2025 Big Ten soccer preview: Power rankings, high gamers, key video games

Will Ohio State declare the Big Ten title in 2025, or will Penn State lastly break by in 2025?

The school soccer season is lower than a month away, and it seems to be like these two perennial Big Ten powers can have the perfect shot to not simply win the convention, however the College Football Playoff, too. But it will not be with out stiff competitors from Oregon, which gained the league final season.

In addition to the Big Ten’s playoff race, eyes will probably be on UCLA and Nico Iamaleava following his exit from Tennessee.

We get you caught up on the Big Ten by breaking down the convention’s CFP outlook, energy rankings, must-see video games, high freshmen, key transfers and numbers to know.

Jump to:
CFP outlook | Must-see games
Freshmen | Transfers
Numbers to know
Power rankings

CFP outlook

Should be in: Penn State, Ohio State, Oregon. Defending nationwide champion Ohio State all the time will probably be penciled into the CFP area, even after shedding 14 NFL draft picks, tied for probably the most in crew historical past. The Buckeyes have huge receiver Jeremiah Smith, thought of the nation’s finest total participant, in addition to security Caleb Downs, arguably the No. 1 defender. But it is Penn State, not Ohio State, that enters the autumn as presumably the Big Ten’s strongest nationwide contender. The Nittany Lions change lower than the opposite three groups that reached final yr’s CFP semifinals, as they return quarterback Drew Allar, operating backs Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen, and several other standout defenders. Oregon is amazingly being ignored a bit after successful the Big Ten in its debut season and turning into the one FBS crew to complete the common season at 13-0. The Ducks misplaced 10 NFL draft picks however will return a proficient defensive entrance seven and add a number of high transfers and recruits.

In the operating: Illinois, Michigan, Indiana. Illinois returns the core gamers from its first 10-win crew since 2001, and it may develop into this yr’s model of Indiana, particularly with extra explosiveness on offense and stout line play. If the Illini can navigate September highway exams in opposition to Duke and, sure, Indiana, look out for Bret Bielema’s squad. Michigan hopes to rejoin the CFP combine after its sturdy end to final season, leaning on a proficient defensive entrance and presumably incoming freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood, the nation’s No. 1 recruit. Indiana largely will probably be counted out, however not right here, because the crew retained a number of All-Big Ten gamers from the historic CFP crew, and added quarterback Fernando Mendoza and several other notable offensive linemen from the portal. Iowa often discovered itself within the four-team CFP combine and will take a leap if switch quarterback Mark Gronowski elevates the offense.

Long photographs: Nebraska, USC, Minnesota, Washington. Nebraska has had a tricky time merely making bowl appearances within the Big Ten, however might be primed for a soar in wins, as quarterback Dylan Raiola returns to steer the squad. The Huskers are additionally helped by a positive schedule that does not embrace Ohio State or Oregon, and has no true highway sport till Oct. 11. USC continues to be searching for its first CFP look beneath Lincoln Riley and will enter the combination if it performs higher away from house, the place it dropped 4 video games by seven factors or fewer. Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck can also be searching for higher leads to one-score video games and advised ESPN that the CFP “isn’t a pipe dream.” Washington is just two years faraway from a nationwide title sport look and brings again a crew with upside, significantly dynamic younger quarterback Demond Williams Jr. — Adam Rittenberg and Jake Trotter

Must-see video games

From Bill Connelly’s Big Ten convention preview

Here are the ten video games — eight in convention play, plus two big nonconference video games — that function (A) the best mixed SP+ rankings for each groups and (B) a projected scoring margin beneath 10 factors. That second half is essential, as neither Penn State (two) nor Ohio State (three) have many projected shut video games on the docket.

Texas at Ohio State (Aug. 30) and Michigan at Oklahoma (Sept. 6). The greatest video games of Weeks 1 and a pair of are Big Ten vs. SEC affairs, although they tackle completely different flavors. Texas-Ohio State is a rematch of final yr’s pleasant CFP semifinal, wherein Jack Sawyer’s late scoop-and-score ended a Longhorns comeback try. Both the Longhorns and Buckeyes will nearly actually begin out within the AP high 5. Meanwhile, Michigan and Oklahoma are on the lookout for methods again into the highest 10, and each will convey transformed offenses to the desk.

Illinois at Indiana (Sept. 20). If issues play out as forecasted and we now have two completely different races happening within the Big Ten — the large names vying for the convention title and the pool of 14 different groups combating amongst one another for one more playoff spot — then that is the most important Illinois-Indiana sport of all time. The loser must be nearly good to get to 10-2 and a possible bid.

Oregon at Penn State (Sept. 27). The Week 5 slate is overloaded with huge video games, however it will nearly actually be the most important. The Ducks and Nittany Lions will nearly actually be a mixed 7-0 at this level, as neither crew can have performed a top-50 crew.

USC at Illinois (Sept. 27) and Indiana at Iowa (Sept. 27). Like I stated, there’s simply manner an excessive amount of happening in Week 5. Goodness.

Michigan at USC (Oct. 11). By this level, Michigan can have already performed at Oklahoma and Nebraska and might be 5-0 and within the high 10, or 3-2 and flailing. USC can have simply visited Illinois and might be 5-0 or flailing as nicely. This sport will probably be big, for any of about 17 completely different causes.

Penn State at Ohio State (Nov. 1). In phrases of mixed SP+ rankings, that is the one greatest sport of the 2025 common season.

Indiana at Penn State (Nov. 8). Whether PSU is coming off of a win or a loss in Columbus, the Nittany Lions will desperately want to maneuver on and keep away from a hangover.

Ohio State at Michigan (Nov. 29). Proof that even in a 12-team CFP period, a rivalry loss can ship you right into a spectacular, existential tailspin. (And proof that you simply may have the ability to steer out of it slightly higher now.)

Three freshmen to look at

Malik Washington, QB, Maryland

Washington already arrived on campus going through immense expectations after the four-star Maryland native opted to remain house and attend the college he grew up idolizing. His spring sport exhibiting — he went 12-of-18 for 170 yards and two touchdowns — did little to dispel any optimism he may develop into the face of a program resurrection in College Park. At 6-foot-5, 231 kilos, Washington is a real dual-threat with arm expertise and mobility. His accuracy and skill to vary arm angles ought to mesh nicely in an RPO scheme. Carving out a path to competition within the Big Ten will not be simple, and he’ll must beat out UCLA switch Justyn Martin for the beginning gig, however Washington has game-changing instruments.

Bryce Underwood, QB, Michigan

No freshman in school soccer faces extra scrutiny than Underwood, who arrived in Ann Arbor because the highest-ranked participant within the class and signed a multi-million greenback NIL deal after a prolonged pursuit by his hometown Wolverines. Underwood’s spring was extra strong than distinctive, and he went 12-of-26 for 187 yards within the spring sport, which included an 88-yard landing, but in addition a pair of sacks and several other overthrows. Michigan coach Sherrone Moore hasn’t named a starter and has been constant that Underwood is battling with Jadyn Davis, Jake Garcia, and Mikey Keene for the position, however Michigan’s offense has its highest ceiling with Underwood on the helm. At 6-foot-4, 210 kilos, Underwood combines uncooked pace, clear footwork within the pocket and pure arm power. The ball jumps out of his hand and he is adept at preserving performs alive on the run to maneuver the chains. It may require some endurance — which is not simple in Ann Arbor — however Underwood has the ceiling of a dominant, Heisman Trophy-contending sign caller.

Dakorien Moore, WR, Oregon

Moore arrived in Eugene because the highest-graded highschool receiver ESPN has evaluated since 2020, then dazzled Oregon teammates and coaches alike in the course of the Ducks’ spring practices. Moore gained the 2025 Under Armour All-America Game MVP and totaled greater than 4,000 receiving yards at famed Duncanville High School in Texas. He’s additionally a adorned monitor star, and his blazing pace and savvy route-running skill ought to discover a house in Oregon’s offense on Day 1. Moore’s offseason work has solely helped solidify the excessive expectations. He may shortly develop into a dependable choice for brand spanking new beginning QB Dante Moore, and his position within the offense solely turns into extra essential with Evan Stewart set to overlook no less than a good portion of the season with a knee harm. — Billy Tucker

Three high transfers

These alternatives are based mostly on Max Olson’s rating of the highest 100 transfers from the 2024-25 switch cycle.

Transferring from: Cal | Top 100 rank: 4

HT: 6-5 | WT: 225 | Class: Redshirt sophomore

Background: Mendoza was an unbelievable discover for Cal, an under-the-radar three-star out of Miami who was dedicated to Yale till the Bears prolonged a late provide. He developed into among the finest younger QBs within the nation after taking up as Cal’s starter for his or her remaining eight video games in 2023. As a sophomore, he was the ACC’s third-leading passer with 3,004 passing yards and raised his completion proportion to 69% (second within the ACC) whereas scoring 18 complete touchdowns with simply six interceptions over 11 video games. He led all FBS quarterbacks with 41 sacks final season however overcame inconsistent safety to have a extremely productive yr with sturdy performances in opposition to Miami and Auburn and a 98-yard game-winning drive to beat rival Stanford. Mendoza is considered as one of the promising QBs within the nation by a number of personnel departments. — Olson

Scout’s take: Mendoza is without doubt one of the most undervalued gamers on the place in school soccer. He’s 6-5, a terrific athlete and is hard as nails. He was sacked loads and stored getting again up. Mendoza could make the entire throws and is a sneaky, artful athlete. — Luginbill

What he brings to Indiana: Indiana coach Curt Cignetti values manufacturing over potential on the subject of recruiting the switch portal. He’s getting loads of each with Mendoza as his successor to Kurtis Rourke. Mendoza is trying to take his sport to a different degree within the Big Ten and assist make the Hoosiers a contender once more in Year 2 beneath Cignetti. — Olson

Transferring from: Tennessee | Top 100 rank: 5

HT: 6-6 | WT: 220 | Class: Redshirt freshman

Background: Well, this was a stunner. While there have been rumors of discontent in late December on the winter portal deadline, it was nonetheless stunning that Iamaleava left a College Football Playoff crew and hit the open market in the course of the spring in the hunt for a greater deal than the one he had with the Vols. Tennessee invested a ton of cash in Iamaleava and even efficiently fought off an tried NCAA investigation into the seven-figure settlement he struck with the Vols as a five-star highschool recruit. He had an terrible lot of hype to dwell as much as as a redshirt freshman starter in 2024 and put collectively a strong yr, throwing for two,616 yards, finishing 64% of his passes with 22 complete touchdowns and 9 turnovers whereas main the Vols to 10 wins. Iamaleava closed out the season with a tough CFP efficiency, finishing 14 of 31 passes for 104 yards in a 42-17 first-round loss to eventual nationwide champ Ohio State, and nonetheless has loads of room to develop. But it’s exceptionally uncommon {that a} QB of his caliber turns into obtainable within the spring. Iamaleava is trying to preserve progressing and play as much as his first-round potential. — Olson

Scout’s take: There is not any debating that Iamaleava is without doubt one of the most bodily proficient quarterbacks in school soccer. He was extremely coveted out of highschool due to his stature, arm power and athletic skill. During his one season as a starter, he confirmed flashes of brilliance but in addition mediocrity. He threw 19 touchdowns, however 4 of the 9 touchdowns in SEC play got here in opposition to Vanderbilt and 7 got here in opposition to Chattanooga and UTEP. Consistency is the place he has to enhance. He has the arm power and total expertise to be a terrific vertical deep ball passer, however he has been wildly inconsistent by way of accuracy in that regard. There are nonetheless instruments right here, however he’ll doubtless be enjoying on a crew that’s much less proficient than the one he simply left. Meaning: He’s going to need to be higher than he has ever been. — Luginbill

What he brings to UCLA: This ordeal might need performed out completely for the Bruins. They’re getting a possible top-10 quarterback on a lowered contract who will generate a variety of consideration for this program coming into coach DeShaun Foster’s second yr. Iamaleava’s arrival will price them App State switch QB Joey Aguilar, who reentered the portal after going by spring follow with the Bruins and landed at Tennessee. The problem going ahead for Iamaleava is studying OC Tino Sunseri’s system and successful over his new teammates this summer season, however he’ll actually be motivated after his break up with the Vols. — Olson

Transferring from: Nevada | Top 100 rank: 7

HT: 6-8 | WT: 309 | Class: Redshirt junior

Background: The large go protector was a three-year starter for the Wolf Pack primarily at left deal with and brings invaluable expertise with greater than 2,300 profession snaps. He didn’t give up a sack throughout his junior season and picked up honorable point out All-Mountain West recognition. World is considered as a possible first-round draft choose by NFL scouts coming into his remaining season of eligibility and is making the transfer as much as the Power 4 to show he deserves that reward. — Olson

Scout’s take: World is a large presence with superb go professional expertise at left deal with. He has added 42 kilos since highschool and retained his preliminary quickness and adaptability. World does a terrific job using defenders previous the pocket together with his size and mobility. He performs balanced with good toes and exhibits his basketball background mirroring defenders in his set. He’s not as efficient versus the run. World’s pad degree can get excessive, however he is nonetheless very productive at washing defenders right down to open run lanes. — Tucker

What he brings to Oregon: Offensive deal with was one of many essential portal wants for the Ducks. Ajani Cornelius graduating and Josh Conerly Jr. doubtlessly going professional made including starter-caliber tackles a precedence for Oregon, and it was capable of maintain off Texas A&M and Nebraska on this battle. A one-year addition is smart to assist in giving the Ducks’ younger huge males extra time to develop. — Olson

Numbers to know

4: The variety of seasons it has been since defending nationwide champion Ohio State gained the Big Ten title, the Buckeyes’ longest drought since a six-year stretch from 1987 to 1992.

8: The variety of Big Ten quarterbacks who have been within the high 25 of the ESPN300 recruit rankings in some unspecified time in the future of their highschool careers, probably the most of any convention. Those QBs are Michigan’s Bryce Underwood (No. 1 in 2025), Oregon’s Dante Moore (No. 2 in 2023), Ohio State’s Julian Sayin (No. 9 in 2024), Ohio State’s Tavien St. Clair (No. 10 in 2025), Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola (No. 11 in 2024), USC’s Sam Huard (No. 16 in 2021), UCLA’s Nico Iamaleava (No. 23 in 2023) and Michigan’s Jake Garcia (No. 24 in 2021).

+200: Ohio State’s odds of successful the Big Ten championship, based on ESPN BET, that are the longest odds for the Big Ten favourite in no less than 15 years. Penn State is the second selection at +225. — ESPN Research

Power rankings

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Should Penn State be the No. 1-ranked crew within the nation?

Heather Dinich joins “Get Up” to share why she believes Penn State needs to be the top-ranked crew going into the brand new school soccer season.

1. Penn State Nittany Lions

If not this yr, then when for the Nittany Lions? As different Big Ten powers sift by QB questions, Penn State options three-year starter Drew Allar, who has the make-up to be a first-round choose subsequent spring. Throw in a dominant operating sport spearheaded by Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen and a proficient protection now led by veteran coordinator Jim Knowles, the Nittany Lions have the items to win the Big Ten — and even the nationwide title.

2. Ohio State Buckeyes

The defending nationwide champions misplaced a record-tying 14 gamers to the NFL and should fill important holes at quarterback and alongside each the offensive and defensive strains. But Ohio State additionally has arguably the nation’s finest two gamers in huge receiver Jeremiah Smith and security Caleb Downs, different standouts resembling huge receiver Carnell Tate and linebacker Sonny Styles, and notable transfers resembling tight finish Max Klare (Purdue). Never depend out the Buckeyes.

3. Oregon Ducks

Dillion Gabriel, one of the prolific QBs in latest school soccer historical past, is gone, leaving tantalizing former five-star recruit Dante Moore in command of the Ducks’ offense. A season-ending knee harm to star huge receiver Evan Stewart stings. But Oregon nonetheless has sufficient on both facet of the ball to defend its Big Ten title.

4. Illinois Fighting Illini

After successful 10 video games for the primary time for the reason that Big Ten championship season of 2001, Illinois has its sights on the crew’s first CFP look. Quarterback Luke Altmyer and out of doors linebacker Gabe Jacas are a part of a powerful returning group that should navigate difficult September journeys to Duke and Indiana earlier than a house showdown with Ohio State on Oct. 11.

5. Michigan Wolverines

All eyes will probably be on five-star freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood, who has already been turning heads in Ann Arbor together with his work ethic and dual-threat skills. The Wolverines have the operating sport and determine to be stout defensively as soon as once more. If Underwood can supercharge the passing assault, the Wolverines might be again in competition for a playoff spot.

6. Indiana Hoosiers

How will Coach Cig (Curt Cignetti) observe a historic debut that featured a team-record 11 wins and a as soon as unthinkable CFP look? Indiana retained All-Big Ten gamers on either side of the ball, and added quarterback Fernando Mendoza and several other notable offensive linemen within the portal. The key for IU will probably be higher line-of-scrimmage play in its greatest video games, because the schedule would not look practically as favorable.

7. Iowa Hawkeyes

The Hawkeyes are banking that switch QB Mark Gronowski, who gained an FCS nationwide title, can jumpstart a perennially moribund Iowa offense. Iowa’s offensive line, led by standout middle Logan Jones and deal with Gennings Dunker, needs to be elite. If the defensive-minded Hawkeyes can lastly discover a option to put up factors, they might be harmful.

8. Nebraska Cornhuskers

After reaching a bowl sport for the primary time since 2016, Nebraska is focusing on a lot larger targets beneath third-year coach Matt Rhule. The Huskers have a positive schedule with no true highway video games till Oct. 11 and no Ohio State or Oregon. Quarterback Dylan Raiola has had a full offseason to develop beneath playcaller Dana Holgorsen.

9. USC Trojans

The Trojans misplaced 5 video games by one rating final season, tied for probably the most within the FBS. Playing from forward will probably be essential for the Trojans, who trailed in 11 of their 13 video games in 2024. The protection beneath first-year coordinator D’Anton Lynn took a step ahead final season, however the Trojans want extra enchancment — they nonetheless allowed 5.83 yards per play (fifteenth within the Big Ten).

10. Minnesota Golden Gophers

Could Minnesota be a wild-card CFP contender? “This isn’t a pipe dream,” coach P.J. Fleck advised ESPN, pointing to a document in one-score video games that, if improved, may elevate the crew’s outlook. Minnesota has a strong protection, a possible two-way star in Koi Perich and can lean on first-year beginning quarterback Drake Lindsey for a spark.

11. Washington Huskies

The Huskies are excited concerning the potential of sophomore QB Demond Williams Jr., who handed for 374 yards and totaled 5 touchdowns in Washington’s bowl loss to Louisville. If Williams builds off that efficiency, the Huskies may shock offensively, with 1,000-yard rusher Jonah Coleman flanking him within the backfield.

12. Michigan State Spartans

After a tricky first yr and a comparatively quiet offseason, Michigan State may creep up on groups throughout coach Jonathan Smith’s second yr. The Spartans made some key portal additions at offensive line and huge receiver to assist second-year beginning quarterback Aidan Chiles. Areas to enhance embrace takeaways and higher play on the highway, the place MSU was 1-4 in 2024.

13. Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Athan Kaliakmanis is again after turning into the primary Rutgers QB since 2015 to go for greater than 2,000 yards in a season. Defensively, the go rush might be a power with the arrivals of transfers Eric O’Neill (James Madison) and Bradley Weaver (Ohio), who have been each all-conference performers. Rutgers ranked simply 84th nationally with solely 22 complete sacks final season.

14. UCLA Bruins

The Bruins have gone all-in on quarterback Nico Iamaleava, the Tennessee switch whose return house may sign a shift in how UCLA will function beneath coach DeShaun Foster. If Iamaleava meets expectations and a protection with many new gamers and coaches shines, UCLA may rise in these rankings after a season the place it had wins in opposition to Iowa and Nebraska.

15. Wisconsin Badgers

Injuries robbed any probability Wisconsin had of fielding a viable offense in 2024, because the Badgers ranked 102nd nationally in passing (197 yards per sport) on the way in which to shedding their remaining 5 video games. The onus is now on switch quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. (Maryland) and new coordinator Jeff Grimes to show that round.

16. Northwestern Wildcats

After bottoming out on offense in 2024, Northwestern had its most profitable winter switch portal haul, which included quarterback Preston Stone (SMU), huge receiver Griffin Wilde (South Dakota State) and several other linemen. The Wildcats face an enormous opener at Tulane and several other difficult Big Ten highway contests, however bowl eligibility needs to be within reach.

17. Maryland Terrapins

Coach Mike Locksley not too long ago admitted he misplaced the locker room in 2024 over which gamers to pay, because the Terrapins stumbled to a 1-8 Big Ten document. Maryland would not have a lot coming again offensively, both, although preserving four-star QB Malik Washington in state has given the Terrapins an intriguing participant to rebuild round. The true freshman is battling UCLA switch Justyn Martin and redshirt freshman Khristian Martin for the beginning QB job.

18. Purdue Boilermakers

Barry Odom is again within the Power 4 following a powerful run at UNLV. He takes over a Purdue crew with nearly a wholly new roster and a schedule that features Notre Dame and Ohio State. Moderate enchancment is the objective for Odom, whose monitor document on protection and with personnel suggests higher days are forward. — Rittenberg, Trotter