Ranking the Big Ten's top 10 conference games in 2025

USA Today

20-06-2025

Ranking the Big Ten's top 10 conference games in 2025
The addition of four West Coast schools has put more emphasis on the "Big" and less emphasis on the "Ten," and it's also resulted in an increased strength of schedule for most teams within one of the nation's premier conferences.
In the first season with 18 teams, the Big Ten included its fair share of marquee matchups, and 2025 looks to deliver the same amount, if not more, of premium matchups. While many traditional rivalries remain, there are many new battles between unfamiliar opponents, making for interesting clashes throughout the fall. Here's a look at the top 10 conference games for the Big Ten in 2025.
No. 10: Michigan vs. Washington, Oct. 18
Though both teams proved disappointing in 2024 relative to expectations, it was only two seasons ago the Wolverines and Huskies met in the national championship game, in which Michigan came out victorious. Both teams have undergone significant changes since then, both on the rosters and coaching staffs, but this game should provide some high-level play between two proud programs. Both teams are excited about what their young quarterbacks can be in their first seasons at the helm, and last year's matchup provides added fuel after Washington pulled the upset.
No. 9: Illinois vs. USC, Sept. 27
The two haven't clashed since 2008, and both programs enter 2025 with soaring expectations. Illinois is coming off its first 10-win season since 2001 and returns quarterback Luke Altmyer, while USC has stacked talented recruiting classes and is looking to rebound from a 7-6 campaign last season. This battle features a clash of styles, with the Fighting Illini expected to be a physical, hard-nosed squad while the Trojans will likely bring a high-powered explosive offense to Champaign. Oh, and both teams believe they can be dark-horse College Football Playoff contenders.
No. 8: Iowa vs. Oregon, Nov. 8
Iowa's conference schedule saw an increase in strength last season, something that will continue in 2025. As part of the Hawkeyes' slate, they'll host reigning Big Ten champion Oregon is what's sure to be a raucous Kinnick Stadium environment. Though the Ducks seem like the better team on paper, Iowa has pulled an upset or two over top-10 teams at home, and they'll have a couple of opportunities in the fall. This game also has a chance to be a ranked matchup, if Iowa can return to form.
No. 7: Iowa vs. Penn State, Nov. 1
These programs have developed lots of bad blood in recent seasons, including several tightly contested matchups with major implications. Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz is 10-9 against Penn State, while James Franklin holds a 5-2 record against the Hawkeyes. Four of the last six matchups have been decided by one score, including Penn State's walk-off touchdown in 2017 and the infamous 2021 game in which Sean Clifford went down with injury as Iowa came from behind in a top-five matchup. This year's edition comes in Hawkeye territory, and both teams may be ranked when the Nittany Lions come to town.
No. 6: Illinois vs. Ohio State, Oct. 11
Though it's not typically considered one of the Big Ten's major rivalries, these two programs have met more than most throughout their histories, with the Buckeyes holding a sizable 68-30-4 all-time advantage. Despite the lopsided history, this year's meeting could prove closer than many are expecting. The Fighting Illini are coming off a 10-win season, including a bowl victory over South Carolina, and are returning lots of production. Illinois has been known to pull an upset or two under head coach Bret Bielema, beating Michigan, Penn State and Iowa in recent seasons. Though Memorial Stadium isn't exactly an intimidating environment, getting the game at home doesn't hurt either.
No. 5: USC vs. Michigan, Oct. 11
These two blue bloods have had several major clashes over the years, often coming with postseason implications. Michigan came out on top last year in a back-and-forth 27-24 battle, and this year's meeting figures to be another tight one. Both teams are hoping to rebound and compete for a playoff appearance in 2025, and a win in this matchup would serve as a resume booster, while a loss may be a knockout blow. Also, the uniform clash will be magical.
No. 4: Oregon vs. USC, Nov. 22
In a battle of the two premier Pacific programs, the Ducks will host the Trojans in what's turned into a fierce rivalry. The blue blood will visit the new blood in a battle of elite offenses, with two young but talented head coaches looking to earn a marquee win in 2025. The Ducks figure to be the favorite on paper, but they lose a majority of their produuction from last year's conference championship team. If this game turns into a shootout, it could result in one of the best matchups of the year.
No. 3: Michigan vs. Ohio State, Nov. 29
Viewed by many as the best rivalry game in the nation, and referred to simply as "The Game," fireworks are all but guaranteed when these squads clash on the gridiron. Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore now boasts a 2-0 record against the Buckeyes, while Ohio State's Ryan Day has fallen to just 1-4 against The Team Up North. Fresh off a national championship, Ohio State is hoping to snap its losing skid, but it'll have to do so in enemy territory. This game will likely be a ranked matchup, and could be a top-10 battle.
No. 2: Penn State vs. Oregon, Sept. 27
Though they don't have a long and storied history, the Nittany Lions and Ducks battled for the Big Ten crown last season, which resulted a one-score thriller. When the dust settled in Indianapolis, Oregon came away with a conference title in its first season in the Big Ten. Penn State will look for revenge when it welcomes the Ducks for their first White Out experience, something Washington witnessed for the first time last season and struggled to handle. Additionally, both teams should be ranked in the top 10 and will serve as each other's first major test of the season. The star power on the field could result in a similar game to last year's matchup.
No. 1: Ohio State vs. Penn State, Nov. 1
Ohio State and Penn State are the top teams in the conference and among the top four nationally in odds to win the national championship heading into 2025. They've had some close clashes in recent years, with six one-score games during James Franklin's tenure, including each of the last two years. The Buckeyes have consistently come out on top, winning 12 of the last 13 clashes between the two, but this year's Nittany Lion squad appears to be the best in years, at least on paper. Ohio State sent 14 players to the NFL this offseason, including four first-round picks, while Penn State retained several key players including Drew Allar, Nick Singleton, Kaytron Allen and Dani Dennis-Sutton. If the Nittany Lions are going to snap their losing streak, 2025 feels like the year to do it, but doing so in The Horseshoe won't be easy. Regardless, this projects as a top-five matchup and will feature two of the most talented rosters in the sport.