After an impressive 2024 campaign that saw the Big Ten secure four College Football Playoff spots and a national title, attention has turned to how the conference will perform in the upcoming 2025 season. Ohio State enters as reigning champion with a refreshed roster. Alongside the Buckeyes, Penn State is projected as a top contender this year. Other teams in the AP Top 25 preseason poll include Oregon, Illinois, Michigan, and Indiana.
The depth of talent in the league remains high. Ohio State features standout receiver Jeremiah Smith and safety Caleb Downs, while Penn State’s quarterback Drew Allar also returns with high expectations. Additional key players across programs include Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen at Penn State, Sonny Styles at Ohio State, Mikail Kamara at Indiana, Gabe Jacas at Illinois, Matayo Uiagalelei at Oregon, D’Angelo Ponds at Indiana, Isaiah World (a transfer from Nevada) on Oregon’s offensive line, and Dillon Thieneman (another transfer) as Oregon’s top safety.
Storylines for the season include Penn State’s approach after observing Ohio State’s senior-laden formula for success last year. Veterans like Allar, Singleton, Allen, Dennis-Sutton and Zane Durant are back as leaders for the Nittany Lions’ championship ambitions.
Other teams may attempt to break into elite status. Illinois has set high expectations; meanwhile Indiana—buoyed by last year’s surprise performance under Curt Cignetti—Iowa, Nebraska and USC are positioned as potential bowl teams.
The ongoing conversation regarding further expansion of the College Football Playoff continues. The Big Ten is expected to be influential alongside the SEC in discussions about future changes.
When assessing challengers within the conference:
– Tier 1 includes Ohio State, Oregon (defending Big Ten champion), and Penn State—all anticipated to achieve double-digit wins.
– Tier 2 consists of Illinois and Michigan; both benefit from favorable schedules.
– Tier 3 contains Indiana (emerging under Cignetti), Iowa (with South Dakota State transfer quarterback Mark Gronowski), Nebraska (strong defense), and USC.
Coaching pressure is mounting on some fronts. Luke Fickell was widely regarded as a strong hire when he moved to Wisconsin but his team holds a 12-13 record over two seasons—snapping a long-running bowl streak with last year’s results. At Maryland, Mike Locksley’s seat is being watched closely after going 4-8 in 2024. At USC Lincoln Riley remains well-compensated; any immediate change there appears unlikely due to contract terms.
Key nonconference games highlighted for early-season importance include Texas visiting Ohio State Aug. 30; Michigan facing Oklahoma Sep. 6; Wisconsin taking on Alabama Sep. 13; and USC meeting Notre Dame Oct. 18.
Within conference play notable matchups comprise Illinois at Indiana Sep. 20; Oregon at Penn State Sep. 27; Michigan versus USC Oct. 11; Penn State against Ohio State Nov. 1; and Ohio State traveling to Michigan Nov. 29.
Analysis suggests Penn State will continue its efficient offense behind returning stars Allar (averaging over eight yards per pass attempt), Singleton and Allen (both topping one thousand rushing yards), further boosted by incoming transfers such as Trebor Pena from Syracuse.
On defense Oregon projects strongly with returners Matayo Uiagalelei (edge rusher) and Bryce Boettcher (linebacker). Teitum Tuioti and Devon Jackson bolster their front seven while additions Theran Johnson (cornerback) and Dillon Thieneman (safety) strengthen secondary options.
Predictions for final standings put Ohio State first followed by Penn State second then Oregon third with Michigan fourth and Illinois rounding out the top five positions among all eighteen conference members.
The preview ultimately forecasts another matchup between Penn State and Ohio State for the conference title—a prediction subject to potential upsets by contenders like Oregon or surges from programs such as Michigan or Illinois throughout regular season play leading up to December’s championship game in Indianapolis.
