Official Big Ten Football Power Rankings - 2024

[Michchamp]

As of 10/29...

Top Tier

1. Oregon 8-0 (5-0) - can't fault them for winning out so far, but they have yet to play a tough road game, and they probably would've lost to OSU in Columbus or at a neutral site. OSU really blew it.
2. Penn St. 7-0 (4-0) - they HAVE played a couple tough road games, and won them. Remains to be seen if Drew Allar is HIM, although he's injured. Game vs. OSU in State College PA next week determines who's the real #1.
3. Indiana 8-0 (5-0) - they HAVE NOT played a tough road game, or even a tough opponent yet, although they've won every game comfortably, Nebraska's their only opponent with a winning record. Interestingly, these three top teams do not play eachother, so all could finish the season undefeated, and the Big Ten's Tiebreaker rules (Linked here) would determine who plays for the conference title.
4. OSU - 6-1 (3-1) - if they weren't more talent than brains, they probably could've pulled off the win in Eugene. They still control their own destiny, as they play both PennSt and Indiana.

Mid Tier

1. Illinois - 6-2 (3-2) - I think we're better than them. If we could've started Warren and played Orji as a change of pace, I think we could've won that damn game. They have an easy remaining schedule though.
2. Michigan - 5-3 (3-2) - Need help if we hope to 4-peat... not looking likely. Can make a statement this weekend at least, but it took our coaches too long to figure out the QB situation, and our DC is a bum. Sucks to know that's going to sandbag us, no matter who we put on the field.
3. Iowa - 5-3 (3-2) - Looks like they lost Cade McNamara for the season, but I don't know how much that effects them. The toughest part of their schedule is past, and they can probably coast to a 9-3 record from here.
4. USC - 4-4 (2-4) - Have played the toughest schedule so far in the conference (not counting UCLA), and paid the price for it. Should be able to finish above 0.500.

Low Tier

1. Wisconsin 5-3 (3-2) - you could argue they should be the worst Mid Tier team, but they have a tough schedule remaining, other than a home game vs. Minn.
2. Minnesota 5-3 (3-2) - Best win vs. USC; otherwise the most you can say about them is that haven't lost to bad teams. Tougher schedule the rest of the way though.
3. Nebraska - Nebraska - 5-3 (2-3) - blown out by IU, but nearly upset OSU in Columbus, so I kept them here. Tough games remaining.
4. Washington - 4-4 (2-3) - tough to go across the country and win; still a tough schedule remaining, other than UCLA.
5. MSU 4-4 (2-3) - play IU at home this weekend and I'm not sure if they're done embarassing themselves. Will be IU's toughest road game to date. Finish the season with Rutgers and Purdue in East Lansing, so could be 6-6 overall. Not bad, considering the mess Mel left them with.

Garbage

1. Rutgers 4-4 (1-4) their best win appears to be a result of the "Cross Country factor"; however, then Rutgers lost at home to UCLA, so... hmmm...
2. Northwestern 3-5 (1-4) have a game remaining vs. Purdue to keep them out of the cellar.
3. UCLA 2-5 (1-4) They've played a legitimately tough schedule; not sure they can win another game though. They suck regardless, but by virtue of their schedule, are likely not as bad as MD and PU
4. Maryland 4-4 (1-4) Now that Tua is gone, the Josh Gattis Factor will sink their offense to the worst in the conference.
5. Purdue 1-6 (0-4) Probably will not win another game. Maybe ever.