Big Ten Power Rankings: Wild Week 11 Upsets Shake Things Up

Posted by The News Pulse November 09, 2025 Post a Comment

Big Ten Power Rankings After Week 11: A Wild Weekend Shakes Up the Conference

Week 11 of the Big Ten season was anything but predictable. From last-minute comebacks to unexpected upsets, the conference delivered a thrilling mix of games that left fans on the edge of their seats. With several teams on bye and others battling for survival, the power rankings have seen some dramatic shifts.

Here’s a look at how the Big Ten stands after this action-packed week:

18. Purdue Boilermakers (2-8, 0-7)

This week: L, vs. Ohio State, 10-34
Previous ranking: 18
Hi/Lo: 15/18

Purdue had a brief moment of hope when it held a lead over Ohio State, but that quickly faded as the Buckeyes dominated the game. The offense struggled to find consistency, and the defense gave up 473 yards. With this loss, the Boilermakers are now in sole possession of last place in the Big Ten.

17. Wisconsin Badgers (3-6, 1-5)

This week: W, vs. Washington, 13-10
Previous ranking: 18
Hi/Lo: 16/18

Wisconsin pulled off an impressive upset against a ranked Washington team, despite playing in harsh weather conditions. The defense was dominant, and quarterback Carter Smith, a true freshman, led the charge. However, this win doesn’t change the fact that the Badgers are still struggling in the conference.

16. Michigan State Spartans (3-6, 0-6)

This week: BYE
Previous ranking: 16
Hi/Lo: 12/18

Michigan State took a break this week, but they’ll return next week to face Penn State, a team with the same 3-6 record. Their performance will be crucial in determining whether they can climb out of the bottom tier.

15. Penn State Nittany Lions (3-6, 0-6)

This week: L, vs. Indiana, 24-27
Previous ranking: 14
Hi/Lo: 3/16

Penn State came close to securing its first Big Ten win of the season, but a last-second touchdown by Indiana sealed the loss. Despite a strong defensive showing and a late comeback, the Nittany Lions fell short. This loss drops them in the rankings, even though they showed signs of improvement.

14. Maryland Terrapins (4-5, 1-5)

This week: L, at Rutgers, 20-35
Previous ranking: 12
Hi/Lo: 10/14

Maryland's early-season momentum has stalled, and a loss to Rutgers was particularly disappointing. While Malik Washington ran well, the passing game struggled, and the defense failed to contain an explosive Rutgers offense. This loss highlights the inconsistency that has plagued the Terps this season.

13. UCLA Bruins (3-6, 3-3)

This week: L, vs. Nebraska, 21-28
Previous ranking: 13
Hi/Lo: 9/18

UCLA’s Cinderella run has come to an end with two consecutive losses. Against a depleted Nebraska team, the Bruins struggled to stop the run and couldn’t maintain consistency on offense. This loss puts their season in jeopardy, especially with a tough matchup against Michigan looming.

12. Rutgers Scarlet Knights (5-5, 2-5)

This week: W, vs. Maryland, 13-35
Previous ranking: 17
Hi/Lo: 12/17

Rutgers made a strong statement with a win over Maryland, showcasing an improved offense led by Athan Kaliakmanis and a powerful running game by Antwan Raymond. This victory moves them into the middle of the rankings and signals a potential turnaround for the Scarlet Knights.

11. Northwestern Wildcats (5-4, 3-3)

This week: L, at USC, 17-38
Previous ranking: 11
Hi/Lo: 8/18

Northwestern had a chance to make a move up the rankings, but a second-half collapse against USC derailed those hopes. The defense struggled to contain a resurgent Trojans team, and the offense couldn’t keep up. With a tough matchup against Michigan coming up, the Wildcats may need a strong performance to stay relevant.

10. Minnesota Golden Gophers (6-3, 4-2)

This week: BYE
Previous ranking: 9
Hi/Lo: 9/14

Minnesota took a break this week, but they’ll return to action against Oregon next week. Their performance in the coming weeks could determine whether they remain in the upper half of the rankings.

9. Washington Huskies (6-3, 3-3)

This week: L, at Wisconsin, 10-13
Previous ranking: 7
Hi/Lo: 5/9

Washington had one of its worst performances of the season, failing to capitalize on a strong first half. The defense held up, but the offense struggled to find its rhythm. This loss casts doubt on their College Football Playoff aspirations.

8. Iowa Hawkeyes (6-3, 4-2)

Previous ranking: 10
Hi/Lo: 5/13

Iowa nearly pulled off a stunning win against Oregon in bad weather, but a last-second field goal cost them the game. Despite this setback, the Hawkeyes remain a tough team to beat and will look to rebound in their upcoming matchup against USC.

7. Nebraska Cornhuskers (7-3, 4-3)

This week: W, at UCLA, 28-21
Previous ranking: 8
Hi/Lo: 5/10

Nebraska managed to pull off a win against a depleted UCLA team, showcasing a strong running game and a resilient defense. This victory keeps them in the conversation for a playoff spot, even if their performance hasn’t met preseason expectations.

6. Illinois Fighting Illini (6-3, 3-3)

This week: BYE
Previous ranking: 7
Hi/Lo: 4/9

Illinois took a break this week but will return to action hosting Maryland next week. Their ability to perform consistently will be key to maintaining their position in the rankings.

5. Michigan Wolverines (7-2, 5-1)

This week: W, vs. Purdue, 21-16
Previous ranking: 5
Hi/Lo: 4/8

Michigan continued its dominance with a win over Purdue, proving once again that it’s a powerhouse in the conference. The Wolverines will face Northwestern next, and a strong performance there could solidify their position in the rankings.

4. Oregon Ducks (7-1, 4-1)

This week: W, at Iowa, 18-16
Previous ranking: 3
Hi/Lo: 1/4

Oregon narrowly edged out Iowa in a tough road game, thanks to a walk-off field goal by Atticus Sappington. The Ducks remain in the hunt for both the Big Ten title and a College Football Playoff berth.

3. USC Trojans (7-2, 5-1)

This week: W, vs. Northwestern, 38-17
Previous ranking: 4
Hi/Lo: 3/8

USC put on a clinic against a tough Northwestern defense, showcasing its elite offensive capabilities. The Trojans continue to build momentum and are emerging as a serious contender for the playoff.

2. Indiana Hoosiers (9-0, 6-0)

This week: W, at Penn State, 27-24
Previous ranking: 1
Hi/Lo: 1/4

Indiana pulled off a dramatic win over Penn State, which was considered one of the most improbable victories of the season. Despite the close call, the Hoosiers remain undefeated and in control of their own destiny in the conference.

1. Ohio State Buckeyes (9-0, 6-0)

This week: W, at Purdue, 34-10
Previous ranking: 2
Hi/Lo: 1/2

Ohio State dominated Purdue in a game that saw the Buckeyes take control from the start. The defense held the Boilermakers to a season-low, while the offense continued to impress. The Buckeyes remain the top team in the conference and are in prime position for a playoff run.