Big Ten Power Rankings updated after Week 7 of college football

On3 has updated their Big Ten Power Rankings following some fierce action during Week 7 of the college football season.

While some of the conference’s teams enjoyed their bye week, other top competitors showed why they’re among the top in the sport. Teams like Michigan, Penn State and Ohio State took care of their business, while Iowa captured a huge win over Wisconsin, as well.

Moving forward into Week 8, a myriad of tremendous matchups on the schedule. Until kickoff of those games, here’s where On3 has each squad at the moment, following their performances from last weekend. 

1) Michigan Wolverines (7-0)

The Wolverines started slow on Saturday against Indiana, finding themselves down 7-0 at the end of the first quarter. However, 52 unanswered points followed for Michigan, and they were able to send the Hoosiers home with their tail between their legs.

Next up for Michigan is a rivalry showdown with Michigan State. While the game won’t have the same juice as usual due to the Spartans’ numerous issues, it’ll still be a showdown the Wolverines are looking to win convincingly.

2) Penn State Nittany Lions (6-0)

The Nittany Lions didn’t miss a beat following their bye week. Penn State took care of business and then some against Massachusetts, winning by a score of 63-0 over the Minutemen.

Next up for Penn State is their biggest game in a long, long time, as the Nittany Lions will travel to Columbus to take on Ohio State. If they can get a win, they may finally be able to break through their glass ceiling.

3) Ohio State Buckeyes (6-0)

Speaking of the Buckeyes, their offense finally looks ready to face the Nittany Lions. Ohio State dominated Purdue on the road, defeating the Boilermakers by a score of 41-7.

It wasn’t the same vaunted Purdue team we’ve seen in the past, but it’s still an impressive win for the Buckeyes. It’s been an uneven start to the season, but they’re right where they want to be as they welcome Penn State to town.

4) Iowa Hawkeyes (6-1) (+1)

In a game with huge Big Ten title game implications, the Hawkeyes were able to leave Madison with a huge win over Wisconsin. It wasn’t the prettiest game you’ll ever see, but all that matters is Iowa advanced to 6-1 in 2023.

They’ll look to keep rolling in Week 8, as Iowa returns home to face off against Minnesota. The Hawkeyes control their own destiny, and are feeling like a trip to Indianapolis is in their future.

5) Wisconsin Badgers (4-2) (-1)

Iowa’s win was Wisconsin’s demoralizing loss in Week 7. The Badgers had hoped to get to the Big Ten title game this season, and while it’s still possible, the Hawkeyes now have a leg up on Wisconsin.

Nevertheless, the Badgers will have to win to keep their hope alive. Next weekend they’ll travel to Illinois to take on the Fighting Illini, a game they must have if they’re to get back on track.

6) Rutgers Scarlet Knights (5-2) (+1)

The outlook was bleak for Rutgers late in the game against Michigan State, but the Scarlet Knights ponied up and stole victory from the jaws of defeat. They outscored the Spartans 21-0 in the fourth quarter, and completed a 27-24 comeback win for their fifth victory of the season.

Now, the Scarlet Knights are one win away from getting themselves eligible for a bowl game. With a game against Indiana on the docket, they’ll have a fantastic shot to do so in Week 8.

7) Maryland Terrapins (5-2) (-1)

After starting the season with five straight wins, Maryland had designs on shocking the college football world in 2023. However, consecutive losses have the Terrapins falling back down to Earth in grand fashion.

The loss to Ohio State was understandable, but falling to Illinois at home can’t happen. Regardless, the Terrapins will enjoy a bye week this weekend, and get back in the saddle in Week 9.

8) Minnesota Golden Gophers (3-3) 

Minnesota enjoyed their time off in Week 7, and will now turn their attention to Iowa in Week 8. Perhaps the extra time off will help the Golden Gophers steady their operation moving forward.

It’s been an uneven season for Minnesota thus far, and many believe they’re playing below expectations. They can change all that noise with a win against Iowa in Week 8, and put their season back on the right track.

9) Nebraska Cornhuskers (3-3)

The Cornhuskers also enjoyed a bye week in Week 7, and they’ll have a winnable matchup in Week 8. Northwestern is coming to town, and the Cornhuskers have a chance to get their record over .500 for the first time in what feels like forever.

ESPN Analytics is giving the Cornhuskers a 69.1% chance of winning this one. Those are solid odds, and Nebraska fans will be ready to give their team every advantage at home on Saturday afternoon.

10) Illinois Fighting Illini (3-4) (+2)

After a disappointing start to the season, Illinois captured their biggest win of 2023 with a victory over Maryland in Week 7. However, they can top that this weekend, as they’ll welcome Wisconsin to town.

The Badgers are reeling, and fresh for the beating. The Fighting Illini can get back to .500 with a win, and continue their improved play.

11) Indiana Hoosiers (2-4) (-1)

A bye week didn’t do Indiana any favors in Week 7, as the Hoosiers were dismantled by Michigan in Ann Arbor. Not that anyone expected Indiana to win, but a 7-0 lead had Hoosiers fans looking up to the sky wondering if it was all a dream.

That dream turned into a nightmare, but Indiana will now have to turn the page. The Hoosiers will welcome Rutgers to town in Week 8, and the Scarlet Knights are much improved in 2023.

12) Purdue Boilermakers (2-5) (-1)

It’s been a sluggish season for Purdue, and that continued against Ohio State in Week 7. The Buckeyes used the Boilermakers as a warm-up for Penn State, and stifled the Purdue offense to the tune of a 41-7 victory for Ohio State.

Thankfully, Purdue will have a week off in Week 8, and some time to think about how they’re going to right their wrongs moving forward. 2-5 is a rough place to be, but there’s some winnable games on the horizon for the Boilermakers.

13) Northwestern Wildcats (3-3) (+1)

The Wildcats had some time off in Week 7, but they’ll return to the field in Week 8 against Nebraska. It’ll be a tough one on the road, but don’t completely write off Northwestern.

Many didn’t even expect them to win one game, let alone three at this point in the season. If they can capture a win in Lincoln, perhaps it’ll be time to change our tune about the Wildcats.

14) Michigan State Spartans (2-4) (-1)

Michigan State looked better than they have in a long time against Rutgers, and then the fourth quarter happened. The Scarlet Knights ripped off three touchdowns, and the Spartans left Piscataway with another loss on their record.

It won’t get any easier in Week 8, as Michigan State will welcome Michigan to East Lansing. Maybe they’ll get up for that game, but time will tell if it even matters for the Spartans in this lost season.

Nevertheless, the Big Ten continues to be one of the more fascinating conferences top-to-bottom in all of college football. There’s some wonderful teams throughout, from College Football Playoff contenders to teams simply looking to break through to the other side, and more of that is on the menu in Week 8.

On3’s Steve Samra contributed to this article.