In case you missed it, the initial College Football Playoff rankings of 2025 were released on Tuesday night, and there were quite a few Big Ten teams included inside the top 25. Ohio State and Indiana were at the top of the rankings at No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, but there were five more conference teams recognized as one of the best 25 according to the CFP committee — more than both traditional polls.
Here’s a look at each Big Ten team and how they were ranked in the CFP top 25, who they have next, and what the status of each looks like. With a 12-team field, all of them really do have shots at getting in on all the fun.
We start from the teams just inside the College Football Playoff top 25 down to the No. 1 team.
No. 23 in the CFP Rankings | Washington Huskies
Things to know
Record | 6-2 overall, 3-2 Big Ten
Next up | at Wisconsin
If Washington can win out, there’s a good chance it can put itself in position to be a third or fourth Big Ten team in the CFP field. It might need some help, but there’s a legitimate shot. Lose, and the chances of getting an at-large bid will likely vanish.
No. 21 in the CFP rankings | Michigan Wolverines
Things to know
Record | 7-2 overall, 5-1 Big Ten
Next up | Off
Michigan is actually in very good shape when it comes to controlling its own destiny. If it can win out and then get a shot at Ohio State, it will likely have a spot in Indy for the Big Ten Championship game. If the Wolverines win the rest of their games in the regular season, there is a very, very good chance they are in the field. Like any two-loss team, though, one more loss and things don’t look promising.
No. 20 in the CFP rankings | Iowa Hawkeyes
Things to know
Record | 6-2 overall, 4-1 Big Ten
Next up | vs. Oregon
Nobody is really taking Iowa very seriously, but the Hawkeyes played Indiana better than anyone and very nearly came away with the win. Win Saturday against Oregon, and suddenly the college football world will take notice and Iowa will be very much in the College Football Playoff discussion.
No. 19 in the CFP rankings | USC Trojans
Things to know
Record | 6-2 overall, 4-1 Big Ten
Next up | vs. Northwestern
USC is one of four teams in the conference with just one Big Ten loss, and no more than two of those teams are going to survive to get into the playoff field. The Trojans have a tough road to traverse from here on out, so if they do win out, they will have likely earned a spot in the College Football Playoff.
No. 9 in the CFP rankings | Oregon Ducks
Things to know
Record | 7-1 overall, 4-1 Big Ten
Next up | at Iowa
Oregon is ranked a little further down than most people likely would have guessed, but that’s because there isn’t a statement win in there yet, especially with the nosedive Penn State has made. The good — and perhaps bad news — is that the Ducks have plenty of opportunities to prove their worth during a difficult ending stretch.
No. 2 in the CFP rankings | Indiana Hoosiers
Things to know
Record | 9-0 overall, 6-0 Big Ten
Next up | at Penn State
The Hoosiers have dominated every team they’ve played except for Iowa and have that road win at Oregon as well. They have a legitimate argument for being ranked No. 1, but this magical season doesn’t look to be ending anytime soon. Could the Nittany Lions muster something this weekend? Likely not. Indiana is likely headed for Indy and potentially a made-for-television matchup with Ohio State.
No. 1 in the CFP rankings | Ohio State
Things to know
Record | 8-0 overall, 5-0 Big Ten
Next up | at Purdue
While the metrics might not be all the way there compared to teams like Texas A&M, Ohio State has looked like the most complete team with a defense that has been historically good so far this season. The Buckeyes won’t likely be tested until the season-ending grudge match with Michigan, and if so, they are pretty much a lock to make the CFP field; it’s just a matter of where.
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This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Every Big Ten team ranked in the initial CFP rankings of 2025
