It is no surprise that the Nittany Lions are one of the heavy favorites to win the Big Ten conference. After all, they return the bulk of their CFP semifinal team from last year. That does not mean that they will not have their challengers throughout the campaign. Therefore, it will not be easy sledding for a team that haven’t yet proved they can win games when they matter. Here are the five teams most likely to challenge Penn State throughout the season and more importantly, for the Big Ten crown.
5. Washington
Washington’s Demond Williams Jr. (2) throws the ball during the 91st Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl game against Louisville on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024 at the Sun Bowl Stadium in El Paso, Texas.
Washington may not be on every Big Ten’s radar, but if that prolific backfield improves upon the strides they made last year, they very well could be the shock team in the conference this season. With Demond Williams Jr. in his first full year as the starter, look for him to brink back a certain level of dynamism to the offense not unlike what Michael Penix Jr. offered a couple of years ago. Look for Denzel Boston to be the new Rome Odunze, with his elite catch radius and detailed route tree. Definitely don’t forget about the dynamic tandem of Jonah Coleman and rising star Adam Mohammed. While Penn State and Washington do not face off in the regular season, a potential Big Ten championship game will almost certainly provide fireworks. The Huskies are ready to make waves in the Big Ten. The rest of the conference better look out.
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Dec 31, 2024; Orlando, FL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) throws the ball against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the third quarter at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-Imagn Images
Illinois won’t be surprising anyone this season. After their first 10-win season in over a decade, the Illini are now on everyone’s radar as a true contender. Yes, they may not have the same depth at the receiver position as last year, but with Luke Altmyer’s steadying presence and calm in the clutch, Illinois can make up for it. The return of All-Big Ten first team selection Gabe Jacas off the edge is another scary proposition. The Illini may not be as fun and frisky as last year, but they’ll definitely be pesky enough to stick around late into the season. Should they beat Ohio State in Week 6, the ball could be rolling for another stunning season in Champaign.
3. Michigan
Team Blue quarterback Bryce Underwood (19) makes a pass against Team Maize during the second half of the spring game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, April 19, 2025.
To some, Michigan are still somewhat of an unknown entity. They can either be the squad that upset both Ohio State and Alabama with impassioned defensive performances. Or, despite offensive reinforcements on both the recruiting and portal fronts, they still won’t be able to hang tough in the brutal Big Ten. This ranking is highly contingent on No. 1 overall recruit Bryce Underwood and his untapped potential. His upside is what makes this Michigan squad much more intriguing that last year’s. Combine it with a defense filled with players with chips on their shoulders and if Sherrone Moore continues to be an inspirational leader for this squad, Michigan could be right back in the thick of the playoff race…and as Big Ten title contenders.
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2. Oregon
Combat Ducks quarterback Dante Moore throws out a pass as the Fighting Ducks face off against Mighty Oregon in the Oregon Ducks spring game on April 26, 2025, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene.
Oregon could also be another team whose success this season could be highly varied. With former UCLA transfer Dante Moore at the helm, it will be fascinating to see his development under Dan Lanning, a coach who is quickly becoming a new “QB whisperer” in the college football landscape. What should excite Oregon fans(and subsequently scare other Big Ten fans), is the addition of Dakorien Moore to the WR corps. A freak athlete, Moore is destined to light up Big Ten scoreboards in what should be an illustrious career with the Ducks. Their defense is also going to be one of the most potent in the country, returning superstar Matayo Uiagelelei. This Oregon team could flounder, but I’m betting one what could be the most riveting new QB-WR tandem in the conference. One that will leave fans clamoring for Moore. Penn State fans should be penciling in their Week 4 Whiteout matchup as one of the most anticipated games on the slate.
1. Ohio State
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates with offensive lineman Donovan Jackson (74) after a touchdown catch against Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first quarter during the College Football Playoff National Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on January 20, 2025.
It’s no secret that the Buckeyes will be the biggest test for this Nittany Lions squad. The last time the Nittany Lions beat the Buckeyes was way back in 2016, ironically the last time they won a Big Ten title. This year, while the matchup looks wholly different, the experience edge might not mean much in a psychological battle. And it’s not as if Ohio State are lacking in the talent department. They still have Jeremiah, the undisputed best wide receiver in the nation. They now have a stellar tight end in Max Klare who will mightily benefit from teams’ struggles with Smith. On the defensive side of the ball, Caleb Downs returns as the best safety in the nation as well. The Nittany Lions will travel to Columbus in Week 6, looking to vanquish their demons once and for all. Penn State fans should not be prepared for a cakewalk however.
This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Top Five Challengers to Penn State in the Big Ten
