With college football spring practice beginning, the Big Ten power rankings have changed.

With College Football Spring Practice Beginning, the Big Ten Power Rankings Have Changed

As the 2025 college football season approaches, the Big Ten Conference enters a new chapter with fresh faces, injuries, and the continuous evolution of some of the most storied programs in the country. With spring practice in full swing, teams are preparing for a season that will not only define their legacies but also shape the broader college football landscape. As always, the Big Ten is poised to be a conference filled with intrigue, filled with competitive programs gunning for supremacy both in the conference and the national championship race.

In the wake of spring practices, which have provided coaches and analysts a glimpse into how teams are shaping up for the upcoming season, it’s time to assess how the rankings have changed based on new developments. Player performances, early-season predictions, off-field distractions, and recruitment news are all factors that influence the power rankings in the Big Ten, and this season is no different.

Here’s a look at the updated Big Ten power rankings as the conference begins its spring practices, with an assessment of how the teams have shifted from the previous year and what to expect as they approach the new campaign.

1. Michigan Wolverines

2024 Record: 13-1 (Big Ten Champions)

Spring Update: The Michigan Wolverines remain the team to beat in the Big Ten. Coming off their second consecutive Big Ten championship, Michigan enters spring practice as the conference’s top team with a clear path to a potential third straight College Football Playoff appearance. Head coach Jim Harbaugh has turned Michigan into a juggernaut, especially with their physical, smash-mouth style of football that has kept opponents off balance.

The Wolverines’ biggest asset in 2025 will likely be the return of J.J. McCarthy, one of the conference’s top quarterbacks. McCarthy played a significant role in Michigan’s success last season, finishing with over 3,000 yards passing and 25 touchdowns. He will need to continue his development and elevate his play further as Michigan’s primary offensive leader. Additionally, Blake Corum, one of the top running backs in the country, will return after a season cut short by injury. His combination of speed, vision, and power will keep Michigan’s offense among the best in the country.

On defense, Michigan has consistently been one of the most well-coached units in college football, and the **return of star linebacker Junior Colson adds to their already impressive roster of defensive talent. The Wolverines will continue to rely on their defensive line’s ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks, and their secondary, led by rising star Will Johnson, will only get better with more experience.

As Michigan enters the spring, the only real question marks are how new players will step up to replace those lost to the NFL Draft, and whether the offensive line will be as dominant as it was last season. However, on paper, Michigan looks set to retain its stranglehold on the Big Ten for another season.

2. Ohio State Buckeyes

2024 Record: 11-2 (Big Ten Runner-Up)

Spring Update: The Ohio State Buckeyes are always a perennial contender in the Big Ten, and their 2025 spring practice is no different. While they may have come up short in the Big Ten Championship game last year against Michigan, the Buckeyes’ talent pool is still one of the deepest in the country. The Buckeyes are a force to be reckoned with, and as the season nears, expectations are high.

The Buckeyes have to overcome the loss of several key players, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, where C.J. Hicks and J.T. Tuimoloau are expected to lead a defensive front that will need to improve after some lapses last season. The defensive backfield, led by Denzel Burke, will be tasked with keeping high-flying offenses like Michigan’s at bay. Ohio State has the talent to be excellent on defense, but there’s a question of whether the unit can reach its full potential.

Offensively, Ohio State has one of the most exciting quarterbacks in Kyle McCord, who is slated to step into the starting role after the departure of C.J. Stroud. McCord has big shoes to fill, but he has the tools to lead the offense. The receiving corps, with Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka, remains one of the best in the nation. McCord’s ability to build rapport with these elite targets will be a key component to Ohio State’s offensive success.

In the running game, Miyan Williams and TreVeyon Henderson provide Ohio State with a dynamic one-two punch that can both carry the load and open up the passing game. Ohio State’s offensive line, led by Donovan Jackson, will also need to hold up and continue its reputation of being one of the best in the Big Ten.

Ultimately, Ohio State’s chances will depend on how well McCord adapts to the starting quarterback role and how the defense performs after losing several key players to the NFL. But despite these concerns, Ohio State remains one of the top teams in the conference.

3. Penn State Nittany Lions

2024 Record: 11-2

Spring Update: Penn State’s climb to the upper echelons of the Big Ten is complete. After finishing with an impressive 11-2 record last season, the Nittany Lions have built a program that is positioned to contend for a Big Ten title. Head coach James Franklin has consistently recruited at a high level, and his 2025 squad looks to be poised for an even stronger campaign.

The big news for Penn State’s spring practice revolves around their quarterback situation. Drew Allar, a highly touted quarterback prospect, is expected to take over the starting job after a solid performance in limited action last year. Allar has shown flashes of brilliance and has all the tools to thrive under Franklin’s offense. His development will be a key factor in whether Penn State can reach the next level.

In the backfield, Nick Singleton is poised for a massive season after an outstanding freshman year. He gives Penn State one of the most dangerous weapons in the country, capable of taking over games with his speed and power. The offensive line, which has been a weakness in recent seasons, appears to be improved and will play a critical role in giving Allar time to develop as a passer.

Defensively, Penn State has one of the most talented and well-coached units in the Big Ten. The Nittany Lions have a dynamic group of linebackers, including Abdul Carter, who will be tasked with shutting down high-powered offenses. The defensive line, led by Chop Robinson, is one of the most disruptive in the country. If the defense plays to its potential, Penn State could challenge Michigan and Ohio State for the Big Ten title.

4. Wisconsin Badgers

2024 Record: 10-3

Spring Update: Under new head coach Luke Fickell, Wisconsin is embarking on a new era of Badger football. Fickell, who led Cincinnati to a College Football Playoff appearance in 2021, brings a dynamic, modern approach to a program that has traditionally been built on a power-running game and stingy defense. Spring practice is essential for the Badgers to integrate Fickell’s schemes and offensive philosophy, which will be a departure from the traditional Big Ten West approach.

Wisconsin’s spring focus will be on establishing a more balanced offense. Quarterback Tanner Mordecai, a transfer from SMU, will be the leader of the Badger offense, and his ability to adapt to Fickell’s system will be critical to the team’s success. Mordecai, who threw for over 3,500 yards and 39 touchdowns in 2022, has the ability to be a high-level passer in the Big Ten.

In the running game, Braelon Allen returns as one of the top running backs in the conference. Wisconsin’s offensive line remains one of the best in the Big Ten, and the combination of Allen’s ability and the offensive line’s blocking should continue to be a strong point for the Badgers.

On defense, Wisconsin will continue to rely on its trademark strong play, especially in the front seven. With a solid mix of veteran players and emerging stars, the Badgers will be a tough team to score against, as always.

5. Iowa Hawkeyes

2024 Record: 9-4

Spring Update: Iowa’s identity under head coach Kirk Ferentz has always revolved around a stout defense and a gritty, run-based offense. The Hawkeyes are a tough team that has always found ways to win despite a lack of elite offensive playmakers. However, after a series of frustrating seasons offensively, Iowa is under pressure to improve its offensive unit significantly in 2025.

Spencer Petras, the starting quarterback, has struggled with consistency, and while he returns for his final year, the Hawkeyes are hoping that his development during spring practices can lead to improvement. New offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz, who is Kirk’s son, will need to unlock Iowa’s offensive potential for them to have any shot at competing for the Big Ten West title.

The Hawkeyes’ defense remains one of the best in the conference. Led by Jack Campbell, one of the top linebackers in college football, Iowa’s defense is known for being opportunistic and relentless. If the offense can take a step forward, Iowa will remain competitive in the Big Ten, but they will need to show major improvement if they want to move higher up in the rankings.