Big Ten Football Power Rankings: Penn State Stumbles

Big 10 Power Rankings

1. Ohio State Buckeyes (5-0, 2-0 B1G) The Buckeyes are the clear standard in the conference and easily the best team. They dismantled Minnesota 42-3, holding the Gophers scoreless after the opening drive. Their defense remains impenetrable, and the offense is clicking on all cylinders. Next Week: vs. #17 Illinois
2. Oregon Ducks (5-0, 2-0 B1G) Oregon had a much-needed bye week after their thrilling win over Penn State. Their resume is still fantastic, but they must prove they can maintain their momentum against the surging Hoosiers. Next Week: vs. #7 Indiana
3. Indiana Hoosiers (5-0, 2-0 B1G) The incredible Curt Cignetti era continues! The Hoosiers had a bye week after their 5-0 start. Now ranked #7, they get their biggest test this week against a top-3 opponent in Oregon. Next Week: at #3 Oregon
4. Michigan Wolverines (4-1, 2-0 B1G) Michigan took care of business against Wisconsin, winning 24-10. The defense gave up only 10 points, showing its strength. The Wolverines are now 2-0 in conference play and ready for a major showdown. Next Week: at USC
5. USC Trojans (4-1, 1-1 B1G) The Trojans had a bye week to recover from their stunning loss to Illinois. USC is still highly explosive, and they need a big bounce-back win at home to stay in the Big Ten West hunt. Next Week: vs. #15 Michigan
6. Illinois Fighting Illini (5-1, 2-1 B1G) Illinois is officially a tough team to figure out, but they are winning. They followed up their major upset of USC by beating Purdue 43-27. They’ve scored 34+ points in four straight Big Ten games and now host the ultimate challenge. Next Week: vs. #1 Ohio State
7. Washington Huskies (4-1, 1-1 B1G) The Huskies showed resilience, rallying from a 20-point deficit on the road to beat undefeated Maryland 24-20. This gritty, come-from-behind victory proves their mental toughness and keeps them competitive. Next Week: vs. Rutgers (Friday, Oct 10)
8. Nebraska Cornhuskers (4-1, 1-1 B1G) Nebraska got a crucial home win over Michigan State, 38-27. Matt Rhule’s team moves to 4-1 and 1-1 in conference, positioning themselves nicely for the upcoming stretch. Next Week: at Maryland
9. Maryland Terrapins (4-1, 1-1 B1G) A gut-punch loss for Maryland, who squandered a 20-point lead at home to Washington, falling 24-20. The Terrapins are still 4-1, but this loss raises questions about their ability to finish games. Next Week: vs. Nebraska
10. Penn State Nittany Lions (3-2, 1-2 B1G) This is officially a program crisis. After losing to Oregon in Week 5, Penn State lost again, this time at home to previously winless UCLA 42-37. Their College Football Playoff hopes are essentially over. Next Week: vs. Northwestern
11. Michigan State Spartans (3-2, 0-2 B1G) The Spartans’ undefeated start feels like ancient history. Their 38-27 loss to Nebraska drops them to 0-2 in the conference. The schedule doesn’t get easier as they host the newly invigorated UCLA Bruins. Next Week: vs. UCLA
12. Iowa Hawkeyes (3-2, 1-1 B1G) Iowa had a bye week to stew over their narrow loss to Indiana. As always during the Kirk Ferentz era, Iowa needs to generate more offense, but a home matchup against struggling Wisconsin is a perfect spot to get back on track. Next Week: vs. Wisconsin
13. Rutgers Scarlet Knights (3-2, 0-2 B1G) Rutgers had a bye week. Their overall record is respectable, but being 0-2 in conference puts pressure on their game against Washington to get a conference win.Next Week: at Washington (Friday, Oct 10)
14. Minnesota Golden Gophers (3-2, 1-2 B1G) The Gophers were absolutely overmatched by Ohio State, losing 42-3. Next Week: vs. Purdue
15. Northwestern Wildcats (2-3, 0-2 B1G) Northwestern picked up a much-needed non-conference win against Louisiana Monroe, 42-7. They get a huge opportunity next week against a reeling Penn State team. Next Week: at Penn State
16. UCLA Bruins (1-4, 1-1 B1G) Talk about a turnaround! UCLA delivered the upset of the year, beating #7 Penn State 42-37 for their first win. QB Nico Iamaleava put on a show with five total touchdowns. This is a massive boost for the program, and they are now 1-1 in Big Ten play.Next Week: at Michigan State
17. Wisconsin Badgers (2-3, 0-2 B1G) The Badgers drop to 0-2 in the Big Ten after losing to Michigan, 24-10. The offense is sputtering, and they desperately need to protect their home field against Iowa to keep their season alive. Next Week: vs. Iowa
18. Purdue Boilermakers (2-3, 0-2 B1G) Purdue falls to 0-2 in conference after a 43-27 loss to Illinois. They need to find a way to stop high-powered offenses to avoid a long season. Next Week: at Minnesota