13. Minnesota Golden Gophers
Last season: 8-5 (5-4 Big Ten)
This power ranking probably has Minnesota lower than most others, as aside from Koi Perich, the defense doesn't seem as good as it is hyped up to be. Additionally, redshirt freshman quarterback Drake Lindsey is one of the most inexperienced starters in the conference, and it's hard to trust him to lead a great offense right away.
Expect the Gophers to take a step back after a decent campaign last season.
14. Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Last season: 7-6 (4-5 Big Ten)
A 4-0 start to the 2024 season had Rutgers looking like a potential dark horse in the Big Ten, but they immediately dropped four in a row after that on route to a pedestrian 7-6 season. Still, coach Greg Schiano is establishing Rutgers as a more respectable program than they've historically been.
The roster currently doesn't boast anything extraordinary, but the Scarlet Knights won't be an easy pushover for the top-tier Big Ten teams anymore. However, their schedule is pretty tough, so making a bowl game is no guarantee.
15. Wisconsin Badgers
Last season: 5-7 (3-6 Big Ten)
The Badgers had their 23-year bowl appearance streak snapped last season, and head coach Luke Fickell didn't exactly make any big splashes over the offseason to make people believe they can improve going into this season.
Additionally, with a schedule that sees Alabama, Michigan, and Oregon on the road in addition to Ohio State before October ends, Wisconsin is doomed to a poor start that could see Fickell fired in the middle of the season.