Week 2 of the 2025 Big Ten football season is complete. While no unforeseen upsets defined the week’s slate of results, several notable conference members lost high-profile contests against ranked nonconference foes.
Specifically, those were Iowa and Michigan, which fell on the road against Iowa State and Oklahoma, respectively. Those hard-fought defeats led to significant movement in our conference power rankings after both teams opened their seasons with decisive Week 1 wins.
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Not all records are created equal after the first two weeks. Wisconsin, for example, is 2-0 with triumphs over Miami (Ohio) and Middle Tennessee. While the latter finished with a 32-point margin, the Badgers delivered far from a confidence-inspiring performance. The team led just 14-10 at halftime against a Blue Raiders team that ranks near the bottom of the Football Bowl Subdivision.
Ohio State, on the other hand, boasts an impressive 2-0 mark after a Week 1 win over No. 1 Texas and 70-0 Week 2 triumph over Grambling State.
So, as we work to decipher each team’s quality after two weeks of action, here are our latest Big Ten power rankings.
18. UCLA Bruins (0-2, 0-0 Big Ten)
Aug 30, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach DeShaun Foster watches game action against the Utah Utes during the second half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Week 2 Result: 30-23 loss to UNLV
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Previous Rank: No. 16 (Down 2)
Analysis: UCLA is off to a disastrous start to the 2025 season. That began with a blowout Week 1 loss to Utah, then continued with a road loss at UNLV on Saturday. DeShaun Foster’s team, which is the only one in the Big Ten at 0-2, is performing far below expectations, especially after the high-profile addition of transfer QB Nico Iamaleava.
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17. Northwestern Wildcats (1-1, 0-0 Big Ten)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – AUGUST 30: (L-R) Head coach David Braun of the Northwestern Wildcats speaks with head coach Jon Sumrall of the Tulane Green Wave after the game at Yulman Stadium on August 30, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Tyler Kaufman/Getty Images)
Week 2 Result: 42-7 win over Western Illinois
Previous Rank: No. 18 (Up 1)
Analysis: Thanks to UCLA, Northwestern is out of the bottom spot. The Wildcats took care of business against Western Illinois (Football Championship Subdivision) in Week 2. QB Preston Stone excelled, throwing for 245 yards and three touchdowns. Wildcat fans hope the performance is a signal of things to come after he and the team struggled in Week 1 against Tulane.
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16. Purdue Boilermakers (2-0, 0-0 Big Ten)
Aug 30, 2025; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Purdue Boilermakers head coach Barry Odom stands on the sidelines during the first quarter against the Ball State Cardinals at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images
Week 2 Result: 34-17 win over Southern Illinois
Previous Rank: No. 17 (Up 1)
Analysis: With Saturday’s win, Purdue has officially surpassed its 2024 season win total. Ball State and Southern Illinois are far from top-tier opponents. Still, the Boilermakers have taken care of business in their first two games under Barry Odom. The team’s positive momentum may soon come to a halt, with an upcoming stretch of games against USC, Notre Dame, Illinois and Minnesota.
15. Maryland Terrapins (2-0, 0-0 Big Ten)
COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND – AUGUST 30: Head coach Michael Locksley of the Maryland Terrapins watches the team warm up before the game against the Florida Atlantic Owls at SECU Stadium on August 30, 2025 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Week 2 Result: 20-9 win over Northern Illinois
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Previous Rank: No. 14 (Down 1)
Analysis: Maryland’s Week 2 performance was far from the dominant one it put out in Week 1. The team struggled to create separation against Northern Illinois, leading just 10-3 at halftime and 13-9 deep into the fourth quarter. Freshman QB Malik Washington still delivered 254 passing yards and two touchdowns. However, the Terrapins will need to create more separation against non-Power-Four opponents if they are to build any momentum entering Big Ten play.
14. Rutgers Scarlet Knights (2-0, 0-0 Big Ten)
Sep 3, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights head coach Greg Schiano before the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Week 2 Result: 45-17 win over Miami (Ohio)
Previous Rank: No. 15 (Up 1)
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Analysis: Rutgers delivered a decisive Week 2 victory over a Miami (Ohio) team that gave Wisconsin some trouble to open the season. The Scarlet Knights were better on defense than they were in a 34-31 Week 1 win over Ohio. However, Miami (Ohio) still tallied 368 total yards, including 117 rushing yards and 5.3 yards per carry. Defense is still Rutgers’ biggest question after two weeks of play.
13. Michigan State Spartans (2-0, 0-0 Big Ten)
Michigan State head coach Jonathan Smith watches a play against Western Michigan during the first half at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing on Friday, August 29, 2025.
Week 2 Result: 42-40 win over Boston College (OT)
Previous Rank: No. 13 (No change)
Analysis: Michigan State was somewhat lucky to finish on the winning side against Boston College on Saturday. The team had just a 24.6% postgame win expectancy, according to ESPN’s Bill Connelly. Heroics from quarterback Aidan Chiles are somewhat to thank for that reality. He finished the contest with 231 passing yards, 39 rushing yards and five total touchdowns. While the Spartans were far from dominant, Boston College entered Saturday as the No. 45 team in ESPN’s Football Power Index. The coin-flip result could prove the difference in the Spartans’ quest for bowl eligibility.
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12. Wisconsin Badgers (2-0, 0-0 Big Ten)
Aug 28, 2025; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell looks on during the second quarter against the Miami (OH) RedHawks at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Week 2 Result: 42-10 win over Middle Tennessee
Previous Rank: No. 10 (Down 2)
Analysis: If it’s possible to disappoint in a 42-10 triumph, Wisconsin did just taht. It led just 14-10 at halftime against a Middle Tennessee State team that ranks as one of the worst in the sport. While an explosive second-half from quarterback Danny O’Neil and the Badger offense soon followed, Wisconsin has some major questions to address, none larger than along the offensive line. Week 3 at Alabama should give a true indication of where this Wisconsin team stands.
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11. Indiana Hoosiers (2-0, 0-0 Big Ten)
Dec 20, 2024; Notre Dame, Indiana, USA; Indiana Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti during the first half against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Week 2 Result: 56-9 win over Kennesaw State
Previous Rank: No. 12 (Up 1)
Analysis: We won’t learn much about Indiana during its easy opening stretch. It’s now 2-0 with a point differential of plus-60. We’ll learn a lot about the quality of this Hoosiers team, especially compared to the 2024 group, when it hosts Illinois on Sept. 20.
Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz watches his team warmup before playing Albany Great Danes Aug. 30, 2025 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
Week 2 Result: 16-13 loss to No. 16. Iowa State
Previous Rank: No. 8 (Down 2)
Analysis: There’s a saying that the more things change, the more they stay the same. Iowa’s quarterback situation displays exactly that. Despite the fanfare and high expectations that followed Mark Gronowski to Iowa City, the Hawkeye offense hasn’t appeared to improve much with him under center. Saturday’s loss was the exact game that Gronowski was brought in to win. Instead, the team could not sustain consistent offense and lost to its top rival as a result. It’s clear that Iowa will still need to win games with its classic defense-only formula.
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9. Minnesota Golden Gophers (2-0, 0-0 Big Ten)
Aug 28, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers head coach P.J. Fleck looks on during the first half of the game against the Buffalo Bulls at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Week 2 Result: 66-0 win over Northwestern State
Previous Rank: No. 11 (Up 2)
Analysis: Minnesota’s Week 2 win didn’t teach us much about the team’s quality. However, the Gophers still rose in our rankings after Iowa’s high-profile loss and Wisconsin’s moderate struggles. Minnesota’s Week 3 game against a sneaky-good Cal team should begin to teach us about where the team stands.
8. Michigan Wolverines (1-1, 0-0 Big Ten)
Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore reacts to a play against New Mexico during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, August 30, 2025.
Week 2 Result: 24-13 loss to No. 18 Oklahoma
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Previous Rank: No. 4 (Down 4)
Analysis: Michigan is one of the biggest fallers after its road loss to Oklahoma in Week 2. The result itself didn’t create the ratings drop, as Oklahoma is currently ranked as one of the better teams in the SEC. The Wolverines’ offensive struggles are the primary takeaway. Five-star freshman QB Bryce Underwood was just nine-of-24 passing for 142 yards, and a 75-yard touchdown run to start the third quarter accounted for nearly 30% of the team’s entire offensive production. Michigan now faces an uphill road to playoff contention.
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7. Nebraska Cornhuskers (2-0, 0-0 Big Ten)
Aug 31, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Matt Rhule reacts during the second quarter against the UTEP Miners at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports
Week 2 Result: 68-0 win over Akron
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Previous Rank: No. 9 (Up 2)
Analysis: Nebraska displayed the dominant form that many expected in Week 2. The performance was a positive step after the team escaped Week 1 with a three-point win over Cincinnati. Matt Rhule’s team should continue to build momentum with a Week 3 matchup against Houston Christian. A home game against Michigan on Sept. 20 will then teach us a lot about where the Cornhuskers stand.
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6. USC Trojans (2-0, 0-0 Big Ten)
Sep 1, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley reacts in the first half against the LSU Tigers at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Week 2 Result: 59-20 win over Georgia Southern
Previous Rank: No. 7 (Up 1)
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Analysis: USC’s offense is off to a strong start to the season, with 132 combined points through two weeks. Starter Jayden Maiava is leading that charge, as he’s thrown for 707 yards and six touchdowns in that time. The play of the Trojans’ defense will define the team’s season. That unit won’t be truly tested until Sept. 27 against Illinois.
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5. Washington Huskies (2-0, 0-0 Big Ten)
Nov 2, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies head coach Jedd Fisch stands on the sideline during the first quarter against the USC Trojans at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
Week 2 Result: 70-10 win over UC Davis
Previous Rank: No. 6 (Up 1)
Analysis: Look out for the Washington Huskies. The team dominated against the FCS opponent in Week 2, scoring touchdowns on every one of its offensive drives. The Huskies could go from sleeper to national contender with strong performances in upcoming games against Washington State and No. 1 Ohio State.
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Nov 23, 2024; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema looks on during the second half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Week 2 Result: 45-19 win over Duke
Previous Rank: No. 5 (Up 1)
Analysis: Illinois was a popular upset pick entering Week 2. While the 45-19 final score doesn’t quite display how close the game was through three quarters, the Fighting Illini took care of business against a pesky Blue Devils team. There isn’t much of an argument against Bret Bielema’s team being a true playoff contender.
3. Penn State Nittany Lions (2-0, 0-0 Big Ten)
Sep 6, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin looks on from the sideline during the third quarter against the Florida International Panthers at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images
Week 2 Result: 34-0 win over Florida International
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Previous Rank: No. 2 (Down 1)
Analysis: Penn State did not drop due to a lack of quality. The team is 2-0 with a point differential of plus-69 through two weeks. Its wins just don’t match the quality of the two other top Big Ten contenders’. The Nittany Lions’ place atop the conference could be cemented if they defeat Oregon on Sept. 27.
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2. Oregon Ducks (2-0, 0-0 Big Ten)
Jan 1, 2025; Pasadena, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning during a timeout in the first quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Rose Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images
Week 2 Result: 69-3 win over Oklahoma State
Previous Rank: No. 3 (Up 1)
Analysis: Oregon delivered arguably the best win of Week 2, a near 70-point throttling of the Big 12’s Oklahoma State. The performance quieted any questions surrounding the Ducks’ quality. The team should be right in the mix in both the Big Ten and national title race.
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1. Ohio State Buckeyes (2-0, 0-0 Big Ten)
Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day leads warm ups prior to the College Football Playoff quarterfinal against the Oregon Ducks at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Jan. 1, 2025. Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Week 2 Result: 70-0 win over Grambling State
Previous Rank: No. 1 (No change)
Analysis: There isn’t much to say about Ohio State through two weeks, other than the team again looks like the best in the country. Julian Sayin threw for more than 300 yards and four touchdowns against Grambling State. Superstar receiver Jeremiah Smith turned five catches into 119 of those yards and two of those touchdowns.
Get more (Ohio State) news, analysis and opinions on Buckeyes Wire
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This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Big Ten Football Power Rankings: Oregon, Ohio State big Week 2 winners
