It's that time of year.
The Michigan-Ohio State game is here and it's likely going to determine just about everything. With a win, Ohio State will go to the Big Ten championship game and likely get the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff. If the Wolverines win, they're likely in the College Football Playoff and could also go to the Big Ten title game.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThere are four teams left with a chance to make the Big Ten title: Indiana, Ohio State, Michigan and Oregon. All are in play for the CFP, too. The Big Ten has sorted itself out, for better or worse, and this final week will be about playoff positioning, bowl eligibility and pride.
DISASTER: Michigan State football grades vs Iowa: Final punt call still baffling
Here are the Big Ten power rankings entering the final week of the year.
1. Ohio State (11-0)
Last week’s ranking: 1.
This week’s game: at Michigan.
What to know: The Buckeyes are undefeated and defending national champions. They've been No. 1 since the second week of the season. They'll be favored this weekend in Ann Arbor, but this will be OSU's toughest test to date. Per usual.
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin (10) motions for a first down during the NCAA football game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 22, 2025. Ohio State won 42-9.2. Indiana (11-0)
Last week’s ranking: 2.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThis week’s game: at Purdue.
What to know: The Hoosiers will in all likelihood put the finishing touches on their first undefeated season since 1945 – though that year they had a tie. Indiana has arrived among the elite and will have a fitting finale before its first Big Ten title appearance
3. Oregon (10-1)
Last week’s ranking: 3.
This week’s game: at Washington.
What to know: Oregon needs a win to guarantee their spot in the College Football Playoff. If U-M is able to beat OSU, a Ducks win would slot them in the Big Ten title game against Indiana.
4. Michigan (9-2)
Michigan Wolverines quarterback Bryce Underwood (19) celebrates with running back Bryson Kuzdzal (24) after scoring a touchdown during the second half against the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium in College Park, Maryland on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025.Last week’s ranking: 6.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThis week’s game: vs. OSU.
What to know: The Wolverines have won five straight and their season comes down to OSU. The season will be determined based on how the Saturday after Thanksgiving goes. What's new?
5. USC (8-3)
Last week’s ranking: 4.
This week’s game: vs. UCLA.
What to know: The Trojans had a shot to make the College Football Playoff, but that went up in flames with a loss to Oregon. Their consolation will have to be a win over rival UCLA.
6. Washington (8-3)
Last week’s ranking: 8.
This week’s game: vs. Oregon.
What to know: The Huskies have played well at home. Their season came up short of being last year's Indiana, but it's been respectable. An upset over Oregon would take it to a resounding success.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement7. Iowa (7-4)
The Iowa Hawkeyes celebrate after a game-winning field goal against the Michigan State Spartans Nov. 22, 2025 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.Last week’s ranking: 7.
This week’s game: at Nebraska.
What to know: The Hawkeyes nearly lost to lowly Michigan State at home. That would have been devastating. Instead, it appears a classic eight win season is on the horizon.
8. Illinois (7-4)
Last week’s ranking: 5.
This week’s game: vs. Northwestern.
What to know: A once-promising season has taken another blow, this time falling to a suddenly pesky Wisconsin team. A battle for the pride of Illinois is on tap against now bowl eligible Northwestern.
9. Nebraska (7-4)
Last week's ranking: 9.
This week's game: vs. Iowa.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWhat to know: The Huskers ran into a Penn State team that has talent, but after weeks of turmoil also has momentum. Nebraska, which has lost three of its last five, is now fighting to save a respectable season.
10. Northwestern (6-5)
Nov 22, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Northwestern Wildcats tight end Lawson Albright (86), running back Caleb Komolafe (5) and quarterback Preston Stone (8) celebrate a touchdown against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the second half at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn ImagesLast week’s ranking: 10.
This week’s game: at Illinois.
What to know: The Wildcats have put together a very impressive season after what was a tough start. A win over Illinois would really serve as a lightning rod for David Braun in Year 2.
11. Penn State (5-6)
Last week's ranking: 12.
This week's game: at Rutgers.
What to know: It's a battle for bowl eligibility between the Nittany Lions and Scarlet Knights. Penn State is clearly playing better than its six game losing streak, having won two in a row. Interim coach Terry Smith has earned himself some good will.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement12. Rutgers (5-6)
Last week's ranking: 11.
This week's game: vs. Penn State.
What to know: This better be trick plays galore and some fourth down aggression for Rutgers, a team with nothing to lose in a game that nobody expects it to win.
13. Minnesota (6-5)
Last week's ranking: 13.
This week's game: vs. Wisconsin.
What to know: The Golden Gophers are fortunate to already have locked up bowl eligibility, thanks to two tight wins at home over the league's two winless teams. The battle for Paul Bunyan's axe will be a race to 17.
15. Wisconsin (4-7)
Bucky Badger crowd surfs after fans stormed the field after the Wisconsin Illinois football game Saturday, November 22, 2025 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. Wisconsin beat Illinois 27-10.Last week's ranking: 15.
This week's game: at Minnesota.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWhat to know: How about the Badgers? They looked lifeless on the mat a few weeks ago, but have since flipped momentum with two wins in three weeks, this time knocking off ranked Illinois. Maybe that's why Luke Fickell isn't going anywhere.
16. UCLA (3-8)
Last week's ranking: 14.
This week's game: at USC.
What to know: That UCLA pixie dust that was a three-game winning streak in October has clearly run its course. The Bruins will end their season by likely get pummeled by rival USC.
16. Maryland (4-7)
Last week's ranking: 16.
This week's game: at Michigan State (Detroit).
What to know: The Terrapins got their doors blown off by Michigan and have now lost seven in a row and their last four by 103 combined points. The only bright side is they play winless MSU to end the year.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement17. Michigan State (3-8)
Last week's ranking: 17.
This week's game: vs. Maryland (Detroit).
What to know: For the second time in three weeks, the Spartans led late in the fourth quarter and collapsed. Somehow, they're playing with fight, but the coaching staff and lack of talent seems too much to overcome. There's one more chance to avoid a winless Big Ten slate.
18. Purdue (2-9)
Last week's ranking: 18.
This week's game: vs. Indiana.
What to know: Purdue will go 2-10 and end its season with a lopsided loss to Indiana. It's a tough way to finish after a 2-0 start, and while it's hard to see, if you squint there was a little progress this year in West Lafayette.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementTony Garcia is the Wolverines beat writer for the Detroit Free Press. Email him at [email protected] and follow him on X at @RealTonyGarcia.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Big Ten Power Rankings, 'The Game' will be another instant classic
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