ESPN ranks Big Ten Football teams from first to last after of Week 7

The college football season now hits the middle of October, and with Week 7 in the books, ESPN ranked the teams in the Big Ten. That included a few notable surprises in what has proven to be among the most talented and deep conferences in the country.

These ESPN rankings are based on FPI. That’s a predictive metric that ESPN uses in college football. According to ESPN, “FPI represents how many points above or below average a team is.” However, it is not judging what team is most deserving. It’s just looking forward at future results.

With that in mind, ESPN applied FPI to the Big Ten. Here’s the result following Week 7 and looking ahead to the back half of the regular season.

1. Ohio State Buckeyes (6-0, 3-0)

The Ohio State Buckeyes remained unbeaten in Big Ten play over the weekend, knocking off Illinois. That win saw the Buckeyes get to bowl eligibility, though that was never truly in doubt, as well. Now, it appears they control their own destiny as it relates to getting to the conference championship game.

From here, Ohio State faces a run in conference play against teams that are currently struggling. First, Wisconsin, then Penn State, followed by Purdue. In fact, it won’t be until November 15th against UCLA that Ohio State plays a team that currently has a win in Big Ten play.

2. Indiana Hoosiers (6-0, 3-0)

The Indiana Hoosiers are now sitting second in ESPN’s Big Ten rankings. That comes after they beat Oregon in Eugene last week. Now, sitting at 3-0 in conference play, like Ohio State, they’re going to be able to control their destiny within conference play.

This week, Indiana is going to return home to take on Michigan State. That’s the first game on the back half of Indiana’s schedule. Of every team on the schedule for Indiana, none are currently ranked in the AP Poll.

3. Oregon Ducks (5-1, 2-1)

The Oregon Ducks suffered their first loss of the season over the weekend. That was at the hands of a very talented Indiana team. So, while the season isn’t lost, particularly as it relates to the College Football Playoff, getting back to the Big Ten Championship Game now requires some help.

The Ducks are back in action next week with a cross-country road trip. There, they’re set to take on Rutgers. The travel within the Big Ten can be tricky. So, head coach Dan Lanning needs to find a way to keep his team focused and energized.

4. USC Trojans (5-1, 3-1)

The USC Trojans opened their season 5-1 and are now firmly in both the Big Ten race and the CFP race. After adding a convincing win over Michigan last weekend, it seems like they’re a more legitimate contender. That is, as long as injuries don’t overcome USC.

Next week will be another massive test for USC. The Trojans head to South Bend to take on rival Notre Dame. That’s a game Lincoln Riley has lost in each of the last two seasons by at least two touchdowns, though.

5. Michigan Wolverines (4-2, 2-1)

The Michigan Wolverines have proven to be one of the most interesting teams in the Big Ten, if nothing else. Headlined by star freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood, the Wolverines have relied on their strong defense and running game to help them through some growing pains. Now, at 4-2, the pressure is on if they want to make the CFP.

Michigan needs to avoid a third loss in the second half of the season. That starts next week when the Wolverines return home to play Washington. Of course, Ohio State also looms in the distance.

6. Penn State Nittany Lions (3-3, 0-3)

It’s been a disaster for Penn State. The Nittany Lions went from national championship contender to 0-3 in Big Ten play, having fired James Franklin, and looking for answers. Still, ESPN has Penn State in the Top 10 of its Big Ten rankings.

Terry Smith now takes over as the interim head coach at Penn State. His goal is going to be to keep the team together, avoid the team quitting, and get to bowl eligibility. That starts next week with a road trip to Iowa.

7. Washington Huskies (5-1, 2-1)

The Washington Huskies have quietly jumped out to a 5-1 start. Their only loss is against Ohio State, and, coming off a big win at Rutgers, the offense seems to be hitting its stride. That’s a unit led by quarterback Demond Williams, who is in the process of having a breakout season.

Washington is in for another major test next week when they head to the Big House to play Michigan. A win there, against a traditional Big Ten power, would get Washington bowl eligible. It would also make Washington a contender in the conference this season.

8. Nebraska Cornhuskers (5-1, 2-1)

The Nebraska Cornhuskers got to bowl eligibility in 2024. Now, in 2025, they want to be a Big Ten contender. For the most part, they’ve looked the part this season. That included last week, knocking off Maryland during a tough road trip.

Next week, Nebraska hits the road again. There, they’ll take on a tough Minnesota team. However, this is a game that if the Cornhuskers are serious this season, they’ll find a way to win.

9. Iowa Hawkeyes (4-2, 2-1)

The Iowa Hawkeyes continue to be one of the most consistent programs in the Big Ten. Seemingly, as always, that’s on the back of an excellent defense and special teams. With wins in two of their first three Big Ten games, the Hawkeyes are now in a position to make a move.

It’s an interesting opponent this week. Iowa hosts a struggling Penn State team with an interim coach and backup quarterback. At a glance, that would make them the favorite. However, ESPN still has Penn State ranked sixth for a reason. That’s a very talented opponent.

10. Illinois Fighting Illini (5-2, 2-2)

Coming into the season, Illinois was seen as a darkhorse for the CFP. Now, that’s not out of the question. However, after suffering a second Big Ten loss, it’s in a much tougher position overall, and Illinois will need to be close to perfect in the second half.

This week, Illinois has a bye. After that, it’s a run of five games against conference competition. Within that group, currently, nobody is ranked.

Big Ten teams 11-18

11. Maryland Terrapins (4-1, 1-2)
12. Rutgers Scarlet Knights (3-3, 0-3)
13. Northwestern Wildcats (4-2, 2-1)
14. Minnesota Golden Gophers (4-2, 2-1)
15. Wisconsin Badgers (2-4, 0-3)
16. UCLA Bruins (2-4, 2-1)
17. Michigan State Spartans (3-3, 0-3)
18. Purdue Boilermakers (2-4, 0-3)