Thinking about marquee Big Ten football games is enough to make you long for autumn before summer even begins. After a nearly ten-year drought, the Big Ten has retaken its throne, with two straight national titles.
Today, we examine five must-see Big Ten games ahead of the 2025 season, as the conference seeks to retain the CFP National Championship Trophy.
5 Best Big Ten Games in the 2025 College Football Season
Ohio State at Michigan (Nov. 29)
It may be the best rivalry in all of sports — and this year will be the 120th meeting between the Buckeyes and Wolverines.
Michigan comes in riding a four-game win streak, including a 13-10 upset win last season. Ohio State looks to be an early favorite in this one, as they come into the season with +500 odds to win the national title compared to Michigan at +2200, according to ESPN BET.
Oregon at Penn State (Sept. 27)
These two met for the first time in nearly 30 years last season, ending in Oregon winning the Big Ten championship. They enter 2025 with equal championship odds at +750 following a year in which they both had great regular seasons but ultimately came up short.
QB Drew Allar threw for 226 yards and three touchdowns last season, but he also threw two interceptions, so it’s safe to assume he’ll be playing with something to prove. On the other side, there looks to be a quarterback competition in Oregon, so whoever wins out will be taking the helm on a big stage with a lot on the line in this one.
Illinois at Indiana (Sept. 20)
This will be the 74th matchup between these Big Ten foes in what could be an early-season gem.
Illinois has historically dominated this series, 46-25-2, but Indiana is coming off an electric 11-2 season. The Kurtis Rourke departure will be felt in Indiana, but both teams have a puncher’s chance at the playoffs in 2025, making this a pivotal game for each early in the season.
Penn State at Ohio State (Nov. 1)
These Big Ten powerhouses make their second appearance on this list, as they will clash in November in Columbus.
Both of these teams again have championship aspirations in 2025, making this an enormous game with significant playoff ramifications. Ohio State has dominated this series, with a 25-14 all-time record and eight straight wins.
Indiana at Penn State (Nov. 8)
Just one week later, Penn State finds itself on this last one last time, proving that interconference play will be a gauntlet in the Big Ten this season. It’s hard to find a more lopsided series with Penn State holding a record of 25-2 against the Hoosiers.
The Nitany Lions have won the last three matchups and have never lost at home against Indiana. An upset in this one would create a massive ripple in the Big Ten.
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