What are the Top Five 2025 Conference Games in the Big Ten?

Originally posted on Mike Farrell Sports
By Mark Pszonak | Last updated Jun 9, 2025 8:10 AM ET

Most of the attention has been given to the top early season out-of-conference games, but there are plenty of conference games that will be vital in determining the playoff chase in 2025. Here are the top five games to watch in the Big Ten this season.

1. Ohio State at Michigan (Saturday, November 29^th)

The skinny: This game has long had a bit of everything, but with the recent drama involving Ohio State’s inability to defeat Michigan, even more juice has been added to the recipe. This has become must-watch reality television due to the multitude of storylines, both on and off the field.

2. Penn State at Ohio State (Saturday, November 1^st)

The skinny: If you’re just talking about football, this very easily could have been #1 on this list. Expectations in Happy Valley are through the roof in 2025, but they will quickly deflate if they can’t beat the Buckeyes in Columbus.

3. Oregon at Penn State (Saturday, September 27^th)

The skinny: A very interesting late September in-conference game that could play a huge role in the remainder of the conference season. For Penn State this will be their first P4 game of the season, while Oregon will have already played Oklahoma State, Northwestern and in-state rival Oregon State. Will that be an advantage for the Ducks? And lets not forget that this will be Penn State's annual White Out game.

Nov 9, 2024; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Fireworks burst overhead as the Penn State Nittany Lions take the field prior to a White Out game against the Washington Huskies at Beaver Stadium. © Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images

4. Ohio State at Illinois (Saturday, October 11^th)

The skinny: Head coach Bret Bielema wants the Illini to be taken seriously this season, but they can accomplish that on their own if they can beat Ohio State at home in what could be the biggest game in Champaign in a long, long time. However, they first have to get past USC and Indiana to make this game vital.

5. Indiana at Oregon (Saturday, October 11^th)

The skinny: One of the biggest questions of the 2025 season in the Big Ten is if Indiana was a one-hit wonder in 2024 or a program that needs to be reckoned with. By the end of October 11^th everyone will know as the game in Eugene follows Big Ten games against Illinois and Iowa.

This article first appeared on Mike Farrell Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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