The second week of college football has concluded, and we’re seeing some shifts in the Big Ten power rankings. Certain teams flexed their dominance, while others barely managed to scrape by against lesser opponents. Here’s how the rankings stack up after Week 2:
1: Ohio State (2-0) – Previous Rank: 1
Ohio State continues to prove why they’re atop the rankings with another crushing performance, dismantling Western Michigan 56-0. The Buckeyes’ ground game was especially dominant, piling up 273 rushing yards and six touchdowns. Junior Quinshon Judkins led the charge with 108 yards on just nine carries, while senior TreVeyon Henderson added 66 yards on 10 carries. Together, Judkins and Henderson form the most formidable running back duo in college football, consistently punishing defenses.
With a high-octane offense and a defense that has only allowed six points over two games, Ohio State remains the Big Ten’s top dog.
2: Oregon (2-0) – Previous Rank: 2
Oregon narrowly escaped an upset, needing a last-minute field goal to edge Boise State 37-34. While the win was closer than expected, Boise State is no slouch and could be a strong Group of Five contender this year. Boise’s star, junior running back Ashton Jeanty, ran all over the Ducks’ defense for 192 yards and three touchdowns. Whether Oregon’s rushing defense was exposed or if Jeanty’s talent is just that immense will be something to watch going forward.
Oregon’s passing defense held firm, limiting Boise’s quarterback Maddux Madsen to just 17 completions on 40 attempts. Despite two turnovers nearly costing the Ducks, they still hold their spot thanks to their talent across the board, though they have yet to put together a complete game.
3: Penn State (2-0) – Previous Rank: 3
Penn State had a prime opportunity to leapfrog Oregon after the Ducks’ shaky performance, but they also struggled, barely scraping by Bowling Green 34-27. Penn State’s defense gave up 375 yards, particularly struggling against the pass, allowing 254 through the air. Junior quarterback Drew Allar also took a step back after a strong showing in Week 1, going 13-of-20 for 204 yards and two touchdowns.
If the Nittany Lions want to contend for a Big Ten title, they’ll need more consistent play from both their defense and Allar.
4: USC (2-0) – Previous Rank: 4
USC steamrolled Utah State 48-0, maintaining their status as an offensive powerhouse. Junior quarterback Miller Moss continues to impress, protecting the ball while the Trojans racked up 548 total yards. USC’s defense, often criticized in 2023, was the standout this time, holding Utah State to just 190 yards.
After a tumultuous 2023 season for their defense, the Trojans are showing signs of improvement that could carry them far this year.
5: Nebraska (2-0) – Previous Rank: 6
Nebraska made a statement this week with a 28-10 win over Colorado, marking the first time they’ve been 2-0 since 2016 and ranked in the AP Poll since 2019. Under head coach Matt Rhule, the Huskers controlled the game from start to finish. The defense, particularly the front seven, continued to terrorize opposing offensive lines, but it was Nebraska’s secondary that shined. They limited a previously potent Colorado passing attack to just 244 yards.
If the Huskers can maintain this balanced defensive dominance, they’ll be a top-tier Big Ten contender.
6: Michigan (1-1) – Previous Rank: 5
Michigan’s woes continue after a 31-12 home loss to Texas. The Wolverines’ biggest issue is at quarterback. Senior Davis Warren struggled mightily, throwing two interceptions while only managing one touchdown. Michigan’s ineffective passing game is also stifling senior running back Donovan Edwards, who has been unable to find running lanes, averaging just 3.6 yards per carry so far this season.
Without significant changes, Michigan could find themselves in freefall.
7: Rutgers (2-0) – Previous Rank: 9
Rutgers’ ground-and-pound style, led by senior running back Kyle Monangai, powered them to a 49-17 win over Akron. Monangai put up an impressive 207 yards and three touchdowns. Rutgers has leaned heavily on the run this season, averaging 6.8 yards per carry.
Next week’s matchup against Virginia Tech will be a major test to see if their physical playstyle can translate to a higher level of competition.
8: Illinois (2-0) – Previous Rank: 12
Illinois jumps up the rankings following a gritty 23-17 win over Kansas. The Fighting Illini forced four turnovers, including a pick-six by junior defensive back Xavier Scott. Despite a lackluster offensive showing, the defense’s ability to pressure one of the Big 12’s best quarterbacks, Jalon Daniels, speaks volumes.
If Illinois can replicate this defensive tenacity in Big Ten play, they could continue climbing the rankings.
9: Wisconsin (2-0) – Previous Rank: 8
Wisconsin struggled offensively against South Dakota, managing just 14 points until the fourth quarter in what should have been an easy win. Senior running back Chez Mellusi has yet to fill the shoes of Wisconsin’s storied running backs, and senior quarterback Tyler Van Dyke hasn’t fared much better. Both players will need to step up if the Badgers want to avoid mediocrity this season.
10: Iowa (1-1) – Previous Rank: 7
Iowa reverted to its usual struggles on offense, losing 20-19 to Iowa State in a dismal performance. Quarterback Cade McNamara couldn’t get it going, throwing for only 99 yards and two interceptions. While the defense remains stout, the offense will need significant changes if the Hawkeyes want to stay competitive in the Big Ten.
11-18: The Bottom Half
- Washington (2-0) – Continued strong play, but they need more consistency early in games.
- Indiana (2-0) – Dominated Western Illinois, but they’ll need to prove themselves against tougher competition.
- Michigan State (2-0) – Huge bounce-back win over Maryland with standout freshman receiver Nick Marsh leading the way.
- Maryland (1-1) – After a big Week 1, they fell to Michigan State and showed offensive limitations.
- UCLA (1-0) – Bye week leaves questions about their offense, especially the running game.
- Minnesota (1-1) – Blowout win over Rhode Island, but more questions remain about their offense.
- Purdue (1-0) – After an easy win in Week 1, they’ll face a tough test against Notre Dame.
- Northwestern (1-1) – Took Duke to overtime but fell short, with few bright spots on offense.