2025 Week 10 Big Ten Power Rankings Reveal Shocking Shifts Teams Can’t Ignore

Well, here we are at the crossroads of Week 10 in the Big Ten —a melting pot of momentum, losses, and the ever-elusive quest for gridiron glory. Five teams are strutting in with winning streaks like they own the place, with Ohio State standing tall amid the swirling storm of a Penn State team finding its footing under new leadership. You know, it’s fascinating how the dynamics shift just as swiftly as the autumn leaves change color. So, the real head-scratcher is this: Which teams are silently climbing the ranks, turning heads, and shaking the foundations since our Week 9 power rankings? Oh, and don’t be surprised if some underdog tales make you chuckle or at least raise a skeptical eyebrow. Because in college football, the only certainty is uncertainty… and boy, does the Big Ten deliver. LEARN MORE

Five different Big Ten teams bring winning streaks in tow into Week 10. That includes Ohio State, which gets a Penn State team undergoing new leadership. Meanwhile, which teams make the biggest jump from the Week 9 power rankings?

1. Ohio State (-)

Ohio State linebacker Cody Simon celebrates a tackle of Penn State running back Kaytron Allen. — Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Buckeyes will likely play with a heavy heart amid the sudden passing of school legend Nick Mangold. Emotions are additionally going to run high for Ryan Day — as he faces former defensive coordinator Jim Knowles for the first time Saturday.

2. Indiana (-)

The Hoosiers blew out a suddenly surging UCLA team Saturday. Curt Cignetti and IU gain a huge boost with Aiden Fisher returning to the defense ahead of the Maryland contest.

3. Oregon (-)

Oregon and Dan Lanning have a new distraction surfacing: The head coach’s name getting linked to the LSU opening. The Ducks can rest this Saturday before facing the No. 4 here.

4. Iowa (-)

Kirk Ferentz has won a hefty amount of big games for the Hawkeyes. But a takedown of Oregon on Nov. 8 will get fans rushing the field like never before.

5. Michigan (-)

Wolverines have won two in a row since the USC debacle. And they beat Michigan State with Bryce Underwood settling for just 86 passing yards.

6. Nebraska (-)

The Cornhuskers and Matt Rhule can deliver a massive statement by knocking off USC in Lincoln Saturday. Which in turn could give Penn State or other major openings more leverage to pursue Rhule.

7. Washington (+2)

Demond Williams Jr. looks like the guy moving forward at QB. He’s fresh off shredding Illinois with four touchdowns — and gaining a first down on a 3rd-and-18.

8. USC (-1)

Either Lincoln Riley will keep the critics silent by beating Nebraska, or reignite them if they lose. No in between here.

9. Minnesota (-1)

Iowa smashed the Golden Gophers hard on Saturday. Fortunately for P.J. Fleck and company the schedule lightens from here (minus the road contest to No. 6 Oregon on Nov. 14).

10. Illinois (-)

The Illini has looked schizophrenic as of late with their two-game slide. Falling to Rutgers Saturday will cause fans to turn on Bret Bielema.

11. Northwestern (-)

David Braun will produce his second bowl team in three seasons by stunning USC on Nov. 7 out west. His defense hasn’t allowed 30 points or higher since the Sept. 13 to Oregon.

12. UCLA (-)

The 3-5 Bruins don’t drop off despite the massive beatdown they endured in Bloomington. Three of their next four games are in the L.A. region — but the one road trip is against Ohio State.

13. Maryland (-)

The Terrapins had two weeks to shed the road loss to UCLA. But Maryland faces a potential fourth straight loss with Indiana next.

14. Rutgers (+2)

The Scarlet Knights can take advantage of a slumping Illini team this Saturday. They then get a sliding Maryland unit right after. Rutgers is suddenly smelling a three-game winning roll before facing No. 1 Ohio State.

15. Penn State (-1)

Penn State Nittany Lions cornerback Elliot Washington II (9) returns a blocked field goal attempt by Iowa Hawkeyes kicker Drew Stevens (not pictured) 35 yards for a touchdown on the final play of the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium. — Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

This version of Ohio State-Penn State lost its luster after James Franklin’s firing. Now Brian Kelly to State College chatter has sparked online.

16. Michigan State (-1)

It went from promising under Jonathan Smith to down bad with Michigan State’s five-game losing streak. Perhaps Smith may entertain a return to Corvallis if this doesn’t turn around?