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Big Ten Football Kicks Off: Previewing the Top Contenders
26 Aug
Summary
- Penn State leads preseason Big Ten Power Rankings
- Ohio State, with star QB Jeremiah Smith, ranked 2nd
- Illinois aiming for CFP berth after 10-win season
As of August 26th, 2025, the highly anticipated 2025 Big Ten football season is just days away from kicking off. The conference's preseason power rankings have been unveiled, with Penn State topping the list as the team to beat.
The Nittany Lions are loaded with NFL-caliber talent, and their success will hinge on the performance of quarterback Drew Allar. Defending national champions Ohio State come in at No. 2, despite losing a significant portion of their record-breaking roster from last year. However, the Buckeyes still boast the best player in college football in Jeremiah Smith, so they are expected to remain a force.
One of the most intriguing teams to watch this season will be Illinois. The Fighting Illini surprised many by winning 10 games in 2024 and are returning a wealth of that same talent, including quarterback Luke Altmyer. Illinois is aiming to make a run at the College Football Playoff this year, and they could be a dark horse contender in the Big Ten.
Other notable teams in the power rankings include Michigan, which is looking to bounce back after missing the CFP last season, and Indiana, which made a stunning run to the playoff in 2024 under new head coach Curt Cignetti. The season is shaping up to be an exciting one in the Big Ten, with several teams poised to make a push for the conference crown and a spot in the national championship picture.
