Big Ten Shakeup: Which Underdog Is Poised to Rewrite the 2025 Power Rankings?

Thanksgiving in Big Ten country isn’t just about turkey and pie — it’s the moment when the conference title race sharpens into crystal-clear focus, and those College Football Playoff dreams either take flight or come crashing down. Imagine Ohio State and Michigan serving up leftovers with a side of rivalry fire this Saturday, while Indiana eagerly eyes December 6th like a kid waiting to open presents. It’s that electrifying time when every game counts and the stakes feel enormous — can the Buckeyes keep their defense historic? Will Indiana punch their ticket to the Big Ten title game? And can Oregon sneak back into the mix if the favorites stumble? Sit tight, because Week 14’s power rankings lay it all bare — drama, hope, heartbreak, and glory. Ready to dive into the madness? LEARN MORE

Thanksgiving week doesn’t just promise treats in Big Ten country. It crystalizes the conference title picture, let alone the College Football Playoff race. Ohio State and Michigan hand the nation post Turkey Day leftovers on Saturday, while Indiana also awaits its fate for Dec. 6 as we launch our Week 14 rankings.

1. Ohio State (-)

Ohio State Buckeyes take the field before the NCAA college football game against the UCLA Bruins at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. — Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Ryan Day witnessed the Ohio State defense hit a mark not seen since 1987 in Saturday’s romp. But Michigan remains in the heads of the Buckeyes. Star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith already vowed he’d never lose to the Wolverines again — and gets his chance this weekend.

2. Indiana (-)

Curt Cignetti and the Hoosiers face a dismal rival in Purdue. So the Big Ten title game likely will have local representation through Indiana come Dec. 6. But the top seed in the College Football Playoffs are also on the line in all likelihood.

3. Oregon (-)

Dan Lanning had his Ducks pumped for the funeral — Trojan funeral according to him. But can they make it back to Indianapolis for the first Saturday of December if Ohio State or Indiana stumbles?

4. Michigan (+1)

Sherrone Moore made Wolverine fans forget about last year’s record — by owning the win over the Buckeyes. Michigan still wants nothing more than to beat the defending national champs inside the Big House.

5. USC (-1)

No conference title or CFP once again for Lincoln Riley and USC. But the Trojans can still keep the Bell this weekend against UCLA…and maybe get the Alamo Bowl.

6. Washington (-)

The Huskies can ruin Oregon’s pursuit of another Big Ten title game appearance with an upset. Jedd Fisch, though, is still dealing with Florida chatter.

7. Iowa (+1)

The Hawkeyes outscored Michigan State 13-0 in the fourth quarter to avoid the upset. Kirk Ferentz will take Iowa to a 12th bowl game in the last 13 seasons.

8. Nebraska (+2)

Matt Rhule and the Cornhuskers must deal with the possibility of losing not one, but two Raiolas. This time quarterback Dylan Raiola amid some transfer rumblings.

9. Illinois (-2)

Bret Bielema had to deal with his former team celebrating in front of him as Wisconsin stunned his Illini. Saturday feels like a “win back the fans” week as a fierce rival awaits.

10. Northwestern (+1)

Northwestern Wildcats head coach David Braun (center) watches the game against the UCLA Bruins during the first half at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. — David Banks-Imagn Images

The Wildcats are bowl eligible at 6-5. But want nothing more than to claim the in-state bragging rights against Illinois.

11. Minnesota (-2)

Golden Gophers lost a shootout against the No. 10 in these rankings. Last thing P.J. Fleck and company want is to see Luke Fickell and his Badgers end the year with a winning streak — in front of Minnesota.

12. Penn State (+2)

Lane Kiffin isn’t coming to State College. Neither is Brian Kelly. But is interim head coach Terry Smith the guy moving forward with PSU winning two in a row?

13. UCLA (-)

UCLA hasn’t gone 3-9 since Chip Kelly’s first season in Westwood. Well, Kelly is back on the coaching market again after the Raiders fired him. But Bob Chesney chatter circles around the Los Angeles region even amid the reported Penn State interest.

14. Rutgers (-2)

Took a massive 42-9 blowout loss to the top-ranked team in the land. Rutgers still needs a win to seal bowl eligibility.

15. Wisconsin (+1)

Fickell and his team are showing some fight after stunning Illinois. A win over Minnesota creates big momentum for ’26.

16. Maryland (-1)

It all fell apart after its romp of Wisconsin. Maryland heads to the final regular season week on a seven-game slide.

17. Michigan State (-)

MSU doesn’t have to worry about Jonathan Smith entertaining a return to his alma mater Oregon State. But he and the Spartans are on an eight-game slide.