Big Ten Power Rankings, Week 14

Big Ten Power Rankings, Week 14Story byAdam SutroWed, December 3, 2025 at 7:19 PM UTC·12 min read

In Big Ten Power Rankings, we take a close look at each team’s body of work up to this point in the season. When comparing teams head-to-head, I will first answer the question: “Who would be favored if these teams were to play head-to-head?” From there, if no obvious favorite exists, I will be specifically focused on comparing relative strength of victories and strength of losses to determine appropriate rank.

With the regular season coming to a close in Week 14, included in this week’s edition of Big Ten Power Rankings is a regular season letter grade. The grade, based off of the team’s performance relative to program standards and preseason expectations, evaluates the team’s performance in the regular season.

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Note: All CFP Top 25 rankings listed represent the current rank of the team, not the rank at the time of the game.

Bold Wins/Losses: Represent the outcome of the game that team played in Week 14.

1. No. 1 Ohio State (-)

Wins (12): No. 13 Texas, Grambling, Ohio, Washington, Minnesota, Illinois, Wisconsin, Penn State, Purdue, UCLA, Rutgers, No. 19 Michigan

Losses (0): N/A

Scoring Margin: +25.5 (3rd in FBS)

The Buckeyes continued to assert themselves as the favorite to win the national championship in their 27-9 victory over rival Michigan. Ohio State has been dominant all season, but some pundits still questioned its lack of ranked wins on its resume. On the road against the No. 19 Wolverines, the Buckeyes were absolutely dominant, outgaining Michigan 419-163.

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Michigan gained just 63 yards passing and couldn’t make anything of its limited success on the ground. Ohio State ranks second nationally in red zone TD rate allowed, and forced field goals on each of Michigan’s three substantial drives.

The No. 1 ranked Buckeye defense has held both the ranked opponents it faced this season to under 10 points. What. A. Unit. It’s an “A+” regular season for Ohio State, who claimed the national No. 1 rank in Week 2 and held that title the rest of the way.

Grade: A+

2. No. 2 Indiana (-)

Wins (12): Old Dominion, Kennesaw State, Indiana State, Illinois, No. 23 Iowa, No. 5 Oregon, Michigan State, UCLA, Maryland, Penn State, Wisconsin, Purdue

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Losses (0): N/A

Scoring Margin: +29.8 (1st in FBS)

One of the most dominant Old Oaken Bucket game victories in Hoosier football history ended the greatest season ever for Indiana. The Hoosiers won 56-3, gaining 548 yards on the Boilermakers, its sixth time this season totaling 500+ offensive yards.

In just a single season, Curt Cignetti’s squad has secured victories of 56-9, 73-0, 63-10, 56-6, 55-10, 31-7 and now 56-3, contributing to a scoring margin of +29.8 that ranks No. 1 in the nation. It’s been an “A+” season of pure dominance for the Hoosiers, who will look to bring home their first-ever Big Ten football championship against No. 1 Ohio State on Saturday.

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Grade: A+

3. No. 5 Oregon (-)

Wins (11): Montana State, Oklahoma State, Northwestern, Oregon State, Penn State, Rutgers, Wisconsin, No. 23 Iowa, Minnesota, No. 16 USC, Washington

Losses (1): No. 2 Indiana

Scoring Margin: +21.3 (5th in FBS)

Despite playing rival Washington on the road, Oregon came out fearless, scoring the game’s first 13 points. The Ducks were in cruise control the rest of the afternoon, with Dante Moore’s 286 yards and 20-for-29 passing splits leading the way alongside Dillon Thieneman’s big seven-tackle, one-sack, one-interception day.

In Eugene, a Big Ten Championship game appearance is always the expectation. The 11-1 Ducks won’t make their way to Indianapolis this year, but they will still get the chance to compete for a national title, ranked No. 5 in the College Football Playoff Committee’s most recent rankings.

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Grade: A-

4. No. 16 USC (-)

Wins (9): Missouri State, Georgia Southern, Purdue, Michigan State, No. 18 Michigan, Nebraska, Northwestern, No. 23 Iowa, UCLA

Losses (3): Illinois, No. 10 Notre Dame, No. 5 Oregon

Scoring Margin: +14.1 (15th in FBS)

After a competitive first half that saw UCLA lead 10-7 headed to the locker room, the Trojans took over in the game’s final thirty minutes for a 29-10 victory. UCLA was held scoreless in the second half, while USC scored touchdowns on each of its final three drives. As has been the case all year, the Trojans’ rally was triggered by explosive offense, as USC produced a 25+ yard offensive play on each of its second half touchdown drives.

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The win saw the Trojans close out the regular season with a 9-3 record. Considering USC was unranked in the AP’s preseason Top 25 and No. 7 in Inside NU’s preseason Big Ten power rankings, the Trojans’ competitive season was a step in the right direction for Lincoln Riley.

Grade: A-

5. No. 23 Iowa (+2)

Wins (8): Albany, UMass, Rutgers, Wisconsin, Penn State, Minnesota, Michigan State, Nebraska

Losses (4): Iowa State, No. 2 Indiana, No. 5 Oregon, No. 16 USC

Scoring Margin: +12.5 (17th in FBS)

After a rough few weeks, the Hawkeyes closed out their regular season with a bang, thrashing Nebraska 40-16 at Memorial Stadium. Iowa scored four of its touchdowns on the ground, rushing for more than 200 yards for the fifth time this season.

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Iowa’s big win over the Cornhuskers bumps it up two spots in these power rankings. Despite having one more loss than Michigan, the Hawkeyes have played ranked opponents close — Iowa has a scoring margin of -4.0 against ranked opponents, while Michigan’s is -15.67 — while dominating in its wins. Outside of its silly Week 2 loss to rival Iowa State, what a season it has been for the black and yellow.

Grade: A-

6. N0. 19 Michigan (-1)

Wins (9): New Mexico, Central Michigan, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Washington, Michigan State, Purdue, Northwestern, Maryland

Losses (3): No. 8 Oklahoma, No. 16 USC, No. 1 Ohio State

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Scoring Margin: +8.9 (31st in FBS)

Though Michigan’s 9-3 record is an improvement from its 7-5 last year, it’s hard for Wolverines to be happy after losing to their hated rival Ohio State. Entering with a four-game winning streak in The Game, Michigan was completely outmatched this time around, falling 27-9 in front of its home crowd.

Five-star freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood had continued struggles against an elite Buckeye defense, completing just 8-of-18 of his passes and throwing for just 63 yards. A tough way to end the season for the Wolverines.

Grade: B-

7. Washington (-1)

Wins (8): Colorado State, UC Davis, Washington State, Maryland, Rutgers, Illinois, Purdue, UCLA

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Losses (4): No. 1 Ohio State, No. 19 Michigan, Wisconsin, No. 5 Oregon

Scoring Margin: +10.2 (25th in FBS)

In Washington’s four losses this year, it has been the offense that has struggled to keep pace. Keeping with that narrative, in Washington’s 26-14 defeat to No. 5 Oregon, the Huskies were only able to put together two scoring drives, as star freshman quarterback Demond Williams Jr. threw for his lowest yardage total all season.

In fact, each of Williams’ four lowest single-game passing totals came in the Huskies four losses, showing the freshman still has some room to grow as a passer against tougher defenses. However, the Huskies walked away from the regular season having improved from last year and possessing one of the nation’s best quarterback prospects.

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Grade: A-

8. Illinois (-)

Wins (8): Western Illinois, Duke, Western Michigan, No. 16 USC, Purdue, Rutgers, Maryland, Northwestern

Losses (4): No. 2 Indiana, No. 1 Ohio State, Washington, Wisconsin

Scoring Margin: +2.2 (59th in FBS)

Last year, the Illini were 10-2, and the expectation in Champaign was a repeat of that incredible performance. Instead, Illinois finished 8-4, returning a high-flying offense led by senior quarterback Luke Altmyer but struggling defensively against the Big Ten’s top opponents. Nevertheless, Illinois did win most of the games it was supposed to win, like the Land of Lincoln game against Northwestern. The Fighting Illini won 20-13, forcing four turnovers to keep “The Hat” in Champaign.

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Grade: B-

9. Northwestern (-)

Wins (6): Western Illinois, UCLA, Louisiana Monroe, Penn State, Purdue, Minnesota

Losses (6): No. 20 Tulane, No. 5 Oregon, Nebraska, No. 16 USC, No. 19 Michigan, Illinois

Scoring Margin: -1.5 (74th in FBS)

The ‘Cats fell 20-13 to Illinois, as Preston Stone’s four turnovers — three of which came in the fourth quarter — proved to be too much for the ‘Cats to overcome. It was the Cardiac ‘Cats’ sixth one-possession game of the year, and with the loss, Northwestern finished the regular season 3-3 in such games.

Though it was a disappointing way to end the season, it was still a rebound year for David Braun’s team. Entering the season, Inside NU ranked Northwestern 15th in the conference. The ‘Cats turned things around, rebounding from their 4-8 2024 and punching their ticket to a bowl.

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Grade: B+

10. Penn State (-)

Wins (6): Nevada, Florida International, Villanova, Michigan State, Nebraska, Rutgers

Losses (6): N0. 5 Oregon, UCLA, Northwestern, No. 23 Iowa, No. 1 Ohio State, No. 2 Indiana

Scoring Margin: +7.1 (35th in FBS)

Though it feels weird to say, it has been quite a run down the stretch by the Nittany Lions to make a bowl game at 6-6. The Lions won three straight to close the season, including last Saturday’s 40-36 win against Rutgers. Over this stretch, Penn State has averaged 35 points per game behind the resurgence of a talented run game led by Kaytron Allen’s 189 yards per game.

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Obviously, it was still a disastrous season for a Penn State team with national championship aspirations, but with its play at the end of the year, it’s no longer an “F.”

Grade: D-

11. Minnesota (-)

Wins (7): Buffalo, Northwestern State, Rutgers, Purdue, Nebraska, Michigan State, Wisconsin

Losses (5): California, No. 1 Ohio State, No. 23 Iowa, No. 5 Oregon, Northwestern

Scoring Margin: -6.2 (97th in FBS)

Minnesota claimed Paul Bunyan’s Axe in a 17-7 win over rival Wisconsin. In a game where neither team did much offensively, junior defensive back John Nestor was the difference.

Nestor accounted for all three of the Gophers’ turnovers, nabbing two interceptions and a fumble recovery. Additionally, he led the team in tackles with nine. Nestor’s performance secured a second straight 7-5 season for Minnesota, who stood strong in Big Ten play despite losing star quarterback Max Brosmer to the NFL last offseason.

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Grade: B

12. Nebraska (-)

Wins (7): Cincinnati, Akron, Houston Christian, Michigan State, Maryland, Northwestern, UCLA

Losses (5): N0. 19 Michigan, Minnesota, N0. 16 USC, Penn State, No. 23 Iowa

Scoring Margin: +2.1 (60th in FBS)

After losing star quarterback Dylan Raiola in its 21-17 loss to USC, Nebraska hasn’t been the same team. After slugging out a 28-21 victory over UCLA, the Cornhuskers lost their last two games by over 20 points to Penn State and Iowa.

Against Iowa, Raiola’s replacement, TJ Lateef, was just 9-of-24 passing for 69 yards. Emmett Johnson rushed for 217 yards on the ground, but it’s hard to be fully effective offensively without an air attack. Hopefully next year, Matt Rhule can retain Raiola and build on Nebraska’s 6-2 start to this year’s season.

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Grade: C+

13. Wisconsin (-)

Wins (4): Miami OH, Middle Tennessee, Washington, Illinois

Losses (8): No. 9 Alabama, Maryland, No. 19 Michigan, No. 23 Iowa, No. 1 Ohio State, No. 5 Oregon, No. 2 Indiana, Minnesota

Scoring Margin: -8.8 (107th in FBS)

Season-long offensive woes continued for Wisconsin in its 17-7 loss to Minnesota. The Badgers tried their hand with two different quarterbacks against the Gophers, something that has become a commonality for Luke Fickell in a season that has seen four signal-callers lead the Badgers in passing yards in a single game. Finishing 4-8, Wisconsin picked up good wins against two of the Big Ten’s best opponents, but the Badgers missed a bowl game for a second straight season, failing to live up to the program’s high standards.

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Grade: D+

14. Rutgers (-)

Wins (5): Ohio, Miami OH, Norfolk State, Purdue, Maryland

Losses (7): No. 23 Iowa, Minnesota, Washington, No. 5 Oregon, Illinois, No. 1 Ohio State, Penn State

Scoring Margin: -8.0 (104th in FBS)

Rutgers was wavering at .500 all the season, with the opportunity to make a bowl had they beaten Penn State in the season finale. Instead, the Nittany Lions bested the Scarlet Knights 40-36, despite Athan Kaliakmanis’ 338 passing yards. Rutgers allowed over 30 points in each of its losses this season, finishing the year as the Big Ten’s worst defense by allowing 432.8 yards per game.

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Grade: C-

15. UCLA (-)

Wins (3): Penn State, Michigan State, Maryland

Losses (9): No. 15 Utah, UNLV, New Mexico, Northwestern, No. 2 Indiana, Nebraska, No. 1 Ohio State, Washington, No. 16 USC

Scoring Margin: -15.3 (126th in FBS)

UCLA lost 29-10 to crosstown rival USC, finishing its season 3-9. Unable to stop the Trojans’ explosive offense in the second half, the Bruins got outscored 22-0, despite leading 10-7 at the break.

After an atrocious three non-conference games to begin the year, UCLA did manage to pick up three wins in Big Ten play. Yet, the Bruins’ offseason spending did not bring a bowl appearance to their Westwood fans — a disappointing season.

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Grade: D-

16. Michigan State (+1)

Wins (4): Western Michigan, Boston College, Youngstown State, Maryland

Losses (8): No. 16 USC, Nebraska, UCLA, No. 2 Indiana, No. 19 Michigan, Minnesota, Penn State, No. 23 Iowa

Scoring Margin: -9.1 (111th in FBS)

In a battle between two of the Big Ten’s bottom teams, Michigan State was victorious. The Spartans topped Maryland 38-28 behind Alessio Milivojevic’s 292 passing yards and four touchdowns, avoiding an 0-9 record in Big Ten play. After a disappointing 4-8 season, the Spartans have hired longtime Northwestern head coach and Rose Bowl player Pat Fitzgerald to lead them following an “F” season.

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Grade: F

17. Maryland (-1)

Wins (4): Florida Atlantic, Northern Illinois, Towson, Wisconsin

Losses (8): Washington, Nebraska, UCLA, No. 2 Indiana, Rutgers, Illinois, No. 19 Michigan, Michigan State

Scoring Margin: -5.7 (92nd in FBS)

The bright side to the Terrapins season has been one of the best freshman quarterbacks in the nation: Malik Washington. In the Terrapins’ 38-28 loss to the Spartans, Washington threw for a whopping 459 yards on 61 attempts. However, Maryland finished the season with eight straight losses, going 1-8 in Big Ten play. Outside of Washington, there wasn’t much positive.

Grade: D

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18. Purdue (-)

Wins (2): Ball State, Southern Illinois

Losses (9): No. 16 USC, No. 10 Notre Dame, Illinois, Minnesota, Northwestern, Rutgers, No. 19 Michigan, No. 1 Ohio State, Washington, No. 2 Indiana

Scoring Margin: -15.8 (129th in FBS)

Oh, Purdue. The Boilermakers lost 56-3 to Indiana, securing their second straight winless season in Big Ten play. Purdue has gone 3-21 over its past two seasons and 0-18 in the Big Ten. Yikes.

Grade: F

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