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The Big Ten will always be paired with the SEC as the nation's most powerful conferences, and though the league has won the last three College Football Playoff national championships, it's probably not a stretch to say the league isn't as strong as it was in 2025. 

There are a few teams that are CFP contenders at this point in the year, but there's just so much we don't know right now. 

The chaos of the Iowa-Michigan ending and other important coverage resulted in our weekly batch of Big Ten power rankings being removed from our weekly coverage lineup, but it's back on the schedule this week. 

The Hawkeyes suffered their first defeat of the season to a very good Ohio State team on Saturday, but where does the loss leave them in our latest power rankings? 

Keep reading to find out! 

18: Rutgers (1-4, 0-2) 

Rutgers fans are probably glad their team defeated Howard a few weeks ago, because it's very hard to see the Scarlet Knights winning another game this year. Greg Schiano's days could be numbered. 

17: Michigan State (2-3, 0-2) 

Michigan State gave its fans some optimism after it competed on the road against Notre Dame for four quarters, but the Spartans have looked absolutely dreadful since. Blowout losses to middle-tier teams like Nebraska and Wisconsin just aren't a good sign for Pat Fitzgerald.

16: Maryland (2-3, 0-2) 

I can't believe Mike Locksley is still employed right now. Give Maryland credit for hanging around at Nebraska on Saturday, but the 54-3 home loss to UCLA two weeks ago signals that it's beyond time for a change in College Park. 

15: Illinois (2-3, 0-2) 

Illinois fans probably thought they wouldn't be this far down the list again under Bret Bielema, but this roster appears to miss the mark. Losing to a Purdue team at home that had not won a Big Ten game in three years is about as embarrassing as it gets. The Illini are in serious trouble. 

14: Purdue (2-3, 1-1)

Man, does that have to feel good for Boilermaker fans. Purdue looked like it was destined for another winless finish in the Big Ten, but it ended the streak by beating rival Illinois. The Boilers might not win many games the rest of the way, but Barry Odom's team needed this one in the worst way. 

13: Washington (3-2, 0-2) 

Washington had College Football Playoff expectations entering the year, but I think it's safe to say those hopes have been dashed. The Huskies just look broken right now and couldn't hold on to an 11-point lead at USC last week. 

Up next? A Friday night showdown against Iowa in Seattle. Washington will be very desperate for a victory. 

12: Michigan (3-2, 0-2) 

The Hawkeyes were very fortunate to stun the Wolverines on a last-second touchdown, because I don't think this Michigan team is very good. Bryce Underwood's days as Michigan's starting quarterback seem to be numbered. 

11: Penn State (3-2, 0-2) 

Remember how Penn State's easy schedule would allow it to coast to the College Football Playoff in year one of the Matt Campbell era? That was a fun summer experiment, but it turns out it was to mask how bad this Nittany Lions team is. Rocco Becht looks nothing like the quarterback he was at Iowa State, but this entire squad has issues. 

10: Wisconsin (4-1, 2-1)

Luke Fickell and the Badgers have matched their win total from last season. That's a major step in the right direction, but considering the wins have come against Penn State and Michigan State, I need to see more from this team against better competition. 

9: Nebraska (5-0, 2-0) 

Nebraska may be the most confusing 5-0 team of all time. The Huskers haven't played anyone with a pulse so far, but that's going to change when Indiana comes to town this weekend. 

8: Minnesota (4-1, 2-0) 

P.J. Fleck's antics – smearing his player's blood on his face and drinking out of the Little Brown Jug – were bizarre, but his team is playing good football right now. The Gophers will likely be 5-1 (Purdue is next) when Iowa comes to Minneapolis on Oct. 24. 

7: USC (5-1, 2-1)

Lincoln Riley's team still has major issues on the defensive side of the ball, but that was a big-time comeback victory over Washington on Saturday. A very intriguing White Out game at Penn State awaits. 

6: Northwestern (3-1, 1-1) 

David Braun is one of the most underrated coaches in the country. The job he's done after taking over for Fitzgerald at the 11th hour has been tremendous, and he looks like he's got a squad this year. 

5: Iowa (4-1, 1-1) 

Though Iowa's loss to Ohio State disappointed Hawkeye fans, there's really no shame in losing to a Buckeye team that may very well win the national championship this year. Iowa needs to move on from this loss quickly with Washington on deck on Friday, but everything is still out there for Kirk Ferentz's team. 

4: UCLA (4-0, 2-0) 

I'm all aboard the Bob Chesney hype train. I was a little skeptical when he decided to take the UCLA job because of the Bruins' financial instability, but he's doing wonders in Los Angeles right now. This is easily looking like the most improved team in the Big Ten this year. 

3: Oregon (3-1, 1-0) 

The Ducks were on a bye week after trouncing USC two weeks ago, but a massive matchup against UCLA in Autzen Stadium awaits this weekend. 

2: Indiana (5-0, 2-0) 

The Hoosiers haven't played anyone with a heartbeat yet, but when you're the defending national champions and riding a 21-game winning streak, you'll get a pass. Things are going to get a lot tougher the rest of the way, though. A tricky test at Nebraska and a Big Ten title game rematch against Ohio State are on the horizon. 

1: Ohio State (4-1, 2-0) 

Any concerns about Ohio State falling into another letdown spot in a tough road environment were extinguished in just two plays at Kinnick Stadium. Jeremiah Smith may be one of the best college players I've seen in person. He's simply a cheat code for this Buckeye team.

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HawkeyeRoundtable publisher Brad Schultz has covered the Iowa Hawkeyes since 2023. To send him story ideas, scoops, or criticize his writing, reach him at bradschultz@roundtable.io

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