Big Ten football power rankings after Week 1

NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

Many Big Ten teams are off to a good start for the 2026-27 college football season. The USCTrojans look very promising this season, and some other competitive teams could rise as the season develops. The battle for the top spot will still remain between Oregon, Indiana, and the Ohio State Buckeyes. Let's see if USC can move into that top tier in the coming weeks.

Here are my Big Ten football rankings after the conclusion of Week 1:

1. Ohio State Buckeyes (1-0)

For the Buckeyes, Week 1 was business as usual. Julian Sayin came out to start the season hot, and his supporting cast looks just as good as last season. Ryan Day and the Buckeyes are looking every bit a title contender.

2. Indiana Hoosiers (1-0)

The Indiana Hoosiers closed the door on any doubt about a potential regression this season with their statement win. Josh Hoover looked every bit a star quarterback in his debut. The Hoosiers have a ton of weapons for Hoover, and their defense will always play to the level it should. This team is still in contention as the best team in the Big Ten.

3. USC Trojans (1-0)

This is the best USC Trojans squad that Lincoln Riley has had since joining the Big Ten. With the addition of Gary Patterson, this team will be equally good on both sides of the ball. In two weeks so far, in my opinion, they have been more impressive than Oregon.

4. Oregon Ducks (1-0)

Boise State is no slouch, but the title contender Oregon Ducks should have rolled past them. At bare minimum, coming out slow and sluggish as they did is inexcusable. There is no doubt this team is talented, and Dante Moore showed that in the second half. This defense is just more gettable than many thought.

5. Penn State Nittany Lions (1-0)

Penn State looked really good in their opener. Matt Campbell is just the right coach to bring this program to its glory days. Rocco Becht looked the part too of an elite Big Ten quarterback. Penn State with it's easy scheudle should be right at the top of the standings with other top teir Big Ten teams this season.

6. UCLA Bruins (1-0)

The Chesney era got off to a great start. The Bruins pulled off a big win over a good California football team. The Bruins showcased their new identity, and California had no answer to stopping the run. The Bruins could be the biggest surprise in the Big Ten this season.

7. Washington Huskies (1-0)

It was not an overly impressive victory for the Huskies against their rival. One thing that remains certain, though, is that Demond Williams is still a special talent. He will be the driving force for this team's success this season. The defense for the Huskies looked impressive and will have to be for the Huskies to reach their goal this year.

8. Iowa Hawkeyes (1-0)

Iowa's offense did not have to do anything too crazy in their first game. However, their defense once again looks like the most unimpressive component of this team. They suffocated the Niu Huskies. The Hawkeyes offense will have to get things right for them to overachieve this year. However, the defense will keep this team on track for another winning season.

9. Minnesota Golden Gophers (1-0)

The Gophers' defense this season will be elite, and they showed that in their first game. Offensively, there is some reason to be excited about Drake Lindsey and Darius Taylor. If this team can continue to run the ball well and be elite defensively, they could shock some people this year.

10. Illinois Fighting Illini (1-0)

Illinois answered some questions about their team in Week 1, but they'll be at a talent disadvantage when their schedule gets tougher. Bret Bielema will keep them in games they shouldn't be, nonetheless.

11. Nebraska Cornhuskers (1-0)

Nebraska got the victory, but this game still felt like a loss. The Cornhuskers did not give any reason to believe they will be in contention for a top spot in the Big Ten. The season for Matt Rhule should be scorching hot at the end of the year.

12. Michigan Wolverines (1-0)

Michigan got a victory, and that is most important, but they were seconds away from disaster. It still feels like there were some telling things that revealed themselves in that game. Bryce Underwood did enough to win in the end, but it is hard to say he gave confidence that he is that guy.

13. Wisconsin Badgers (1-0)

The Badgers should be headed for a more competitive season this year. They gave the Fighting Irish a battle in the first half. Which is very encouraging. The better team ultimately pulled away. The Badgers will be a tough out for many Big Ten teams this season.

14. Maryland Terrapins (1-0)

Many expected Malik Washington to go off in Game 1, but it was the Terrapins run game that stole the show. The Terrapins did exactly what they were supposed to do against an inferior opponent. More than likely, they will still be headed for a similar season to last year.

15. Northwestern Wildcats (1-0)

Northwestern has new energy and an exciting feel to it. The new stadium helps, and Chip Kelly proved to be a great hire for the offense. Northwestern should be headed for another competitive season.

16. Michigan State Spartans (1-0)

The Pat Fitzgerald era kicked off with a victory. It may take some time for Fitzgerald's identity to fully take over this program and for the wins to come. Week 1 was still a good start.

17. Purdue Boilermakers (1-0)

Purdue will be at the bottom of the Big Ten once again, but unlike Rutgers, they took advantage of facing an inferior opponent.

18. Rutgers Scarlet Knights (0-1)

Rutgers leaves Week 1 as the biggest loser. The Scarlet Knights let a team that did not win a single game beat them to start the season. The Scarlet Knights got beaten in commanding fashion to make matters worse. Rutgers could not afford to lose any non-conference games already. This season is already looking over for the Scarlet Knights.

Contact/Follow @TrojansWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of USC Trojans news, notes and opinion.

This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Big Ten football power rankings after Week 1

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos