This is the third installment of the four categories of Big Ten teams. The previous categories are "No Chance Teams," which are full of teams that, well, have no chance to win the Big Ten. The second category published is those teams that would need a miracle and all the chips to fall their way, which is, sadly, where we find the Badgers. The third one, this article, is the teams that should contend for the title but aren't quite the favorites (which is the final category).
Here are the four Big Ten teams that should contend for the title. Ranked from least likely to win the Big Ten to the most likely.
4. Iowa Hawkeyes
While the Hawkeyes didn't beat any of the top teams in the Big Ten, they did go 6-3 in the conference and are looking to build on that next year. They perpetually feel like they are on the verge of a breakthrough but never really make it happen. Therefore, while it would be impressive to see them win the Big Ten, it wouldn't be an absolute shock. The Hawkeyes have the schedule to do it this year with mostly middle or bottom Big Ten teams and then Oregon, Indiana, and Penn State to get through.
3. Michigan Wolverines
It won't make Michigan fans happy to see their team not in the "elite" or "favorites" tier, but they aren't, and the logical Wolverines fan would admit that. Michigan needs to take a jump again even to stay in this tier. They finished 7th in the Big Ten last season but getting big wins over Ohio State and Alabama to close out the season was huge and propels them towards a contending chance in the 2025 season.
2. Illinois Fighting Illini
The Illini didn't need to reload this offseason; they instead want to build on last year's success. They finished 5th in the Big Ten, but the only frustrating loss they had last season was against Minnesota. While they had chances against Oregon and Penn State, ultimately, those games got away from them. If they can build on last season's success, this could be a big year for the Illini and head coach Bret Bielema.
1. Indiana Hoosiers
The Hoosiers being good again is fun for the Big Ten, who could use an upset Cinderella coming for the crown. Indiana really has two pathways in front of them; they could slip back down in the Big Ten and be seen as the one-hit wonders, and 2024 was a fluke, OR they can take another jump forward and pull off that big win they were missing last year.
The Ohio State game is the only Big Ten game that got away from them. They won't see the Buckeyes this year in the regular season but will have to face both Oregon and Penn State. Those are the giants they need to take down to jump to the top of the conference.