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1. Ohio State Football Schedule 2024 and 2025

Get ready for a thrilling ride as the Ohio State Buckeyes unveil their highly anticipated football schedules for 2024 and 2025. Prepare to witness a spectacle of gridiron prowess as the scarlet and gray embark on a captivating journey. From the hallowed grounds of the Horseshoe to iconic venues across the nation, these schedules promise an unforgettable experience for Buckeye fans worldwide.

In 2024, the Buckeyes will kick off their season with a non-conference clash against the Youngstown State Penguins, setting the tone for a promising campaign. They will then face off against three Power Five opponents, including a marquee matchup against the Penn State Nittany Lions in Columbus. The schedule also features intriguing road tests against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Washington Huskies. As the season progresses, Ohio State will navigate the gauntlet of the Big Ten East Division, facing formidable foes like Michigan, Michigan State, and Penn State once again.

The 2025 schedule promises to be equally captivating. The Buckeyes will open with a daunting non-conference challenge against the Clemson Tigers, adding another chapter to their storied rivalry. They will also face off against the Oklahoma Sooners and the Oregon Ducks, showcasing their ability to compete with the nation’s elite. Big Ten East battles await, including a highly anticipated home game against the Michigan Wolverines. With a blend of tradition and newfound challenges, the 2025 schedule sets the stage for another unforgettable season in Ohio State football history.

Season Preview: Buckeyes Aim for Another Championship Run

After another thrilling season in 2023, the Ohio State Buckeyes are ready to chase their 12th national championship. With a talented roster led by Heisman Trophy candidate Kyle McCord at quarterback, head coach Ryan Day will have his team poised to make a deep run in the College Football Playoff.

Key Players to Watch

McCord finished the 2023 season with over 4,000 passing yards and 42 touchdowns, making him one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the country. He will be surrounded by a potent receiving corps led by Marvin Harrison Jr., who set a new Ohio State record for receiving yards in a season in 2023. The Buckeyes also boast a strong running game, with TreVeyon Henderson and Dallan Hayden expected to split carries. On defense, All-American cornerback Denzel Burke and linebacker Tommy Eichenberg will lead the charge for a unit that is known for its speed and athleticism.

Tough Schedule Ahead

The Buckeyes will face a tough schedule in 2024, with nine games against opponents ranked in the preseason top 25. Notable matchups include a home game against Alabama on September 14th and a road game at Notre Dame on November 2nd. The Buckeyes will also host Michigan in the regular season finale on November 30th. Despite the challenging schedule, Ohio State is confident that they can compete for the national title. With a strong team and a passionate fanbase, the Buckeyes are ready to show the country why they are one of the most feared teams in college football.

Regular Season Schedule

Date	Opponent
August 31	Robert Morris
September 7	Akron
September 14	Alabama
September 21	UNLV
September 28	@ Wisconsin
October 5	@ Michigan State
October 12	Penn State
October 26	@ Purdue
November 2	@ Notre Dame
November 9	Rutgers
November 16	Maryland
November 23	@ Michigan

Non-Conference Slate Provides Early Tests

The Buckeyes’ non-conference schedule in 2024 and 2025 features a mix of familiar foes and new challenges. The 2024 season opens with a home contest against the Florida Gators, marking the first meeting between the two programs since 2010. The Buckeyes will travel to West Virginia in 2024 before hosting TCU at home. The non-conference schedule in 2025 includes a road trip to Arizona, a home game against the Big 12’s Oklahoma Sooners, and a neutral-site contest against the SEC’s Texas A&M Aggies in Atlanta.

2024 Schedule

Date	Opponent	Site
August 31	Florida	Ohio Stadium, Columbus
September 7	West Virginia	Milan Puskar Stadium, Morgantown
September 21	TCU	Ohio Stadium, Columbus

2025 Schedule

Date	Opponent	Site
August 30	Arizona	Arizona Stadium, Tucson
September 6	Oklahoma	Ohio Stadium, Columbus
September 13	Texas A&M	Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta

Key Conference Games to Watch

Home Games

Ohio State will host some of the top teams in the Big Ten at home in 2024 and 2025. These games will be crucial for the Buckeyes’ chances of winning the conference title and making the College Football Playoff. In 2024, Ohio State will host Michigan, Penn State, and Wisconsin at home. In 2025, they will host Michigan, Michigan State, and Purdue at home.

Away Games

Ohio State will also have some tough road games in conference play in 2024 and 2025. In 2024, they will travel to Iowa, Nebraska, and Maryland. In 2025, they will travel to Illinois, Indiana, and Minnesota. These games will be tough tests for the Buckeyes, and they will need to play well on the road if they want to win the Big Ten title.

The Game

The most important game on Ohio State’s schedule each year is “The Game” against Michigan. This game is always played on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, and it is one of the most heated rivalries in all of college football. In 2024, The Game will be played in Ann Arbor, and in 2025, it will be played in Columbus. These games will be crucial for both teams’ chances of winning the Big Ten title and making the College Football Playoff.

2024	2025
vs. Michigan (Home)	vs. Michigan (Home)
vs. Penn State (Home)	vs. Michigan State (Home)
vs. Wisconsin (Home)	vs. Purdue (Home)
at Iowa	at Illinois
at Nebraska	at Indiana
at Maryland	at Minnesota

Road Trips to Michigan and Penn State

As part of its 2024 and 2025 football schedules, Ohio State will embark on several road trips to key Big Ten rivals. Two notable contests will take place at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor and Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania.

Michigan

The Buckeyes will travel to Ann Arbor for a highly anticipated matchup against the Michigan Wolverines on November 30, 2024. This rivalry is one of the most intense in college football, dating back to 1897. The game is expected to draw a massive crowd and will have significant implications for the Big Ten East Division race.

Penn State

Ohio State will face the Penn State Nittany Lions in University Park on October 18, 2025. The Buckeyes have a strong recent history against Penn State, having won the last four meetings. However, the Nittany Lions are a perennial contender in the Big Ten East and will provide a tough challenge for Ohio State.

Date	Opponent	Location
November 30, 2024	Michigan	Michigan Stadium (Ann Arbor)
October 18, 2025	Penn State	Beaver Stadium (University Park)

Home Field Advantage in Columbus

Ohio State’s home field, Ohio Stadium, is known as “The Horseshoe” due to its unique shape. It has a capacity of over 102,000 fans, making it one of the largest stadiums in the country. The Buckeyes have a long history of success at home, with a winning percentage of over 80% since the stadium opened in 1922.

There are several factors that contribute to Ohio State’s home field advantage.

First, the crowd noise can be deafening, especially when the Buckeyes are on defense. This can make it difficult for opposing teams to communicate and execute their plays.

Second, the weather in Columbus can be unpredictable, especially in the fall. This can give the Buckeyes an advantage if they are better prepared for the conditions than their opponents.

Third, the Buckeyes have a passionate fan base that travels well. This gives them a large contingent of supporters at all of their home games, which can create an intimidating atmosphere for opposing teams.

Here are some of the most memorable games in Ohio Stadium history:

Table: Top 5 Most Memorable Games in Ohio Stadium history:

Date	Opponent	Score	Attendance
Nov. 18, 1961	Michigan	50-20	84,790
Sept. 27, 2006	Michigan	42-39	105,692
Oct. 6, 2012	Wisconsin	21-14	105,543
Nov. 26, 2016	Michigan	30-27	106,456
Sept. 9, 2017	Oklahoma	31-16	106,067

Projected Win-Loss Record

Predicting the win-loss record of a football team several years in advance is a challenging task, as many factors can influence the outcome of a game. However, based on the current roster and schedule, we can make some educated guesses about Ohio State’s performance in the 2024 and 2025 seasons.

2024

Ohio State will face a challenging schedule in 2024, with games against Alabama, Notre Dame, and Michigan. They will also play a road game at Penn State and a home game against Purdue, which are both tough matchups. Overall, I predict that Ohio State will finish the 2024 season with a record of 11–1.

2025

In 2025, Ohio State will have a slightly easier schedule. They will still play Alabama and Notre Dame, but they will avoid Michigan and Penn State. Instead, they will play road games at Indiana and Wisconsin, which are both winnable games. I predict that Ohio State will finish the 2025 season with a record of 12–0.

6. Key Players

Several key players will need to step up for Ohio State to have a successful 2024 and 2025 seasons. These players include:

Quarterback C.J. Stroud
Running back TreVeyon Henderson
Wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.
Defensive end JT Tuimoloau
Linebacker Tommy Eichenberg
Cornerback Denzel Burke

These players are all talented and have the potential to be stars. If they can all stay healthy and perform at a high level, Ohio State will be a force to be reckoned with in the Big Ten and the College Football Playoff.

Quarterback: C.J. Stroud

C.J. Stroud is one of the most talented quarterbacks in the country. He has a strong arm, good accuracy, and is a threat to run. Stroud is a leader on and off the field, and he will be the key to Ohio State’s success in the 2024 and 2025 seasons.

Year	Games Played
2023	15
2024	13
2025	13

Players to Watch on Offense

C.J. Hicks (QB)

Hicks is a highly touted recruit who enrolled early in 2023. He’ll be competing for the starting quarterback job in 2024 and could be a dangerous dual-threat option.

Sonny Styles (WR)

Styles is a 5-star recruit who is one of the top receiving prospects in the country. He’s a big, physical receiver who can create mismatches.

Cameron Martinez (RB)

Martinez is a versatile running back who can make plays both in the passing game and on the ground.

Players to Watch on Defense

Jack Sawyer (DE)

Sawyer is a consensus All-American who is one of the best pass rushers in the country. He’ll be a force on the Buckeyes’ defensive line.

J.T. Tuimoloau (DE)

Tuimoloau is another highly rated recruit who is expected to make an immediate impact on the defensive line.

Lathan Ransom (S)

Ransom is a hard-hitting safety who is a leader of the Buckeyes’ secondary.

Sevyn Banks (CB)

Banks is a talented cornerback who has excellent ball skills. He’s expected to be one of the best cornerbacks in the Big Ten in 2024.

Coaching Changes and Impact

In December 2022, Ryan Day announced that he will be returning as head coach for the 2024 and 2025 seasons. This decision sent waves of relief throughout the Ohio State fan base, as Day has led the Buckeyes to three consecutive College Football Playoff appearances and a national championship in 2022. Day’s return ensures stability and continuity for the Buckeyes, who have emerged as one of the most dominant programs in the country under his leadership.

Offensive Changes

Ohio State’s offense is expected to undergo some changes in 2024 and 2025 with the departure of offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson. Wilson, who has been with the Buckeyes since 2017, has accepted a head coaching position at Tulsa. Day is expected to promote from within to fill the offensive coordinator role, with quarterbacks coach Corey Dennis and wide receivers coach Brian Hartline being the top candidates.

Defensive Changes

The Buckeyes’ defense is expected to remain largely intact in 2024 and 2025, with defensive coordinator Jim Knowles returning for his third season. Knowles has orchestrated a dramatic turnaround of the Ohio State defense, transforming it into one of the top units in the country. The Buckeyes return a wealth of experience on defense, including All-American linebacker Tommy Eichenberg and defensive end Zach Harrison.


2024 Schedule
August 31: Akron
September 7: Eastern Michigan
September 14: TBA
September 21: Wisconsin
September 28: Penn State
October 5: OPEN
October 12: Minnesota
October 19: Michigan State
October 26: Purdue
November 2: Maryland
November 9: Michigan
November 16: Rutgers
November 23: TBA
November 30: TBA
2025 Schedule
August 30: TBA
September 6: Bowling Green
September 13: TBA
September 20: TCU
September 27: Wisconsin
October 4: TBA
October 11: Michigan State
October 18: Purdue
October 25: OPEN
November 1: Maryland
November 8: Indiana
November 15: Rutgers
November 22: Michigan
November 29: TBA

Season Outlook and Championship Hopes

### Ohio State Buckeyes Football: A Dominant Force in the Big Ten

The Ohio State Buckeyes football program has been a perennial contender for the College Football Playoff, having made it to the semi-finals four times in the past six years. Led by head coach Ryan Day, the Buckeyes are poised for another successful season in 2024 and 2025.

### Championship Hopes

The Buckeyes have their sights set on winning their first national championship since 2014. The 2024 and 2025 seasons provide the perfect opportunity to achieve this goal.

With a talented roster and a favorable schedule, Ohio State is well-positioned to make a run at the title.

### Key Games

2024 Season

The Buckeyes will face a number of tough opponents in 2024, including Michigan, Penn State, and Wisconsin.

2025 Season

The 2025 schedule is even more challenging, with Ohio State facing Alabama, Notre Dame, and Michigan in consecutive weeks.

### The Road to the Playoff

If the Buckeyes can navigate their challenging schedule, they will be in a strong position to make the College Football Playoff. With a talented team and a supportive fanbase, Ohio State is a legitimate contender for the national championship.

Quarterback Situation

The quarterback position will be a key factor in the Buckeyes’ success in 2024 and 2025. C.J. Stroud is expected to return in 2024, but he could be replaced by Kyle McCord or Devin Brown in 2025.

All three quarterbacks are highly talented, and the competition for the starting job will be fierce.

Quarterback	Year	Stats
C.J. Stroud	2023	3,688 passing yards, 41 touchdowns, 6 interceptions
Kyle McCord	2022	142 passing yards, 1 touchdown
Devin Brown	2022	Red-shirted

### Other Key Players

In addition to the quarterback position, the Buckeyes will need to rely on several other key players in 2024 and 2025.

On offense, the Buckeyes will need to replace several key players, including wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and running back TreVeyon Henderson.

On defense, the Buckeyes will need to replace several key players, including cornerback Denzel Burke and linebacker Tommy Eichenberg.

Legacy of the 2024-25 Ohio State Football Team

The legacy of the 2024-25 Ohio State football team will be defined by several factors, including:

1. National Championship Contention

The Buckeyes have a rich history of national championship success, and fans will expect the team to compete for a title in 2024 and 2025.

2. Heisman Trophy Candidates

Ohio State has produced several Heisman Trophy winners, and the team could have multiple candidates in the running for the award in 2024 and 2025.

3. NFL Draft Success

The Buckeyes have consistently sent players to the NFL, and the 2024 and 2025 teams could both produce several first-round picks.

4. Coach Ryan Day’s Leadership

Coach Ryan Day has led the Buckeyes to success in his first three seasons, and his leadership will be crucial to the team’s success in 2024 and 2025.

5. Home-Field Advantage

Ohio Stadium is one of the most intimidating venues in college football, and the Buckeyes have a strong home-field advantage.

6. Recruiting Success

The Buckeyes have consistently recruited top talent, and the 2024 and 2025 recruiting classes are expected to be among the nation’s best.

7. Team Chemistry

The chemistry of a team is often overlooked, but it can be a major factor in success. The Buckeyes have a close-knit team, and that camaraderie could help them achieve great things in 2024 and 2025.

8. Injury Luck

Injuries are a part of football, but they can have a major impact on a team’s success. The Buckeyes will need to stay healthy in 2024 and 2025 to reach their full potential.

9. Schedule Strength

The Buckeyes’ schedule is always challenging, and the 2024 and 2025 schedules will be no exception. The team will need to play well against tough opponents to reach their goals.

10. Unpredictability of College Football

College football is a wild and unpredictable game, and anything can happen. The Buckeyes could have a great season in 2024 and 2025, but they could also struggle. It’s impossible to predict what will happen, but the Buckeyes have the talent and potential to be a special team.

2024 Schedule	2025 Schedule
Notre Dame (home) Kentucky (away) Florida Atlantic (home) Wisconsin (away) Rutgers (home) Indiana (away) Maryland (home) Purdue (away) Michigan State (home) Michigan (away)	Florida A&M (home) West Virginia (away) Akron (home) Cincinnati (away) Boston College (home) Indiana (away) Maryland (home) Purdue (away) Michigan State (home) Michigan (away)

Ohio State Football Schedule 2024 and 2025

The Ohio State Buckeyes football team will have a challenging schedule in 2024 and 2025, with a number of tough opponents on the docket. In 2024, the Buckeyes will open the season at home against Kent State before traveling to play Oklahoma in Norman. They will also host Notre Dame, Penn State, and Michigan at home, and will travel to play Wisconsin, Rutgers, and Purdue on the road.

In 2025, the Buckeyes will open the season at home against TCU before traveling to play North Carolina in Chapel Hill. They will also host Indiana, Michigan State, and Michigan at home, and will travel to play Wisconsin, Purdue, and Rutgers on the road.

2025 Big Ten Football Schedule Announced

The 2025 Big Ten football schedule is set to be released soon, and it’s sure to be another exciting season. The Big Ten is one of the most competitive conferences in the country, and there are always several teams in the running for the College Football Playoff. Last season, Michigan won the Big Ten Championship Game and advanced to the CFP semifinals, while Ohio State and Penn State also finished in the top 10. With so much talent returning to the conference in 2025, it’s sure to be another thrilling season.

One of the most anticipated games on the 2025 Big Ten schedule is the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry. The two schools are located just a few hours apart, and their games are always highly competitive. In recent years, Ohio State has had the upper hand, winning the last three meetings. However, Michigan is hoping to turn the tables in 2025. The Wolverines have a lot of talent returning, including quarterback Cade McNamara and running back Blake Corum. If Michigan can stay healthy, they could be a real contender in the Big Ten East.

Another team to watch in the Big Ten East is Penn State. The Nittany Lions have been one of the most consistent teams in the conference in recent years, and they’re always a threat to win the Big Ten Championship. Penn State has a lot of experience returning on both sides of the ball, including quarterback Sean Clifford and linebacker Brandon Smith. If the Nittany Lions can stay healthy, they could be the team to beat in the East in 2025.

Conference Contenders Clash in Season-Opening Matchups

The Big Ten football season kicks off on August 29th, 2025, with a thrilling slate of conference matchups. These early-season clashes will set the tone for the entire season and could have major implications for the race to the Big Ten Championship Game. Here’s a closer look at some of the most anticipated season-opening matchups:

Ohio State vs. Notre Dame (Week 1)

The Buckeyes and the Fighting Irish will renew their storied rivalry in Columbus on September 1st. Both teams are expected to be contenders for the College Football Playoff, so this game could have a major impact on the national title race. Ohio State has won the last five meetings between the two teams, but Notre Dame is always a dangerous opponent, especially at home. This is a must-see matchup for any college football fan.

Team	2024 Record	Head Coach
Ohio State	12-1	Ryan Day
Notre Dame	10-3	Marcus Freeman

Other notable season-opening matchups include:

Penn State at West Virginia (August 30th)
Michigan vs. Vanderbilt (August 30th)
Wisconsin at LSU (August 31st)
Nebraska vs. Northern Illinois (August 31st)
Purdue vs. Murray State (August 31st)

Historic Rivalries Reignite in High-Stakes Showdowns

The 2025 Big Ten football schedule promises to deliver thrilling clashes between storied programs, with several historic rivalries taking center stage. These matchups will not only test the limits of these teams on the field but also evoke a sense of nostalgia and ignite the passions of their passionate fan bases.

The Greatest Rivalry in College Football

The annual clash between Michigan and Ohio State, known as “The Game,” is widely regarded as the greatest rivalry in college football. These two blue-blood programs have met on the gridiron since 1897, with each matchup carrying immense significance for both sides. In 2025, the rivalry reaches new heights as the game takes place at Michigan Stadium, a venue notorious for its rabid atmosphere and fervent support for the Wolverines. The game promises to be a high-stakes battle for the Big Ten East Division crown and will undoubtedly captivate the attention of fans nationwide.

To provide more details about the history and significance of this rivalry, we have compiled a table below:

	Michigan	Ohio State
Wins	58	51
Losses	51	58
Ties	6	6
National Championships	11	8

Road Warriors Face Unfamiliar Territories

The Big Ten’s scheduling quirks create unique challenges and opportunities for teams on the road. Certain programs will venture into unfamiliar territories, facing opponents they rarely encounter during the regular season.

For instance, the Nebraska Cornhuskers will travel to the East Coast to take on the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in 2025. This is the first time these two teams will meet since Nebraska joined the Big Ten in 2011. The Cornhuskers will also head to College Park, Maryland, to face the Terrapins, a program they have only played once before.

Uncharted Territory for the Spartans

Michigan State University has a daunting road schedule lined up in 2025. The Spartans will play at Rutgers, Maryland, and Northwestern. All three teams have emerged as formidable opponents in recent years. Rutgers finished with a 5-8 record in 2023, but they have a lot of talent on their roster and should be a contender in the Big Ten. Maryland went 8-5 last season and is expected to make a run at a bowl game in 2025. Northwestern won 10 games in 2023 and will be looking to build on that success. The Spartans have not played any of these teams since 2016, so they will need to be prepared for a tough test on the road.

Team	Road Opponent
Nebraska Cornhuskers	Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Michigan State Spartans	Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Nighttime Extravaganzas Under the Lights

Big Ten football under the night sky is an unforgettable experience. The atmosphere is electric, the energy is palpable, and the spectacle is simply breathtaking.

Lights, Camera, Action: Primetime Matchups

The 2025 Big Ten schedule features several primetime matchups that promise to be unforgettable. These games will be broadcast to a national audience and will showcase the very best of Big Ten football.

Saturday Night Spotlight: Whiteout in Lincoln

Nebraska’s Memorial Stadium will once again transform into a sea of white on November 1, 2025, as the Cornhuskers host the Wisconsin Badgers. This annual spectacle is one of the most iconic in college football and is sure to be a memorable experience for fans of both teams.

After Dark Delight: Night Game in Bloomington

Indiana University will host its first-ever night game in Memorial Stadium on September 13, 2025, when they welcome the Michigan Wolverines. This highly anticipated matchup is sure to draw a raucous crowd and create a memorable atmosphere for both teams and fans.

Friday Night Lights: Iowa City Under the Stars

Kinnick Stadium will be rocking on September 26, 2025, as the Iowa Hawkeyes host the Minnesota Golden Gophers under the lights. This rivalry game is always intense, and the nighttime atmosphere will only add to the excitement.

Date	Teams
November 1, 2025	Nebraska vs. Wisconsin
September 13, 2025	Indiana vs. Michigan
September 26, 2025	Iowa vs. Minnesota

Home Field Advantage Proves Crucial in Big Ten Football Schedule 2025

In the highly competitive world of Big Ten football, home field advantage plays a pivotal role in determining the outcome of games. In the 2025 season, this advantage will be especially crucial for several teams, as they navigate a challenging schedule.

No. 5: Michigan’s Hostile Crowd and Difficult Slate

Michigan Stadium, also known as The Big House, is one of the most intimidating venues in college football. With a capacity of over 107,000, it creates an electric atmosphere that can rattle opposing teams. In 2025, Michigan will host several tough opponents, including Ohio State, Penn State, and Wisconsin.

The Wolverines, who are coming off a national championship appearance in 2023, will need that home-field advantage to overcome a difficult schedule. The Buckeyes, Nittany Lions, and Badgers are all perennial contenders in the Big Ten, and Michigan will have to play its best to come out on top.

Week	Opponent	Location
2	Ohio State	Michigan Stadium
6	Penn State	Michigan Stadium
11	Wisconsin	Michigan Stadium

With these crucial home games, Michigan will have the opportunity to secure valuable wins and potentially position itself for another run at the College Football Playoff.

Unexpected Upsets Shake Up the Standings

The 2025 Big Ten Football season has been full of surprises, with several unexpected upsets shaking up the standings. Underdogs have emerged victorious, while some of the conference’s top teams have struggled. Here are some of the most notable upsets of the season so far:

Indiana Hoosiers upset Ohio State Buckeyes

In one of the biggest upsets of the season, the Indiana Hoosiers stunned the Ohio State Buckeyes at home, winning 35-28. The Hoosiers, who had not beaten the Buckeyes since 2015, dominated the game from start to finish. Quarterback Connor Bazelak threw for 350 yards and four touchdowns, while the Hoosiers defense forced three turnovers.

Maryland Terrapins upset Michigan Wolverines

The Maryland Terrapins pulled off another major upset, defeating the Michigan Wolverines 27-14 in Ann Arbor. The Terrapins, who had not beaten Michigan since 2014, played a disciplined game and capitalized on Michigan’s mistakes. Quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa threw for 260 yards and two touchdowns, while the Terrapins defense held the Wolverines to just 150 yards of total offense.

Other notable upsets

In addition to the upsets mentioned above, there have been several other unexpected outcomes in the Big Ten this season. Here is a table of some of the most notable upsets:

Team	Opponent	Score
Purdue Boilermakers	Penn State Nittany Lions	35-24
Rutgers Scarlet Knights	Illinois Fighting Illini	28-21
Northwestern Wildcats	Minnesota Golden Gophers	31-24

These upsets have had a significant impact on the Big Ten standings, with several teams now in contention for the conference championship. The season is far from over, but the unexpected upsets so far have added an extra level of excitement to the race for the title.

Playoff Implications Hang in the Balance

The 2025 Big Ten football schedule is set to be released, and it has major implications for the College Football Playoff. The Big Ten is one of the toughest conferences in the country, and several teams could make a run at the Playoff this year.

Ohio State Eyes Redemption

The Buckeyes are coming off a disappointing season in which they failed to make the Playoff. They’ll be looking to bounce back in 2025 and make a run at the national championship.

Penn State Aims for Consistency

The Nittany Lions have been a consistent contender in recent years, but they’ve yet to win a national championship. They’ll be looking to take the next step in 2025 and reach the Playoff.

Michigan in the Hunt

The Wolverines are another team that has been close to making the Playoff in recent years. They’ll be looking to break through in 2025 and make their first appearance in the Playoff.

Wisconsin a Dark Horse

The Badgers are a dark horse candidate to make the Playoff in 2025. They’ve been a consistent winner under head coach Paul Chryst, and they could be a threat to win the Big Ten West.

Iowa’s Defense Will Be a Challenge

The Hawkeyes have one of the best defenses in the country. They’ll be a tough matchup for any team they face, including the Playoff contenders.

Nebraska Trying to Regain Footing

The Cornhuskers are trying to regain their footing after a few down years. They’ll be looking to make a bowl game in 2025 and start to build towards the future.

Rutgers Looks to Make Strides

The Scarlet Knights are looking to make strides in 2025. They’ll be looking to improve their record and finish in the middle of the Big Ten East.

Team	2024 Record	2025 Playoff Odds
Ohio State	11-2	50%
Penn State	10-3	25%
Michigan	9-4	15%
Wisconsin	8-5	10%
Iowa	7-6	5%
Nebraska	4-8	1%
Rutgers	3-9	1%

Top Ten: Season-Defining Moments

With the 2025 football season just around the corner, here are ten crucial moments that could shape the outcome of the Big Ten race:

8. The November 15th Battle for the Golden Boot

The rivalry between Michigan and Ohio State is one of the most storied in college football. In 2025, the two teams will meet on November 15th for the annual Battle for the Golden Boot. The winner of this game will take possession of the Golden Boot trophy, which has been awarded to the victor since 1935. This game is always a close one, and the 2025 edition is sure to be no different. Ohio State has won the last 7 meetings, but Michigan had won 10 straight before that

Year	Winner	Score
2018	Ohio State	62-39
2019	Ohio State	56-27
2020	Ohio State	27-24
2021	Ohio State	56-7
2022	Ohio State	45-23
2023	Ohio State	52-21
2024	Ohio State	43-28

Cinderellas Emerge as Underdogs Triumph

The 2025 Big Ten football season promises to be one of the most competitive and unpredictable in recent memory. Several Cinderella teams have emerged as potential underdogs to watch out for in the upcoming campaign.

Purdue Boilermakers

After a breakthrough season in 2024, Purdue is poised to build on their momentum in 2025. With Aidan O’Connell returning at quarterback and a talented receiving corps, the Boilermakers have the potential to surprise some of the Big Ten’s top teams.

Indiana Hoosiers

Indiana has been quietly building a solid foundation under head coach Tom Allen. With a strong defense and a rising star at quarterback in Jaylin Lucas, the Hoosiers could make some noise in the Big Ten East in 2025.

Maryland Terrapins

Maryland has struggled in recent years, but with a young and talented roster, the Terrapins could be a sleeper team in 2025. Quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. has shown flashes of brilliance, and the defense has some promising pieces in place.

Northwestern Wildcats

Northwestern has a rich history of success in college football, but the Wildcats have fallen on hard times in recent years. With a new head coach in Pat Fitzgerald, Northwestern could be on the rise in 2025.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Rutgers has been a consistent cellar dweller in the Big Ten, but the Scarlet Knights have shown signs of improvement under head coach Greg Schiano. With a talented quarterback in Gavin Wimsatt, Rutgers could be a dark horse team in 2025.

Other Potential Underdogs

In addition to the teams mentioned above, several other programs could emerge as potential underdogs in the 2025 Big Ten season. These teams include Illinois, Minnesota, and Nebraska.

Cinderella Tracker

Keep an eye on the following table to track the progress of these Cinderella teams throughout the 2025 Big Ten football season.

Team	Wins	Losses
Purdue Boilermakers	0	0
Indiana Hoosiers	0	0
Maryland Terrapins	0	0
Northwestern Wildcats	0	0
Rutgers Scarlet Knights	0	0

Big Ten Football Schedule 2025: A Comprehensive Overview

The Big Ten Conference has released its football schedule for the 2025 season, providing a glimpse into the upcoming gridiron battles. The schedule features a mix of conference showdowns, non-conference matchups, and rivalry games, promising an exciting and competitive season for fans and teams alike.

The conference season kicks off on September 6th with several intriguing matchups. Ohio State hosts Northwestern, Michigan State travels to Purdue, and Wisconsin welcomes Indiana. These games will set the tone for the season and give an early indication of the teams to watch.

Non-conference games provide opportunities for the Big Ten teams to test themselves against different styles of play. Some of the notable non-conference matchups include Michigan hosting Louisville, Penn State facing West Virginia, and Iowa taking on California. These games will give fans a chance to see how the Big Ten teams stack up against teams from other conferences.