Can't Wait For Saturday 's Big Ten Power Poll: Fast starts in recruiting lifts leaders

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Feb. 19—***

My Power Poll is based more on feel than just figures and facts. I promise to update weekly-ish. Or whenever somethings needs to be said:

1. Oregon 2

2. Indiana 3

3. Ohio State 1

4. Nebraska 17

5. Illinois 9

6. Washington 8

7. Northwestern 16

8. Southern California 5

9. Michigan 4

10. Wisconsin 11

11. Iowa 7

12. Minnesota 12

13. Michigan State 18

14. UCLA 10

15. Rutgers 14

16. Maryland 13

17. Purdue 15

18. Penn State 6

This week, it is all about looking ahead of 2027. The teams at the top of the rankings — other than Illinois — are off to great starts with the next recruiting class.

Nebraska, which faltered at the end of the 2025 season, has one of the best set of commits in the nation. Only Ohio State is better in the Big Ten at this point.

Illinois gets credit for quickly putting together its coaching staff after half the guys moved on. Bret Bielema seemed to have a plan and he stuck to it.

The former coaches did a nice job and were partly responsible for 19 wins in two seasons. But change can be a good thing. I look forward to getting to know the new staff members.

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