The Big Ten is bigger than ever with 18 teams and plenty of playoff hopes. Ohio State, Penn State, and Oregon are among the favorites to win the league. Michigan, USC, and Illinois are also in the mix. This preview breaks down all 18 teams and their betting outlooks heading into the 2025 college football season.
The new Big Ten schedule features more cross-division matchups and no divisions. That means every game matters in the playoff race. WagerHome makes it easy to manage your book and set lines on all Big Ten action. Check out WagerHome.com to become a pay-per-head bookie today.
Big Ten Championship Odds
- Ohio State +190
- Penn State +270
- Oregon +290
- Michigan +1000
- USC +2100
- Illinois +3400
- Iowa +3700
- Nebraska +3900
- Indiana +4500
- Washington +5500
- Minnesota +12000
- Michigan State +12000
- Wisconsin +13000
- Rutgers +19000
- UCLA +23000
- Maryland +30000
- Purdue +30000
- Northwestern +30000
Big Ten PPH Team Previews
Ohio State Buckeyes
The Buckeyes won the national title in 2024 and return two Heisman candidates in Julian Sayin and wideout Jeremiah Smith. They have new coordinators but plenty of blue-chip players. Ohio State is the betting favorite to repeat in the Big Ten.
Penn State Nittany Lions
Penn State is loaded on both sides of the ball. Drew Allar returns at quarterback, and the defense added Jim Knowles as coordinator. They have a favorable schedule and will be favored in almost every game except at Ohio State.
Oregon Ducks
Oregon has talent but not much experience. They lost most of their starters on both sides of the ball. Dante Moore will be the new quarterback. The Ducks have an easy early schedule but will be tested late.
Michigan Wolverines
Michigan is rebuilding its offense after major losses. Bryce Underwood or Mikey Keene will start at quarterback. The defense is still strong, but the Wolverines need to improve on offense to stay in the top tier.
USC Trojans
USC is taking a slower rebuild approach. Jayden Maiava starts at quarterback, and the defense is expected to improve again under D’Anton Lynn. The Trojans are building for 2026 but can still compete in 2025.
Illinois Fighting Illini
Illinois returns most of its defense and quarterback Luke Altmyer. They won 10 games in 2024 and have a strong chance to stay near the top of the standings. The September schedule is key.
Iowa Hawkeyes
Iowa brings in QB Mark Gronowski from South Dakota State. The defense lost some key starters but should remain solid. The formula is the same—low-scoring games and field position battles.
Nebraska Cornhuskers
Dylan Raiola is back at quarterback, and the Huskers broke their bowl drought last season. The offense needs more consistency. Matt Rhule’s team should improve, and the early schedule gives them a chance to start fast.
Indiana Hoosiers
Indiana shocked the Big Ten with 11 wins in Curt Cignetti’s first year. Most of those players are gone, but Cal transfer Fernando Mendoza takes over at QB. The defense added key transfers and should stay competitive.
Washington Huskies
Washington has a new coach in Jedd Fisch and a promising QB in Demond Williams Jr. The defense is filled with transfers. The offense has upside, but the defense will be tested early.
Minnesota Golden Gophers
Drake Lindsey is the new quarterback, and the Gophers return one of the best defenses in the Big Ten. Offense has a wide range, but the team has experience. Minnesota is a wild card in the middle of the league.
Michigan State Spartans
Aidan Chiles is the QB again after a rocky first year. The defense should be top 50. The offense needs a big jump after ranking 119th in SP+ last season.
Wisconsin Badgers
Wisconsin has a new offensive coordinator and a new quarterback in Billy Edwards Jr. The run game should be solid, and the defense has a good secondary. The schedule is tough with four top-10 teams.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Rutgers returns most of its offense and added strong transfers on defense. They are looking for back-to-back winning seasons. The defensive line may be the best in the conference.
UCLA Bruins
Nico Iamaleava is the new quarterback, and he has talent. But the Bruins have 18 new starters. This feels like another rebuilding year for DeShaun Foster.
Maryland Terrapins
Maryland lost most of its roster to the portal. Freshman Malik Washington is expected to start at quarterback. This is a full reset for the program under Mike Locksley.
Northwestern Wildcats
Preston Stone transferred in to help the offense. The defense returns some playmakers but lacks depth. The schedule is tough with games vs Oregon, Penn State, and Michigan.
Purdue Boilermakers
New head coach Barry Odom brought in over 50 transfers. It’s a full rebuild after a 1-11 season. Expect improvement later in the year, but bowl eligibility is unlikely.
PPH Betting Prediction
Ohio State has the highest power rating and the deepest roster. Penn State and Oregon are close behind, but only the Buckeyes have elite playmakers at every level. If new coordinators work out, Ohio State should return to the title game.
For longshot value, Illinois at +3400 and Indiana at +4500 are interesting picks. Both return solid QB play and tested defenses. But the safest bet remains the Buckeyes. To take advantage of Big Ten betting this season, start your own sportsbook with WagerHome.com and get full control of lines and action.
PPH Pick: Ohio State +190
