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USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Ranking the Big Ten's top 10 conference games in 2025
Ranking the Big Ten's top 10 conference games in 2025 The addition of four West Coast schools has put more emphasis on the "Big" and less emphasis on the "Ten," and it's also resulted in an increased strength of schedule for most teams within one of the nation's premier conferences. In the first season with 18 teams, the Big Ten included its fair share of marquee matchups, and 2025 looks to deliver the same amount, if not more, of premium matchups. While many traditional rivalries remain, there are many new battles between unfamiliar opponents, making for interesting clashes throughout the fall. Here's a look at the top 10 conference games for the Big Ten in 2025. No. 10: Michigan vs. Washington, Oct. 18 Though both teams proved disappointing in 2024 relative to expectations, it was only two seasons ago the Wolverines and Huskies met in the national championship game, in which Michigan came out victorious. Both teams have undergone significant changes since then, both on the rosters and coaching staffs, but this game should provide some high-level play between two proud programs. Both teams are excited about what their young quarterbacks can be in their first seasons at the helm, and last year's matchup provides added fuel after Washington pulled the upset. No. 9: Illinois vs. USC, Sept. 27 The two haven't clashed since 2008, and both programs enter 2025 with soaring expectations. Illinois is coming off its first 10-win season since 2001 and returns quarterback Luke Altmyer, while USC has stacked talented recruiting classes and is looking to rebound from a 7-6 campaign last season. This battle features a clash of styles, with the Fighting Illini expected to be a physical, hard-nosed squad while the Trojans will likely bring a high-powered explosive offense to Champaign. Oh, and both teams believe they can be dark-horse College Football Playoff contenders. No. 8: Iowa vs. Oregon, Nov. 8 Iowa's conference schedule saw an increase in strength last season, something that will continue in 2025. As part of the Hawkeyes' slate, they'll host reigning Big Ten champion Oregon is what's sure to be a raucous Kinnick Stadium environment. Though the Ducks seem like the better team on paper, Iowa has pulled an upset or two over top-10 teams at home, and they'll have a couple of opportunities in the fall. This game also has a chance to be a ranked matchup, if Iowa can return to form. No. 7: Iowa vs. Penn State, Nov. 1 These programs have developed lots of bad blood in recent seasons, including several tightly contested matchups with major implications. Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz is 10-9 against Penn State, while James Franklin holds a 5-2 record against the Hawkeyes. Four of the last six matchups have been decided by one score, including Penn State's walk-off touchdown in 2017 and the infamous 2021 game in which Sean Clifford went down with injury as Iowa came from behind in a top-five matchup. This year's edition comes in Hawkeye territory, and both teams may be ranked when the Nittany Lions come to town. No. 6: Illinois vs. Ohio State, Oct. 11 Though it's not typically considered one of the Big Ten's major rivalries, these two programs have met more than most throughout their histories, with the Buckeyes holding a sizable 68-30-4 all-time advantage. Despite the lopsided history, this year's meeting could prove closer than many are expecting. The Fighting Illini are coming off a 10-win season, including a bowl victory over South Carolina, and are returning lots of production. Illinois has been known to pull an upset or two under head coach Bret Bielema, beating Michigan, Penn State and Iowa in recent seasons. Though Memorial Stadium isn't exactly an intimidating environment, getting the game at home doesn't hurt either. No. 5: USC vs. Michigan, Oct. 11 These two blue bloods have had several major clashes over the years, often coming with postseason implications. Michigan came out on top last year in a back-and-forth 27-24 battle, and this year's meeting figures to be another tight one. Both teams are hoping to rebound and compete for a playoff appearance in 2025, and a win in this matchup would serve as a resume booster, while a loss may be a knockout blow. Also, the uniform clash will be magical. No. 4: Oregon vs. USC, Nov. 22 In a battle of the two premier Pacific programs, the Ducks will host the Trojans in what's turned into a fierce rivalry. The blue blood will visit the new blood in a battle of elite offenses, with two young but talented head coaches looking to earn a marquee win in 2025. The Ducks figure to be the favorite on paper, but they lose a majority of their produuction from last year's conference championship team. If this game turns into a shootout, it could result in one of the best matchups of the year. No. 3: Michigan vs. Ohio State, Nov. 29 Viewed by many as the best rivalry game in the nation, and referred to simply as "The Game," fireworks are all but guaranteed when these squads clash on the gridiron. Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore now boasts a 2-0 record against the Buckeyes, while Ohio State's Ryan Day has fallen to just 1-4 against The Team Up North. Fresh off a national championship, Ohio State is hoping to snap its losing skid, but it'll have to do so in enemy territory. This game will likely be a ranked matchup, and could be a top-10 battle. No. 2: Penn State vs. Oregon, Sept. 27 Though they don't have a long and storied history, the Nittany Lions and Ducks battled for the Big Ten crown last season, which resulted a one-score thriller. When the dust settled in Indianapolis, Oregon came away with a conference title in its first season in the Big Ten. Penn State will look for revenge when it welcomes the Ducks for their first White Out experience, something Washington witnessed for the first time last season and struggled to handle. Additionally, both teams should be ranked in the top 10 and will serve as each other's first major test of the season. The star power on the field could result in a similar game to last year's matchup. No. 1: Ohio State vs. Penn State, Nov. 1 Ohio State and Penn State are the top teams in the conference and among the top four nationally in odds to win the national championship heading into 2025. They've had some close clashes in recent years, with six one-score games during James Franklin's tenure, including each of the last two years. The Buckeyes have consistently come out on top, winning 12 of the last 13 clashes between the two, but this year's Nittany Lion squad appears to be the best in years, at least on paper. Ohio State sent 14 players to the NFL this offseason, including four first-round picks, while Penn State retained several key players including Drew Allar, Nick Singleton, Kaytron Allen and Dani Dennis-Sutton. If the Nittany Lions are going to snap their losing streak, 2025 feels like the year to do it, but doing so in The Horseshoe won't be easy. Regardless, this projects as a top-five matchup and will feature two of the most talented rosters in the sport.
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer discusses how he's trying to improve his NFL Draft stock
Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer discusses how he's trying to improve his NFL Draft stock In 2023, he had a 13-10 TD pass to INT ratio, 7.0 yards per attempt and a passer rating of 131.9. Last season, he improved those numbers to 22-6, 7.8 and 144.0 If you look at national college football starting quarterback power rankings, you'll often see Illinois Fighting Illini signal caller Luke Altmyer near the top. Among Big Ten QB1s, Altmyer is the highest tier of power rankings. However, if you look at NFL Draft prospect rankings for 2026, you won't often see Altmyer's name. This, despite all that he's accomplished at the collegiate level thus far. Altmyer has another chance this year at Illinois to get his name into the draft prospect conversation. When you look at his career arc, it's very likely that the Starkville, MS native and Ole Miss transfer will do so. In 2023, he had a 13-10 TD pass to INT ratio, 7.0 yards per attempt and a passer rating of 131.9. Last season, while leading the Illini to a 10 win season that included a New Year's bowl victory, he improved those numbers to 22-6, 7.8 and 144.0 To quote Disco Stu from The Simpsons, "if these trends Altmyer was on hand for Illini Night at Wrigley Field, meeting the media at a private function just outside the Friendly Confines. The Illinois quarterback would later sing the seventh inning stretch of Cubs vs Brewers, alongside his coach Bret Bielema, who told the fans who had traveled in from Wisconsin to "sit down." Prior to the distinctive "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" rendition, Altmyer provided some memorable soundbites. Asked what he's doing to work on his game, and improve his NFL Draft stock, he answered: "All areas, physically, I want to get better at my strength, my speed, my agility, my body control. "There's so many things that scouts and teams look at within a player that can go and help their team, and that's what I'm doing every single day. "It's what I did this morning, you know, to get stronger, to work on my balance, my health, my ability to sustain the season without injury, all that stuff. So I'm working really hard to do it. "So hopefully they see that on the field in 2025, but intangibly, it's those things I work on every single day too. I mean, the scouts and those NFL teams that pay the big bucks, they look into every little bit. So I just try to do whatever I can to be in that position one day, but there's tons of areas in my game I can get better at." On this current Illini squad, one that is widely considered to be a leading College Football Playoff contender in 2025, the individual player with the highest NFL Draft stock is edge rusher Gabe Jacas. "He's gonna make a lot of money in the NFL one day, probably," Altmyer said of Jacas. There are many factors in Altmyer's favor, one of which is his having experience in the two biggest college football conferences. While it's technically a "power four" these days, it's really more of a "power two" in the Big Ten and SEC. Altmyer has experience playing in both, and with that he's on the radar of coaches and personnel in both the south and the north. These people all know NFL people, and that can only help his professional prospects. Altmyer discussed his decision to leave Mississippi for Illinois, and why he decided to stay when the SEC offers came rolling again this offseason. "It's a long way from home, I'll tell you that," Altmyer added. "Out of high school, I didn't have a Big 10 offer at all, so it's something that's super foreign to me. I didn't grow up watching Big 10 football, and so it was definitely a mental hump that I had to get over, but it was the right thing to do. I knew that hump and that change and that growth would only bring out the best to me. "So it was definitely difficult, because it was change and growth, new people, new area, new everything, but I know that it's that hump that makes me who I am every single day. "So it's been great. My family's grown to love this place, Illinois, Chicago, Champaign, whatever it is. And so my friends, they all got their their calendar circled, all for the dates that they'll be up here to watch, and it's just it's a good time to be a little football fan."
Miami Herald
07-06-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Illinois Offense Preview 2025: The Fighting Illini Are Loaded
The Illinois offense only averaged 365 yards per game. It didn't run well, it wasn't explosive, and it didn't come up with a ton of first downs, but it didn't turn the ball over in bulk, and when things were working, it kept games in total now it comes back transfer portal is helping with the depth and options, but if you liked what you saw last year out of the starting 11, get ready for more, starting with ... X CFN, Fiu | CFN Facebook | Bluesky Fiu, CFN2025 Illinois Preview Illinois Defense BreakdownSeason Prediction, Win Total, Keys to Season - Luke Altmyer is back for a third season, throwing 35 touchdown passes after transferring over from Ole Miss in 2023. He runs just well enough to be a positive, but his fifth-year senior leadership will be the biggest positive. Ethan Hampton (Northern Illinois) is a capable backup who can move. - The offense might be loaded with veterans, but it's losing the combination of Pat Bryant and Zakhari Franklin. Those two led the way with 109 catches, and now it's up to Malik Elzy to rise up on the outside, and Collin Dixon and Hank Beatty to step up in the slot. Hudson Clement (West Virginia) and Justin Bowick (Ball State) are deep play threats. The tight ends aren't stars, but they can bring the pop. Tanner Arkin caught 16 passes with three scores last year. - Leading rusher Josh McCray took off for Georgia, but the Illinois running backs are good if they can stay in one piece. Aidan Laughery was second on the team with 589 yards and four scores, Kaden Feagin is a 250-pound load, and there's just enough depth to be okay. - The line is loaded with experience, and now it has to be far stronger. It was decent for the ground game, but the pass protection needs tweaking. JC Davis is an All-Big Ten left tackle, and Melvin Priestly has a world of upside on the other side, if he doesn't kick inside to Josh Kreutz should be an all-star, and guards Josh Gesky and Brandon Henderson are massive 325+ pound blasters. Illinois Defense Breakdown2025 Illinois Preview Season Prediction, Win Total, Keys to Season © 2025 The Arena Group Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.
NBC Sports
29-05-2025
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Altmyer details the family connection at Illinois
Luke Altmyer sits down with Nicole Auerbach to discuss his decision to return to Illinois, the culture that coach Bret Bielema fosters and the significance of defeating South Carolina in the Citrus Bowl.
USA Today
10-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Breaking down Big Ten football's record predictions after spring ball
Breaking down Big Ten football's record predictions after spring ball The Big Ten and the SEC stand at the top of the college football world in today's landscape. The two conferences dominate revenue, television networks, and more often than not, they dominate the on-field play as well. The 2025 season seems destined for the Big Ten to be a major player in the College Football Playoff, as there are more than a handful of teams with expectations to be in the playoff and a few that are looking to recreate Indiana's magical 2024 run to the postseason. Without any more waiting, check out the Big Ten record predictions and who will be headed to Indianapolis for the Big Ten Championship game. Record: 11-1 Wins: Western Illinois, Duke, Western Michigan, Indiana, USC, Purdue, Washington, Rutgers, Maryland, Wisconsin, Northwestern Losses: Ohio State The Illini are the 2025 underdog storyline. Quarterback Luke Altmyer has the chance to ascend to the top of the ranks in the Big Ten and the country when all is said and done. The Illini make serious noise in 2025. Indiana Hoosiers Record: 7-5 Wins: Old Dominion, Kennesaw State, Indiana State, UCLA, Maryland, Wisconsin, Purdue Losses: Illinois, Iowa, Oregon, Michigan State, Penn State Regression is an ugly word, but it is what the Hoosiers face this year. Lightning doesn't strike twice, and they take a step back this year while still remaining bowl-eligible. Record: 8-4 Wins: UAlbany, UMass, Rutgers, Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan State, Nebraska Losses: Iowa State, Penn State, Oregon, USC The Hawkeyes land a solid schedule, but it is what Iowa does. They beat who they should and have yet to prove they can take down the top of the conference. Pencil in another 8-4 year and a bowl trip for Kirk Ferentz like clockwork. Maryland Terrapins Record: 3-9 Wins: Florida Atlantic, Northern Illinois, Towson, Losses: Wisconsin, Washington, Nebraska, UCLA, Indiana, Rutgers, Illinois, Michigan, Michigan State The Terps could be in for a bit of a tough time in 2025. The quarterback situation remains somewhat murky, and the schedule doesn't give too many breaks. College Park should look forward tothe basketball season. Michigan State Spartans Record: 7-5 Wins: Western Michigan, Boston College, Youngstown State, UCLA, Indiana, Minnesota, Maryland Losses: USC, Nebraska, Michigan, Penn State, Iowa Michigan State is a quiet team in the Big Ten that could make some noise. With QB Aidan Chiles' talent, they are liable to knock off someone in a seismic upset. Regardless, Sparty is bowling. Michigan Wolverines Record: 9-3 Wins: New Mexico, Central Michigan, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Washington, Michigan State, Purdue, Northwestern, Maryland Losses: Oklahoma, USC, Ohio State Michigan rebounds after last year, but is still a step or two away from being back to national title contenders. They will run the ball well, play great defense, but struggle to keep up with high-powered offenses. Minnesota Golden Gophers Record: 5-7 Wins: Buffalo, Northwestern State, Purdue, Northwestern, Wisconsin Losses: California, Rutgers, Ohio State, Nebraska, Iowa, Michigan State, Oregon Minnesota is going to be fighting for the bowl life the entire season. If they can steal an early season game before getting into the heavyweights of the Big Ten, the Gophers can find their way to a bowl. Nebraska Cornhuskers Record: 8-4 Wins: Cincinnati, Akron, Houston Christian, Michigan State, Maryland, Minnesota, Northwestern, UCLA Losses: Michigan, USC, Penn State, Iowa Nebraska continues to build under head coach Matt Rhule. They aren't there quite yet, but there is a palpable sense that things are getting closer after an eight-win campaign. Record: 5-7 Wins: Tulane, Western Illinois, UCLA, UL Monroe, Purdue Losses: Oregon, Penn State, Nebraska, USC, Michigan, Minnesota, Illinois Northwestern is always a tricky team. They play hard, they are a tough out, but sometimes the talent of their opponents prevails. The Wildcats struggle against the best of the conference this year, but stay competitive. Ohio State Buckeyes Record: 11-1 Wins: Grambling, Ohio, Washington, Minnesota, Illinois, Wisconsin, Penn State, Purdue, UCLA, Rutgers, Michigan Losses: Texas The Buckeyes are loaded with talent and are the defending champs. After a loss in the first game, the Buckeyes run the table to be in pole position entering the postseason. Oregon Ducks Record: 11-1 Wins: Montana State, Oklahoma State, Northwestern, Oregon State, Indiana, Rutgers, Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, USC, Washington Losses: Penn State The Ducks rattle off 11 wins this year, and that is largely a byproduct of their schedule featuring one tough matchup against Penn State. Aside from that, Oregon should be favored in every other game. Penn State Nittany Lions Record: 11-1 Wins: Nevada, Florida International, Villanova, Oregon, UCLA, Northwestern, Iowa, Indiana, Michigan State, Nebraska, Rutgers Losses: Ohio State Penn State is there. They have the quarterback, the experience, and the schedule to do it. Their date with the Buckeyes is circled already and is going to be telling for the Nittany Lions. Purdue Boilermakers Record: 2-10 Wins: Ball State, Southern Illinois Losses: USC, Notre Dame, Illinois, Minnesota, Northwestern, Rutgers, Michigan, Ohio State, Washington, Indiana Purdue once again is facing an uphill battle paired with a brutal schedule. At least the basketball program is one of the best in America. Rutgers Scarlet Knights Record: 7-5 Wins: Ohio, Miami (OH), Norfolk State, Minnesota, Washington, Purdue, Maryland Losses: Iowa, Oregon, Illinois, Ohio State, Penn State The Scarlet Knights aren't going to surprise anyone, but they are going to win games. They have an identity and some confidence as of lately and it once again earns them a bowl bid. UCLA Bruins Record: 4-8 Wins: UNLV, New Mexico, Maryland, Washington Losses: Utah, Northwestern, Penn State, Michigan State, Indiana, Nebraska, Ohio State, USC UCLA has been in the news with Nico Iamaleava, yet it feels like their schedule, paired with the change,s is going to result in a bumpy road. The Bruins get a rude awakening this year. USC Trojans Record: 8-4 Wins: Missouri State, Georgia Southern, Purdue, Michigan State, Nebraska, Northwestern, Iowa, UCLA Losses: Illinois, Michigan, Notre Dame, Oregon USC wins a lot of games, but they don't win the big ones with Lincoln Riley. Most programs would take eight wins, but USC and Riley could see a split if this is the ceiling. Washington Huskies Record: 3-9 Wins: Colorado State, UC Davis, Purdue, Losses: Washington State, Ohio State, Maryland, Rutgers, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, UCLA, Oregon Another program, similar to Maryland with QB changes, Washington is still adjusting to life in the Big Ten. They seem to be burdened with the transition and it keeps hitting them this year. Wisconsin Badgers Record: 5-7 Wins: Miami (OH), Middle Tennessee, Maryland, Washington, Minnesota Losses: Alabama, Michigan, Iowa, Ohio State, Oregon, Indiana, Illinois The Badgers have arguably the hardest schedule in the Big Ten. Pair that with their identity crisis and the Luke Fickell era in Madison could be coming to an end. Big Ten Championship Big Ten Championship: Ohio State vs. Penn State Big Ten Champion: Ohio State With a logjam at the top, the Buckeyes and Nittany Lions meet in Indianapolis in a rematch of a game earlier in the year. Ohio State is the defending champs, and until that is taken from them, the Big Ten remains theirs to lose, given their talent-rich roster and explosive group of skill players that is among the best in the conference.
