NCAAF · 1 hour ago

Big Ten Football Power Rankings By Tiers: Michigan & IU With Statement Wins

Danny Mogollon

Host · Writer

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Here are our Big Ten Football Power Rankings going into Week 5 of the College Football season.

2025 Big Ten Football Power Rankings

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Penn State Nittany Lions B1G Power Ranking: #1

TIER I – THE FAVORITES

A.P. Poll: No. 3 | Coaches Poll: No. 2 | SP+: No. 2

Record: 3-0 | Last Week: 1 | Idle

The Nittany Lions haven’t been very impressive on offense through a quarter of the season. Here’s the thing. They haven’t had to be. If we knock James Franklin for beating up on inferior teams while he’s unable to win the “big games,” can we really knock PSU for a lack of style points in blowout wins?

Ohio State Buckeyes B1G Power Ranking: #2

TIER I – THE FAVORITES

A.P. Poll: No. 1 | Coaches Poll: No. 1 | SP+: No. 3

Record: 3-0 | Last Week: 2 | Idle

With three road games (Washington, Illinois, Wisconsin) followed by a visit from Penn State, Ohio State begins the most brutal stretch of its season. Avoid more than one loss, and the Buckeyes will virtually punch their playoff ticket. This week’s trip to Seattle could be sneaky tough.

Oregon Ducks B1G Power Ranking: #3

TIER I – THE FAVORITES

A.P. Poll: No. 6 | Coaches Poll: No. 5 | SP+: No. 1

Record: 4-0 | Last Week: 3 | Oregon 41, Oregon State 7

As impressive as Oregon has looked through four weeks, its odds to win the national title (+700) remain the same and have actually become longer to win the Big Ten (+250, opened at +240 at BetMGM). Do I agree? No, but that’s probably because I had more doubts than the books did going into the season. I do agree the Ducks still have a lot to prove against better competition.

Indiana Hoosiers B1G Power Ranking: #4

TIER II – CFP CONTENDERS

A.P. Poll: 11 | Coaches Poll: 12 | SP+: No. 6

Record: 4-0 | Last Week: 7 | Indiana 63, Illinois 10

Well, Indiana’s streak was halted at 115 straight points. So, that happened. Saturday’s outcome in Bloomington might have been about Illinois as much as it was about the Hoosiers. That’s fine. With their dominant performance, Indiana still proved itself to be a legitimate playoff contender and maybe even a dark horse to challenge the Big Ten’s top three.

USC Trojans B1G Power Ranking: #5

TIER II – CFP CONTENDERS

A.P. Poll: 21 | Coaches Poll: 22 | SP+: No. 11

Record: 4-0 | Last Week: 4 | USC 45, Michigan State 31

USC did nothing wrong in dropping down a spot; it was more about what Indiana did. We get a comp data point as the Trojans take on Illinois this week. I still believe USC’s ceiling is just as high as Indiana’s. However, I would feel more comfortable about their CFP chances if they show us they can play just as well on the road as they do at home. The first of four road tests is scheduled for this weekend, and they will have to win at least two.

Michigan Wolverines B1G Power Ranking: #6

TIER II – CFP CONTENDERS

A.P. Poll: No. 19 | Coaches Poll: No. 18 | SP+: No. 17

Record: 3-1 | Last Week’s Rank: No. 6 | Michigan 30, Nebraska 27

We told you Michigan would win the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball in Lincoln, and they did. Now, was that more about the Wolverines or the Cornhuskers? Nevertheless, that was a big road win against a solid (maybe good?) B1G team with a true freshman QB in his first conference game. Bryce Underwood didn’t have to do too much, and that’s probably a good thing as the running game and pass rush won the day.

Washington Huskies B1G Power Ranking: #7

TIER III – Top 25 POTENTIAL

A.P. Poll: NR | Coaches Poll: NR | SP+: No. 28

Record: 3-0 | Last Week: 9 | Washington 59, Washington State 24

I’m not sure if the Huskies deserve to be ranked, but not to get a single vote in the AP Poll? What are these writers watching (or not)? They have legitimate question marks about their defense, which was without their best player against WSU, but the offense might be worthy of a CFP bid. They’re that good. If they give Ohio State a game on Saturday, they will not be overlooked for long.

Iowa Hawkeyes B1G Power Ranking: #8

TIER III – Top 25 POTENTIAL

A.P. Poll: NR | Coaches Poll: NR | SP+: No. 35

Record: 3-1 | Last Week: 8 | Iowa 38, Rutgers 28

Still not sure what to make of the 2025 Hawkeyes. The offense is improved, but when’s the last time Iowa won a game (on the road in conference play to boot!) because of their offense? However, that was one of the worst games we’ve seen their defense play—opponent adjusted—in years. Perhaps it was simply a good matchup for the offense and a bad one for the defense (part of it), or maybe it reveals something more significant.

Illinois Fighting Illini B1G Power Ranking: #9

TIER III – Top 25 POTENTIAL

A.P. Poll: No. 23 | Coaches Poll: No. 23 | SP+: No. 36

Record: 3-1 | Last Week: 5 | Indiana 63, Illinois 10

In this spot last week, I asked, “Are the Illini for real?” And boy did we get our answer. It’s one game, and they have time to bounce back, but when you lose by 53 points, you’re going to tumble hard. I’m surprised they’re still ranked. Yes, the defensive secondary was banged up, but is that why Illinois was limited to 161 total yards?

Nebraska Cornhuskers B1G Power Ranking: #10

TIER III – Top 25 POTENTIAL

A.P. Poll: NR | Coaches Poll: NR | SP+: No. 20

Record: 3-1 | Last Week: 10 | Michigan 30, Nebraska 27

The Cornhuskers suffered their first defeat of the season, and the game wasn’t as close as the final score indicated. This team has serious concerns about its ability to protect its quarterback and stop the run when playing against stronger competition. Here’s the thing: I never thought Nebraska was a playoff contender. What I saw on Saturday was exactly what I expected from them.