4. Illinois Fighting Illini
Last season: 10-3 (6-3 Big Ten)
Illinois enters the 2025 season as the 12th ranked team in the entire country, yet are still one of the most slept-on programs in college football. The Illini finished 2024 as one of the five nationally ranked teams in the Big Ten (No. 16), and has all the makings to be a dark horse team for the CFP this season.
Roster continuity and an easy schedule are the two major things Illinois has going for them. They return 16 total starters, which is not only the most in the Big Ten, but second out of all Power Four programs. They also have a favorable schedule, as the only conference matchup against a top-five team on this list is against Ohio State at home.
Quarterback Luke Altmyer enters his third season as Illinois's starter and will look to build off a strong campaign last year as he guides this team towards a potential Big Ten Championship game.
5. Michigan Wolverines
Last season: 8-5 (5-4 Big Ten)
Michigan's 2023 title defense didn't go as planned last season, finishing the season unranked in Sherrone Moore's first go as full-time head coach. However, the Wolverines still finished strong with a pair of high-profile wins: a thrilling 13-10 win over No. 2 Ohio State in The Game, and a satisfying victory against No. 11 Alabama in the ReliaQuest Bowl.
For a program that's finally feeling the conclusion of their sign-stealing scandal, the Wolverines have some momentum heading into 2025. True freshman Bryce Underwood was named the team's starting quarterback, and he has the talent to have a dynamic effect on the game immedietely.
The historical powerhouse is known to always have the talent, and when you pair that with a decently easy schedule, we'll see if Michigan can find themselves in playoff contention again.
6. USC Trojans
Last season: 7-6 (4-5 Big Ten)
Lincoln Riley is entering a critical fourth season as USC's head coach, leading a program that has underperformed huge expectations the past few seasons.
Quarterback Jayden Maiava looked good for the Trojans when he took over as the starter toward the end of last season, and has the ceiling to be one of the Big Ten's best for the upcoming season. He will be throwing to one of the best receiver groups in the conference -- led by Makai Lemon and Ja'Kobi Lane.
Of course, the question for USC ever since Riley arrived in Los Angeles has been the defense and the offensive line. With Oregon, Notre Dame, Michigan, and Illinois on the schedule, this season will be boom or bust for the Trojans.