Top team holds steady in latest Big Ten football power rankings

Ben Bolch’s Big Ten Power Rankings

Game of the Week: Ohio State (1-0) at Texas (1-0), 4:30 p.m. PT Saturday on ABC. After doubling up the Longhorns in a convincing victory last season, the Buckeyes seek to prove once again that Texas quarterback Arch Manning ain’t all that.

1. Ohio State (1-0) Ball State is a predictable pushover for Big Ten’s best team. (Last week: 1)

2. Indiana (1-0) Now that he’s in State Farm ads, can Curt Cignetti replace Jake? (3)

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning walks off the field after an NCAA college football game against Boise State on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Eugene, Ore. AP Photo/Lydia Ely

3. Oregon (1-0) Boise State close call could have been much worse — just ask Chip Kelly. (2)

4. USC (2-0) Might as well fast forward to Oregon showdown on Sept. 26. (4)

5. UCLA (1-0) Bob Chesney era will really be rocking if tarps come off at Rose Bowl. (6)

6. Penn State (1-0) Matt Campbell unveils superb Marshall Plan in opening shutout. (7)

7. Illinois (1-0) Illini score double digits in every quarter in blowout of UAB. (8)

UCLA Bruins head coach Bob Chesney yells during the second quarter against the California Golden Bears at California Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, California, on Sept. 5, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

8. Washington (0-0) Apple Cup feeling as crisp as a Fuji in revival of Pac-12 rivalry. (9)

9. Minnesota (1-0) Rowing the boat is incredibly easy against Eastern Illinois. (10)

10. Iowa (1-0) Holy Hayden Fry! Hawkeyes with a capable offense seems like a throwback. (11)

11. Michigan (1-0) Got a second? These guys aren’t nearly as good as once imagined. (5)

Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham watches against Western Michigan during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Ann Arbor, Mich. AP Photo/Paul Sancya

12. Michigan State (1-0) Holy Toledo! Spartans may have good QB in Alessio Milivojevic. (12)

13. Nebraska (1-0) A blah win over Ohio seems on brand for this blah team. (13)

14. Wisconsin (0-0) Was starting season against Notre Dame a good idea? (14)

15. Maryland (1-0) Mike Locksley may not be headed for Hamptons if Hampton rout is a sign. (17)

16. Northwestern (1-0) Needing to pull away late against an FCS team isn’t great. (16)

17. Purdue (1-0) Great news for Boilermakers: They may not be worst team in Big Ten! (18)

18. Rutgers (0-1) Will Greg Schiano make it to October after UMass embarrassment? (15)

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