Big Ten Football Schedules 2025: Ranking Toughest to Easiest
- The Big Ten Conference is gearing up for a competitive 2025 season, with several teams vying for playoff contention.
- With the potential for as many as eight Big Ten teams to be ranked in the preseason top 25, the conference promises intense competition.
- Maryland's 2025 schedule includes games against Florida Atlantic, Northern Illinois, Towson, Wisconsin, Washington, Nebraska, UCLA, Indiana, Rutgers, Illinois, Michigan and Michigan State.
Big Ten Football: Which Teams Have the Easiest Path in 2025?
Updated May 30, 2025
The Big Ten Conference is gearing up for a competitive 2025 season, with several teams vying for playoff contention. The season kicks off with key matchups early, including a highly anticipated game between Oregon and Penn State that could shape the conference title race. While some teams face a gauntlet of tough opponents, others appear to have a more navigable path to success in the Big Ten.
With the potential for as many as eight Big Ten teams to be ranked in the preseason top 25, the conference promises intense competition. Here’s a look at the four teams with the most favorable schedules:
Maryland Terrapins
Maryland’s 2025 schedule includes games against Florida Atlantic, Northern Illinois, Towson, Wisconsin, Washington, Nebraska, UCLA, Indiana, Rutgers, Illinois, Michigan and Michigan State. With a preseason win total set at 4.5 by FanDuel sportsbook, the Terrapins have a favorable opportunity to achieve bowl eligibility. They avoid facing Ohio State, Penn State and Oregon, and only play Illinois and Michigan from the post-spring top 25.
Oregon Ducks
As the reigning big Ten champions,Oregon’s schedule sets them up for a potential return to Indianapolis and a playoff berth. Their 2025 opponents include Montana State, Oklahoma State, Northwestern, Oregon State, Penn state, Indiana, Rutgers, Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, USC and Washington. The Ducks avoid both Ohio State and Michigan, and their bye weeks strategically precede matchups against Iowa and USC.
Nebraska Cornhuskers
Nebraska’s 2025 schedule features Cincinnati, Akron, HCU, Michigan, Michigan State, Maryland, Minnesota, Northwestern, USC, UCLA, Penn State and iowa. The advancement of quarterback Dylan Raiola and the impact of Matt Rhule’s transfer portal additions could propel the Cornhuskers forward. Their week four home game against Michigan could be a defining moment in their season.
Michigan State Spartans
The Spartans will face Western Michigan, Boston College, Youngstown State, USC, Nebraska, UCLA, Indiana and Michigan in 2025.
What’s next
As the season approaches, these teams will look to capitalize on their favorable schedules and make a important impact in the Big Ten Conference. The Big Ten schedule promises excitement and high-stakes matchups.