There are three categories of teams in the Big Ten. There are those that have zero chance of winning the conference title. There is another group of teams that could do it, but it would take a lot and things to fall their way (that's this article). There's a group of teams that are contenders, and finally, there is a group of three that are favorites for the Big Ten.
This list has six teams that aren't good enough to win the Big Ten without a surprising run, some luck, and things to fall into place around them—ordered from the least likely to the most likely to win the Big Ten.
6. Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Rutgers had some weird wins and some weird losses last year. They were able to beat Minnesota but lost to Wisconsin. They somehow pulled off a win over Washington but lost to UCLA. They probably could be in the "No Chance" tier, but with all that flukey stuff happening last year, if everything broke their way this year, sure, why not?
5. Wisconsin Badgers
There is also a debate to be had about the Badgers being in the "No Chance" category based on two coexisting truths. First, they only won three games in the Big Ten last season, and they have the hardest Big Ten schedule in the entire conference next season, playing Alabama, Oregon, Indiana, Ohio State, Michigan, Illinois, Minnesota, Iowa, and Washington. However, it's that second fact that makes the Badgers jump into this category. This is the category of "if everything fell right," and let's be real, the Badgers have all the giants right in front of them. If they just take care of business...
4. Minnesota Golden Gophers
The Golden Gophers had a good 2024, and because of that, if they can take another leap forward, sure, they could. It'll take a lot, which is the point of this category, but it's technically possible. However, I think they are more set up to be like Iowa (some big wins and weird losses) than they are to be Ohio State.
3. USC Trojans
There's no team that can consistently pull in talent like the Trojans, and yet for whatever reason, they've been mediocre at best. Lincoln Riley has not quite cracked the code on the Trojans, but the talent is there, and the coaches are there. This could be the year. It's unlikely, but maybe.
2. Washington Huskies
The Huskies have a unique opportunity this season with their schedule. They have some of the bottom teams in the Big Ten to beat and rack up some wins, and then there are a couple of the giants like Ohio State and Oregon. If they knock those teams out, things could fall their way, and they could really surprise teams.
1. Nebraska Cornhuskers
The Cornhuskers are a better team than their record, and they had some frustrating losses last year. A Nebraska fan would tell you that luck was not their friend last year, but if it somehow becomes their friend this year, with the coach and players they have, they could have a great season in 2025. It would be surprising, but only slightly.