Penn State lands atop the 2025 Big Ten football rankings, boasting an edge in experience at quarterback, upgraded skill talent, and what may be the best offensive line of the James Franklin era. The defense looks strong enough to finish among the nation’s elite once again.

Ohio State, Oregon, and Michigan round out the top four, each with national title potential depending on how young quarterbacks perform. In total, as many as six or seven Big Ten teams could push for a College Football Playoff spot by the end of the season.

Here’s how the full conference shapes up heading into preseason camp:

1. Penn State
Former Syracuse wideout Trebor Pena (84 receptions, 941 yards in 2024) could be one of the conference’s most impactful additions. With Drew Allar returning at quarterback and running backs Kaytron Allen (1,108 yards) and Nick Singleton (1,099 yards) anchoring the offense, Penn State is loaded. Pena’s 16 third-down conversions on 21 attempts last season will help offset the loss of tight end Ty Warren.

2. Ohio State
Julian Sayin’s emergence at quarterback is big, but more pressing is the overhaul on defense. Only three starters return, although All-American safety Caleb Downs remains. Former Patriots coordinator Matt Patricia brings an NFL background to the college game for the first time since the early 2000s.

3. Oregon
Dante Moore isn’t new to starting—he logged starts at UCLA in 2023—but now he takes over a Ducks offense designed for explosion. After a bumpy freshman year, he’ll benefit from greater familiarity with the scheme and improved talent around him.

4. Michigan
The defense is strong, especially at linebacker and in the secondary. While true freshman Bryce Underwood is the favorite to win the QB1 job, don’t count out Fresno State transfer Mikey Keene, who played for new OC Chip Lindsey at UCF. Michigan’s special teams should be among the nation’s best.

5. Illinois
With one of the most experienced rosters in the Power Four, Illinois plays a physical, grind-it-out style that led to a 6–1 record in games decided by 10 points or fewer. A 10-win season and potential playoff spot aren’t out of reach.

6. Nebraska
Matt Rhule’s third season could be the breakout. Dylan Raiola looks ready to make a leap, and new offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen brings creativity. The trenches will ultimately decide how far this team goes.

7. Iowa
Over the past two seasons, Iowa’s quarterbacks have totaled 19 touchdowns and 19 interceptions. New arrival Mark Gronowski from South Dakota State brings experience and dual-threat upside to an otherwise solid roster.

8. USC
USC was 0-6 when allowing 24 or more points last year. That stat must flip if the Trojans are to contend. The defense finished 16th in the Big Ten in yards per play and has to make major strides.

9. Indiana
Kaelon Black (251 yards) takes over the lead back role, while transfers Lee Beebe Jr. (884 yards) and Roman Hemby (607 yards) bolster the backfield. Hemby’s 40 catches for Maryland in 2024 make him a valuable dual threat.

10. Washington
Jedd Fisch enters Year 2 with increased depth after mass departures post-Kalen DeBoer. Key transfers like Arizona’s Tacario Davis and Ta’ita’i Uiagalelei bring immediate help to the defense.

11. Minnesota
The Gophers hit the portal hard at wideout after losing most of last year’s production. Drake Lindsey will work with Miami (OH)’s Javon Tracy, UCLA’s Logan Loya, and former Nebraska five-star Malachi Coleman.

12. Wisconsin
After missing a bowl for the first time since 2001, Luke Fickell needs a bounce-back year. But with games against Alabama, Michigan, Oregon, and Ohio State, even reaching eight wins will be difficult.

13. UCLA
Nico Iamaleava changes the ceiling for Deshaun Foster’s team. But a shaky offensive line and brutal Big Ten schedule—including games vs. Penn State, Ohio State, Nebraska, and USC—leave little room for mistakes.

14. Rutgers
Greg Schiano has led Rutgers to back-to-back winning seasons for the first time in over a decade. But the Scarlet Knights face a brutal schedule that includes Oregon, Penn State, and Ohio State.

15. Michigan State
Aidan Chiles has the talent but struggled with consistency. If the Spartans avoid injuries and get solid play from a strong transfer class, they could reach seven wins.

16. Northwestern
If SMU transfer QB Preston Stone can steady the passing game, the Wildcats may flirt with bowl eligibility. Their strength lies in a deep backfield and solid defensive front.

17. Maryland
True freshman Malik Washington is likely the future at quarterback, but the Terps may suffer growing pains. The roster is thin, and the defense could be the Big Ten’s worst.

18. Purdue
Barry Odom worked wonders at UNLV, but 2025 might be a full rebuild at Purdue. With a depleted roster and little returning firepower, wins could be hard to come by in Year 1.