Rivalry Week shook up the Big Ten just as expected, bringing high stakes, intense finishes, and a few season-defining results. With unbeaten contenders still holding strong and several teams clawing for bowl security, the conference heads into championship weekend with plenty of storylines still alive.
Indiana Hoosiers
Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. (3) avoids a tackle from Purdue Boilermakers defensive back Smiley Bradford (1) during the third quarter at Ross-Ade Stadium. Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn ImagesConference: 9–0Overall: 12–0
Indiana has marched through the season unbeaten, dominating both sides of the ball. Their scoring margin makes them look like the clear favorite heading into the postseason, currently riding a 12-game win streak.Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State Buckeyes tight end Jelani Thurman (15) reacts during the NCAA football game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich. on Nov. 29, 2025. Ohio State won 27-9. Credit: © Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesConference: 9–0Overall: 12–0
Ohio State matched Indiana step for step and blew out most opponents on their schedule. They’ve looked polished and explosive offensively and are also currently on a 12-game win streak.Oregon Ducks
Oregon wide receiver Malik Benson breaks away for a touchdown as the Oregon Ducks take on the Washington Huskies on Nov. 29, 2025, at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. Credit: © Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesConference: 8–1Overall: 11–1
Oregon sits just behind the undefeated pair and has looked sharp on offense. Their lone blemish didn’t slow them down much, and they enter the postseason on a six-game winning streak.USC Trojans
Southern California Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) carries the ball against UCLA Bruins defensive back Key Lawrence (4) in the second half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesConference: 7–2Overall: 9–3
USC showed strong stretches but also inconsistency, particularly on the defensive side. They enter the postseason on a short rebound, having won their most recent matchup.Michigan Wolverines
Michigan Wolverines head coach Sherrone Moore leads his team onto the field for the NCAA football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich. on Nov. 29, 2025. Ohio State won 27-9. Credit: © Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesConference: 7–2Overall: 9–3
Michigan held steady among the top group but fell short in big matchups late. They have been sturdy defensively but just dropped their latest contest.Iowa Hawkeyes
Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Kaden Wetjen (21) runs against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the third quarter at Memorial Stadium. Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn ImagesConference: 6–3Overall: 8–4
Iowa quietly put together another rugged and efficient season, particularly on defense. They’ve won two straight and appear to be rounding back into form at just the right time.Washington Huskies
Oregon outside linebacker Matayo Uiagalelei, right, pressures Washington quarterback Demond Williams Jr. as the Oregon Ducks take on the Washington Huskies on Nov. 29, 2025, at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. Credit: © Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesConference: 5–4Overall: 8–4
Washington flashed real offensive capability through the season but couldn’t fully keep pace with the top programs. They dropped their most recent game and head into bowl selection looking for a reset.Illinois Fighting Illini
Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Hank Beatty (80) drops a punt during the second half against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Credit: Kayla Wolf-Imagn ImagesConference: 5–4Overall: 8–4
Illinois proved to be one of the tougher outs in the middle tier, showing resilience throughout. They picked up a win in their latest outing and appear to have momentum heading into postseason play.Minnesota Golden Gophers
Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back Koi Perich (3) and defensive back John Nestor (17) celebrate during the first half against the Wisconsin Badgers at Huntington Bank Stadium. Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn ImagesConference: 5–4Overall: 7–5
Minnesota battled through a choppy schedule but managed to stay above .500. They won their latest game and earned a solid bowl position after a competitive finish.Nebraska Cornhuskers
Nebraska Cornhuskers tight end Heinrich Haarberg (10) runs against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium. Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn ImagesConference: 4–5Overall: 7–5
Nebraska had a roller-coaster year, mixing stretches of promise with tight losses. They stumbled late, losing two straight, but their offense kept them in bowl territory.Northwestern Wildcats
Northwestern Wildcats kicker Jack Olsen (82) kicks the game winning field goal against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the second half at Wrigley Field. Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn ImagesConference: 4–5Overall: 6–6
Northwestern landed right at .500, clawing back into bowl eligibility. A loss in their final game slowed momentum, but they fought hard through conference play.Penn State Nittany Lions
Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (16) fights for yards as Penn State Nittany Lions cornerback Zion Tracy (7) and linebacker Amare Campbell (24) tackle during the second half at SHI Stadium. Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn ImagesConference: 3–6Overall: 6–6
Penn State put up points but struggled late in tight games and in defensive consistency. They’ve now won three straight and enter bowl discussions finally showing signs of stabilization.UCLA Bruins
UCLA Bruins wide receiver Kwazi Gilmer (3) carries the ball against the Southern California Trojans in the second half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesConference: 3–6Overall: 3–9
UCLA couldn’t find rhythm on either side of the ball and spent most of the season chasing their footing. They dropped their last five and end the year looking ahead to regrouping.Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Rutgers Scarlet Knights running back Antwan Raymond (3) celebrates his touchdown reception with Rutgers Scarlet Knights offensive lineman Bryan Felter (65) during the second half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at SHI Stadium. Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn ImagesConference: 2–7Overall: 5–7
Rutgers played tough but found themselves overmatched in key conference matchups. They’ve now lost two straight and sit just shy of bowl qualification.Wisconsin Badgers
Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back John Nestor (17) tackles Wisconsin Badgers tight end Lance Mason (86) during the second half at Huntington Bank Stadium. Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn ImagesConference: 2–7Overall: 4–8
Wisconsin struggled heavily to generate consistent offense. Their final stretch included another loss, and they’ll reset after a tough campaign.Michigan State Spartans
Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Chrishon McCray (13) reacts after a touchdown during the third quarter against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Kinnick Stadium. Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn ImagesConference: 1–8Overall: 4–8
Michigan State hit turbulence throughout the season but salvaged a late win. Despite the finish, the year showed clear rebuild needs.Maryland Terrapins
Maryland Terrapins wide receiver Jalil Farooq (1) can not secure a catch in the end zone as Michigan Wolverines defensive back Jaden Mangham (3) looks on during the first half at SECU Stadium. Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn ImagesConference: 1–8Overall: 4–8
Maryland opened with hopeful strikes but faded as the season progressed. Their late four-game losing streak capped a frustrating stretch.Purdue Boilermakers
Purdue Boilermakers quarterback Ryan Browne (15) throws a pass during the fourth quarter against the Indiana Hoosiers at Ross-Ade Stadium. Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn ImagesConference: 0–9Overall: 2–10
Purdue had a difficult year from start to finish, unable to secure a single conference victory. They end on a 10-game losing streak and face a long offseason of adjustments.Conclusion
Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Luke Montgomery (51) reacts during the NCAA football game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich. on Nov. 29, 2025. Ohio State won 27-9. Credit: © Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
As the dust settles, the Big Ten picture feels clearer but no less dramatic, with powerhouse programs eyeing playoff paths and others simply regrouping after emotional rivalry battles. With momentum and bragging rights now locked in, the focus shifts to bowl bids, title games, and the final push to close the season on a high note.