Big Ten Teams Eye National Championship in 2025

COLUMBUS, Ohio — As the Big Ten conference prepares for an expansion to 18 teams in 2024, four teams stand out as serious contenders for the national championship in 2025. Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State, and Michigan are already making headlines for their promising prospects this fall.

The Ohio State Buckeyes, the reigning national champions, are expected to remain dominant despite a few key departures. With rising stars like Caleb Downs and Jeremiah Smith returning, Ohio State is aiming for another successful season. The team faces tough matchups against Texas in Week 2, Penn State in Week 9, and their arch-rival Michigan in Week 12. Head Coach Ryan Day is optimistic, stating, “We work hard on reloading our talent every offseason, and I believe we are on track for another great year.”

In their inaugural Big Ten season, the Oregon Ducks excelled, finishing with a flawless 12-0 record and clinching the conference title by defeating Penn State. Despite losing veteran quarterback Dillon Gabriel, they are expected to continue their momentum with junior quarterback Dante Moore at the helm. With a relatively favorable schedule that avoids facing Ohio State and Michigan, Oregon’s only significant challenge comes against Penn State on September 27. “We are excited about the talent we have returning and feel confident heading into this season,” said Head Coach Dan Lanning.

Penn State’s path to the national championship may be easier after last year’s playoff run. Despite key losses, the Nittany Lions will welcome back veteran quarterback Drew Allar for his senior season. Coach James Franklin expressed optimism: “This is the year for us to make our mark, and having a seasoned quarterback in Drew gives us a great advantage in the upcoming season.” With an expanded playoff format, the urgency for success has intensified.

Meanwhile, the Michigan Wolverines enter 2025 under head coach Sherrone Moore, looking to rebound after an 8-5 season. They have made strategic coaching changes, including hiring offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey and recruiting top quarterback prospect Bryce Underwood. Moore is determined to revitalize the offense, especially after struggling last season. “We need to establish a strong passing attack to complement our defense, which has shown great potential,” Moore remarked.

With expectations running high for Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State, and Michigan, the Big Ten is poised to make a significant impact in the national championship landscape of college football.