{"id":268863,"date":"2025-08-07T11:26:16","date_gmt":"2025-08-07T11:26:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/268863\/"},"modified":"2025-08-07T11:26:16","modified_gmt":"2025-08-07T11:26:16","slug":"2025-big-ten-football-preview-power-rankings-top-players-key-games","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/268863\/","title":{"rendered":"2025 Big Ten football preview: Power rankings, top players, key games"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao MvWXB TjIXL aGjvy ebVHC \"><br class=\" \"\/>Will Ohio State claim the Big Ten title in 2025, or will Penn State finally break through in 2025?<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">The college football season is less than a month away, and it looks like these two perennial Big Ten powers will have the best shot to not just win the conference, but the College Football Playoff, too. But it won&#8217;t be without stiff competition from Oregon, which won the league last season.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">In addition to the Big Ten&#8217;s playoff race, eyes will be on UCLA andNico Iamaleava following his <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/story\/_\/id\/45818683\/nico-iamaleava-ucla-transfer-driven-family-not-nil-deal\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">exit from Tennessee<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">We get you caught up on the Big Ten by breaking down the conference&#8217;s CFP outlook, power rankings, must-see games, top freshmen, key transfers and numbers to know.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Jump to:br\/&gt;<a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"#cfp\" target=\"_blank\">CFP outlook<\/a>|<a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"#games\" target=\"_blank\">Must-see games<\/a>br\/&gt;<a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"#freshmen\" target=\"_blank\">Freshmen<\/a>|<a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"#transfers\" target=\"_blank\">Transfers<\/a>br\/&gt;<a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"#numbers\" target=\"_blank\">Numbers to know<\/a>br\/&gt;<a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"#rankings\" target=\"_blank\">Power rankings<\/a><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR zFTjo hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/1746016215_769__end_rule.png\"\/>CFP outlook<a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA hsDdd DbOXS oklLN GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/team\/_\/id\/213\/penn-state-nittany-lions\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR WAUrb hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1754565972_212_213.png&#038;h=60&#038;w=60.png\"\/><\/a><a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA hsDdd DbOXS oklLN GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/team\/_\/id\/356\/illinois-fighting-illini\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR WAUrb hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/356.png&#038;h=60&#038;w=60.png\"\/><\/a><a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA hsDdd DbOXS oklLN GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/team\/_\/id\/158\/nebraska-cornhuskers\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR WAUrb hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1754565972_392_158.png&#038;h=60&#038;w=60.png\"\/><\/a>Must-see games<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">From Bill Connelly&#8217;s <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/story\/_\/id\/45756799\/2025-big-ten-college-football-projections-preview\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Big Ten conference preview<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Here are the 10 games &#8212; eight in conference play, plus two huge nonconference games &#8212; that feature (A) the highest combined SP+ ratings for both teams and (B) a projected scoring margin under 10 points. That second part is key, as neither Penn State (two) nor Ohio State (three) have many projected close games on the docket.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Texas at Ohio State (Aug. 30) and Michigan at Oklahoma (Sept. 6). The biggest games of Weeks 1 and 2 are Big Ten vs. SEC affairs, though they take on different flavors. Texas-Ohio State is a rematch of last year&#8217;s delightful CFP semifinal, in which Jack Sawyer&#8217;s late scoop-and-score ended a Longhorns comeback attempt. Both the Longhorns and Buckeyes will almost certainly start out in the AP top 5. Meanwhile, Michigan and Oklahoma are looking for ways back into the top 10, and both will bring remodeled offenses to the table.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Illinois at Indiana (Sept. 20). If things play out as forecasted and we have two different races going on in the Big Ten &#8212; the big names vying for the conference title and the pool of 14 other teams fighting among each other for another playoff spot &#8212; then this is the biggest Illinois-Indiana game of all time. The loser will have to be just about perfect to get to 10-2 and a potential bid.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Oregon at Penn State (Sept. 27). The Week 5 slate is overloaded with big games, but this will almost certainly be the biggest. The Ducks and Nittany Lions will almost certainly be a combined 7-0 at this point, as neither team will have played a top-50 team.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">USC at Illinois (Sept. 27) and Indiana at Iowa (Sept. 27). Like I said, there&#8217;s just way too much going on in Week 5. Goodness.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Michigan at USC (Oct. 11). By this point, Michigan will have already played at Oklahoma and Nebraska and could be 5-0 and in the top 10, or 3-2 and flailing. USC will have just visited Illinois and could be 5-0 or flailing as well. This game will be huge, for any of about 17 different reasons.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Penn State at Ohio State (Nov. 1). In terms of combined SP+ ratings, this is the single biggest game of the 2025 regular season.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Indiana at Penn State (Nov. 8). Whether PSU is coming off of a win or a loss in Columbus, the Nittany Lions will desperately need to move on and avoid a hangover.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Ohio State at Michigan (Nov. 29). Proof that even in a 12-team CFP era, a rivalry loss can send you into a spectacular, existential tailspin. (And proof that you might be able to steer out of it a little better now.)<\/p>\n<p>Three freshmen to watch<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR zFTjo hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/120.png&#038;h=60&#038;w=60.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \"><a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/player\/_\/id\/5141695\/malik-washington\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Malik Washington<\/a>, QB, Maryland<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Washington already arrived on campus facing immense expectations after the four-star Maryland native opted to stay home and attend the school he grew up idolizing. His spring game showing &#8212; he went 12-of-18 for 170 yards and two touchdowns &#8212; did little to dispel any optimism he could become the face of a program resurrection in College Park. At 6-foot-5, 231 pounds, Washington is a true dual-threat with arm talent and mobility. His accuracy and ability to change arm angles should mesh well in an RPO scheme. Carving out a path to contention in the Big Ten won&#8217;t be easy, and he&#8217;ll need to beat out UCLA transfer <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/player\/_\/id\/4685435\/justyn-martin\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Justyn Martin<\/a> for the starting gig, but Washington has game-changing tools.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA hsDdd DbOXS oklLN GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/player\/_\/id\/5141741\/bryce-underwood\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR WAUrb hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1754565973_588_130.png&#038;h=60&#038;w=60.png\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">No freshman in college football faces more scrutiny than Underwood, who arrived in Ann Arbor as the highest-ranked player in the class and signed a multi-million dollar NIL deal after a lengthy pursuit by his hometown Wolverines. Underwood&#8217;s spring was more solid than exceptional, and he went 12-of-26 for 187 yards in the spring game, which included an 88-yard touchdown, but also a pair of sacks and several overthrows. Michigan coach Sherrone Moore hasn&#8217;t named a starter and has been consistent that Underwood is battling with <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/player\/_\/id\/5079367\/jadyn-davis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Jadyn Davis<\/a>, Jake Garcia, and <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/player\/_\/id\/4597499\/mikey-keene\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Mikey Keene<\/a> for the role, but Michigan&#8217;s offense has its highest ceiling with Underwood at the helm. At 6-foot-4, 210 pounds, Underwood combines raw speed, clean footwork in the pocket and natural arm strength. The ball jumps out of his hand and he&#8217;s adept at keeping plays alive on the run to move the chains. It might require some patience &#8212; which isn&#8217;t easy in Ann Arbor &#8212; but Underwood has the ceiling of a dominant, Heisman Trophy-contending signal caller.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA hsDdd DbOXS oklLN GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/player\/_\/id\/5141586\/dakorien-moore\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR WAUrb hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1754565973_868_2483.png&#038;h=60&#038;w=60.png\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Moore arrived in Eugene as the highest-graded high school receiver ESPN has evaluated since 2020, then dazzled Oregon teammates and coaches alike during the Ducks&#8217; spring practices. Moore won the 2025 Under Armour All-America Game MVP and totaled more than 4,000 receiving yards at famed Duncanville High School in Texas. He&#8217;s also a decorated track star, and his blazing speed and savvy route-running ability should find a home in Oregon&#8217;s offense on Day 1. Moore&#8217;s offseason work has only helped solidify the high expectations. He could quickly become a reliable option for new starting QB <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/player\/_\/id\/4870921\/dante-moore\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Dante Moore<\/a>, and his role in the offense only becomes more important with <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/player\/_\/id\/4685565\/evan-stewart\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Evan Stewart<\/a> set to miss at least a significant portion of the season with a knee injury. &#8212; Billy Tucker<\/p>\n<p>Three top transfers<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">These selections are based on Max Olson&#8217;s ranking of the top 100 transfers from the 2024-25 transfer cycle.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR zFTjo hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/4837248.png&#038;w=43&#038;h=60&#038;scale=crop&#038;background=0xcccccc&#038;transparent=false.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Transferring from: Cal | Top 100 rank: 4<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">HT: 6-5 | WT: 225 | Class: Redshirt sophomore<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Background: Mendoza was an incredible find for Cal, an under-the-radar three-star out of Miami who was committed to Yale until the Bears extended a late offer. He developed into one of the best young QBs in the country after taking over as Cal&#8217;s starter for their final eight games in 2023. As a sophomore, he was the ACC&#8217;s third-leading passer with 3,004 passing yards and raised his completion percentage to 69% (second in the ACC) while scoring 18 total touchdowns with just six interceptions over 11 games. He led all FBS quarterbacks with 41 sacks last season but overcame inconsistent protection to have a really productive year with strong performances against Miami and Auburn and a 98-yard game-winning drive to beat rival Stanford. Mendoza is viewed as one of the most promising QBs in the country by several personnel departments. &#8212; Olson<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Scout&#8217;s take: Mendoza is one of the most undervalued players at the position in college football. He&#8217;s 6-5, a great athlete and is tough as nails. He was sacked a lot and kept getting back up. Mendoza can make all of the throws and is a sneaky, crafty athlete. &#8212; Luginbill<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">What he brings to Indiana: Indiana coach Curt Cignetti values production over potential when it comes to recruiting the transfer portal. He&#8217;s getting plenty of both with Mendoza as his successor to <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4430431\/kurtis-rourke\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Kurtis Rourke<\/a>. Mendoza is looking to take his game to another level in the Big Ten and help make the Hoosiers a contender again in Year 2 under Cignetti. &#8212; Olson<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR zFTjo hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/4870799.png&#038;w=43&#038;h=60&#038;scale=crop&#038;background=0xcccccc&#038;transparent=false.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Transferring from: Tennessee | Top 100 rank: 5<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">HT: 6-6 | WT: 220 | Class: Redshirt freshman<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Background: Well, <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/story\/_\/id\/44787682\/why-nico-iamaleava-left-tennessee-joined-ucla\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">this was a stunner<\/a>. While there were rumors of discontent in late December at the winter portal deadline, it was still shocking that Iamaleava left a College Football Playoff team and hit the open market during the spring in search of a better deal than the one he had with the Vols. Tennessee invested a ton of money in Iamaleava and even successfully fought off an attempted NCAA investigation into the seven-figure agreement he struck with the Vols as a five-star high school recruit. He had an awful lot of hype to live up to as a redshirt freshman starter in 2024 and put together a solid year, throwing for 2,616 yards, completing 64% of his passes with 22 total touchdowns and nine turnovers while leading the Vols to 10 wins. Iamaleava closed out the season with a rough CFP performance, completing 14 of 31 passes for 104 yards in a 42-17 first-round loss to eventual national champ Ohio State, and still has plenty of room to grow. But it is exceptionally rare that a QB of his caliber becomes available in the spring. Iamaleava is looking to keep progressing and play up to his first-round potential. &#8212; Olson<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Scout&#8217;s take: There is no debating that Iamaleava is one of the most physically talented quarterbacks in college football. He was highly coveted out of high school because of his stature, arm strength and athletic ability. During his one season as a starter, he showed flashes of brilliance but also mediocrity. He threw 19 touchdowns, but four of the nine touchdowns in SEC play came against Vanderbilt and seven came against Chattanooga and UTEP. Consistency is where he has to improve. He has the arm strength and overall talent to be a terrific vertical deep ball passer, but he has been wildly inconsistent in terms of accuracy in that regard. There are still tools here, but he will likely be playing on a team that is less talented than the one he just left. Meaning: He&#8217;s going to have to be better than he has ever been. &#8212; Luginbill<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">What he brings to UCLA: This ordeal might have played out perfectly for the Bruins. They&#8217;re getting a potential <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/insider\/story\/_\/id\/44391723\/college-football-best-quarterbacks-2025-arch-manning-carson-beck-drew-allar\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">top-10 quarterback<\/a> on a reduced contract who will generate a lot of attention for this program entering coach DeShaun Foster&#8217;s second year. Iamaleava&#8217;s arrival will cost them App State transfer QB <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/player\/_\/id\/5151948\/joey-aguilar\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Joey Aguilar<\/a>, who reentered the portal after going through spring practice with the Bruins and landed at Tennessee. The challenge going forward for Iamaleava is learning OC Tino Sunseri&#8217;s system and winning over his new teammates this summer, but he&#8217;ll certainly be motivated after his split with the Vols. &#8212; Olson<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR zFTjo hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/5084965.png&#038;w=43&#038;h=60&#038;scale=crop&#038;background=0xcccccc&#038;transparent=false.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Transferring from: Nevada | Top 100 rank: 7<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">HT: 6-8 | WT: 309 | Class: Redshirt junior<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Background: The massive pass protector was a three-year starter for the Wolf Pack primarily at left tackle and brings invaluable experience with more than 2,300 career snaps. He did not surrender a sack during his junior season and picked up honorable mention All-Mountain West recognition. World is viewed as a potential first-round draft pick by NFL scouts entering his final season of eligibility and is making the move up to the Power 4 to prove he merits that praise. &#8212; Olson<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Scout&#8217;s take: World is a huge presence with very good pass pro skills at left tackle. He has added 42 pounds since high school and retained his initial quickness and flexibility. World does a terrific job riding defenders past the pocket with his length and mobility. He plays balanced with good feet and shows his basketball background mirroring defenders in his set. He&#8217;s not as effective versus the run. World&#8217;s pad level can get high, but he&#8217;s still very productive at washing defenders down to open run lanes. &#8212; Tucker<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">What he brings to Oregon: Offensive tackle was one of the critical portal needs for the Ducks. <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4696203\/ajani-cornelius\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Ajani Cornelius<\/a> graduating and <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4685326\/josh-conerly-jr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Josh Conerly Jr<\/a>. potentially going pro made adding starter-caliber tackles a priority for Oregon, and it was able to hold off Texas A&amp;M and Nebraska in this battle. A one-year addition makes sense to help give the Ducks&#8217; young big men more time to develop. &#8212; Olson<\/p>\n<p>Numbers to know<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">4: The number of seasons it has been since defending national champion Ohio State won the Big Ten title, the Buckeyes&#8217; longest drought since a six-year stretch from 1987 to 1992.<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">8: The number of Big Ten quarterbacks who were in the top 25 of the ESPN300 recruit rankings at some point in their high school careers, the most of any conference. Those QBs are Michigan&#8217;s Bryce Underwood (No. 1 in 2025), Oregon&#8217;s Dante Moore (No. 2 in 2023), Ohio State&#8217;s Julian Sayin (No. 9 in 2024), Ohio State&#8217;s Tavien St. Clair (No. 10 in 2025), Nebraska&#8217;s Dylan Raiola (No. 11 in 2024), USC&#8217;s Sam Huard (No. 16 in 2021), UCLA&#8217;s Nico Iamaleava (No. 23 in 2023) and Michigan&#8217;s Jake Garcia (No. 24 in 2021).<\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">+200: Ohio State&#8217;s odds of winning the Big Ten championship, according to ESPN BET, which are the longest odds for the Big Ten favorite in at least 15 years. Penn State is the second choice at +225. &#8211;ESPN Research<\/p>\n<p>Power rankings<a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA hsDdd DbOXS oklLN GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/team\/_\/id\/213\/penn-state-nittany-lions\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR WAUrb hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1754565972_212_213.png&#038;h=60&#038;w=60.png\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">If not this year, then when for the Nittany Lions? As other Big Ten powers sift through QB questions, Penn State features three-year starter <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/player\/_\/id\/4714771\/drew-allar\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Drew Allar<\/a>, who has the makeup to be a first-round pick next spring. Throw in a dominant running game spearheaded by <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/player\/_\/id\/4685555\/nicholas-singleton\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Nicholas Singleton<\/a> and <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/player\/_\/id\/4685246\/kaytron-allen\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Kaytron Allen<\/a>and a talented defense now led by veteran coordinator Jim Knowles, the Nittany Lions have the pieces to win the Big Ten &#8212; and even the national title.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA hsDdd DbOXS oklLN GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/team\/_\/id\/194\/ohio-state-buckeyes\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR WAUrb hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1754565974_666_194.png&#038;h=60&#038;w=60.png\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">The defending national champions lost a record-tying 14 players to the NFL and must fill significant holes at quarterback and along both the offensive and defensive lines. But Ohio State also has arguably the nation&#8217;s best two players in wide receiver <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/player\/_\/id\/5079720\/jeremiah-smith\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Jeremiah Smith<\/a> and safety <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/player\/_\/id\/4870706\/caleb-downs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Caleb Downs<\/a>, other standouts such as wide receiver <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/player\/_\/id\/4871023\/carnell-tate\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Carnell Tate<\/a> and linebacker <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/player\/_\/id\/5081807\/sonny-styles\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Sonny Styles<\/a>, and notable transfers such as tight end <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/player\/_\/id\/4833029\/max-klare\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Max Klare<\/a> (Purdue). Never count out the Buckeyes.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA hsDdd DbOXS oklLN GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/team\/_\/id\/2483\/oregon-ducks\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR WAUrb hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1754565973_868_2483.png&#038;h=60&#038;w=60.png\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Dillion Gabriel, one of the most prolific QBs in recent college football history, is gone, leaving tantalizing former five-star recruit <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/player\/_\/id\/4870921\/dante-moore\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Dante Moore<\/a> in charge of the Ducks&#8217; offense. A season-ending knee injury to star wide receiver <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/player\/_\/id\/4685565\/evan-stewart\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Evan Stewart<\/a> stings. But Oregon still has enough on either side of the ball to defend its Big Ten title.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA hsDdd DbOXS oklLN GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/team\/_\/id\/356\/illinois-fighting-illini\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR WAUrb hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/356.png&#038;h=60&#038;w=60.png\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">After winning 10 games for the first time since the Big Ten championship season of 2001, Illinois has its sights on the team&#8217;s first CFP appearance. Quarterback <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/player\/_\/id\/4597679\/luke-altmyer\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Luke Altmyer<\/a> and outside linebacker <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/player\/_\/id\/4837244\/gabe-jacas\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Gabe Jacas<\/a> are part of an impressive returning group that must navigate tricky September trips to Duke and Indiana before a home showdown with Ohio State on Oct. 11.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA hsDdd DbOXS oklLN GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/team\/_\/id\/130\/michigan-wolverines\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR WAUrb hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1754565973_588_130.png&#038;h=60&#038;w=60.png\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">All eyes will be on five-star freshman quarterback <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/player\/_\/id\/5141741\/bryce-underwood\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Bryce Underwood<\/a>, who has already been turning heads in Ann Arbor with his work ethic and dual-threat abilities. The Wolverines have the running game and figure to be stout defensively once again. If Underwood can supercharge the passing attack, the Wolverines could be back in contention for a playoff spot.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA hsDdd DbOXS oklLN GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/team\/_\/id\/84\/indiana-hoosiers\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR WAUrb hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/84.png&#038;h=60&#038;w=60.png\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">How will Coach Cig (Curt Cignetti) follow a historic debut that featured a team-record 11 wins and a once unthinkable CFP appearance? Indiana retained All-Big Ten players on both sides of the ball, and added quarterback <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/player\/_\/id\/4837248\/fernando-mendoza\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Fernando Mendoza<\/a> and several notable offensive linemen in the portal. The key for IU will be better line-of-scrimmage play in its biggest games, as the schedule doesn&#8217;t look nearly as favorable.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA hsDdd DbOXS oklLN GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/team\/_\/id\/2294\/iowa-hawkeyes\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR WAUrb hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/2294.png&#038;h=60&#038;w=60.png\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">The Hawkeyes are banking that transfer QB <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/player\/_\/id\/4695400\/mark-gronowski\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Mark Gronowski<\/a>, who won an FCS national title, can jumpstart a perennially moribund Iowa offense. Iowa&#8217;s offensive line, led by standout center <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/player\/_\/id\/4686907\/logan-jones\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Logan Jones<\/a> and tackle <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/player\/_\/id\/4431258\/gennings-dunker\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Gennings Dunker<\/a>, should be elite. If the defensive-minded Hawkeyes can finally find a way to put up points, they could be dangerous.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA hsDdd DbOXS oklLN GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/team\/_\/id\/158\/nebraska-cornhuskers\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR WAUrb hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1754565972_392_158.png&#038;h=60&#038;w=60.png\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">After reaching a bowl game for the first time since 2016, Nebraska is targeting much bigger goals under third-year coach Matt Rhule. The Huskers have a favorable schedule with no true road games until Oct. 11 and no Ohio State or Oregon. Quarterback <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/player\/_\/id\/5079572\/dylan-raiola\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Dylan Raiola<\/a> has had a full offseason to develop under playcaller Dana Holgorsen.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA hsDdd DbOXS oklLN GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/team\/_\/id\/30\/usc-trojans\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR WAUrb hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1754565974_591_30.png&#038;h=60&#038;w=60.png\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">The Trojans lost five games by one score last season, tied for the most in the FBS. Playing from ahead will be critical for the Trojans, who trailed in 11 of their 13 games in 2024. The defense under first-year coordinator D&#8217;Anton Lynn took a step forward last season, but the Trojans need more improvement &#8212; they still allowed 5.83 yards per play (15th in the Big Ten).<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA hsDdd DbOXS oklLN GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/team\/_\/id\/135\/minnesota-golden-gophers\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR WAUrb hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/135.png&#038;h=60&#038;w=60.png\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Could Minnesota be a wild-card CFP contender? &#8220;This isn&#8217;t a pipe dream,&#8221; coach P.J. Fleck told ESPN, pointing to a record in one-score games that, if improved, could elevate the team&#8217;s outlook. Minnesota has a solid defense, a potential two-way star in <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/player\/_\/id\/5142588\/koi-perich\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Koi Perich<\/a> and will lean on first-year starting quarterback <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/player\/_\/id\/5144959\/drake-lindsey\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Drake Lindsey<\/a> for a spark.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA hsDdd DbOXS oklLN GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/team\/_\/id\/264\/washington-huskies\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR WAUrb hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/264.png&#038;h=60&#038;w=60.png\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">The Huskies are excited about the potential of sophomore QB <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/player\/_\/id\/5079653\/demond-williams-jr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Demond Williams Jr<\/a>., who passed for 374 yards and totaled five touchdowns in Washington&#8217;s bowl loss to Louisville. If Williams builds off that performance, the Huskies could surprise offensively, with 1,000-yard rusher <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/player\/_\/id\/4702555\/jonah-coleman\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Jonah Coleman<\/a> flanking him in the backfield.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA hsDdd DbOXS oklLN GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/team\/_\/id\/127\/michigan-state-spartans\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR WAUrb hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/127.png&#038;h=60&#038;w=60.png\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">After a tough first year and a relatively quiet offseason, Michigan State could creep up on teams during coach Jonathan Smith&#8217;s second year. The Spartans made some key portal additions at offensive line and wide receiver to help second-year starting quarterback <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/player\/_\/id\/5075805\/aidan-chiles\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Aidan Chiles<\/a>. Areas to improve include takeaways and better play on the road, where MSU was 1-4 in 2024.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA hsDdd DbOXS oklLN GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/team\/_\/id\/164\/rutgers-scarlet-knights\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR WAUrb hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/164.png&#038;h=60&#038;w=60.png\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \"><a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/player\/_\/id\/4432722\/athan-kaliakmanis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Athan Kaliakmanis<\/a> is back after becoming the first Rutgers QB since 2015 to pass for more than 2,000 yards in a season. Defensively, the pass rush could be a strength with the arrivals of transfers <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/player\/_\/id\/4892218\/eric-oneill\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Eric O&#8217;Neill<\/a> (James Madison) and <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/player\/_\/id\/4709790\/bradley-weaver\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Bradley Weaver<\/a> (Ohio), who were both all-conference performers. Rutgers ranked just 84th nationally with only 22 total sacks last season.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA hsDdd DbOXS oklLN GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/team\/_\/id\/26\/ucla-bruins\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR WAUrb hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/26.png&#038;h=60&#038;w=60.png\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">The Bruins have gone all-in on quarterback <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/player\/_\/id\/4870799\/nico-iamaleava\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Nico Iamaleava<\/a>, the Tennessee transfer whose return home could signal a shift in how UCLA will operate under coach DeShaun Foster. If Iamaleava meets expectations and a defense with many new players and coaches shines, UCLA could rise in these rankings after a season where it had wins against Iowa and Nebraska.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA hsDdd DbOXS oklLN GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/team\/_\/id\/275\/wisconsin-badgers\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR WAUrb hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1754565975_910_275.png&#038;h=60&#038;w=60.png\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Injuries robbed any chance Wisconsin had of fielding a viable offense in 2024, as the Badgers ranked 102nd nationally in passing (197 yards per game) on the way to losing their final five games. The onus is now on transfer quarterback <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/player\/_\/id\/4592532\/billy-edwards-jr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Billy Edwards Jr<\/a>. (Maryland) and new coordinator Jeff Grimes to turn that around.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA hsDdd DbOXS oklLN GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/team\/_\/id\/77\/northwestern-wildcats\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR WAUrb hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/77.png&#038;h=60&#038;w=60.png\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">After bottoming out on offense in 2024, Northwestern had its most successful winter transfer portal haul, which included quarterback <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/player\/_\/id\/4432767\/preston-stone\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Preston Stone<\/a> (SMU), wide receiver <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/player\/_\/id\/5154734\/griffin-wilde\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Griffin Wilde<\/a> (South Dakota State) and several linemen. The Wildcats face a huge opener at Tulane and several tricky Big Ten road contests, but bowl eligibility should be within sight.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA hsDdd DbOXS oklLN GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/team\/_\/id\/120\/maryland-terrapins\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR WAUrb hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/120.png&#038;h=60&#038;w=60.png\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy \">Coach Mike Locksley recently admitted he lost the locker room in 2024 over which players to pay, as the Terrapins stumbled to a 1-8 Big Ten record. Maryland doesn&#8217;t have much coming back offensively, either, though keeping four-star QB <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/player\/_\/id\/5141695\/malik-washington\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Malik Washington<\/a> in state has given the Terrapins an intriguing player to rebuild around. The true freshman is battling UCLA transfer <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/player\/_\/id\/4685435\/justyn-martin\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Justyn Martin<\/a> and redshirt freshman <a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/player\/_\/id\/5146667\/khristian-martin\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Khristian Martin<\/a> for the starting QB job.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA hsDdd DbOXS oklLN GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/team\/_\/id\/2509\/purdue-boilermakers\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR WAUrb hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/2509.png&#038;h=60&#038;w=60.png\"\/><\/a><a class=\"zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA hsDdd DbOXS oklLN GpWVU iJYzE \" data-testid=\"prism-linkbase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/college-football\/team\/_\/id\/2509\/purdue-boilermakers\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"hsDdd NDJZt sJeUN IJwXl vBqtr KrDt itslR WAUrb hakZw HlUVI \" data-testid=\"prism-image\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/2509.png&#038;h=60&#038;w=60.png\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Copyright \u00a9 2025 ESPN Internet Ventures. All rights reserved.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Will Ohio State claim the Big Ten title in 2025, or will Penn State finally break through in&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":268864,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[52376,331,1310,12,7,4728,4725,1286,1868,2549,71,4727,49,48,4604,8243,69,575,2743,4729,4726,666,8242,671,2785],"class_list":{"0":"post-268863","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-ncaa-football","8":"tag-52376","9":"tag-college-football","10":"tag-daily","11":"tag-espn","12":"tag-football","13":"tag-illinois-fighting-illini","14":"tag-indiana-hoosiers","15":"tag-iowa-hawkeyes","16":"tag-maryland-terrapins","17":"tag-michigan-state-spartans","18":"tag-michigan-wolverines","19":"tag-minnesota-golden-gophers","20":"tag-ncaa","21":"tag-ncaa-football","22":"tag-nebraska-cornhuskers","23":"tag-northwestern-wildcats","24":"tag-ohio-state-buckeyes","25":"tag-oregon-ducks","26":"tag-penn-state-nittany-lions","27":"tag-purdue-boilermakers","28":"tag-rutgers-scarlet-knights","29":"tag-ucla-bruins","30":"tag-usc-trojans","31":"tag-washington-huskies","32":"tag-wisconsin-badgers"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"","error":"Validation failed: Text character limit of 500 exceeded"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/268863","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=268863"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/268863\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/268864"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=268863"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=268863"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=268863"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}