The Big Ten was arguably the best conference in college football during the 2024-25 season. They sent four teams to the College Football Playoff, including the No. 1-seeded Oregon Ducks and the eventual national champion Ohio State Buckeyes.
Now that spring ball is over, the 2025-26 season is that much closer. How did each of the teams do during the offseason? Did they vault themselves to contender status or watch transfers walk out the door, leaving a shell of a team? We provided offseason grades for every team in the Big Ten, beginning with the only team that earned an “A” grade.
Full 18-Team Big Ten Offseason Grades: Will Penn State Win It All?
Penn State Nittany Lions Offseason Grade
The biggest “move” the Nittany Lions made this offseason was retaining quarterback Drew Allar and running backs Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen, who powered this team to the CFP semifinals last season.
Though they lost several key contributors — namely, EDGE Abdul Carter and tight end Tyler Warren, who were first-round picks — head coach James Franklin added tremendous talent to the roster.
None better than former Syracuse Orange receiver Trebor Pena, who entered the portal at the last second and landed with the Nittany Lions after catching 84 passes for 941 yards and nine touchdowns in 2024. They also added a pair of “Trojans” in Devonte Ross (Troy) and Kyron Hudson (USC) to the receiving corps, replenishing a previously weak position.
On the edge, they added former North Carolina Tar Heel Amare Campbell, who registered 76 total tackles and 6.5 sacks last season and figures to be an integral piece of the Nittany Lions’ defense. They also hired highly esteemed defensive coordinator Jim Knowles away from the rival Ohio State Buckeyes.
Franklin and Co. had a wildly successful offseason, and they appear to have set themselves up for a title run.
Penn State Nittany Lions Offseason Grade: A
Ohio State Buckeyes Offseason Grade
The Buckeyes saw 14 players selected in the draft, a high for any program. Despite that, they’re bringing back several key contributors from the national title team who will be looked upon to step up even more in 2025: WR Jeremiah Smith, safety Caleb Downs and cornerback Davison Igbinosun.
Former five-star prospect WR Carnell Tate also decided to return, even though he’ll be behind Smith in the pecking order.
Replacing 14 players isn’t easy, but head coach Ryan Day did a good job in doing so. They brought in top-rated TE Max Klare (685 receiving yards, four touchdowns) from the Purdue Boilermakers and defensive end Beau Atkinson (7.5 sacks) from North Carolina.
The loss of both coordinators certainly hurts, but Day has established a program on very solid standing that’s built to endure those losses.
Entering without a proven QB, as Day didn’t make much effort in adding through the transfer portal, also can’t be considered a positive, but the supporting cast is strong and will be the catalyst behind Ohio State’s successes in defending their title this season.
Ohio State Buckeyes Offseason Grade: B+
Oregon Ducks Offseason Grade
With 10 Ducks being selected in the NFL Draft, head coach Dan Lanning and his staff had to get to work in plugging those holes and further developing young prospects.
They did just that, adding running back Makhi Hughes (2,779 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns during two seasons with the Tulane Green Wave), five-star transfer tackle Isaiah World, four-star transfer safety Dillon Thieneman, and five-star receiver Dakorien Moore.
Each is expected to have a big impact alongside star returners in EDGE Matayo Uiagalelei, linebacker Bryce Boettcher, and WR Evan Stewart. They’ll each aid in making presumed starting QB Dante Moore’s job easier in his first season leading the Ducks.
Although not quite the same level of team that won the Big Ten a season ago, Lanning’s squad still has a chance to repeat if things go their way.
Oregon Ducks Offseason Grade: B+
Illinois Fighting Illini Offseason Grade
The Fighting Illini return as much production as anyone in the country, securing QB Luke Altmyer, LB Gabe Jacas, and safety Xavier Scott. All could’ve departed via the draft,t but decided to run it back for one more season.
In addition, they return all five starters along an offensive line, including top tackle J.C. Davis. Both coordinators were retained, especially important for the defense, which ranked 41st in scoring defense.
There was a late departure in the form of starting RB Josh McCray, who rushed for 609 yards and 10 touchdowns and looked poised to have a big senior season. Too late to add through the portal, they’ll enter 2025 with sophomores Aidan Laughery and Kaden Feagin, who combined for nearly 900 yards and seven touchdowns last season.
Following up a 10-win season won’t be easy for head coach Bret Bielema and the Fighting Illini, but he and his staff did their part this offseason to ensure a run at another double-digit season.
Illinois Fighting Illini Offseason Grade: B+
Washington Huskies Offseason Grade
Retaining true freshman QB Demond Williams Jr., who proved himself to be the Huskies’ passer of the present and future after starting late last season, was the main goal.
They achieved that and enter 2025 with weapons still at their side in RB Jonah Coleman (1,053 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns) and receiver Denzel Boston (834 yards and nine touchdowns).
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It was an unfortunate offseason for the coaching staff, as head coach Jedd Fisch had to replace both coordinators. Former Purdue head coach Ryan Walters will be brought in to lead the defense, which welcomed key transfers in CB Tacario Davis, LB Taariq Al-Uqdah, and LB Jacob Manu.
There’s uncertainty at the remaining offensive positions, as players either went to the NFL or departed via the portal. But the most important part of it all — Williams — is back for another year, a major win for Fisch and Washington.
Washington Huskies Offseason Grade: B+
Nebraska Cornhuskers Offseason Grade
The offseason would be deemed a success if the Cornhuskers were able to keep true freshman and former five-star QB Dylan Raiola on the roster, and they did just that.
But head coach Matt Rhule didn’t stop there, as he gave him two key playmakers at the receiver position in former Kentucky Wildcat Dane Key (715 receiving yards, two touchdowns last season) and former Cal Bear Nyziah Hunter (578 receiving yards and five touchdowns).
Though the defense lost its top two interior defenders, Ty Robinson and Nash Hutmacher, to the NFL, a solid core remains behind it in the secondary. The core is headlined by junior defensive back Malcolm Hartzog Jr., who registered a team-leading four interceptions a season ago.
Overall, it was a productive offseason for Rhule and his staff, who enter Year 2 with Raiola and an added array of weapons.
Nebraska Cornhuskers Offseason Grade: B+
UCLA Bruins Offseason Grade
It was an eventful offseason for UCLA, to say the least. Seemingly set to enter 2025 with former App State QB Joey Aguilar, the portal entrance of Tennessee Volunteers QB Nico Iamaleava sparked the Bruins’ interest and the passers essentially switched teams — a major win for head coach DeShaun Foster as he enters his second season.
They also added a running back in Jaivian Thomas, who performed admirably well in a spot-starter role for Cal last season.
On the other side of the ball, proven players went, and talented players came in, whom Foster is hopeful can step in right away.
The staff turnover was the major offseason storyline prior to Iamaleava, as Foster was only able to bring back two assistants. New offensive coordinator Tina Sunseri is tasked with leading the offense after having a major hand in Indiana’s offensive turnaround in 2024.
At the top of the lineup, the Bruins excelled with adding Iamaleava. But the lack of depth and the coaching staff’s essentially all-newness outside of Foster creates uncertainty about what the team will look like come the fall.
UCLA Bruins Offseason Grade: B
Indiana Hoosiers Offseason Grade
It will be difficult to follow up on a surprise run to the CFP, but the Hoosiers did everything they could to remain a major threat in the Big Ten.
With quarterback Kurtis Rourke headed to the NFL, they replaced him with talented 6’5″ passer Fernando Mendoza, who threw for 3,000 yards and 16 touchdowns for Cal last season.
In addition, they refined the offensive line in front of him, adding former Notre Dame Fighting Irish starting center Pat Coogan and two others who could contribute right away.
They largely retained their defensive studs, welcoming back defensive lineman Mikail Kamara (10 sacks), CB D’Angelo Ponds (three interceptions and nine passes defended), and LB Aidan Fisher (118 total tackles).
Head coach Curt Cignetti proved he can win in any situation after coming over from JMU following the 2023-24 season. After putting together a solid offseason, no one will be surprised by the Hoosiers this year, yet they still have a path towards being ultra-competitive in the conference.
Indiana Hoosiers Offseason Grade: B
Michigan Wolverines Offseason Grade
Coming off an extremely disappointing 8-5 title defense campaign, head coach Sherrone Moore had to make some changes to his offensive staff that finished 130th in passing last season. Out Kirk Campbell, in Chip Lindsey, who will be tasked with developing five-star 2025 recruit QB Bryce Underwood.
However, he may not start right away, as former Fresno State fifth-year senior Mikey Keene also joined the QB room, already solidifying the group much better than in 2024. RB Justice Haynes, who ran for seven touchdowns with the Alabama Crimson Tide last season, will headline the run game.
The defense will once again be stout, returning their top two tacklers in LBs Earnest Hausman (89 total tackles) and Jaishawn Barham (66). Zeke Berry, who picked off two passes last season, is also back.
They also added two defensive tackles to hold replace Mason Graham in former Clemson Tigers defender Tre Williams and former Alabama defender Damon Payne Jr.
Clearly in a better position to succeed offensively this fall, the Wolverines took a step — but not a leap — forward and will look to improve upon their eight-win season.
Michigan Wolverines Offseason Grade: B-
Michigan State Spartans Offseason Grade
Coming off a disappointing 5-7 campaign in his debut season, head coach Jonathan Smith’s Spartans endured several losses, including top interceptor Charles Brantley (transfer portal) and top tackler Jordan Turner (NFL).
They did retain starting QB Aidan Chiles, who had a rough go of it in 2024 but has the talent to turn it around with more time at the position.
Each of their top two RBs departed for the NFL but Smith was able to reel in former Sacramento State Hornets’ Elijah Tau-Tolliver, who rushed for 958 yards and seven touchdowns last season, to fill the role as the starter. The addition of former Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders WR Omari Kelly is also expected to assist the passing game.
At the end of the day, it was a largely status-quo offseason for Michigan State, as they lost players and replaced them with high-level lower division talent who should be able to step in and contribute. Determining if they got better likely rests on the shoulders of Chiles, who could elevate everyone beside him.
Michigan State Spartans Offseason Grade: C+
USC Trojans Offseason Grade
Despite just three players being drafted into the NFL, head coach Lincoln Riley saw a lot of talent walk out the door through the transfer portal. That list included WR Zachariah Branch, All-Big Ten Second Team guard Emmanuel Pregnon, and a slew of others.
They weren’t replaced with many transfers — instead, Riley opted to go the long-term route and is expecting his young players to step up.
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They did retain talented quarterback Jayden Maiava, who had a strong finish to last season, and his top two receivers, Makai Lemon (764 yards, three touchdowns) and Ja’Kobi Lane (525 yards, 12 touchdowns). Both will be featured once again.
Riley’s squad stumbled to a 7-6 record in their first season in the Big Ten. After an offseason in which they didn’t take a huge step forward or back, they should be around the same record as last year.
USC Trojans Offseason Grade: C+
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Offseason Grade
The Scarlet Knights saw a majority of their starting defense walk out the door and enter the transfer portal in the winter and spring periods. Though they replaced them with portal additions, namely edge-rushers Eric O’Neill (13 sacks last season at James Madison) and Bradley Weaver (8.5 sacks at Ohio), there’s next to no continuity.
Offensively, they’re bringing back QB Athan Kaliakmanis and gave him a top weapon through the air in former North Texas Mean Green receiver D.T. Sheffield, who amassed 822 yards and 11 touchdowns last season.
With RB Kyle Monangai gone, they managed to replace him with C.J. Campbell Jr., formerly an FAU Owl. He rushed for 844 yards and 11 touchdowns a season ago.
An issue that’s becoming increasingly pertinent in today’s college football, the Scarlet Knights have very little continuity after finishing 7-6 in 2024. Though they added talent, head coach Greg Schiano and his staff have some work to do to gel this team together as they push to remain complete in the Big Ten.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Offseason Grade: C+
Northwestern Wildcats Offseason Grade
The Wildcats addressed their QB position by securing the commitment of former SMU Mustangs passer Preston Stone, who was benched last year but threw 28 touchdowns in 2023.
As far as receiving options go, it’s unclear who will step up. They added former Stanford Cardinal receiver Chase Farrell, but he has no career catches. Griffin Wilde caught 71 passes for 1,154 yards and 12 touchdowns for the South Dakota State Jackrabbits last season and will presumably step in as the go-to guy.
Defensively, Northwestern saw top DB Theran Johnson depart via the portal and LB Xander Mueller go to the NFL. They were replaced by a number of unproven players who will be expected to play big roles right away.
After a 4-8 campaign a season ago, it’s hard to see how the Wildcats got that much better during the winter and spring.
Northwestern Wildcats Offseason Grade: C
Maryland Terrapins Offseason Grade
It simply wasn’t a good offseason for the Terrapins, who lost their starting QB (Edwards) and RB (Roman Hemby) to other teams within the conference. They’re left without proven players at both position groups heading into 2025. The trenches were also hit hard, as multiple key players departed.
They did land one of the top safeties in the portal. They’ll trot out former Arkansas State Red Wolves’ Dontay Joyner in the secondary after he registered two interceptions and seven passes defended last season.
New TE Dorian Fleming (Georgia State Panthers) and WR Jalil Farooq (Oklahoma Sooners) are proven pass-catchers, which will help in welcoming an inexperienced quarterback to the lineup.
The Terrapins were extremely disappointed after a 4-8 season in 2024; they may be headed for a similar outcome or worse, as they clearly didn’t get any better this offseason.
Maryland Terrapins Offseason Grade: C-
Iowa Hawkeyes Offseason Grade
It was a largely uneventful offseason in Iowa City, as head coach Kirk Ferentz normally opts to stay out of the transfer portal madness and largely followed suit once again — except at the QB position, where the Hawkeyes are set to be led by former South Dakota State signal-caller Mark Gronowski.
The 6’3″, 230-pounder was a prolific passer with the Jackrabbits, amassing 10,330 passing yards and 93 touchdowns across four seasons. The hope is that he can step in and revitalize a passing game that has been dormant for most of the 21st century.
With the departure of star RB Kaleb Johnson, who left behind nearly 1,600 yards and 21 touchdowns of production, Ferentz did… nothing. Presumably, he’s betting on sophomore-to-be Kamari Moulton to step into a huge role in 2025 after rushing for 473 yards and three touchdowns last season.
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Under Ferentz and defensive coordinator Phil Parker, the Iowa defense will be tough once again. But questions always seem to arise about the offense and continue to do so as we look ahead to the fall.
Iowa Hawkeyes Offseason Grade: C-
Minnesota Golden Gophers Offseason Grade
The Golden Gophers lost several key contributors — tackle Aireontae Ersery, WR Daniel Jackson and CB Justin Walley — who weren’t necessarily replaced by high-level players.
They did retain talented running back Darius Taylor, who ran for 986 yards and 10 touchdowns last season and is poised to be amongst the top performers in the Big Ten come next season. First-team All-Big Ten defensive back Koi Perich is also back after intercepting five passes as a freshman.
New quarterback Drake Lindsey is expected to start, and it’s hard to say he’s positioned to succeed without much star power at the receiver position and with key losses on the offensive line.
Minnesota Golden Gophers Offseason Grade: C-
Wisconsin Badgers Offseason Grade
The defense remains largely the same, returning a majority of the key contributors from a unit that was solid a season ago.
Wisconsin’s issue is on the offensive side of the ball. Predictably, it let go Air Raid specialist Phil Longo and replaced him with newly named offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes.
Grimes is expected to bring back the Badgers’ ground-and-pound game. But who will be operating that scheme? Leading rusher Tawee Walker, who would’ve thrived in the new approach, departed and landed with the Cincinnati Bearcats.
Former Maryland quarterback Edwards was the big offseason pull for head coach Luke Fickell, showing how uninspiring their portal additions were. While that may seem like a slight to Edwards, he’s shown that he’s a solid quarterback at the FBS level—it’s just a matter of question marks around him.
Wisconsin Badgers Offseason Grade: C-
Purdue Boilermakers Offseason Grade
Managing to win just a single game last season, the Boilermakers lost three of their best players this offseason as they fired Walters and brought in former UNLV Rebels head coach Barry Odom. That list, including safety Thieneman, TE Klare, and defensive end Will Heldt, all departed to CFP contenders. A number of other contributors also left.
That left Odom in a tough position, as he had to be extremely aggressive through the portal to simply field a roster.
They added several accomplished players in the secondary, where they should be fine despite the loss of Thieneman. RB Devin Mockobee, who ran for 687 yards and four touchdowns last season, is returning for his senior season and will help as a veteran voice.
Entering 2025 with a questionable QB situation and a roster with hardly any continuity, Odom has his work cut out for him after a rough first couple of months in West Lafayette.
Purdue Boilermakers Offseason Grade: D
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