The Big Ten Conference enters the spring practice period with a wealth of talent and high expectations, particularly after Ohio State's historic College Football Playoff national championship. However, in the latest pre-spring power rankings, it is Penn State that has emerged as the frontrunner. Despite losing key players, the Nittany Lions boast depth and motivation following their narrow loss to Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl. Ohio State, Oregon, and Michigan follow closely behind, while teams like Illinois, Nebraska, and Minnesota are poised to challenge for playoff contention. The conference's strength lies in its overall depth, with several programs ready to make significant strides in the coming season.
Penn State stands at the top of the Big Ten hierarchy as it prepares for the 2025 season. Under the leadership of Coach James Franklin, the Nittany Lions aim to capitalize on the momentum from their near-miss in the Orange Bowl. The team lost standout edge rusher Abdul Carter but retains quarterback Drew Allar and running backs Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen. This combination of returning talent and experienced coaching positions Penn State well for a potential breakthrough. Offensively, the team is expected to be even more formidable, while defensively, they still have several all-conference caliber players who can make an impact.
Ohio State, fresh off its national championship victory, finds itself second in the rankings. The Buckeyes will need to rebuild both offensively and defensively, especially with the departure of quarterback Will Howard and several veteran defensive linemen. New coordinators on both sides of the ball add another layer of uncertainty. Nevertheless, Ohio State's tradition and resources mean they remain a strong contender for another deep playoff run. The Buckeyes' ability to reload quickly could determine whether they reclaim the top spot by season's end.
Oregon and Michigan round out the top four. For Oregon, protecting new quarterback Dante Moore will be crucial. The Ducks are banking on transfers to bolster their roster, including former Tulane running back Makhi Hughes. Meanwhile, Michigan aims to build on its late-season surge, which included victories over Ohio State and Alabama. The Wolverines will need to see significant improvements in their offense under new coordinator Chip Lindsey, while transfer quarterback Mikey Keene competes with five-star recruit Bryce Underwood for the starting role.
Beyond the top four, the Big Ten features several teams with the potential to surprise. Illinois, led by veteran coach Bret Bielema, has a manageable schedule and returns quarterback Luke Altmyer, positioning them to influence playoff outcomes. Nebraska, under third-year coach Matt Rhule, looks to continue its upward trajectory with key additions like Kentucky receiver Dane Key. Iowa, Minnesota, and others also show promise, each bringing unique strengths and challenges into the spring practices.
As the Big Ten gears up for the 2025 season, the landscape is rich with possibilities. While Penn State leads the pack, the competition is fierce. Teams like Ohio State, Oregon, and Michigan are not far behind, and those just outside the top tier could play pivotal roles. Ultimately, the conference's depth and talent suggest that this upcoming season promises to be one of the most competitive yet, with many storylines unfolding as spring practices begin.