Big Ten Power Rankings updated after Week 9 of college football

On3 has updated their Big Ten Power Rankings following some stupendous action during Week 9 of the college football season.

The Michigan Wolverines enjoyed their bye week amid some sign-stealing drama, while Penn State and Ohio State took care of business in their respective games. However, there was some fascinating results throughout the rest of the Big Ten, having implications on a litany of different squads.

In one of the best conferences in America, there’s a group of different storylines coming out of the Big Ten for Week 10 and beyond. With kickoff of many highly-anticipated games on the horizon, here’s where On3 has each squad at the moment, following their performances from last weekend. 

1) Michigan Wolverines (8-0)

The Wolverines enjoyed a bye week, but they were far from quiet over the weekend. Michigan lead various news outlets throughout the week due to their sign-stealing scandal, and it’s certainly something to keep an eye on moving forward.

As for their on-field performance, it’s been nothing but smooth sailing for the Wolverines in 2023. They’re back in action against Purdue in Week 10, a showdown that may provide them with the tuneup they need, looking towards the College Football Playoff.

2) Ohio State Buckeyes (8-0)

It was closer than some expected, but the Buckeyes took care of business in Madison, defeating Wisconsin in Week 9. The Badgers only mustered ten points on the afternoon, and Ohio State remained undefeated.

In Week 10, the Buckeyes will travel to Piscataway, facing a scrappy Rutgers team. The Scarlet Knights are coming off a bye, so Ohio State may not want to take them lightly, despite the history between the two programs.

3) Penn State Nittany Lions (7-1)

Speaking of taking your opponent lightly, perhaps that’s what Penn State did in Week 9. Indiana gave the Nittany Lions all they could handle on Saturday, and it took a late game-winning drive and defensive play to secure a win for Penn State.

On the road against Maryland in Week 10, Penn State won’t be able to afford similar mistakes. The Terrapins are sliding, but they can still upset the Nittany Lions if they’re not improved this weekend.

4) Rutgers Scarlet Knights (6-2) (+1)

Simply put, beating an undefeated Ohio State squad may be the biggest win in Rutgers’ history if they’re able to accomplish it. They’ve never had a better shot than they’ll have this weekend.

The Scarlet Knights are coming off a bye week, and will have a raucous crowd on hand to watch them face the Buckeyes, whose offense has stalled on numerous occasions in 2023. There’s a slim chance Rutgers makes Ohio State sweat this one out, but there’s a chance nonetheless.

5) Iowa Hawkeyes (6-2) (+1)

The Hawkeyes didn’t play in Week 9, but they’ll be elated to see the results. Wisconsin fell to Ohio State, helping Iowa’s Big Ten title game narrative continue to grow.

Iowa is back in action this weekend, with another prime opportunity to get a victory. They’ll be facing Northwestern, and while the Wildcats are scrappier than we thought, Iowa is still expecting a victory.

6) Wisconsin Badgers (5-3) (-2)

The Badgers gave it their all against Ohio State, but it wasn’t enough. They simply couldn’t overcome the Buckeyes, and lost by two touchdowns in Week 9.

A date with the Indiana Hoosiers is on the docket in Week 10. That sounds glorious to Wisconsin, following a tough stretch of games for their program.

7) Minnesota Golden Gophers (5-3) (+1)

A surprisingly big game is on the horizon for Minnesota, as Illinois is coming to town in Week 10. By defeating Iowa, the Golden Gophers rejuvenated their season, and that continued in Week 9 with a victory over Michigan State.

Now with the Fighting Illini on the schedule, another win is possible for Minnesota. They’d become bowl-eligible if they’re able to handle their business.

8) Nebraska Cornhuskers (5-3) (+1)

The Cornhuskers haven’t exactly played the best competition in 2023, but they’ve handled their business nonetheless. That’s not something you could say about Nebraska teams over the last decade, that’s for sure.

After dismantling Purdue in Week 9, Nebraska could become bowl-eligible with a win over Michigan State in Week 10. There’s a golden opportunity for the Cornhuskers, and it’s up to them to secure the dub.

9) Maryland Terrapins (5-3) (-2)

The Terrapins squandered their hot start to the season, but all hope isn’t lost. A bowl game is still on the table, even after losing three consecutive games over recent weeks.

The latest one stings, as Northwestern looked like it could’ve been a victory for Maryland. Now, one of their tougher matchups of the season will take place in Week 10, against Penn State.

10) Illinois Fighting Illini (3-5)

The Fighting Illini enjoyed a week off in Week 9, and they’ll get back to it with a game against Minnesota in Week 10. Illinois has been uneven in 2023, but they’re looking for more consistency in the second half of the season.

Will that come this weekend? We’ll see, but Illinois could severely damped the Golden Gophers shine by pulling an upset.

11) Northwestern Wildcats (4-4) (+2)

Not many believed Northwestern would even get four wins on the season, but here we are through nine weeks, with the Wildcats at 4-4. Looking at the bottom half of the Big Ten, that’s a huge accomplishment for a team that had so many questions marks over the offseason.

Can the Wildcats get over .500 this season? Iowa isn’t as daunting as they’ve been in the past, but it’ll still be a challenge for Northwestern, and a nice victory if they can get it done.

12) Indiana Hoosiers (2-6) (-1)

They may not have won, but Indiana looked better than perhaps at any point in their season against Penn State. The Hoosiers got up for their big time showdown in Happy Valley, even if they couldn’t close the deal.

Still searching for their first Big Ten victory of the season, Indiana will welcome Wisconsin to town. The Badgers aren’t exactly world-beaters, but they’ll be favored, so we’ll see if the Hoosiers can shock the conference.

13) Purdue Boilermakers (2-6) (-1)

Purdue fans may have become used to at least being competitive on the field, but that hasn’t been the norm in 2023. To say the Boilermakers are disappointing would be an understatement, but they are going through a transition.

Nevertheless, a victory over Michigan would quiet many concerns, and provide an amazing moment for fans. It’s unlikely, but you never know what will happen in Week 10.

14) Michigan State Spartans (2-6)

Michigan State is bringing up the rear once again. After another loss, it’s tough to rank the Spartans anywhere but last.

There’s a myriad of factors for their miserable 2023, but the play on the field has been downright putrid. A lot of work has to be done in East Lansing, and it’s evident they’re likely not figuring anything out this season.

As you can see, the Big Ten continued their wonderful entertainment in Week 9. As the College Football Playoff draws near, they have a bevy of contenders, and they’ll be hoping to continue making their case in Week 10.

On3’s Steve Samra contributed to this article.