The Big Ten power rankings will be published weekly throughout the regular season using a mix of data-driven insight and unapologetic subjectivity. With 18 teams, nine conference games and wild variations in the quality of non-conference schedules, comparative analysis is an inherently flawed approach. Which is fine, because the Hotline hasn’t been wrong about anything in at least 90 minutes.

The Big Ten opened the 2025 season impressively, with 16 wins, just two losses and Ohio State’s signature victory over Texas.

But dig one layer deep, and that winning percentage (88.9) loses a bit of luster:

— The conference was favored in all but two games.

— Only six of the 16 favorites covered the point spread.

— The two betting underdogs, UCLA and Northwestern, lost outright in gruesome fashi

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