s 160-yard, two-TD masterpiece highlighted a 37-10 spanking of Nebraska, keeping PSU’s bowl hopes flickering. A road trip to Rutgers is winnable. Next up: at Rutgers
14. Rutgers Scarlet Knights (5-6, 2-6 Big 10)
A 42-9 drubbing by Ohio State was humbling, but Greg Schiano’s toughness shines through. Penn State visits—with a bowl trip on the line for the winner and a long offseason awaiting the loser. Next up: vs. Penn State
15. Wisconsin Badgers (5-6, 2-6 Big 10)
Luke Fickell’s seat cooled a little bit after a 27-10 Badger beatdown of a ranked Illinois team, Now the Badgers hope to finish the season on a high note, facing Minnesota on the road for Paul Bunyan’s Axe. Next up: at Minnesota
16. Maryland Terrapins (1-7, 4-7 Big 10)
Mike Locksley’s squad got torched 45-20 by Michigan, and the Terps remain mired in mediocrity. A must-win at Michigan State is necessary to salvage pride. Next up: at Michigan State
17. Michigan State Spartans (3-8, 0-8 Big 10)
Jonathan Smith’s rebuild continues to scuffle along, with a 20-17 upset bid falling short to Iowa. Maryland visits—win here, or it’s a winless Big Ten season. Next up: vs. Maryland
18. Purdue Boilermakers (2-9, 0-8 Big 10)
Ryan Walters’ crew idled on bye, and their winless Big Ten slate speaks volumes. Hosting Indiana? It’s Old Oaken Bucket time—survival mode engaged to stay within 40 of the high flying Hoosiers. Next up: vs. Indiana
Week 14 is rivalry central: The Game, Apples vs. Oranges, Paul Bunyan’s Axe, and more. With CFP spots and the Big Ten title on the line, tune in—it’s going to be epic.
