NCAAF · 1 hour ago

ESPN Ranks the Offseason for Each Big Ten College Football Team

John Canady

Host · Writer

18) Michigan State Spartans
Michigan State Spartans Team Profile
- Head Coach: Pat Fitzgerald (1st Season)
- 2025 Record: 4-8 (1-8)
- 2025 Finish: 16th in the Big Ten
Michigan State worked to offset several notable departures by strengthening both the offensive line and secondary. The additions of Cam Edwards and Tre Bell should help right away, while quarterback recruit Kayd Coffman gives the Spartans a player to develop for the future.

Key additions: RB Cam Edwards, OT Ben Murawski, CB Tre Bell

Key departures: WR Nick Marsh, OL Matt Gulbin, QB Aidan Chiles

Top incoming recruits: QB Kayd Coffman, WR Samson Gash, OT Collin Campbell
1) Indiana Hoosiers
Indiana Hoosiers Team Profile
- Head Coach: Curt Cignetti (3rd Season)
- 2025 Record: 13-3 (6-2)
- 2025 Finish: College Football Playoff National Champions
Indiana made one of the biggest quarterback upgrades in the conference by landing Josh Hoover, while adding proven playmaker Nick Marsh to the offense. Losing Fernando Mendoza and D'Angelo Ponds creates challenges, but the Hoosiers supplemented their roster with key defensive additions and a strong recruiting haul in the trenches.

Key additions: QB Josh Hoover, WR Nick Marsh, DL Tobi Osunsanmi

Key departures: QB Fernando Mendoza, CB D'Angelo Ponds, WR Omar Cooper Jr.

Top incoming recruits: DT Gabe Hill, DT Cameron McHaney, DE Kevontay Hugan
2) Oregon Ducks
Oregon Ducks Team Profile
- Head Coach: Dan Lanning (5th Season)
- 2025 Record: 13–2 (8-1)
- 2025 Finish: Lost in College Football Playoff Semifinals
Oregon again attacked the offseason aggressively, highlighted by the additions of Dylan Raiola and Koi Perich. The Ducks lost several impact defenders, but landing elite recruits like Immanuel Iheanacho and Kendre Harrison reinforces their status as one of the Big Ten's premier programs.

Key additions: S Koi Perich, QB Dylan Raiola, OL Michael Bennett

Key departures: TE Kenyon Sadiq, S Dillon Thieneman, LB Bryce Boettcher

Top incoming recruits: OT Immanuel Iheanacho, TE Kendre Harrison, S Jett Washington
3) USC Trojans
USC Trojans Team Profile
- Head Coach: Lincoln Riley (4th Season)
- 2025 Record: 9-4 (7-2)
- 2025 Finish: 4th in the Big Ten
USC focused on adding speed and athleticism through the portal, bringing in contributors such as Terrell Anderson and Zuriah Fisher. Replacing offensive weapons like Makai Lemon and Ja'Kobi Lane won't be easy, but the Trojans continue to stockpile talent with top recruits Keenyi Pepe and Luke Wafle.

Key additions: WR Terrell Anderson, CB Jontez Williams, DE Zuriah Fisher

Key departures: WR Makai Lemon, WR Ja'Kobi Lane, S Kamari Ramsey

Top incoming recruits: OT Keenyi Pepe, DE Luke Wafle, TE Mark Bowman
4) Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State Buckeyes Team Profile
- Head Coach: Ryan Day (8th Season)
- 2025 Record: 12-2 (9-0)
- 2025 Finish: Lost in College Football Playoff Quarterfinal
Ohio State suffered some major departures, including standout safety Caleb Downs, but few teams reload better than the Buckeyes. The additions of James Smith and Qua Russaw, combined with a recruiting class headlined by Chris Henry Jr., keep the roster loaded with championship-caliber talent.

Key additions: DT James Smith, DE Qua Russaw, DB Earl Little Jr.

Key departures: S Caleb Downs, LB Arvell Reese, WR Carnell Tate

Top incoming recruits: WR Chris Henry Jr., OLB Cincere Johnson, CB Jay Timmons
5) Penn State Nittany Lions
Penn State Nittany Lions Team Profile
- Head Coach: Matt Campbell (1st Season)
- 2025 Record: 7-6 (3-6)
- 2025 Finish: 12th in the Big Ten
Penn State addressed its future at quarterback by bringing in Rocco Becht and added offensive support with Carson Hansen. The departures of star backs Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen leave big shoes to fill, but the Nittany Lions remain well-positioned thanks to another strong recruiting class.

Key additions: QB Rocco Becht, RB Carson Hansen, S Marcus Neal Jr.

Key departures: OL Olaivavega Ioane, RB Nicholas Singleton, RB Kaytron Allen

Top incoming recruits: DE Elijah Reeder, QB Peyton Falzone, DE Jackson Ford
6) Michigan Wolverines
Michigan Wolverines Team Profile
- Head Coach: Kyle Whittingham (1st Season)
- 2025 Record: 9-4 (7-2)
- 2025 Finish: 5th in the Big Ten
Michigan focused heavily on reinforcing its defense, highlighted by the arrivals of John Henry Daley and Smith Snowden. Losing key front-seven contributors hurts, but elite recruits like Carter Meadows and Savion Hiter provide plenty of optimism for the Wolverines moving forward.

Key additions: DE John Henry Daley, CB Smith Snowden, WR JJ Buchanan

Key departures: Edge Derrick Moore, LB Jaishawn Barham, LB Jimmy Rolder

Top incoming recruits: DE Carter Meadows, RB Savion Hiter, WR Salesi Moa
7) Iowa Hawkeyes
Iowa Hawkeyes Team Profile
- Head Coach: Kirk Ferentz (27th Season)
- 2025 Record: 9-4 (6-3)
- 2025 Finish: 6th in the Big Ten
Iowa continued its tradition of building through physicality and defensive depth this offseason. Additions such as L.J. Phillips Jr. and Kahmari Brown should help immediately. At the same time, quarterback recruit Tradon Bessinger gives the program an intriguing long-term piece at the game's most important position.

Key additions: RB L.J. Phillips Jr., DL Kahmari Brown, DB Tyler Brown

Key departures: OL Logan Jones, OL Gennings Dunker, S Koen Entringer

Top incoming recruits: QB Tradon Bessinger, OT Carson Nielsen, CB Darion Jones
8) Nebraska Cornhuskers
Nebraska Cornhuskers Team Profile
- Head Coach: Matt Rhule (3rd Season)
- 2025 Record: 7-6 (4-5)
- 2025 Finish: 10th in the Big Ten
Nebraska enters a transition period after losing quarterback Dylan Raiola, making the addition of Anthony Colandrea especially important. The Cornhuskers also strengthened the roster with experienced transfers and a recruiting class led by highly regarded cornerback Danny Odem.

Key additions: QB Anthony Colandrea, OL Paul Mubenga, LB Owen Chambliss

Key departures: RB Emmett Johnson, QB Dylan Raiola, DB DeShon Singleton

Top incoming recruits: CB Danny Odem, RB Jamal Rule, OT Claude Mpouma
9) Minnesota Golden Gophers
Minnesota Golden Gophers Team Profile
- Head Coach: P. J. Fleck (10th Season)
- 2025 Record: 8-5 (5-4)
- 2025 Finish: 9th in the Big Ten
Minnesota added playmaking ability with receiver Perry Thompson and continued to reinforce the defense through the portal. While losing Koi Perich is significant, the Golden Gophers brought in several young pieces who could help sustain the program's development.

Key additions: WR Perry Thompson, DL TJ Bush Jr., CB Aydan West

Key departures: S Koi Perich, DL Deven Eastern, LB Devon Williams

Top incoming recruits: DE Howie Johnson, TE Roman Voss, OT Andrew Trout
10) Illinois Fighting Illini
Illinois Fighting Illini Gophers Team Profile
- Head Coach: Bret Bielema (6th Season)
- 2025 Record: 9-4 (5-4)
- 2025 Finish: 8th in the Big Ten
Illinois turned to Katin Houser as its next quarterback after the departure of Luke Altmyer. The Illini also addressed key offensive needs through the portal while adding promising recruits like Micah Smith and versatile athlete Nasir Rankin.

Key additions: QB Katin Houser, OL Christian Martin, WR Alex Perry

Key departures: QB Luke Altmyer, OLB Gabe Jacas, OL J.C. Davis

Top incoming recruits: OT Micah Smith, ATH Nasir Rankin, CB Nick Hankins
11) UCLA Bruins
UCLA Bruins Team Profile
- Head Coach: Bret Bielema (1st Season)
- 2025 Record: 3-9 (3-6)
- 2025 Finish: 12th in the Big Ten
UCLA emphasized rebuilding the trenches and secondary by adding Sahir West and Tao Johnson. The Bruins also landed several intriguing offensive recruits, giving the program a blend of immediate help and future upside.

Key additions: DL Sahir West, RB Wayne Knight, S Tao Johnson

Key departures: DL Gary Smith III, OL Garrett DiGiorgio, WR Kwazi Gilmer

Top incoming recruits: TE Camden Jensen, WR Kenneth Moore, OT Quinn Buckey
12) Washington Huskies
Washington Huskies Team Profile
- Head Coach: Jedd Fisch (3rd Season)
- 2025 Record: 9-4 (5-4)
- 2025 Finish: 7th in the Big Ten
Washington experienced notable roster turnover but worked to stabilize key positions through the transfer portal. Players like Jayden Limar and Emmanuel Karnley should help fill immediate needs, while recruits Kodi Greene and Brian Bonner Jr. strengthen the program's foundation.

Key additions: RB Jayden Limar, OL Kolt Dieterich, CB Emmanuel Karnley

Key departures: WR Denzel Boston, RB Jonah Coleman, CB Ephesians Prysock

Top incoming recruits: OT Kodi Greene, RB Brian Bonner Jr., CB Rahsjon Duncan
13) Northwestern Wildcats
Northwestern Wildcats Team Profile
- Head Coach: David Braun (3rd Season)
- 2025 Record: 7-6 (4-5)
- 2025 Finish: 11th in the Big Ten
Northwestern made a major splash by landing quarterback Aidan Chiles, giving the Wildcats a proven signal-caller to build around. Combined with additions such as Kobie McKinzie, the offseason provided a much-needed talent boost on both sides of the ball.

Key additions: QB Aidan Chiles, LB Kobie McKinzie, TE Luke Dehnicke

Key departures: OL Caleb Tiernan, LB Mac Uihlein, OL Evan Beerntsen

Top incoming recruits: WR Jaden McDuffie, OT Jack Fuchs, OG Owen Fors
14) Wisconsin Badgers
Wisconsin Badgers Team Profile
- Head Coach: Luke Fickell (3rd Season)
- 2025 Record: 4-8 (2-7)
- 2025 Finish: 15th in the Big Ten
Wisconsin reshaped its offense with the additions of quarterback Colton Joseph and running back Abu Sama III. The Badgers also added talent for the future, highlighted by recruits Jack Sievers and Keeyshawn Tabuteau, as they look to regain footing in the Big Ten race.

Key additions: QB Colton Joseph, RB Abu Sama III, S Marvin Burks Jr.

Key departures: WR Vinny Anthony II, OLB Mason Reiger, OL Joe Brunner

Top incoming recruits: TE Jack Sievers, WR Keeyshawn Tabuteau, OT Brady Bekkenhuis
15) Maryland Terrapins
Maryland Terrapins Team Profile
- Head Coach: Mike Locksley (8th Season)
- 2025 Record: 4-8 (1-8)
- 2025 Finish: 17th in the Big Ten
Maryland focused heavily on adding skill-position talent, bringing in receivers Na'eem Abdul-Rahim Gladding and Chris Durr Jr. The Terrapins also secured one of the nation's top defensive recruits, Zion Elee, giving the program a cornerstone moving forward.

Key additions: WR Na'eem Abdul-Rahim Gladding, WR Chris Durr Jr., CB Amari Jackson

Key departures: DB Jalen Huskey, OL Alan Herron, DL Cam Rice

Top incoming recruits: DE Zion Elee, DT JaMarcus Whyce, S Darrell Carey
16) Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Team Profile
- Head Coach: Greg Schiano (17th Season)
- 2025 Record: 5-7 (2-7)
- 2025 Finish: 14th in the Big Ten
Rutgers addressed its quarterback situation by adding Dylan Lonergan and reinforced the defense through the portal. The Scarlet Knights also added promising young receivers Dyzier Carter and Elias Coke, providing more offensive upside for the future.

Key additions: QB Dylan Lonergan, CB Kevyn Humes, LB Ty Morris

Key departures: QB Athan Kaliakmanis, WR Ian Strong, CB Bo Mascoe

Top incoming recruits: WR Dyzier Carter, WR Elias Coke, S Messiah Tilson
17) Purdue Boilermakers
Purdue Boilermakers Team Profile
- Head Coach: Barry Odom (2nd Season)
- 2025 Record: 2-10 (0-9)
- 2025 Finish: 18th in the Big Ten
Purdue's offseason centered around adding athleticism and depth across the roster. Transfers such as Elo Modozie and Xavier Townsend should help immediately, while recruits Josiah Hope and Izaiah Wright bring developmental upside to key positions.

Key additions: LB Elo Modozie, RB Fame Ijeboi, WR Xavier Townsend

Key departures: RB Devin Mockobee, LB Mani Powell, DT Jamarrion Harkless

Top incoming recruits: DT Josiah Hope, DB Jett Goldsberry, RB Izaiah Wright
18) Michigan State Spartans
Michigan State Spartans Team Profile
- Head Coach: Pat Fitzgerald (1st Season)
- 2025 Record: 4-8 (1-8)
- 2025 Finish: 16th in the Big Ten
Michigan State worked to offset several notable departures by strengthening both the offensive line and secondary. The additions of Cam Edwards and Tre Bell should help right away, while quarterback recruit Kayd Coffman gives the Spartans a player to develop for the future.

Key additions: RB Cam Edwards, OT Ben Murawski, CB Tre Bell

Key departures: WR Nick Marsh, OL Matt Gulbin, QB Aidan Chiles

Top incoming recruits: QB Kayd Coffman, WR Samson Gash, OT Collin Campbell
1) Indiana Hoosiers
Indiana Hoosiers Team Profile
- Head Coach: Curt Cignetti (3rd Season)
- 2025 Record: 13-3 (6-2)
- 2025 Finish: College Football Playoff National Champions
Indiana made one of the biggest quarterback upgrades in the conference by landing Josh Hoover, while adding proven playmaker Nick Marsh to the offense. Losing Fernando Mendoza and D'Angelo Ponds creates challenges, but the Hoosiers supplemented their roster with key defensive additions and a strong recruiting haul in the trenches.

Key additions: QB Josh Hoover, WR Nick Marsh, DL Tobi Osunsanmi

Key departures: QB Fernando Mendoza, CB D'Angelo Ponds, WR Omar Cooper Jr.

Top incoming recruits: DT Gabe Hill, DT Cameron McHaney, DE Kevontay Hugan