Fourteen weeks later, the 2025 college football regular season has come to a close. The final Big Ten conference games were played this weekend, with a conference title match between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Indiana Hoosiers being played in Indianapolis next Saturday.
The final week brought a number of surprises, but it ultimately showed that there are three teams at the top: Ohio State, Indiana and the Oregon Ducks.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementEach took care of business, with the Hoosiers blowing out the last-place Purdue Boilermakers while the Buckeyes and Ducks downed bitter rivals in rather convincing fashion. The middle tier of teams did their thing, beating up on each other and either just reaching bowl eligibility (Penn State Nittany Lions) or being denied (Rutgers Scarlet Knights).
To end the night, the UCLA Bruins put a scare in the rival USC Trojans before the Trojans turned it on, coming away with their ninth win and giving them a chance to reach double figures with a bowl victory.
Without further ado, let's get into our post-Week 14 Big Ten power rankings.
18) Purdue Boilermakers (2-10, 0-9)
Nov 28, 2025; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Purdue Boilermakers quarterback Ryan Browne (15) throws a pass during the fourth quarter against the Indiana Hoosiers at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn ImagesGame Result: L 56-3 vs. Indiana
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementPrevious Ranking: 18
What's Next: Offseason
Analysis: It’s been another lost season for the Boilermakers, who finished their second consecutive year without a Big Ten win. They have something in quarterback Ryan Browne, who’s consistently been the top performer offensively. There’s not much else to take from this team, besides that it will take head coach Barry Odom a lot longer than one season to turn this program around.
17) Maryland Terrapins (4-8, 1-8)
Maryland quarterback Malik Washington throws a pass during the third quarter of their game against Wisconsin, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.Game Result: 38-28 L vs. Michigan State
Previous Ranking: 16
What's Next: Offseason
Analysis: After being one of the best stories of September, the Maryland Terrapins lost their final eight games of the year and will once again miss out on bowl season, failing to find any type of lasting success under Mike Locksley.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement16) Michigan State Spartans (4-8, 1-8)
Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Koen Entringer (4) pressures Michigan State Spartans quarterback Alessio Milivojevic (11) Nov. 22, 2025 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.Game Result: 38-28 W vs. Maryland
Previous Ranking: 17
What's Next: Offseason
Analysis: The season comes to a close at long last for Michigan State, which has a lot of questions to answer this offseason when it takes stock of where the program is at. Is Jonathan Smith the right man for the job? What needs to change in order for things to turn around in East Lansing? There could be some movement here following another disappointing season.
15) Wisconsin Badgers (4-8, 2-7)
Nov 22, 2025; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers offensive lineman Riley Mahlman, left, and Wisconsin Badgers offensive lineman Kerry Kodanko (73) react to a touchdown scored by Wisconsin Badgers running back Darrion Dupree (6) during the second half against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-Imagn ImagesGame Result: L 17-7 vs. Minnesota
Previous Ranking: 15
What's Next: Offseason
Analysis: The Badgers proved to have a stingy defense this season, but the offense proved most at fault in their 4-8 campaign. In all, their quarterbacks combined to throw eight touchdown passes to 11 interceptions, an incredibly poor ratio that’s not going to lead to many wins. However, winning four games, plus taking down two ranked teams in their last four games, is an encouraging sign of this team’s resolve heading into 2026.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement14) Rutgers Scarlet Knights (5-7, 2-7)
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver David Adolph (82) runs into Rutgers Scarlet Knights defensive back Jacobie Henderson (10) during the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 22, 2025. Ohio State won 42-9.Game Result: L 40-36 vs. Penn State
Previous Ranking: 14
What's Next: Offseason
Analysis: As has been the story for Rutgers this season against mid-tier Big Ten foes, the offense was on point while the defense proved ineffective. The defense allowed 509 total yards to Penn State, putting an end to their season as they needed a win to reach bowl eligibility. Starting the season 3-0 provided hope of a successful campaign before losses in seven of their next nine games. The Scarlet Knights can’t seem to escape mediocrity.
13) UCLA Bruins (3-9, 3-6)
Sep 27, 2025; Evanston, Illinois, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive back Rodrick Pleasant (18) defends Northwestern Wildcats wide receiver Hayden Eligon II (80) during the second half at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn ImagesGame Result: 29-10 L vs. USC
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementPrevious Ranking: No. 13
What's Next: Offseason
Analysis: A long and brutal season finally came to an end for the Bruins after seeing their coach get fired, and a lot of up-and-down play over the months. UCLA played some solid football after a tough start to the season, and there should be reasons for positivity going forward, but the coaching hire this offseason is going to be an important one.
12) Nebraska Cornhuskers (7-5, 4-5)
Nov 22, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Yvan Kemajou (99) pressures Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback TJ Lateef (14) during the fourth quarter at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn ImagesGame Result: L 40-16 vs. Iowa
Previous Ranking: 12
What's Next: Bowl game
Analysis: While backup TJ Lateef had his moments, the Cornhuskers’ season ended when starting quarterback Dylan Raiola went down with a broken fibula early this month. They’ve since gone 1-2 with blowout losses to Penn State and Iowa in back-to-back weeks. It’s a sour ending to their regular-season with a singular bright spot glaring on running back Emmitt Johnson, who’s rushed for over 100 yards in six of the last seven games.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement11) Minnesota Golden Gophers (7-5, 5-4)
Nov 22, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Drake Lindsey (5) throws against the Northwestern Wildcats during the second half at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn ImagesGame Result: W 17-7 vs. Wisconsin
Previous Ranking: 11
What's Next: Bowl game
Analysis: Just a few weeks ago, the Golden Gophers held a 6-3 record and had opportunities against Oregon and Northwestern to prove themselves as a threatening team in the Big Ten. They dropped both and ended their regular-season with a 7-5 record after defeating Wisconsin. But if running back Darius Taylor returns in the backfield with redshirt freshman Drake Lindsey, Minnesota could take another step forward next season.
10) Penn State (6-6, 3-6)
Nov 22, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Kaytron Allen (13) runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn ImagesGame Result: W 40-36 vs. Rutgers
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementPrevious Ranking: 10
What's Next: Bowl game
Analysis: Entering the week needing a win to reach bowl eligibility, the Nittany Lions escaped with a high-scoring victory on the road over the Scarlet Knights. A fumble recovery for a touchdown put them up for good, proving to be the game-winning score. Penn State rode running backs Kaytron Allen (226 yards, 1 touchdown) and Nicholas Singleton (86 yards, two touchdowns) to the victory — much like they have during their three-game winning streak to salvage a bowl game appearance and give them a chance to end the season with a winning record.
9) Northwestern Wildcats (6-6, 4-5)
CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS - NOVEMBER 29: Preston Stone #8 of the Northwestern Wildcats throws a pass for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)Game Result: 20-13 L vs. Illinois
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementPrevious Ranking: No. 9
What's Next: Bowl Game
Analysis: It was a tough game in tough weather for Northwestern, and they weren't able to get the comeback win over Illinois and end the regular season on a high note. However, the Wildcats did get a monumental sixth win earlier this month, meaning that Ryan Braun's team will be going bowling once again this year.
8) Illinois Fighting Illini (8-4, 5-4)
Nov 22, 2025; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Hank Beatty (80) drops a punt during the second half against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-Imagn ImagesGame Result:20-13 W vs. Northwestern
Previous Ranking: No. 8
What's Next: Bowl Game
Analysis: The Fighting Illini were able to pull out a nice win over Northwestern on Saturday, finishing their regular season on a high note in a tight one. Illinois will now go into bowl season with expectations of going out on top.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement7) Washington Huskies (8-4, 5-4)
Washington cornerback Dylan Robinson celebrates a sack as the Oregon Ducks take on the Washington Huskies on Nov. 29, 2025, at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington.Game Result: L 26-14 vs. Oregon
Previous Ranking: 6
What's Next: Bowl game
Analysis: Inconsistency on offense did the Huskies in against the rival Ducks, as they couldn’t sustain enough drives. Quarterback Demond Williams Jr. was extremely slippery, evading would-be tacklers in the backfield — but that was a result of the constant pressure on him, shades of last season’s matchup with Oregon in which he was sacked ten times. But in the end, a solid season for Washington, as they’ll have a chance to finish with nine wins with a bowl victory.
6) Iowa Hawkeyes (8-4, 6-3)
Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Mark Gronowski (11) runs onto the field during senior recognition Nov. 22, 2025 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.Game Result: W 40-16 vs. Nebraska
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementPrevious Ranking: 7
What's Next: Bowl game
Analysis: The Hawkeyes rebounded from two tough losses to USC and Oregon with two wins against Michigan State and Nebraska, putting themselves in position to win nine games with a bowl victory. This season has been far from a failure, but instead a season full of what ifs. What if they’d gone on a game-winning drive against Iowa State and what if they’d closed out Indiana and Oregon, as they held late leads in both? The answer is that they’d be a playoff team, but unfortunately the Hawkeyes learned that the difference between eight wins and a CFP appearance is a mere handful of plays.
5) USC Trojans (9-3, 7-2)
USC wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane hauls in a pass under cover from Oregon defensive back Brandon Finney Jr. as the Oregon Ducks host the USC Trojans on Nov. 22, 2025, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.Game Result: W 29-10 vs. UCLA
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementPrevious Ranking: 5
What's Next: Bowl game
Analysis: USC bounced back nicely from its loss to Oregon last week and was able to pull away from UCLA in the second half of this rivalry game. While the Trojans are out of the running for the playoff, they will likely get into a good bowl game.
4) Michigan Wolverines (9-3, 7-2)
Nov 29, 2025; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back Jordan Marshall (23) runs the ball in the first half against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn ImagesGame Result: L 27-9 vs. Ohio State
Previous Ranking: 4
What's Next: Bowl game
Analysis: For the second consecutive year, the passing attack simply wasn’t good in The Game against Ohio State, as Bryce Underwood completed just eight of 18 passes for 63 yards and an interception. Last year, the defense held up enough for the Wolverines to win — this year, not so much as they surrendered 419 total yards. Michigan’s College Football Playoff hopes were dashed with the loss, but they still have a chance to win ten games with a bowl victory.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement3) Oregon Ducks (11-1, 8-1)
Oregon quarterback Dante Moore celebrates a touchdown as the Oregon Ducks take on the Washington Huskies on Nov. 29, 2025, at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington.Game Result: W 26-14 vs. Washington
Previous Ranking: 3
What's Next: College Football Playoff
Analysis: Oregon picked up an important win over Washington, clinching its spot in the College Football Playoff while avoiding a trip to Indianapolis for the Big Ten Championship. They now get a chance to rest up and prepare for a home playoff game at Autzen Stadium next month.
2) Indiana Hoosiers (12-0, 9-0)
Nov 28, 2025; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Indiana Hoosiers linebacker Aiden Fisher (4), Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Elijah Sarratt (13) and Indiana Hoosiers defensive lineman Tyrique Tucker (95) celebrate with the Old Oaken Bucket trophy after the game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn ImagesGame Result: W 56-3 vs. Purdue
Previous Ranking: 2
What's Next: Big Ten Championship
Analysis: The Hoosiers booked their ticket to Indianapolis for the Big Ten title game on Friday, beating up on an undermanned Purdue team. The offense wasn’t overly sharp, which probably isn’t a bad thing as head coach Curt Cignetti will have many teaching points this week. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza completed just eight passes but tossed a pair of scores and ran in a touchdown, potentially putting the finishing touches on his Heisman campaign.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement1) Ohio State Buckeyes (12-0, 9-0)
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) catches a pass against the Michigan Wolverines in the first half of the NCAA football game at Michigan Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025 in Ann Arbor, Michigan.Game Result: W 27-9 vs. Michigan
Previous Ranking: 1
What's Next: Big Ten Championship
Analysis: The Wolverines' winning streak over the Buckeyes is over, as Ohio State rebounded from a slow start to take down their biggest rival. They were better in several aspects, but this biggest being the third down differential, as the Buckeyes converted on 10 of their 17 third downs while holding the Wolverines to just one of nine. Head coach Ryan Day’s squad will be headed to Indianapolis for the Big Ten title game against Indiana in arguably the most intriguing matchup of champ week.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Big Ten power rankings feature minimal changes after Week 14
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