The 2025 Big Ten football season is fast approaching. Sports fans across the country are paying special attention to this power conference, which has produced the last two national champions. Here are the top five contenders in the Big Ten Conference heading into the new season.
Top 5 Contenders in Big Ten Football Heading Into 2025 Season
1. Penn State Nittany Lions
The Penn State Nittany Lions came close to ending their title droughts last season, losing to Oregon in the 2024 Big Ten Championship Game and falling short in the semifinals of the College Football Playoff against Notre Dame.
The Nittany Lions head into the 2025 season as one of the main contenders to win the Big Ten crown. Quarterback Drew Allar returns for another season after he posted impressive numbers in 2024. He threw for 3,327 yards and 24 touchdowns with eight interceptions last season.
Star running backs Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton also return after they posted 1,000-yard rushing seasons last year for Penn State.
2. Ohio State Buckeyes
The Ohio State Buckeyes head into the 2025 season as one of the favorites to win the Big Ten Football Championship despite losing several key players from last year’s national title-winning squad. Ohio State lost eight starters on defense following its win over Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff National Championship, including Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau.
The Buckeyes also have a new starting quarterback this coming season following Will Howard’s move to the NFL. Their three starting offensive linemen and two best running backs last season have also exited the team, leaving head coach Ryan Day with a different lineup to manage on offense.
“He’s gotten bigger and stronger and faster than he was last year.”
Ryan Day on 2024 @bigten Wide Receiver of the Year Jeremiah Smith 🗣️#B1GFootball x @OhioStateFB pic.twitter.com/RPtvc8GsI3
— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) July 22, 2025
One player who will be returning next season for Ohio State is Jeremiah Smith. The star wide receiver is hungry for more titles after helping the Buckeyes win the national championship against the Fighting Irish. His partnership with new QB Julian Sayin will be key for Ohio State next season.
3. Oregon Ducks
The Oregon Ducks enter the 2025 season as the reigning Big Ten champs, having beaten Penn State in last year’s title game. That victory was part of a 13-0 start for the Ducks, whose dream of winning the national championship for the first time in school history was dashed by Ohio State.
Dan Lanning’s squad remains one of the top contenders to win the Big Ten again this year despite the departure of quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who was a finalist for the 2024 Heisman Trophy. Dante Moore, who started his career at UCLA before transferring to Oregon last season, has amassed 1,659 passing yards and 11 touchdowns with nine interceptions in his first two years in the collegiate ranks.
4. Michigan Wolverines
The pressure is on Sherrone Moore to lead Michigan back to title contention this coming season. The Wolverines finished their first year under Moore with an 8-5 record, recording victories over Ohio State in the Big Ten Conference and against Alabama in the ReliaQuest Bowl.
Michigan’s championship aspirations will largely depend on the performance of Bryce Underwood, the Wolverines’ new star quarterback. The five-star prospect posted impressive numbers in his senior year at Belleville, throwing for 2,509 yards and 32 touchdowns with six interceptions. He also produced on the ground, running for over 600 yards and six scores in 2024.
5. Illinois Fighting Illini
The Illinois Fighting Illini exceeded expectations last season, finishing their 2024 campaign with a 10-3 overall record, including a victory over South Carolina in the Citrus Bowl. They will look to reach double-digit wins again this season and contend for the Big Ten Championship.
The good news for the Fighting Illini is that they have two of their key defensive players returning this year. Edge rusher Gabe Jacas will play another season for Illinois after recording eight sacks and 12 tackles for loss last year. He is joined by defensive back Xavier Scott, who racked up four interceptions last season.
KEEP READING: 27 Weeks After National Championship Win, Ryan Day Reflects On Turning Point Of Ohio State’s Season
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