Ranking Big Ten's toughest 2025 football schedules by 247Sports

So, which Big Ten football teams face the most challenging schedules in 2025?

18. Michigan Wolverines
2025 opponents: New Mexico, at Oklahoma, Central Michigan, at Nebraska, Wisconsin, at USC, Washington, at Michigan State, Purdue, at Northwestern, at Maryland, Ohio State

Few will be surprised if Michigan takes a significant leap forward after an inconsistent Year 1 with Sherrone Moore as full-time head coach. While the Wolverines face notable roster turnover, the schedule appears favorable. Ohio State is the only opponent on the 2025 slate that surpassed seven wins in 2024. Michigan has obviously proven its ability to handle the Buckeyes in recent years, securing four consecutive victories in the rivalry.

T-16. Indiana Hoosiers
2025 opponents: Old Dominion, Kennesaw State, Indiana State (FCS), Illinois, at Iowa, at Oregon, Michigan State, UCLA, at Maryland, at Penn State, Wisconsin, at Purdue

Can Curt Cignetti revamp the Indiana roster once again and make a push back to the College Football Playoff in 2025? The Hoosiers faced criticism last season for benefiting from a relatively soft schedule, and the road ahead does not appear substantially more challenging. Key Big Ten matchups against Oregon, Penn State and even Illinois are undoubtedly circled as pivotal tests, but beyond those games, Indiana should be well-positioned to win or remain competitive, largely depending on how Cignetti assembles his 2025 squad.

T-16. Nebraska Huskers
2025 opponents: Cincinnati (Kansas City), Akron, Houston Christian (FCS), Michigan, Michigan State, at Maryland, at Minnesota, Northwestern, USC, at UCLA, at Penn State, Iowa

Nebraska could be primed to make the leap in Year 3 under Matt Rhule. The 2025 schedule sets up favorably for the Huskers, provided they can consistently handle opponents they are expected to beat. Aside from a challenging November road trip to Penn State, the toughest matchups on the Nebraska slate take place at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln. Key home games include hosting rival Iowa, along with Michigan and USC, giving the Huskers a chance to capitalize on home-field advantage.

15. Illinois Fighting Illini
2025 opponents: Western Illinois (FCS), at Duke, Western Michigan, at Indiana, USC, at Purdue, Ohio State, at Washington, Rutgers, Maryland, at Wisconsin, Northwestern

How can Illinois build on its historic 2024 season as it shifts focus to 2025? The Fighting Illini, who dropped just one home game last season, will undoubtedly aim to make a statement when they welcome reigning national champion Ohio State to Champaign in October. The 2025 slate also features challenging road trips, including a non-conference matchup at Duke and key visits to Indiana, Washington and Wisconsin, all of which will test Illinois away from home.

14. Maryland Terrapins
2025 opponents: Florida Atlantic, Northern Illinois, Towson (FCS), at Wisconsin, Washington, Nebraska, at UCLA, Indiana, at Rutgers, at Illinois, Michigan, at Michigan State

Maryland was expected to benefit significantly from the removal of divisions in the Big Ten, no longer locked into annual matchups with Michigan, Ohio State and Penn State. In 2025, the Terrapins host Michigan, along with Illinois and Indiana — both of whom are coming off double-digit win seasons. Additionally, Northern Illinois, known for its strong track record against power conference teams and even Notre Dame, presents a non-conference challenge that Maryland cannot afford to overlook.

13. Oregon Ducks
2025 opponents: Montana State (FCS), Oklahoma State, at Northwestern, Oregon State, at Penn State, Indiana, at Rutgers, Wisconsin, at Iowa, Minnesota, USC, at Washington

Oregon appears to have a manageable path in 2025 as it aims to defend its Big Ten title and continue its pursuit of a coveted national championship. A conference championship rematch against Penn State looms as one of the marquee games of the year. Other key tests include a trip to Iowa and a home game against USC. While Oklahoma State struggled mightily in 2024, the unpredictability and changes under Mike Gundy heading into 2025 could still present an intriguing challenge for Dan Lanning and the Ducks.

12. Penn State Nittany Lions
2025 opponents: Nevada, Florida International, Villanova (FCS), Oregon, at UCLA, Northwestern, at Iowa, at Ohio State, Indiana, at Michigan State, Nebraska, at Rutgers

Penn State is going to be a popular pick in the top five of various preseason rankings leading up to the 2025 campaign, thanks to its returning talent. An easy non-conference slate and a bye week set up a Big Ten Championship Game rematch with Oregon at Beaver Stadium. If the Nittany Lions can avoid multiple losses during the tough stretch from mid-October to mid-November — with games at Iowa, at Ohio State, Indiana and at Michigan State — they should remain a serious contender in the College Football Playoff race.

T-10. Washington Huskies
2025 opponents: Colorado State, UC Davis (FCS), at Washington State, Ohio State, at Maryland, Rutgers, at Michigan, Illinois, at Wisconsin, Purdue, at UCLA, Oregon

Half of the opponents on the Washington 2025 schedule secured at least eight wins last season. Ohio State claimed the national championship, Oregon won the Big Ten title and Michigan took home the national crown two years ago. With such a tough slate, it seems clear that the Huskies will face a significant challenge in Year 2 under Jedd Fisch if they hope to make notable improvements.

T-10. USC Trojans
2025 opponents: Missouri State (FCS), Georgia Southern, at Purdue, Michigan State, Illinois, Michigan, at Notre Dame, at Nebraska, Northwestern, Iowa, at Oregon, UCLA

Lincoln Riley faces a pivotal year at USC in 2025 as he looks to reverse a downward trend. Unlike this season, the Trojans have the opportunity to ease into the schedule with a pair of non-conference games and a visit to Purdue in mid-September. The first legitimate test should come on the road at Illinois, followed by games against Michigan and at reigning national runner-up Notre Dame. A visit to Autzen Stadium to face reigning Big Ten champion Oregon in November could prove to be a defining moment.

T-8. Minnesota Golden Gophers
2025 opponents: Buffalo, Northwestern State (FCS), at California, Rutgers, at Ohio State, Purdue, Nebraska, at Iowa, Michigan State, at Oregon, at Northwestern, Wisconsin

Minnesota is likely not thrilled with how its 2025 schedule looks. Arguably three of its toughest games are all on the road: Iowa, Ohio State and Oregon. Not to mention the mid-September non-conference trek to face California. The Golden Gophers have been consistent under head coach P.J. Fleck, making a bowl game in five of the past six seasons. The only time they failed to reach the postseason came during the shortened schedule in 2020.

T-8. Michigan State Spartans
2025 opponents: Western Michigan, Boston College, Youngstown State (FCS), at USC, at Nebraska, UCLA, at Indiana, Michigan, at Minnesota, Penn State, at Iowa, Maryland

Michigan State does avoid Ohio State for the first time since the 2010 season, a welcome relief for second-year head coach Jonathan Smith after facing a brutal Big Ten schedule this past year. The Spartans do draw rival Michigan and Penn State in East Lansing with challenging road trips to Indiana, Iowa and USC. Michigan State has won its first two games in each of the past five seasons.

7. Ohio State Buckeyes
2025 opponents: Texas, Grambling State (FCS), Ohio, at Washington, Minnesota, at Illinois, at Wisconsin, Penn State, at Purdue, UCLA, Rutgers, at Michigan

Ohio State has to prove itself right out the gate as the reigning national champions in 2025. The Buckeyes open their quest for a repeat with a College Football Playoff semifinal rematch against Texas on Aug. 30 in Columbus. A West Coast trip to Washington starts a stretch where four of the next six games are on the road. Ohio State aims to end that four-game losing streak to rival Michigan at the end of the regular season.

6. Northwestern Wildcats
2025 opponents: at Tulane, Western Illinois (FCS), Oregon, UCLA, Louisiana-Monroe, at Penn State, Purdue, at Nebraska, at USC, Michigan, Minnesota, at Illinois

Northwestern looks to get back on track after taking a bit of a step backward in Year 2 under head coach David Braun. The schedule does not present many favors for the Wildcats, which open the 2025 season on the road at Tulane, one of the top Group of Five teams in recent years. Northwestern faces six opponents next season that won at least eight games this past year: Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon, Penn State and Tulane.

5. UCLA Bruins
2025 opponents: Utah, at UNLV, New Mexico, at Northwestern, Penn State, at Michigan State, Maryland, at Indiana, Nebraska, at Ohio State, Washington, at USC

UCLA is one of just two Big Ten members that is not scheduled to play an FCS opponent next season. The Bruins open the 2025 campaign against former Pac-12 foe Utah before taking on two Mountain West teams — New Mexico and UNLV — in consecutive weeks. As far as the Big Ten slate, UCLA draws three of the top finishers from this past season in Indiana, reigning national champion Ohio State and Penn State.

4. Iowa Hawkeyes
2025 opponents: UAlbany (FCS), at Iowa State, UMass, at Rutgers, Indiana, at Wisconsin, Penn State, Minnesota, Oregon, at USC, Michigan State, at Nebraska

Iowa faces an uphill battle in continuing its trend of 10-win seasons every other year since 2019. The Hawkeyes hope to have the pieces necessary to do so with incoming quarterback transfer Mark Gronowski from South Dakota State. But when it comes to the schedule, the road ahead will not make it easy. Iowa faces four opponents in 2025 that won at least 11 games this past season: Indiana, Iowa State, Oregon and Penn State.

3. Purdue Boilermakers
2025 opponents: Ball State, Southern Illinois (FCS), USC, at Notre Dame, Illinois, at Minnesota, at Northwestern, Rutgers, at Michigan, Ohio State, at Washington, Indiana

Barry Odom is welcomed back to the power conference ranks as the new head coach at Purdue in 2025. After quickly turning UNLV into one of the top teams in the Mountain West, his next challenge is navigating a tougher Big Ten landscape with a grueling schedule. Not only do the Boilermakers have both national finalists Notre Dame and Ohio State on the slate, Illinois and Indiana are coming off double-digit win seasons as well.

2. Wisconsin Badgers
2025 opponents: Miami University, Middle Tennessee, at Alabama, Maryland, at Michigan, Iowa, Ohio State, at Oregon, Washington, at Indiana, Illinois, at Minnesota

Perhaps Wisconsin regrets scheduling a home-and-home series with Alabama. The Badgers must make the return trip to Tuscaloosa in mid-September after getting blown out by the Crimson Tide this past season. Wisconsin faces nine teams in 2025 that won at least eight games this past season. In addition to Alabama, that list includes Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Miami University, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio State and Oregon.

1. Rutgers Scarlet Knights
2025 opponents: Ohio, Miami University, Norfolk State (FCS), Iowa, at Minnesota, at Washington, Oregon, at Purdue, at Illinois, Maryland, at Ohio State, Penn State

Rutgers benefited from one of the easiest schedules in the Big Ten during the 2024 season, but that luck changes dramatically in 2025. The Scarlet Knights face five opponents that recorded double-digit wins last season. After avoiding the traditional Big Ten powers in 2024, Rutgers is set to take on projected conference heavyweights Ohio State, Oregon and Penn State.

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ESPN'S 2025 Way-Too-Early college football Top 25 rankings (BIG 10 TEAMS).

1. Ohio State Buckeyes

2024 record: 14-2, 7-2 Big Ten

Key returning players: WR Jeremiah Smith, WR Carnell Tate, S Caleb Downs

Key losses: RB TreVeyon Henderson, WR Emeka Egbuka, QB Will Howard, G Donovan Jackson, LB Cody Simon, S Lathan Ransom, DE Jack Sawyer, DE JT Tuimoloau, CB Denzel Burke

2025 outlook: After winning the program's third national championship since 2002, the Buckeyes are going to undergo a bit of a makeover -- but so are most of the other Big Ten contenders. The core group of seniors who came back in 2024 -- led by Sawyer, Henderson, Egbuka and others -- will be missed. Julian Sayin, a five-star prospect who transferred from Alabama, will probably be QB1 after Devin Brown and Air Noland entered the transfer portal. Sayin will have the luxury of throwing to Smith, the best receiver in the FBS, and the Buckeyes picked up tailback CJ Donaldson (West Virginia) and tight end Max Klare (Purdue) from the portal. Ohio State's offense will be even better if RB Quinshon Judkins decides to come back. Some younger players will have to step up on the defensive line and in the secondary, but at least Downs is coming back.

3. Penn State Nittany Lions
2024 record: 13-3, 8-1 Big Ten

Key returning players: QB Drew Allar, RB Kaytron Allen, RB Nicholas Singleton, C Nick Dawkins, DE Dani Dennis-Sutton, S Zakee Wheatley, CB A.J. Harris

Key losses: DE Abdul Carter, TE Tyler Warren, S Jaylen Reed, G Sal Wormley, DT Dvon J-Thomas, LB Kobe King

2025 outlook: With Allar, Allen and Singleton returning, the Nittany Lions might get a senior boost like Ohio State did in 2024. Penn State came up short against Notre Dame in a CFP semifinal game at the Orange Bowl, but it was coach James Franklin's best season. If Allar can take another step as a passer, and Franklin can find him some capable receivers, the Nittany Lions might be even better on offense in 2025. Harrison Wallace III and Omari Evans, the team's two top receivers in 2024, entered the transfer portal. Penn State added Troy's Devonte Ross, who caught 76 passes for 1,034 yards with 11 touchdowns in 2024, and USC's Kyron Hudson. Carter and King are big losses on defense, and so is former coordinator Tom Allen, who left for Clemson. The Nittany Lions host Oregon and Indiana in Happy Valley and play at Ohio State on Nov. 1.

6. Oregon Ducks
2024 record: 13-1, 9-0 Big Ten

Key returning players: WR Evan Stewart, LB Devon Jackson, LB Teitum Tuioti, LB Matayo Uiagalelei, RB Noah Whittington, C Iapani Laloulu

Key losses: QB Dillon Gabriel, WR Tez Johnson, WR Traeshon Holden, RB Jordan James, OT Josh Conerly Jr., OT Ajani Cornelius, DE Jordan Burch, DT Derrick Harmon, CB Jabbar Muhammad

2025 outlook: The Ducks went 13-0 and captured a Big Ten title in their first season in the league. But their dream season came to a crashing halt with an ugly 41-21 loss to Ohio State in the CFP quarterfinals. Now, Oregon coach Dan Lanning faces a massive rebuilding job on both sides of the ball. But with a No. 1 recruiting class and a few transfer portal pickups on the way, there's reason to believe the Ducks won't fall too far. Former five-star prospect Dante Moore, who redshirted in 2024 after transferring to UCLA, is the favorite to replace Gabriel. Stewart's return is a boost, and receiver Dakorien Moore of Duncanville, Texas, was the jewel of Oregon's recruiting class. The Ducks are going to need plenty of young players to step up on defense, with only a few starters returning.

13. Illinois Fighting Illini
2024 record: 10-3, 6-3 Big Ten

Key returning players: QB Luke Altmyer, RB Aidan Laughery, OT J.C. Davis, C Josh Kreutz, CB Xavier Scott, LB Gabe Jacas, LB Dylan Rosiek, SS Matthew Bailey, FS Miles Scott, RB Josh McCray

Key losses: WR Pat Bryant, WR Zakhari Franklin, NT TeRah Edwards, DE Dennis Briggs Jr., LB Seth Coleman

2025 outlook: The Illini are coming off a breakthrough year under coach Bret Bielema, producing the program's first 10-win season since the 2001 squad went 10-2 and played in the Sugar Bowl. Now, the challenge is putting together back-to-back successful seasons -- Illinois hasn't had consecutive winning campaigns since going 7-6 in 2010 and 2011. All of the pieces are there for the Illini to run it back in 2025, especially after Davis, Scott and others decided to return. Bryant and Franklin will be missed on the perimeter. Bielema added West Virginia's leading receiver, Hudson Clement, and Ball State's Justin Bowick from the portal. All five starters are coming back on the offensive line. The Illini surrendered 21.7 points per game in 2024, but they should be better with so many starters returning. Illinois plays three difficult road games at Indiana, Washington and Wisconsin, and hosts USC and Ohio State at home.

17. Indiana Hoosiers
2024 record: 11-2, 8-1 Big Ten

Key returning players: WR Elijah Sarratt, WR Omar Cooper Jr., OT Carter Smith, G Drew Evans, LB Aiden Fisher, CB D'Angelo Ponds, S Amare Ferrell, DE Mikail Kamara

Key losses: QB Kurtis Rourke, RB Justice Ellison, TE Zach Horton, C Mike Katic, LB Jailin Walker, S Shawn Asbury II, NT CJ West, DT James Carpenter

2025 outlook: Fresh off the greatest season in the 126-year history of the Indiana program, in which the Hoosiers won more than nine games for the first time and reached the CFP, coach Curt Cignetti is trying to reload through the transfer portal again. The Hoosiers are bringing in nearly 20 transfers, led by former Cal quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who threw for 3,004 yards with 16 touchdowns and six interceptions in 2024. Tailback Lee Beebe Jr. (UAB), receiver Makai Jackson (Appalachian State) and tight end Holden Staes (Tennessee) were important additions on offense as well. Defensively, the Hoosiers have good production returning at linebacker and cornerback. Kamara's return gives them a pass-rushing threat, and defensive tackles Hosea Wheeler (Western Kentucky) and Dominique Ratcliff (Texas State) could fill holes in the interior line. Indiana's nonconference schedule is soft (Old Dominion, Kennesaw State and FCS program Indiana State at home), and it'll play Big Ten road games at Iowa, Oregon and Penn State.

21. Michigan Wolverines
2024 record: 8-5, 5-4 Big Ten

Key returning players: LB Ernest Hausmann, LB Jaishawn Barham, DE TJ Guy, DE Derrick Moore, DL Rayshaun Benny, S Rod Moore, C Greg Crippen, G Giovanni El-Hadi, K Dominic Zvada, TE Marlin Klein

Key losses: DT Mason Graham, DT Kenneth Grant, CB Will Johnson, S Makari Paige, DE Josaiah Stewart, TE Colston Loveland, RB Kalel Mullings, RB Donovan Edwards, OT Myles Hinton

2025 outlook: The Wolverines salvaged coach Sherrone Moore's first season by stunning rival Ohio State 13-10 and knocking off Alabama 19-13 in the ReliaQuest Bowl. If Michigan is going to build on that momentum, it will have to get better quarterback play from freshman Bryce Underwood, the No. 1 prospect in the 2025 ESPN 300, or Fresno State transfer Mikey Keene. Moore fired offensive coordinator Kirk Campbell and replaced him with Chip Lindsey, who called plays at North Carolina the previous two seasons. Lindsey will try to revamp an offense that failed to produce a 40-yard passing play in 2024. The Wolverines are losing two potential first-round picks in Graham and Grant. They added former Alabama five-star recruit Damon Payne Jr. to help fill one of the holes. Defensive coordinator Wink Martindale interviewed with the Indianapolis Colts and Atlanta Falcons, so it's unclear if he'll remain in college football in 2025.

Early Big Ten Predictions for 2025 by Athlon Sports

1. Ohio State
Penn State and Oregon aren’t far behind Ohio State in the early predictions and power rankings for 2025. But the path for the Big Ten title is expected to run through Columbus with coach Ryan Day’s squad returning receiver Jeremiah Smith and standout safety Caleb Downs. Former five-star quarterback Julian Sayin is expected to take over for Will Howard at quarterback. The defense loses a chunk of personnel, but coordinator Jim Knowles isn’t hurting for talent to start the rebuilding process.

2. Penn State
After coming up just short in the College Football Playoff semifinal versus Notre Dame, Penn State is poised for another run at the national title in 2025. Coach James Franklin’s squad will miss edge rusher Abdul Carter and tight end Tyler Warren, but the team mostly received good news around the draft deadline. Quarterback Drew Allar, defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton, and running backs Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton announced their intention to return in ‘25. Getting more production and big plays out of the receivers is a must next season.

3. Oregon
Although the ‘24 season ended in disappointment, coach Dan Lanning’s team will contend for another Big Ten title next year. UCLA transfer Dante Moore is the frontrunner to replace Dillon Gabriel after working as the team’s No. 2 quarterback in ‘24. A rebuilt offensive line via the portal is arguably Lanning’s biggest concern on offense, as running back Makhi Hughes (Tulane transfer) and receiver Evan Stewart provide Moore with plenty of firepower at the skill spots. The Ducks also tapped into the portal for help on defense, but this unit also got a boost when linebacker Bryce Boettcher indicated he would return for ‘25.

4. Indiana
The Hoosiers were the Big Ten’s biggest surprise in 2024, and despite the loss of a couple of key cogs in the run to the College Football Playoff, coach Curt Cignetti’s team will be a factor once again in ‘25. California transfer Fernando Mendoza is a big-time pickup at quarterback to replace Kurtis Rourke, and Cignetti filled holes at running back, receiver, and on the offensive line through the portal. The return of end Mikail Kamara and linebacker Aiden Fisher is huge for a defense that limited teams to 15.6 points a game in ‘24.

5. Illinois
After a surprising 10-3 mark in ‘24, the Fighting Illini aim to contend for a spot in the College Football Playoff next season. Coach Bret Bielema’s team returns a veteran core to boost those hopes, including quarterback Luke Altmyer, linebacker Gabe Jacas, and offensive lineman JC Davis. Replacing receivers Pat Bryant and Zakhari Franklin top the list of offseason priorities for Bielema.

6. Michigan
Second-year coach Sherrone Moore enters 2025 with momentum after the program picked up wins over Ohio State and Alabama and finished hot on the recruiting trail by landing the commitment of five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood. The Wolverines are losing a handful of key cogs on defense, but the offense should take a step forward once Underwood gets acclimated to coordinator Chip Lindsey’s offense, along with the solid ground attack of Justice Haynes (Alabama transfer) and Jordan Marshall.

7. Nebraska
Coach Matt Rhule has Nebraska trending in the right direction going into the 2025 season. The Cornhuskers are coming off their first bowl appearance since '16 and are poised for another step forward next fall. Quarterback Dylan Raiola should continue to develop under coordinator Dana Holgorsen, while transfers Dane Key (Kentucky) and Nyziah Hunter (California) provide needed playmaking ability at receiver. New defensive coordinator John Butler has holes to fill off a unit that limited teams to just 19.5 points a game in ‘24.

8. Iowa
Despite some roster turnover, don’t expect Iowa to fall too far in the Big Ten standings next year. South Dakota State transfer Mark Gronowski was one of the top quarterbacks in the portal and should be a major upgrade under center for the Hawkeyes. Also, even though Kaleb Johnson will be missed at running back, Kamari Moulton and Jaziun Patterson are back to form an effective duo. The offensive line received an early boost when center Logan Jones decided to return for ‘25. As always, expect coordinator Phil Parker to keep this unit near the top of the Big Ten. However, standout linebacker Jay Higgins won’t be easy to replace.

9. Washington
The offseason development of quarterback Demond Williams Jr. (422 total yards in the Sun Bowl against Louisville) is a big reason to believe Washington can improve on last year’s six wins in its Big Ten debut. Williams also has plenty of help at the skill spots thanks to the return of running back Jonah Coleman (1,053 rushing yards) in ‘24) and receiver Denzel Boston (834 yards). New defensive coordinator Ryan Walters inherits a group with holes to fill but held opponents to 5.3 yards a snap last season. Second-year coach Jedd Fisch landed a key class of transfers to rebuild this side of the ball, including standout cornerback Tacario Davis (Arizona) and linebackers Jacob Manu (Arizona) and Taariq Al-Uqdah (Washington State).

10. USC
After a disappointing 7-6 debut in the Big Ten last year, can coach Lincoln Riley’s team take a step forward in 2025? Coordinator D’Anton Lynn has the defense on the right track after limiting teams to 24.1 points a game (down from 34.4 in ‘23). Despite some personnel turnover, optimism should be high for another step forward. UNLV transfer Jayden Maiava settled into the starting quarterback role midway through ‘24 and should benefit from a full offseason to work under Riley. However, the Trojans will miss running back Woody Marks and question marks continue to surround the offensive line.

11. Minnesota
The Golden Gophers enter 2025 coming off their third winning season in Big Ten play over the last four years. However, coach PJ Fleck’s team has significant offseason retooling ahead if it wants to challenge for a finish in the top half of the conference. Redshirt freshman Drake Lindsey is expected to replace Max Brosmer at quarterback, with the new signal-caller also dealing with transition at receiver and along the offensive line. The offseason transition storyline continues to the defensive side of the ball. Coordinator Corey Hetherman departed to Miami and a handful of starters are gone. However, safety Koi Perich is back after a standout freshman season.

12. Michigan State
After a transition season under first-year coach Jonathan Smith, the Spartans are poised to take a step forward in 2025. Quarterback Aidan Chiles and receiver Nick Marsh are back to build on a promising connection in the passing game. However, the offensive line needs to show marked improvement after allowing 36 sacks, while the defense is also under the spotlight after giving up 31.1 points a game in Big Ten play last season.

13. Rutgers
Last year’s four victories in Big Ten play marked the best season for the program since Greg Schiano returned to Rutgers in 2020. The Scarlet Knights aim to take another step forward in ‘25 with quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis returning after throwing for 2,696 yards and 18 touchdowns in his debut with the program last year. Running back Kyle Monangai (1,279 yards) will be missed, but Antwan Raymond, Ja’shon Benjamin, and Florida Atlantic transfer CJ Campbell form an effective trio out of the backfield. Restocking the offensive line and defense top the list of offseason priorities for Schiano.

14. Wisconsin
The 2025 season is a crucial one for coach Luke Fickell. The Badgers are 12-13 in Fickell’s first two years at the helm and missed a bowl in 2024 for the first time since ‘01. New coordinator Jeff Grimes is tasked with jumpstarting an offense that averaged only 22.6 points a game last year. Billy Edwards Jr. is expected to take over at quarterback after throwing for 2,881 yards and 15 touchdowns last season at Maryland. Fickell is also leaning on several transfers to reload on defense.

15. UCLA
The Bruins started 1-5 but showed improvement over the second half of the season with a 4-2 mark in the team’s final six contests. For UCLA to make a bowl in coach DeShaun Foster’s second year, new play-caller Tino Sunseri has to quickly mesh with Appalachian State transfer Joey Aguilar at quarterback to boost an offense that managed only 18.4 points a game last season. Star linebacker Carson Schwesinger departed to the NFL, but Foster hit the portal hard for help. The Bruins are expected to bring in over 10 transfers on defense to improve a group entering spring practice with question marks at every level.

16. Northwestern
The Wildcats took a step back in 2024 with a four-game regression in wins from the previous year. Coach David Braun took steps to address some of the team’s biggest concerns, reeling in quarterback Preston Stone (SMU) and receiver Griffin Wilde (South Dakota State). Northwestern’s defense loses key contributors at every level, including standout linebacker Xander Mueller and defensive back Theran Johnson.

17. Maryland
The Terrapins missed a bowl in ‘24 for the first time in a full year since ‘19. Getting back on track will require coach Mike Locksley’s team to find answers on both sides of the ball. Maryland allowed 36.1 points a game in Big Ten play last season, while the offense enters ‘25 with question marks at quarterback and along the offensive line. Also, No. 1 receiver Tai Felton (96 catches) is off to the NFL.

18. Purdue
New coach Barry Odom inherits a massive rebuilding effort after Purdue went 5-19 overall over the last two seasons and winless in Big Ten play in ‘24. Odom and his new staff hit the portal hard for talent and reeled in over 25 transfers for the ‘25 season. Arkansas transfer Malachi Singleton could be the frontrunner at quarterback, with running back Devin Mockobee (687 yards in ‘24) one of the top returning building blocks for Odom.

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Fanduel's Big 10 Regular Season Total Wins 24th Feb 25. Michigan State line N/A

Ohio State Regular Season Wins 2025

Over 10.5 Wins -105

Under 10.5 Wins -115

Oregon Regular Season Wins 2025

Over 10.5 Wins -110

Under 10.5 Wins -110

Penn State Regular Season Wins 2025

Over 10.5 Wins +134

Under 10.5 Wins -164

Michigan Regular Season Wins 2025

Over 8.5 Wins -184

Under 8.5 Wins +148

Indiana Regular Season Wins 2025

Over 8.5 Wins +100

Under 8.5 Wins -122

Nebraska Regular Season Wins 2025

Over 7.5 Wins -122

Under 7.5 Wins +100

USC Regular Season Wins 2025

Over 7.5 Wins -118

Under 7.5 Wins -104

Iowa Regular Season Wins 2025

Over 7.5 Wins +138

Under 7.5 Wins -170

Washington Regular Season Wins 2025

Over 7.5 Wins +112

Under 7.5 Wins -138

Illinois Regular Season Wins 2025

Over 7.5 Wins -118

Under 7.5 Wins -104

Minnesota Regular Season Wins 2025

Over 6.5 Wins -142

Under 6.5 Wins +116

Wisconsin Regular Season Wins 2025

Over 5.5 Wins +128

Under 5.5 Wins -158

Maryland Regular Season Wins 2025

Over 4.5 Wins -115

Under 4.5 Wins -105

UCLA Regular Season Wins 2025

Over 4.5 Wins -192

Under 4.5 Wins +154

Northwestern Regular Season Wins 2025

Over 3.5 Wins -160

Under 3.5 Wins +130

Purdue Regular Season Wins 2025

Over 3.5 Wins +160

Under 3.5 Wins -200

UCLA Regular Season Wins 2025

Over 4.5 Wins -192

Under 4.5 Wins +154

Northwestern Regular Season Wins 2025

Over 3.5 Wins -160

Under 3.5 Wins +130

Purdue Regular Season Wins 2025

Over 3.5 Wins +160

Under 3.5 Wins -200

Its kind of weird that they didn't put the Line up or down 1 on these teams ?

Purdue Regular Season Wins 2025

Over 3.5 Wins +160

Under 3.5 Wins -200

Purdue Regular Season Wins 2025

Over 2.5 Wins -105

Under 2.5 Wins -110

They really want you to take the Over 3.5 on Purdue and they really don't want you on the under 3.5