Big Ten Power Rankings updated after Week 14 of college football

The latest Big Ten Power Rankings from On3, utilizing the On3 Massey Ratings, are in after Week 14, the final week of the college football regular season.

The On3 Massey Ratings – which were officially used during the BCS era and have generated high school sports team rankings since 1995 – rank sports teams by analyzing game outcomes, strength of schedule, and margin of victory.

With a couple of interesting results and a litany of rivalry games, the college football world as a whole was shaken up, including the Big Ten’s group of teams. Here’s where they all stand after Week 14, and ahead of conference championship weekend.

1. Oregon (12-0)

Oregon completed a perfect regular season during their first campaign as a member of the Big Ten. In Week 14, the Ducks advanced to 12-0 via a win over Washington. The victory represented Dan Lanning’s first over the Huskies, who have been a thorn in Oregon’s side over the past couple of seasons.

Looking ahead, the Ducks have a shot to lock up the Big Ten title, as they’ll face off against Penn State inside Lucas Oil Stadium during the Big Ten Championship Game. If they’re able to notch another win, Oregon will be the unquestioned top seed entering the College Football Playoff, as well.

2. Ohio State (10-2)

There wasn’t a team in America who had a worse Week 14 than Ohio State. Everything that could’ve gone wrong for the Buckeyes did, as Ryan Day’s team fell to the Michigan Wolverines once again, suffered their second loss of the season.

All hope isn’t lost, although it felt that way inside Ohio Stadium. Ohio State will look to regroup and prepare for a deep run in the College Football Playoff, with their coach’s job likely on the line.

3. Penn State (11-1)

Penn State finished out an awesome season with another win over the weekend. The Nittany Lions weren’t tested much in Week 14, as they completed a 44-7 drubbing of the Maryland Terrapins in Happy Valley.

Now, they’ll have a shot at capturing the 2024 Big Ten title, as Ohio State’s loss opened up the door for them to take a trip to Indianapolis. Regardless of the result, they’re likely headed to the College Football Playoff, so the Nittany Lions are playing with house money inside Lucas Oil Stadium.

4. Indiana (11-1)

Indiana finished out a remarkable season with their 11th win of the year on Saturday afternoon. The Hoosiers drove home the point that they’re worthy of being in the College Football Playoff, defeating Purdue by 66 points.

While Curt Cignetti’s team faltered against Ohio State in Week 13, they’re likely not going to have to worry about being screwed over by the Selection Committee. Due to the chaos we witnessed in Week 14, the Hoosiers can start planning for the Playoff.

5. Michigan (7-5)

No, it wasn’t the best season for Michigan after winning the national title in 2023. However, if they weren’t going to make the College Football Playoff in 2024, they won their own national title in Week 14, deflating Ohio State with a win in Columbus.

Sherrone Moore kept the good times rolling, as the Wolverines now have won their last four meetings with the Buckeyes. That’s a statement that felt like it would never be said a couple of seasons ago, but the monstrous upset pulled by Michigan upped their morale heading into whichever bowl they’re selected for.

6. Iowa (8-4)

Iowa advanced to 8-4 with a win over Nebraska on Black Friday. The Hawkeyes weren’t overly impressive in 2024, but they seemingly did just enough to get the win week-in and week-out, a testament to their grit and strong coaching staff.

They’re not headed to the College Football Playoff, but Iowa will likely receive a bid to a premier bowl game due to their record. Wherever they end up, the Hawkeyes will be hoping to continue proving their doubters wrong.

7. USC (6-6)

While Oregon enjoyed major success during their first season in the Big Ten, it wasn’t as fruitful of a 2024 for USC. Still, they finished out the year strong, getting to six wins to clinch a bowl game, and playing Notre Dame hard in Week 14.

The Fighting Irish are headed to the College Football Playoff, so it’s no surprise Marcus Freeman’s team was able to finish the job in Southern California. Lincoln Riley and company will be hoping to change the narrative and have some more success in 2025, but it all begins with whatever bowl game they’re selected for.

8. Illinois (9-3)

Illinois came out of nowhere to become one of the Big Ten’s best teams in 2024. Although they had some close calls and didn’t exactly perform their best against top competition, the Fighting Illini got to nine wins, and that’s nothing to scoff at.

In Week 14, they had a hard fought battle with Northwestern in Chicago, but Illinois was victorious by ten. They’ll be hoping to put a capper on their tremendous season with a bowl victory when the time comes.

9. Minnesota (7-5)

Minnesota had about as uneven a 2024 as you could ask for, but the Golden Gophers finished on a high note. They won their seventh game of the season on the road against Wisconsin, and denied the Badgers a bowl game in the process.

Moving forward, they’ll be hoping to be a bit more consistent, and punch above their weight class. Still, 2024 was a positive for Minnesota, and they’re only scratching the surface of how far they can reach.

10. Washington (6-6)

After last season’s trip to the national title game, anything less would’ve been a disappointment for Washington. 6-6 certainly wasn’t the record they envisioned this season, but the Huskies were dealing with a bunch of external factors throughout 2024.

The Jedd Fisch era is only beginning. A 49-21 loss to Oregon isn’t how they wanted to end their regular season, but Washington can finish their campaign strong with a win in their bowl game. TBD on where and when, though.

Big Ten Power Rankings: Nos. 11-16

11. UCLA (5-7)
12. Nebraska (6-6)
13. Wisconsin (5-7)
14. Rutgers (7-5)
15. Michigan State (5-7)
16. Maryland (4-8)
17. Northwestern (4-8)
18. Purdue (1-11)

As for the rest of the Big Ten, Rutgers notched their seventh win of the season with a huge drubbing of Michigan State in the snow, denying the Spartans a bowl game. Nebraska and the Scarlet Knights will be headed to bowls, while the rest of the conference looks ahead to 2025. At least UCLA was able to procure a win in their final game of the season, getting No. 5 with a victory over Fresno State.