As Big Ten Media Days signify every single year, the 2025 college football season is just around the corner. It's time to predict how everything will play out a year removed from the Oregon Ducks winning the conference title in their inaugural Big Ten season.

Our team of college football analysts here at A to Z Sports came together and all ranked SEC teams from 1st to 18th by their chances to win the conference this season. Once we found our consensus rankings–with a surprising depth of contenders–each writer submitted their case for a team in the Big Ten.

How might they make it to the championship? What needs to happen for the best case scenario to play out for all of the major contenders in the Big Ten conference? Each team had a writer assigned to convince fans that hope indeed does spring anew for many teams across the conference. So, without further ado, here's how our A to Z Sports team of analysts ranks every team in the Big Ten for the 2025 college football season.

1. Ohio State Buckeyes

"There are always two goals of Ohio State every season: beat Michigan and compete for a National Championship. The Buckeyes had 14 players drafted from last year’s team and may have 16 new starters, but they’re still poised to contend for another title in 2025. Ryan Day will once again have a new quarterback, but the talent is there—especially with Julian Sayin, who is expected to be a key contributor.

It’s rare to return arguably the two best players in the country, but Ohio State does just that with Jeremiah Smith and Caleb Downs. The Buckeyes open the season with a tough matchup against Texas, and will also face Penn State and Michigan. Despite that tough schedule, when December rolls around Ohio State should be right back in the College Football Playoff conversation. And as we know, anything can happen from there." – Brandon Little, A to Z Sports Ohio State Buckeyes

2. Penn State Nittany Lions

"Penn State put together an offseason that was reminiscent to what Ohio State accomplished before their historic 2024 championship win. James Franklin pulled off the impossible by bringing back quarterback Drew Allar, running backs Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen, and defensive linemen Dani Dennis-Sutton and Zane Durant for this fall.

Adding Jim Knowles as the defensive coordinator didn't move the needle much for me since that side of the ball has been fantastic at Penn State for years, but Knowles' experience and style could further raise the ceiling of the unit.

Finally, adding three proven receivers in Trebor Pena, Devonte Ross, and Kyron Ware-Hudson from the transfer portal will solve the massive blackhole that existed throughout last year. With 14 returning starters, the new contributors, and the possibility of another leap in performance and playmaking from Drew Allar, Penn State is following the recipe that champions have laid out before them." – Ian Valentino, A to Z Sports National College Football Writer

3. Oregon Ducks

"Oregon is in such an interesting place as we go forward. They lost a lot of talent, but Dan Lanning's recruiting has them reloading for another run. Everything is going to land on the success at quarterback. Dillon Gabriel isn't going to be under center this year, but they have former five star Dante Moore ready to take the reins in year three. Plus, the two-headed monster in the backfield with Makhi Hughes and Noah Wittington will be a major factor in continuing their success in a Big Ten that isn't super deep." – Tyler Forness, A to Z Sports Florida Gators

4. Michigan Wolverines

"Michigan Wolverines have a ton to be excited about in 2025. They get to roll out a five star dual-threat quarterback with Bryce Underwood. The offensive weapons look replenished with Justice Haynes coming in from Alabama at running back and a couple transfer receivers as well. Things can't possibly be worse than last year on that side of the ball where they finished outside the top 100 in most efficiency stats.

The defense lost a bunch of NFL talent, but there's still incredible experience in the front seven like Derrick Moore, Rayshaun Benny, and Ernest Hausmann, mixed with developing talent in the secondary. Sherrone Moore showed last year he could win a bunch of games with an extremely imperfect roster already. If Underwood can put things together quickly at quarterback, both sides of the ball could flourish, leading to Michigan staying competitive and in position to win the conference late into the season." – Travis May, A to Z Sports College Football & NFL Draft Managing Editor

5. Illinois Fighting Illini

"Does Illinois bring back the top quarterback in the Big Ten? A lot of hype around Drew Allar, but Luke Altmyer is nothing to sneeze at. 10 wins for the first time since 2001 was thanks in large part to a giant leap under center from the Ole Miss transfer. The entire offensive line returns and a two-headed RB monster consisting of Aidan Laughery and Kaden Feagin should help out the Illini's offensive attack. However, 69 percent of the production at wideout is gone now.

On defense, Gabe Jacas and two-time All-Big Ten Star Xavier Scott opted for another year in Champaign instead of going pro. Miles Scott, Torrie Cox Jr., and Matthew Bailey join Scott in the secondary, giving Illinois a deep and experienced unit on the back end.

This team might not be a trendy pick to win the Big Ten, but with Ohio State and Oregon working in new starters at quarterback, it could be up for grabs." – Zach Berry, A to Z Sports Texas Longhorns

6. Indiana Hoosiers

"The confidence in Indiana for me lies heavily in head coach Curt Cignetti. The Hoosiers return plenty of production from last year’s team and have potential first round NFL quarterback Fernando Mendoza now at QB. Mendoza is a potential true breakout candidate this season, and I’m really intrigued to see how he plays with better pieces around him. Their transfer portal additions need to hit, but I’ve got confidence that the foundation of their roster is one of the best in the conference. Don’t see them going anywhere after the surprising campaign a season ago." – Adam Holt, A to Z Sports National College & NFL Writer

7. Nebraska Cornhuskers

"Outsiders may believe that the Nebraska Cornhuskers' season all comes down to how rising sophomore quarterback Dylan Raiola plays–and there's certainly some merit to that. However, coach Matt Rhule made sure he built around his young potential star QB this offseason.

Nebraska added two veteran offensive linemen and two more solid wide receiver transfers in Dane Key (Kentucky) and Nyziah Hunter (California) to complement their juiced up do-it-all playmaker in Jacory Barney. Key is looking like a possible stud WR1 this offseason according to those closest to the team.

They also added a trio of versatile, athletic, new defensive starters headlined by the hybrid defender Dasan McCullough who can rush the passer, play off-ball linebacker, and drop into a defensive back role when needed.

The talent gap between Nebraska and the elites of the conference is much smaller than most believe. Cornhuskers could surprise in a big way this year." – Travis May, A to Z Sports College Football & NFL Draft Managing Editor

8. Iowa Hawkeyes

"The Iowa Hawkeyes might have the most dynamic quarterback they've had in over a decade with Mark Gronowski. For those who may be unfamiliar with him, he won the 2023 Walter Payton Award (the FCS equivalent to the Heisman Trophy). He's tallied 108 total touchdowns in the last three seasons for South Dakota State. Now Hawkeyes fans hope some of that electric offensive play translates at the FBS level.

The defense will be tough as always. The running backs and playmakers will need to step up a bit, but they're experienced. Iowa's schedule is soft. All the variables are in place for Iowa to have a shockingly impressive season." – Travis May, A to Z Sports College Football & NFL Draft Managing Editor

9. USC Trojans

"Things went badly for USC in 2024, but when you take a step back and look at their schedule–one that was pretty tough–the Trojans lost five of their six losses by one score. That includes their loss to Penn State, which made the College Football Playoff, and Michigan, which had one of the best defenses in the country (ranked No. 18 at the time).

The Trojans couldn't close games out on both sides of the ball, but man, that defense made such a huge jump in year one under defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn. With a better roster, a second season in the same system on defense, and hopefully some better coaching decisions by Lincoln Riley, I think they can win most of their games as this schedule in 2025 is not as tough." – Justin Churchill, A to Z Sports Oklahoma Sooners

10. Washington Huskies

"The Washington Huskies might have one of the best young quarterbacks in the nation with Demond Williams. He finished his first year with the Huskies completing 78% of his passes, tossing eight touchdowns on just 105 pass attempts, and showing off incredible upside as a runner too.

If Williams can find potential first round wide receiver Denzel Boston and his other weapons consistently that should be enough to pair well with Washington's top 30 or 40 defense in the country. The Huskies are only expected to win seven or eight games this year, but don't be surprised when they push towards 10 victories if the ball bounces their way in a few close games." – Travis May, A to Z Sports College Football & NFL Draft Managing Editor

Best of the rest in the Big Ten

11. Minnesota Golden Gophers
12. UCLA Bruins
13. Michigan State Spartans
14. Wisconsin Badgers
15. Maryland Terrapins
16. Rutgers Scarlet Knights
17. Purdue Boilermakers
18. Northwestern Wildcats

There was a consensus massive tier break after the 10-spot to get down to this group of teams according to our A to Z Sports staff. And that matches up well with sports book odds to win the conference as well. Every team above this mark has at least +5500 (~1.8%) odds to win the conference. No team in this group has anything better than +11000 (vigged up by the books, that's far less than 1% odds).

Why?

Most of the teams in this group have major quarterback questions. Nico Iamaleava could be the answer for UCLA. Aidan Chiles could fix the turnovers and make some plays for Michigan State. Some other quarterback will likely surprise too, but 2025 could be rough for the bottom eight teams here in the conference. Better luck next year guys.

---

We'll be back with more College Football coverage here at A to Z Sports soon! Follow me (@FF_TravisM) and A to Z Sports (@AtoZSportsNFL) on X for all the latest football news!