With the college football season set to kick off this week, EasySportz presents its first Big Ten Power Rankings. The Big Ten has 3 legitimate CFP contenders to add a third straight CFP championship for the conference. In addition to the rankings, we will focus on each team’s key to success for the 2025 season. Click here for the SEC’s Power Rankings.
#1: Ohio State Buckeyes: Julian Sayin’s ability to handle the pressure of replacing Will Howard, alongside stars like Jeremiah Smith and Caleb Downs, will lead to a win over Texas and keep Ohio State in the national title hunt.
#2: Penn State Nittany Lions: Drew Allar’s efficiency, combined with a veteran roster and elite coordinators, will be critical for Penn State to finally overcome Ohio State and win the Big Ten.
#3: Oregon Ducks: Dante Moore’s breakout as a surprise quarterback and a bolstered defense led by Matayo Uiagalelei will position Oregon for another Big Ten title run.
#4: Illinois Fighting Illini: Illinois must leverage their top-10 defense, led by Gabe Jacas and Xavier Scott, to capitalize on a favorable schedule and secure a playoff berth.
#5: Michigan Wolverines: Bryce Underwood’s emergence as a freshman to improve the passing game will be key to Michigan’s playoff aspirations.
#6: USC Trojans: Jayden Maiava’s emergence as a reliable quarterback and D’Anton Lynn’s defensive schemes will drive USC toward a potential 9-win season.
#7: Washington Huskies: Demond Williams Jr.’s breakout as a dynamic quarterback, supported by Denzel Boston and a strong secondary, will help Washington rebound to a winning record.
#8: Indiana Hoosiers: Fernando Mendoza’s ability to replicate Kurtis Rourke’s success at quarterback, alongside a very manageable schedule, will determine if Indiana can return to the CFP.
#9: Nebraska Cornhuskers: Dylan Raiola’s development into an All-Big Ten quarterback and maintaining defensive strength will push Nebraska toward a 10-win season.
#10: Minnesota Golden Gophers: Darius Taylor’s health and emergence as a star running back will drive Minnesota’s success, despite a potentially underwhelming team record.
#11: Iowa Hawkeyes: Mark Gronowski’s integration as a dynamic quarterback to boost the passing game will be crucial for Iowa to exceed their projected 7-5 record.
#12: Wisconsin Badgers: Luke Fickell must find a reliable quarterback this season between Danny O’Neil and Billy Edwards Jr. to improve the offense to avoid another subpar season and mounting pressure.
#13: UCLA Bruins: Nico Iamaleava’s success as the transfer quarterback, paired with offensive line improvements, will be key to UCLA avoiding a tough 4-8 season.
#14: Northwestern Wildcats: Preston Stone’s performance as a transfer quarterback must spark the offense to help Northwestern achieve a surprising eight-win season.
#15: Rutgers Scarlet Knights: Rebuilding the defensive front with transfers like Eric O’Neill and Bradley Weaver, alongside a veteran offensive line, will help Rutgers achieve a third straight .500 season.
#16: Michigan State Spartans: Aidan Chiles reducing turnovers and capitalizing on new offensive weapons like Omari Kelly will determine if Jonathan Smith can avoid the hot seat.
#17: Maryland Terrapins: Avoiding a winless Big Ten season depends on new quarterback and true freshman Malik Washington and transfer additions at safety and tight end stepping up against a tough schedule.
#18: Purdue Boilermakers: Barry Odom’s massive transfer portal overhaul must quickly gel to improve Purdue’s dismal 1-11 record from last season.
