Big Ten football power rankings after Week 2

Big Ten football power rankings after Week 2

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Big Ten football power rankings after Week 2

Not everything went according to plan for the Big Ten in Week 2. The conference was lined up in some notable matchups against teams from competing power conferences, and the Big Ten took a couple of losses that hurt the conference's image early in the season. It wasn't just Ohio State and Oregon taking their lumps this weekend either. Minnesota, Purdue, and Illinois also lost games against power conference opponents, and they did so on their home fields.

Here are my Big Ten power rankings following the results of Week 2.

18. Rutgers Scarlet Knights (0-2)

Massachusetts Minutemen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano.

  • Week 2 result: Lost at Boston College, 28-21

Things are not going well for the Scarlet Knights. KJ Duff has been the lone bright spot as one of the Big Ten's leading receivers after two games, but Rutgers has nothing to show for it in the win column after a road loss at Boston College.

  • Up next: vs. USC

17. Purdue Boilermakers (1-1)

Purdue's Travis Terrell Jr. (20) rushes the football on Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, during the NCAA football game between the Purdue Boilermakers and the Indiana State Sycamores at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.

  • Week 2 result: Lost to Wake Forest, 38-36

Purdue's offense is looking to be pretty fun and dangerous this season, but the defense still has some catching up to do.

  • Up next: at UCLA

16. Wisconsin Badgers (1-1)

Wisconsin wide receiver Tyrell Henry (0) runs after making a catch against Notre Dame on Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Notre Dame won the game, 41-13. Tork Mason/Green Bay Press-Gazette

  • Week 2 result: Won vs. Eastern Illinois, 36-9

Wisconsin took advantage of a rebound opportunity with a home game against an overmatched FCS opponent. The Badgers came out swinging early to move on from their loss to Notre Dame in Week 1, which was encouraging to see.

15. Minnesota Golden Gophers (1-1)

Sep 3, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back Zack Harden (4) celebrates during the second half against the Eastern Illinois Panthers at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

  • Week 2 result: Lost to Mississippi State, 38-13

Minnesota laid a stinky egg at home against Mississippi State in Week 2. In one of the more disappointing efforts in the week around the conference, the Gophers fell behind 14-3 in the first quarter and trailed 28-6 at halftime.

  • Up next: vs. Akron

14. Northwestern Wildcats (1-0)

Northwestern Wildcats defensive back Coco Azema (0) and Northwestern Wildcats defensive lineman Anto Saka (4) tackle Purdue Boilermakers quarterback Ryan Browne (15) Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, during the NCAA football game at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.

  • Week 2 result: Bye week

Northwestern had an early bye week in Week 2, giving them a little extra time to prepare for their next home game against Colorado. Soon enough, the Wildcats will be able to move into their new digs, which should be exciting.

13. Michigan Wolverines (2-0)

Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood (19), center, hugs wide receiver JJ Buchanan (6), left, and defensive tackle Deyvid Palepale (54).

  • Week 2 result: Won vs. Oklahoma, 17-10

If there is one thing positive to say about Michigan, outside of being 2-0, it is that this defense is going to cause some problems for its opponents all season long. The offense could still use some help along the way.

  • Up next: vs UTEP

12. Michigan State Spartans (2-0)

Michigan State’s Sparty plants an MSU flag in the field prior to a game against Boston College at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing on Saturday, September 6, 2025.

  • Week 2 result: Won vs. Eastern Michigan, 35-7

The Michigan State running game is looking strong with Cam Edwards leading the way. Edwards had a big game against Eastern Michigan to take over the lead among Big Ten rushers. Can they keep it going to give Notre Dame a scare next week in South Bend, Indiana?

  • Up next: at Notre Dame

11. Illinois Fighting Illini (1-1)

Illinois Fighting Illini fans cheer during the NCAA football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Gies Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Oct. 11, 2025. Ohio State won 34-16.

  • Week 2 result: Lost to Duke, 21-27

Illinois lost a good matchup to Duke on its home field in Week 2, which was a bit of a setback for the Illini. The offense was shut down after halftime, with just a field goal after the halftime break.

  • Up next: vs. Southern Illinois

10. Maryland (2-0)

Sep 5, 2026; College Park, Maryland, USA; Maryland Terrapins quarterback Malik Washington (7) warms up before a game against the Hampton Pirates at SECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images

  • Week 2 result: Won at UConn, 38-14

Maryland hit the road and took care of business against UConn. Malik Washington had a big day with 347 passing yards, 130 of which went to rising star Na'eem Abdul-Rahim Gladding.

  • Up next: vs. Virginia Tech

9. Washington Huskies (2-0)

Sep 6, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies head coach Jedd Fisch holds the Apple Cup Trophy with offensive lineman Drew Azzopardi (74) following a game against the Washington State Cougars at Husky Stadium at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

  • Week 2 result: Won vs. Utah State, 16-14

After the first two weeks it is fair to suggest Washington may not be as complete on offense as the Huskies were hoping to be so far. It is not time to push any panic buttons, but Washington may not be worthy of its top 25 ranking at the moment.

  • Up next: vs. Eastern Washington

8. Nebraska Cornhuskers (2-0)

Sep 5, 2026; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Matt Rhule coaches against the Ohio Bobcats during the first quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

  • Week 2 result: Won vs. Bowling Green, 56-7

Nebraska beat up on another MAC program from the state of Ohio in Week 2. The passing game had a big outing with four touchdowns from Anthony Colandrea. Nebraska took control of this one much earlier than their Week 1 matchup.

  • Up next: vs. North Dakota

7. UCLA Bruins (2-0)

UCLA Bruins helmets during pregame warmups before playing the Fresno State Bulldogs at Rose Bowl on Nov 30, 2024.

  • Week 2 result: Won vs. San Diego State, 28-10

The Bruins were locked in a defensive stalemate in the first half, going to halftime in a scoreless tie against San Diego State, but the UCLA offense took command in the second half and pulled away for the win with a 21-point fourth quarter.

  • Up next: vs. Purdue

6. Iowa Hawkeyes (2-0)

Jul 28, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Iowa Football head coach Kirk Ferentz speaks during Media Days at Hilton Chicago. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

After a solid debut from the offense and the running game in Week 1, it was back to having to play a scrappy defensive battle against in-state rival Iowa State. A late field goal lifted Iowa to the win over the Cyclones.

  • Up next: vs. Northern Iowa

5. Oregon Ducks (1-1)

Oregon wide receiver Evan Stewart carries as the Oregon Ducks host the Boise State Broncos on Sept. 5, 2026, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.

  • Week 2 result: Lost to Oklahoma State, 39-31

Oregon has not been having a great time in the first couple of games of the season. After a close call at home against Boise State, the Ducks were dominated by an Oklahoma State team that lost 12 games in a row coming into Week 2. Oregon's defense has a lot to figure out in a hurry after getting thrashed by the Cowboys. Feel very bad for Portland State next week.

  • Up next: vs. Portland State

4. Penn State Nittany Lions (2-0)

Sep 12, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Rocco Becht (3) runs off the field following a third down play during the second quarter against the Temple Owls at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images

Penn State got off to a rough start on offense in its first road game of the year but eventually things were ironed out. After a frustrating first quarter, Penn State strung together 27 straight points to take firm control of things against the Owls in Philly.

  • Up next: vs. Buffalo

3. USC Trojans (3-0)

Jul 28, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; USC Football head coach Lincoln Riley speaks during Media Days at Hilton Chicago. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

  • Week 2 result: Won Louisiana, 49-30

USC has completed its non-conference portion of the schedule with a 3-0 record against non-power conference competition. Louisiana gave the Trojans a bit of a battle, but USC pulled away in the second quarter with its talent advantage. USC now must make the longest road trip of the season in the Big Ten to open Big Ten play.

  • Up next: at Rutgers

2. Ohio State Buckeyes (1-1)

Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates with quarterback Julian Sayin (10) after Smith scored a touchdown in the first half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 5, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.

  • Week 2 result: Lost to Texas, 24-23

Ohio State coughed up a big lead in the fourth quarter to leave Texas with a one-point loss against the newly anointed top-ranked team. This was a bitter pill to swallow for Ryan Day and the Buckeyes, but there is no reason to suggest they are not still among the best teams the Big Ten has to offer. But they can't hold the top spot right now.

  • Up next: vs. Kent State

1. Indiana Hoosiers (2-0)

The Indiana Hoosiers run onto the field before the Indiana versus North Texas football game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.

  • Week 2 result: Won vs. Howard, 55-0

As expected, Indiana rolled against Howard in Week 2. For the second straight game, the defending national champs posted 50+ points in a game against a vastly overmatched opponent. That trend is likely to continue next week. Indiana is moved up to No. 1 not just because of its early results but because the only team I had in front of them took a loss.

  • Up next: vs. Western Kentucky

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This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Big Ten football power rankings after Week 2

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