ClutchPoints’ Week 9 Big Ten Football Power Rankings for 2025

The Big Ten the title race now includes the two remaining undefeated. Ohio State and Indiana can go head-to-head for the conference title in Indianapolis by winning out. however, the conference standings changed after week 8 thanks to several rising teams at Northwestern and UCLA.

1. Ohio State (-)

The Buckeyes and Ryan Day to have an OSU run back room to address. Fortunately, they have a week off before facing a declining Penn State team.

2. Indiana (-)

Curt Cignetti is three wins away from a third straight 10-0 start (including the 2023 season with James Madison). But Cignetti faces a 3-0 UCLA team this Saturday.

3. Oregon (-)

The Ducks exploded for 28 points in the second quarter to defeat Rutgers. Dante Moore scored four touchdowns in the win.

4. Iowa (+3)

The Hawkeyes erased an 11-point second-half deficit to take down a Penn State team without James Franklin. Head coach Kirk Ferentz and company face a major obstacle – as their next three foes are a combined 16-5.

5. Michigan (+4)

The Wolverines erased a disappointing trip to Los Angeles by hammering the former Washington team 5-1. Jordan Marshall had his first 100-yard outing in a Michigan uniform.

6. Nebraska (-2)

The Cornhuskers looked sluggish in a 24-7 loss to Minnesota. They are still close to the top five after previously beating the now 21st ranked team from Cincinnati.

7. USC (-2)

The Trojans are now 1-2 against ranked foes this season. That designation adds further fuel to Lincoln Riley’s critics, especially after the loss at Notre Dame on Saturday.

8. Minnesota (+4)

The Golden Gophers’ early season loss to Nebraska (which has the same record as Minnesota) gives the Cornhuskers the upper hand. But PJ Fleck has his side on the rise with two straight wins.

9. Washington (-3)

Head coach Jed Fish suffered a big loss at Michigan. Washington now faces a possible loss in Florida, although he declined comment in the Gators’ opener.

10. Illinois (-2)

The Illini will need to restart the ground attack after settling for 47 yards against Ohio State. Next opponent Washington ranks sixth in rushing defense among conference teams.

11. Northwestern (+3)

Surprise surprise…Northwestern is closing in on the top 10. This defense hasn’t allowed more than 21 points since a 34-14 loss to Oregon.

12. UCLA (+1)

The Bruins were celebrating their third straight victory with a rollover Washington’s cornerback was made by CJ Lavender. Tim Skipper can increase his chances of clearing the interim head coaching job by stunning Indiana on Saturday.

13. Maryland (-3)

The Terrapins could easily be 7-0 right now. All three defeats came by a margin of three or four points.

14. Penn State (-3)

Franklin, Florida is becoming increasingly popular. Meanwhile, the PSU student-run blog site Onward State featured Louisville’s Jeff Brohm as the latest replacement idea.

15. Michigan State (-)

Michigan State is dealing with more than four slides. Head coach Jonathan Smith has been linked with an opening at his alma mater – also known as where he went to MSU, Oregon State.

16. Rutgers (-)

The Scarlet Knights are one of three teams here on a three-game slide. Someone between Rutgers and Purdue will finally end the skid on Saturday.

17. Purdue (-)

The Boilermakers have a longer skid with five straight losses. New head coach Barry Odom is also still looking for his first conference win.

18. Wisconsin (-)

Head coach Luke Fickell isn’t worried about his job security. But Badgers fans are getting restless every week.