The Big Ten is flexing like never before. Fresh off three straight national championships, the conference enters the 2025 season deeper, stronger, and owning college football's spotlight. Our post-spring rankings are here, and while everyone is chasing Indiana, the Hoosiers aren't even sitting at No. 1.
Indiana made history last season with the first 16-0 campaign in modern college football. They've reloaded behind key additions like former TCU quarterback Josh Hoover and ex-Michigan State receiver Nick Marsh. Yet in our spring rankings, the defending champs land at No. 3, behind Ohio State and Oregon. All three are projected to open the year in the top five nationally—a testament to the Big Ten's incredible depth.
The conference's dominance isn't just about its top teams. The Big Ten went 11-5 in postseason play last year, while the SEC stumbled to a 4-10 mark. That head-to-head success has chipped away at the SEC's long-held reputation for superior depth. Right now, the Big Ten rules the sport.
Here's a closer look at the top of the conference coming out of spring ball:
Ohio State — The Buckeyes boast the most loaded offense in the country, with the potential to be among the most potent in school history. This will be the final ride for superstar receiver Jeremiah Smith and potentially third-year quarterback Julian Sayin, the preseason Heisman favorite. Expect fireworks.
Oregon — The Ducks have handed new defensive coordinator Chris Hampton a roster stacked from front to back. An experienced defensive line sets the tone, while former Minnesota safety Koi Perich takes over as the new leader in the secondary. Oregon's balance makes them a serious threat.
Indiana — Curt Cignetti has done the unthinkable: maintained staff continuity amid the Hoosiers' meteoric rise. He lost just one assistant—co-offensive coordinator Chandler Whitmer to the NFL—and quickly replaced him with Tino Sunseri, a familiar face who worked under Cignetti at James Madison and Indiana. That stability keeps Indiana elite.
USC — Don't sleep on the Trojans. This could be a breakout year for Lincoln Riley's squad, fueled by the nation's top recruiting class. The talent infusion gives USC the depth to compete with the Big Ten's best.
The Big Ten has never been deeper. Pick against Indiana if you want—just know you're betting against a league that's owning college football right now.