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The Big Ten conference is gearing up for an unpredictable 2025 football season. Shifts in player rosters due to transfers and graduations have left many teams facing uncertainties. While predicting outcomes this early may seem like guesswork, we're diving in to rank all the Big Ten teams from worst to best ahead of the season.

At the bottom of our list, we find Purdue. Head coach Barry Odom's Boilermakers are in a tough spot after losing key players like safety Dillon Thieneman, TE Max Klare, and EDGE Will Heldt to the portal. The team lacks a clear option at quarterback and saw their skill positions heavily depleted. Although Odom brought several of his UNLV standouts, including CB Tony Grimes and OT Jalen St. John, it's hard to muster confidence in this squad right now.

Minnesota faces similar hurdles, ranking just above Purdue. While retaining exciting talents like RB Darius Taylor and nickel Koi Perich, the Golden Gophers lost both starting cornerbacks, their offensive tackles, and WR Daniel Jackson. New starting QB Drake Lindsey has monumental shoes to fill, with a defense that's also reeling from significant losses.

Wisconsin sees a return to its typical ground-and-pound football with the hiring of offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes. The Badgers have added former Maryland QB Billy Edwards Jr. and kept most of their defensive lineup. The big question revolves around how effectively they can reinvigorate their offense after their failed Air Raid experiment.

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights rank slightly higher thanks to the return of QB Athan Kaliakmanis and the acquisition of productive pass rushers from the G5 level, such as EDGE Eric O'Neill and Bradley Weaver. However, the loss of eight defensive starters and their coordinator could spell trouble.

At Michigan State, QB Aidan Chiles and WR Nick Marsh offer offensive continuity that the Spartans hope will translate to wins. Nonetheless, a defense pillaged by the transfer portal puts a damper on their prospects.

UCLA's hopes ride on QB Nico Iamaleava, an incredibly talented player returning after a stint at Tennessee. The Bruins have supplemented their roster with RB Jaivian Thomas and WR Mikey Matthews, but a defense gutted by the NFL Draft remains a concern.

Iowa made strategic moves by bringing in South Dakota State's QB Mark Gronowski and Chattanooga's WR Sam Phillips, maintaining a solid defensive lineup. Analyst Warren Ruggiero was also recruited to potentially shake up their offensive tactics.

Michigan's offseason was highlighted by signing top QB recruit Bryce Underwood. Despite strong defensive players like EDGE Derrick Moore and safety Rod Moore, key losses at running back and with their two top draft picks could impede their progress.

For USC, 2025 represents a crucial season. The Trojans face stiff challenges after losing QB Miller Moss, WR Zachariah Branch, and key running backs. QB Jayden Maiava's performance will be critical for their success, but Lincoln Riley's team is not without hope, given the retention of WRs Ja'Kobi Lane and Makai Lemon.

Washington could be a dark horse candidate, with QB Demond Williams ready for a full season. Head Coach Jedd Fisch's belief in his young offensive line and the acquisition of defensive talents like LB Jacob Manu and CB Tacario Davis bolster their odds.

Nebraska appears promising, with QB Dylan Raiola aiming to improve his late-down efficiency with new WR Dane Key. Additions to their offensive line from Notre Dame and Alabama further fortify their growth prospects, although their pass rush remains a question mark.

Indiana thrives on a slew of new transfer additions. QB Fernando Mendoza, along with Maryland RB Roman Hemby and returning WR Elijah Sarratt, make the Hoosiers a strong contender. Defensively stable, their fate hinges on the new offensive line's quick adaptation.

Illinois also stands out. With veteran QB Luke Altmeyer returning and a cohesive offensive line, the Fighting Illini retained many starters from their impressive defense. Their consistency makes them a legitimate contender for the Big Ten crown.

Ohio State's future looks bright, led by top talents like WR Jeremiah Smith and safety Caleb Downs. However, the quarterback position remains undecided, with competition between Julian Sayin and freshman Tavien St. Clair set to dominate preseason discussions.

Penn State might break through this year, boasting a lineup that includes QB Drew Allar and RBs Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen. By luring DC Jim Knowles from Ohio State, the Nittany Lions have their sights set on not just a conference title, but possibly more.

At the top stands Oregon. Despite losing key players like QB Dillon Gabriel, the Ducks have depth and emerging stars. New QB Dante Moore and a revamped offensive line, complemented by defensive powerhouse EDGE Matayo Uiagalelei, place Oregon ahead of their Big Ten rivals for 2025. The Ducks' success will largely depend on Moore's performance and the offensive line's cohesion.

As the 2025 season looms, each team faces distinct challenges and opportunities that will shape their destiny in the Big Ten standings.