Nebraska Ranked 6th in Big Ten (25th Nationally) in Power Index
by: Trevor Tarr
National rank: No. 92
Projected record: 3.2-8.8
Strength of schedule rank: 23rd
% to win Big Ten: 0%
% to make CFP: 0%
% to win national championship: 0%
18. Purdue
It could be a long fall in West Lafayette. With the toughest schedule of any projected bottom-tier team and no real shot at a bowl game, Barry Odom’s squad is in for a rebuild-heavy year. The Boilermakers are picked last in the Big Ten and the FPI agrees—Purdue’s goal this season may be more about a factory reset than wins.
National rank: No. 74
Projected record: 4.1-7.9
Strength of schedule rank: 22nd
% to win Big Ten: 0%
% to make CFP: 0%
% to win national championship: 0%
17. Northwestern
After a surprisingly competitive 2023 season, expectations have reset under new leadership. The Wildcats face a tough schedule and are projected to finish near the bottom of the Big Ten. While bowl eligibility isn’t out of the question, 2025 looks more like a transition year than a breakout campaign.
National rank: No. 61
Projected record: 5.9-6.1
Strength of schedule rank: 61st
% to win Big Ten: 0.2%
% to make CFP: 1.3%
% to win national championship: 0%
16. Maryland
With the 61st-ranked strength of schedule—one of the more favorable slates in the Big Ten—Maryland has a real shot to climb past the six-win mark in 2025. An uptick in recruiting, highlighted by a high four-star freshman quarterback, signals forward momentum for a program looking to break out of the middle tier.
National rank: No. 59
Projected record: 5.2-6.8
Strength of schedule rank: 34th
% to win Big Ten: 0.1%
% to make CFP: 1.0%
% to win national championship: 0%
15. Michigan State
With a tough schedule ahead, Michigan State faces an uphill climb, but Aiden Chiles’ talent and the program’s competitive culture could spark some exciting moments this season. Keep an eye on the Spartans as they look to exceed expectations and build momentum for the future.
National rank: No. 55
Projected record: 5.8-6.2
Strength of schedule rank: 21st
% to win Big Ten: 0.1%
% to make CFP: 1.7%
% to win national championship: 0%
14. Rutgers
Rutgers enters 2025 with one of the toughest schedules in the nation, but veteran head coach Greg Schiano has a knack for getting the most out of his roster. The Scarlet Knights aren’t likely to contend, but they’re physical, well-coached, and fully capable of playing spoiler in the Big Ten, specifically to a team that overlooks them.
National rank: No. 47
Projected record: 5.4-6.6
Strength of schedule rank: 19th
% to win Big Ten: 0.1%
% to make CFP: 1.9%
% to win national championship: 0%
13. UCLA
UCLA showed flashes of high-level potential during a midseason surge in 2024, and they enter the Big Ten with one of the more athletic rosters in the conference. Former five-star quarterback Nico Iamaleava transfers in to lead an offense loaded with speed and versatility. While consistency is still a question, the Bruins have the talent to turn heads — especially if Iamaleava settles in quickly.
National rank: No. 44
Projected record: 6.8-5.2
Strength of schedule rank: 44th
% to win Big Ten: 0.6%
% to make CFP: 3.8%
% to win national championship: 0%
12. Illinois
Illinois returns an impressive 10 starters on both sides of the ball, making them one of the most experienced teams in the Big Ten. Quarterback Luke Altmyer quietly profiles as one of the top signal-callers in the conference, and head coach Bret Bielema brings a proven track record of building physical, disciplined teams. With a manageable schedule and veteran leadership, the Illini shouldn’t be seeded this high, and many believe this is the most outlandish ranking of all 136 Division 1 teams.
National rank: No. 43
Projected record: 6.9-5.2
Strength of schedule rank: 26th
% to win Big Ten: 0.3%
% to make CFP: 4.3%
% to win national championship: 0%
11. Minnesota
Minnesota enters 2025 with a reliable formula: a veteran head coach in P.J. Fleck, a history of steady winning seasons, and a defense that ranked among the Big Ten’s best last fall. The Gophers have quietly built one of the league’s more stable programs, and that foundation could carry them to another strong season if the offense finds rhythm. They're not flashy, but they’re tough to beat.
National rank: No. 39
Projected record: 6.2-5.8
Strength of schedule rank: 32nd
% to win Big Ten: 0.6%
% to make CFP: 3.7%
% to win national championship: 0%
10. Iowa
Iowa remains the Big Ten’s most frustrating puzzle—consistently winning games despite one of the league’s least productive offenses. Their recipe is familiar: elite special teams, a stingy defense, and an uncanny ability to drag opponents into low-scoring, grind-it-out battles where they dictate the tempo. No matter how limited the offense looks, the Hawkeyes always find ways to stay in the mix.
National rank: No. 38
Projected record: 5.6-6.5
Strength of schedule rank: 12th
% to win Big Ten: 0.4%
% to make CFP: 2.6%
% to win national championship: 0.1%
09. Wisconsin
Wisconsin enters 2025 with the potential to land in the Big Ten’s upper-middle tier, but there's a wide range of outcomes on the table. The schedule is brutal, and after an underwhelming debut season, head coach Luke Fickell is already feeling pressure to deliver results. If the Badgers can’t show clear progress this fall, Fickell’s tenure in Madison could be short-lived.
National rank: No. 31
Projected record: 7.5-4.5
Strength of schedule rank: 30th
% to win Big Ten: 0.9%
% to make CFP: 8.9%
% to win national championship: 0.2%
08. Indiana
Indiana was one of the surprise stories of 2024, exceeding expectations behind strong quarterback play and timely wins. They’re hoping to recreate that magic with another high-profile transfer QB in 2025, but most around the Big Ten aren’t convinced lightning will strike twice. A slight to moderate step back feels likely, though the Hoosiers should still remain competitive week to week.
National rank: No. 27
Projected record: 7.1-4.9
Strength of schedule rank: 31st
% to win Big Ten: 0.8%
% to make CFP: 8.1%
% to win national championship: 0.1%
07. Washington
Washington enters the season with high expectations, fueled by the dynamic play of quarterback Demond Williams, who is drawing plenty of buzz. Just two years removed from a national championship appearance, the Huskies look poised to regain their elite status. With their talent and experience, they should comfortably finish as a top 25 team by season’s end.
National rank: No. 25
Projected record: 7.5-4.5
Strength of schedule rank: 37th
% to win Big Ten: 1.5%
% to make CFP: 10.3%
% to win national championship: 0.1%
06. Nebraska
Nebraska is coming off its best season in nearly a decade, and optimism is high heading into 2025. With quarterback Dylan Raiola poised to take a big step forward and Dana Holgorsen’s innovative offense set to unlock more explosive potential, the Huskers could dramatically improve on last year’s success. If the defense holds up its end of the bargain, Nebraska has as good of a shot at the College Football Playoff as either team ranked in the two spots ahead of them.
National rank: No. 19
Projected record: 8.3-3.9
Strength of schedule rank: 28th
% to win Big Ten: 4.2%
% to make CFP: 21.0%
% to win national championship: 0.4%
05. USC
USC boasts one of the most explosive offenses in college football under Lincoln Riley’s direction, capable of putting up points in bunches. The key to unlocking their full potential, however, remains on the defensive side—if the Trojans can develop a solid defense, they could quickly return to national title contention. With everything they have at their disposal as a program, competing for a championship isn’t out of reach in the near future.
National rank: No. 17
Projected record: 8.4-3.7
Strength of schedule rank: 29th
% to win Big Ten: 6.0%
% to make CFP: 25.3%
% to win national championship: 1.0%
04. Michigan
Michigan struggled offensively early in the 2024 season but finished with incredible momentum, closing out with impressive wins over Ohio State and Alabama. That strong finish has energized the program heading into 2025, making them one of the most dangerous teams when firing on all cylinders. With a talented roster and confidence on their side, the Wolverines are poised to compete at the highest level again in the near future. But the question remains, is it this year?
National rank: No. 6
Projected record: 10.0-2.4
Strength of schedule rank: 25th
% to win Big Ten: 19.1%
% to make CFP: 57.5%
% to win national championship: 4.3%
03. Oregon
Oregon continues to build an elite program by consistently attracting top talent from both high school recruits and the transfer portal. Their NIL operation is among the best in the country, giving them a unique edge in player development and retention. If everything clicks this season, the Ducks have a very real chance to compete for—and potentially win—a national championship. Note: Teams 1-3 are significantly more poised to compete on a national championship level.
National rank: No. 5
Projected record: 10.2-2.2
Strength of schedule rank: 27th
% to win Big Ten: 25.1%
% to make CFP: 63.8%
% to win national championship: 7.0%
02. Penn State
Penn State might just be the best team in college football heading into 2025. With talent and depth across the board, the Nittany Lions have the tools to dominate, but their season will hinge on finally winning a big game (or three) to prove it. If they do, they control their own destiny on the path to a national championship.
National rank: No. 4
Projected record: 10.4-2.2
Strength of schedule rank: 18th
% to win Big Ten: 40.3%
% to make CFP: 70.6%
% to win national championship: 10.8%
01. Ohio State
Ohio State returns as reigning national champions with arguably the best player in college football, on each side of the ball, leading the way. Their talent and depth make them one of if not the favorites to repeat but maintaining focus and consistency will be key to defending their title. If they stay locked in, another championship run is well within reach.