Big Ten Preview: Penn State Returns 14 Starters, Defending CFP Champ Ohio State Remains Favorite

By Abe Rakov

The Big Ten comes into the 2025 season with a deep and experienced field, including three teams (Ohio State, Penn State, and Oregon) ranked in the top 10 in most preseason polls. Ohio State returns star receiver Jeremiah Smith, who set freshman school records with 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns, while new quarterback Julian Sayin, an Alabama transfer, steps into a reloaded offense. Penn State brings back 14 starters from last year’s playoff team, including quarterback Drew Allar, who threw for 3,327 yards and 24 touchdowns, and will benefit from the addition of former Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. Oregon, coming off a Big Ten championship in its first year in the league, now hands the offense to former UCLA quarterback Dante Moore and avoids both Ohio State and Michigan in the regular-season schedule.

In the middle tier, Nebraska and Indiana are positioned to build on momentum from last year with promising quarterbacks Dylan Raiola and Fernando Mendoza, while Michigan will rely on top quarterback recruit Bryce Underwood to get back to national relevance. With 11 Big Ten teams returning at least 60% of their production and a nine-game conference schedule that includes multiple playoff-caliber matchups, the road to Indianapolis is expected to be as competitive, and unforgiving, as any in the nation.

Illinois Fighting Illini

The Illini look to build on last year’s 10-win campaign, returning quarterback Luke Altmyer, who finished 2024 with 2,543 yards and 21 touchdowns. With 76% of its production back this season, one of the nation’s highest marks, Illinois enters the year as one of college football’s more cohesive units. Leading the defense is linebacker Gabe Jacas, who tallied 108 tackles for a front seven that ranked among the Big Ten’s most physical against the run. Expectations rise under head coach Bret Bielema, as Illinois’ favorable schedule presents an opportunity to sustain last season’s momentum if the team can handle the increased attention.

Indiana Hoosiers

Indiana faces a major transition on offense after its playoff run last year. The Hoosiers will turn to Fernando Mendoza, a transfer quarterback from California who threw for 3,004 yards and completed 69% of his attempts last season. He’ll have experienced receiver Elijah Sarratt as a primary target, while improvements up front come via a revamped offensive line. Defensive coordinator Bryant Haines remains in charge of a unit showing signs of growth, but Indiana’s continued relevance in the conference will hinge on Mendoza’s adjustment.

Iowa Hawkeyes

Quarterback play takes priority for an Iowa program that has struggled offensively in recent years. South Dakota State transfer Mark Gronowski arrives with a reputation for mobility and accuracy and steps into a system defined by defense. Veterans return to the unit led by coordinator Phil Parker, including standout safety Xavier Nwankpa. The defense is expected to remain a strength, but the Hawkeyes’ ability to compete for the upper tier of the league will depend on whether the offense can provide enough help — a lingering question in Iowa City for years now.

Maryland Terrapins

Maryland is in a rebuilding year after a 4-8 finish and significant roster turnover. Just 48% of last season’s offensive production is back, and the quarterback competition figures to center around freshman Malik Washington and UCLA transfer Justyn Martin. With a defense that allowed more than 36 points per game in 2024, there’s not a whole lot to rely on right now. Head coach Mike Locksley will be working with one of the Big Ten’s youngest lineups in what will almost certainly shape up as a developmental season in College Park.

Michigan Wolverines

Michigan opens a new chapter with true freshman Bryce Underwood, one of the nation’s top recruits, expected to take over at quarterback following last year’s offensive struggles. He’ll be joined in the backfield by Justice Haynes, an Alabama transfer that should provide some stability. Despite losing several defenders to the NFL, the Wolverines have enough talent for head coach Sherrone Moore to expect a competitive unit. Still, with growing pains likely at quarterback, Michigan’s ceiling may be lower than the immediate expectations fans have for Underwood.

Michigan State Spartans

Year two for coach Jonathan Smith brings the chance for incremental progress at Michigan State. Quarterback Aidan Chiles is back after throwing for 2,415 yards, 13 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 2024, aiming to stabilize an offense that has lacked identity. Contributors like Jeremy Fears Jr. and Jaxon Kohler add experience to a group that needs to cut down on mistakes. The Spartans’ bowl hopes depend on developing offensive consistency and closing the gap on Big Ten rivals.

Minnesota Golden Gophers

Minnesota’s continuity continues with P.J. Fleck at the helm for a ninth season. Running backs Darius Taylor, nearly a 1,000-yard rusher with 10 touchdowns in 2024, and Marshall transfer A.J. Turner should spark the offense. At quarterback, the Gophers turn to redshirt freshman Drake Lindsey, who brings promise but little experience. The defense welcomes back key pieces, and the schedule offers a few opportunities to get to .500. With a track record of steady development, Minnesota chases another bowl bid, assuming Lindsey successfully transitions to the starting role.

Nebraska Cornhuskers

Nebraska hopes to make strides under head coach Matt Rhule with Dylan Raiola, the sophomore quarterback who set school freshman passing records, returning after throwing for 2,819 yards and completing 67.1% of his passes. Dana Holgorsen joins as offensive coordinator, and Kentucky transfer Dane Key should upgrade the receiving unit. The Cornhuskers benefit from a manageable schedule, avoiding Ohio State and Oregon, while hosting key games in Lincoln. After incremental gains in the last two years, a jump up the standings is within reach.

Northwestern Wildcats

With a new starting quarterback in Preston Stone, who joins after a stint at SMU, Northwestern continues to retool under coach David Braun. Running back Cam Porter provides continuity for an offense focusing on efficiency. Homeless while Ryan Field is under renovation, the Wildcats will share home dates between their tiny on-campus temporary stadium and Wrigley Field. Despite roster and depth challenges, Northwestern’s disciplined approach has led to competitiveness, and the Wildcats hope to stay in the bowl conversation this fall.

Ohio State Buckeyes

Despite major personnel changes — including the arrival of sophomore quarterback Julian Sayin, who transferred from Alabama — Ohio State is once again projected to be one of college football’s top programs. Sayin’s supporting cast includes sophomore wideout Jeremiah Smith, who set new freshman marks last season, and safety Caleb Downs leading a rebuilt defense. Both coordinators from last season have departed, further testing the Buckeyes’ depth. Nevertheless, with nearly unrivaled talent, Ohio State remains among the Big Ten’s title favorites and opens with a high-profile home test against Texas.

Oregon Ducks

Quarterback Dante Moore inherits the Oregon offense after learning behind Dillon Gabriel last year. Moore’s improvement in mobility is one storyline to watch, while Tulane transfer Makhi Hughes, who rushed for 1,300 yards in 2024, is key to the ground game. Linebacker Matayo Uiagalelei anchors a defense that returns several major contributors from last season. The Ducks avoid Ohio State and Michigan in regular-season play and have a potentially decisive late September matchup at Penn State. Oregon’s blueprint (recruit well, develop talent, and play fast) remains the model for its sustained success.

Penn State Nittany Lions

Bolstered by 14 returning starters and an ESPN preseason No. 1 ranking, Penn State puts forward what coach James Franklin calls his most talented squad yet. Quarterback Drew Allar, who threw for 3,327 yards and 24 touchdowns last season, will have plenty of help in the backfield with Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen. Penn State added veteran defensive coordinator Jim Knowles in the offseason. With a schedule that brings Oregon and Michigan State to Beaver Stadium before a high-stakes November trip to Ohio State, the Nittany Lions aim to go further than last year’s playoff semifinal run.

Purdue Boilermakers

Barry Odom takes over at Purdue with the task of overhauling a roster that went 1-11 last season. Odom, who found success at UNLV, will rely on experience and a flood of new transfers (more than 50) in rebuilding. Progress will be measured as much by culture change as by wins and losses, which is what analysts say about teams that aren’t going to get many wins, but early opportunities in the Boilermakers’ schedule could help build momentum. Realistically, the season is about reestablishing a competitive baseline in West Lafayette.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights

With Athan Kaliakmanis back at quarterback after a 2,700-yard season and 71% of production returning, Rutgers seeks a third consecutive bowl berth under head coach Greg Schiano. The Scarlet Knights again rely on defense, aiming to hold their own amid a challenging schedule and resource limitations compared to the Big Ten heavyweights. Schiano’s formula has enabled Rutgers to exceed expectations, and the trend could continue if the new pieces blend effectively and quickly.

UCLA Bruins

UCLA turns to former Tennessee five-star recruit Nico Iamaleava at quarterback for a boost in second-year coach DeShaun Foster’s program. While the Bruins struggled to adapt to more physical line play in the Big Ten, recruiting has brought needed depth on both lines. Much of the season’s outlook depends on how quickly Iamaleava settles in and whether UCLA can convert newfound talent into wins. With bowl eligibility as a realistic target, steady improvement rather than a breakthrough season would count as a successful year in Westwood.

USC Trojans

This is a critical campaign for USC head coach Lincoln Riley, who faces increased scrutiny after two mediocre seasons in a row. Quarterback Jayden Maiava directs an offense that remained efficient last year, but defensive shortcomings, particularly against explosive plays, are a focus under new coordinator D’Anton Lynn. Matchups with Michigan, Notre Dame, and Oregon headline a difficult schedule.

Washington Huskies

Washington’s season hinges on stabilizing quarterback play during coach Jedd Fisch’s second season. Running back Jonah Coleman, after rushing for more than 1,000 yards in 2024, anchors the offense, while Denzel Boston provides a proven receiving target. The defense struggled with explosive plays in 2024 but is retooled after a strong offseason in recruiting and development. If improvements materialize under center, the Huskies could move up from the league’s middle tier and contend for a bowl.

Wisconsin Badgers

Wisconsin is trying to get back its traditional identity entering year three under Luke Fickell, who hired Jeff Grimes in the offseason to reestablish the power-run game. Quarterback Billy Edwards Jr., a Maryland transfer and the league’s third-leading passer in yards per game last season, leads a unit that struggled for consistency. Ricardo Hallman returns at cornerback after earning All-American honors. With major challenges on the schedule, including Alabama, Ohio State, Michigan, and Oregon, the Badgers are aiming for a return to bowl eligibility this season and higher expectations next year.

Big Ten Projected Standings

1. Ohio State (11-1, 8-1 Big Ten)
2. Penn State (10-2, 7-2 Big Ten)
3. Oregon (10-2, 7-2 Big Ten)
4. Michigan (8-4, 5-4 Big Ten)
5. USC (8-4, 5-4 Big Ten)
6. Indiana (7-5, 4-5 Big Ten)
7. Nebraska (8-4, 5-4 Big Ten)
8. Illinois (7-5, 4-5 Big Ten)
9. Washington (7-5, 4-5 Big Ten)
10. Iowa (6-6, 3-6 Big Ten)
11. Minnesota (6-6, 3-6 Big Ten)
12. Rutgers (6-6, 3-6 Big Ten)
13. Wisconsin (5-7, 2-7 Big Ten)
14. Michigan State (5-7, 2-7 Big Ten)
15. UCLA (5-7, 2-7 Big Ten)
16. Maryland (4-8, 1-8 Big Ten)
17. Northwestern (4-8, 1-8 Big Ten)
18. Purdue (3-9, 0-9 Big Ten)