When the Washington Huskies went down 20-0 to the Maryland Terrapins last Saturday, it was looking certain that they would drop to the double-digits in the Big Ten power rankings. Instead, they fought back, showing grit to win a game that most others would lose. Now, with a crazy Penn State loss, the Huskies find themselves rising in the conference power rankings.
1. Ohio State Buckeyes (5-0)
Last week's ranking: No. 1
Last week's game: W, 42-3 vs Minnesota
Ohio State's scorching start to the 2025 season continues after toppling Big Ten foe Minnesota by nearly 40 points. Despite Oregon right behind them as worthy challengers, the Buckeyes are the most complete team in the conference, as well as the entire country. Both sides of the ball feature guys that will be suiting up for NFL teams on Sundays, and repeating as national champions feels very much in the cards.
2. Oregon Ducks (5-0)
Last week's ranking: No. 2
Last week's game: BYE
The Ducks rest on a bye week after a 5-0 start, and it's coming at a perfect time -- they host No. 7 Indiana at Autzen Stadium this Saturday. It's a game that will say a lot about both teams, not just based on who wins and who loses, but also how close it is. Oregon is ranked third in the nation behind Ohio State and Miami, but continue to get first-place votes every week.
3. Indiana Hoosiers (5-0)
Last week's ranking: No. 3
Last week's game: BYE
Indiana's uprising continues to take shape as the Hoosiers are now up to No. 7 in the AP poll. This isn't just a team that's a Cinderella anymore, Curt Cignetti has his guys playing like legit title contenders. Their 63-10 win over Illinois proved that, and they will have a chance to prove it again this week against No. 3 Oregon. All of Bloomington will be on the shoulders of Fernando Mendoza, a Heisman frontrunner, going into one of the biggest games in program history.
4. Michigan Wolverines (4-1)
Last week's ranking: No. 5 (+1)
Last week's game: W, 24-10 vs Wisconsin
Michigan is making its way back up the Big Ten ladder after an ugly loss a few weeks back to now No. 6-ranked Oklahoma. The Wolverine defense is starting to step up, as it allowed just 10 points and 252 yards of offense to Wisconsin in its most recent game. However, freshman phenom Bryce Underwood still hasn't reached the form many think he's capable of -- he's only thrown for three passing touchdowns this season.
5. Illinois Fighting Illini (5-1)
Last week's ranking: No. 6 (+1)
Last week's game: W, 43-27 vs Purdue
Illinois also continues to bounce back after getting destroyed by Indiana in Week 4. Luke Altmyer and the Illini offense have put up 77 points in the last two games, but the team's red flag is on defense -- it has given up 122 points in the last three games.
6. Nebraska Cornhuskers (4-1)
Last week's ranking: No. 7 (+1)
Last week's game: W, 38-27 vs Michigan State
Nebraska continues to look like a solid, all-around team, and may even have a strong argument to be ranked in the top 25. The Cornhuskers received 60 votes in the AP poll, which wasn't enough, but definitely shows that they're a formidable team capable of beating anyone in the Big Ten. Matt Rhule and Dylan Raiola lead an offense as powerful as any in the Big Ten, and the defense has enough athleticism and skill to compliment.