ESPN names Top 10 Big Ten games for 2025 college football season

The Big Ten is serving fans a buffet of elite college football matchups this fall. On Friday, ESPN’s Bill Connelly revealed his picks for the Top 10 Big Ten games coming up in the 2025 campaign.

While Connelly included several standout in-conference showdowns, he also looked at early non-conference matchups. In particular, Connelly looked for games with “(A) the highest combined SP+ ratings for both teams and (B) a projected scoring margin under 10 points.”

Connelly’s criteria created an elite list of showdowns that college football crazies won’t want to miss this season. With 10 total games to cover, let’s move through Connelly’s list, which he unveiled in chronological order.

Texas at Ohio State (Aug. 30)

Ohio State’s season-opener is arguably the most-anticipated non-conference game of the year. It’s a rematch from the College Football Playoff semifinals last season, in which the Buckeyes defeated the Longhorns 28-14.

The game was closer than the final score indicates. With just over two minutes left in the game, Texas marched the ball into Ohio State’s Red Zone, but ultimately fumbled the ball, which Jack Sawyer returned for an 83-yard touchdown. There will be no love lost when the two powerhouse programs meet again on Aug. 30.

Michigan at Oklahoma (Sept. 6)

Three years ago, Michigan at Oklahoma would’ve been one of the most talked-about matchups in the country. However, after each program had lackluster seasons last year, fans aren’t quite as excited as they normally would be for a matchup between these two storied programs.

Of course, that could quickly change if the Wolverines and Sooners take care of business in their respective Week 1 games. There should be excellent quarterback play in the bout, with transfer QB John Mateer at OU and five-star freshman Bryce Underwood leading the Wolverines.

Illinois at Indiana (Sept. 20)

Barring any surprises, Indiana and Illinois will each be undefeated entering their meeting on Dec. 20. With both teams expected to be fringe CFP teams, the outcome between the Hoosiers and Fighting Illini could have massive postseason implications.

Once again, all eyes will be on the two teams’ quarterbacks. Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza transferred in from California this offseason, and some experts believe he could be a surprising riser in draft circles this season. Meanwhile, Illinois’ Luke Altmyer took a massive step forward last season, and will look to be one of the best QBs in the Big Ten this year.

Oregon at Penn State (Sept. 27)

Oregon should expect a wild environment in this one. The Nittany Lions will be hungry for revenge after falling to Oregon 45-37 last season. With one of the most loaded rosters in the country this year, Penn State is under pressure to win the Big Ten for the first time since 2016.

However, the team must first take down the Ducks. It won’t be an easy task. Oregon looked like a world-beater during the regular season last year, winning the conference in their inaugural season. The Ducks will look to soar past their competition this fall and avenge their early exit in the CFP.

USC at Illinois (Sept. 27)

Of course, no Big Ten list would be complete without head coach Lincoln Riley and his USC Trojans. USC had a difficult first season in the Big Ten, finishing the year with a 4-5 record in conference play. Nonetheless, with Jayden Maiava taking the reins at QB, USC is hopeful for a bounce-back season.

Illinois will look to stifle the Trojans’ aspirations. If the Fighting Illini down Indiana in Week 4, they will be rolling into the USC game with a surplus of momentum, and their fans will be ready to join in on the fun.

Michigan at USC (Oct. 11)

While this game might not immediately jump off the page, it’ll likely make or break Michigan and USC. Michigan will have already played Oklahoma and Nebraska by this point in the season. If the Wolverines enter Oct. 11 with a spotless record, a loss to USC could derail their CFP dreams.

In contrast, USC can’t afford to lose this game, either, especially if it loses to Illinois. With several other high-profile foes later in USC’s season, a loss against Michigan could be the beginning of a disastrous snowball for the Trojans.

Penn State at Ohio State (Nov. 1)

For the same reason Penn State must beat Oregon, it has to win against Ohio State. This year is James Franklin‘s best chance to win the Big Ten in nearly a decade, and a loss against the Buckeyes would likely prevent the Nittany Lions from winning the conference title.

Of course, Ohio State won’t be worried about that. The Buckeyes haven’t lost to Penn State since 2016, and they don’t plan on starting now. With wide receiver Jeremiah Smith returning to Ohio State this fall, Penn State’s secondary will have its hands full against the Buckeyes.

Indiana at Penn State (Nov. 8)

This game’s importance mostly relies on Penn State. If the Nittany Lions are coming off a win, they can’t fall victim to a trap game against the Hoosiers, who played spoiler to several standout opponents last season.

More pressing, if the Nittany Lions loses to Ohio State, they must defeat Indiana to stay in the hunt for the CFP. For better or worse, Weeks 10 and 11 will decide the fate of Penn State’s 2025 campaign.

Ohio State at Michigan (Nov. 29)

There was no doubt that “The Game” would be on ESPN’s list. Michigan and Ohio State arguably have the most intense rivalry in college football and this year’s game will be no exception. Michigan shocked OSU last season, defeating the Buckeyes in the final week of the regular season.

The loss ultimately jumpstarted the Buckeyes and resulted in a run to the program’s first national title since 2014. Nonetheless, Michigan could still tout its victory over OSU all offseason. With four consecutive losses against Michigan, Ohio State will be desperate to secure a victory in Ann Arbor this November.