Read on foxsports.comBig Ten Power Rankings: Ohio State Maintains Top Spot as Michigan Climbs, USC Slides
FOX Sports analyst Michael Cohen's latest Big Ten Power Rankings reveal significant movement as the college football regular season concludes. Ohio State maintains its No. 1 position heading into the crucial Michigan rivalry game, while Michigan climbs following their dominant win over Maryland. USC's playoff hopes were dashed after a disappointing loss to Oregon, dropping them in the rankings. With only one week remaining, four Big Ten teams remain in College Football Playoff contention, setting up dramatic final matchups that will determine conference championship participants.
As the college football regular season reaches its dramatic conclusion, FOX Sports analyst Michael Cohen's latest Big Ten Power Rankings reveal significant movement among the conference's top teams. With only one week remaining, four programs remain alive in the College Football Playoff race while others fight for bowl eligibility and conference positioning.
Top Tier Teams Hold Steady
The top of the rankings features minimal movement with Ohio State maintaining its No. 1 position following a convincing 42-9 victory over Rutgers. Despite playing without injured star receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate, the Buckeyes leaned on their rushing attack led by freshman Bo Jackson, who recorded 110 yards and two touchdowns. The win sets up a crucial showdown with Michigan that will determine playoff positioning and Big Ten Championship implications.
Indiana remains at No. 2 after their idle week, positioned to make program history with a potential Big Ten Championship game appearance if they defeat Purdue. The Hoosiers' perfect 11-0 record marks their second consecutive playoff-bound season under coach Curt Cignetti.
Michigan's Impressive Ascent
Michigan climbed to No. 4 following their dominant 45-20 road victory over Maryland. The Wolverines have now won five consecutive games and seven of their last eight, positioning themselves for a potential playoff berth if they can upset Ohio State. Despite injuries to key offensive personnel, Michigan's ground game remained potent with former walk-on Bryson Kuzdzal rushing for 100 yards and three touchdowns.
Quarterback Bryce Underwood delivered an efficient performance, completing 16 of 23 passes for 215 yards and two touchdowns without interceptions. The Wolverines' balanced offensive approach and clock-controlling strategy have proven effective during their late-season surge.
USC's Playoff Dreams Dashed
Perhaps the most significant development came with USC's slide to No. 5 following their 42-27 loss to Oregon. The defeat eliminated the Trojans from College Football Playoff contention and represented another frustrating result for head coach Lincoln Riley. Despite quarterback Jayden Maiava's 306-yard, three-touchdown performance, USC's defense surrendered 436 yards and committed numerous penalties that proved costly.
The loss marks a disappointing conclusion to what many believed could be USC's first playoff appearance. The Trojans now turn their attention to the crosstown rivalry against UCLA, where a victory would still deliver a respectable 10-win season.
Conference Championship Implications
With the regular season finale approaching, several key matchups will determine the Big Ten Championship participants. The Ohio State-Michigan rivalry takes center stage, with the Buckeyes seeking to maintain their perfect record and the Wolverines fighting for playoff inclusion. Oregon faces Washington in another critical contest that could determine playoff positioning.
The final week also features important games for bowl eligibility, including Penn State's attempt to reach six wins against Rutgers and Nebraska's rivalry matchup with Iowa. These contests will shape the postseason landscape and provide dramatic conclusions to the 2025 regular season.
