The 2025 College Football season is shaping up to be a fascinating one in the Big Ten Conference. With realignment now settled, some teams are looking to take the next step, while others face rebuilding years and daunting schedules.
Below, we break down each team’s championship odds and assess their outlooks for the season ahead.
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Related: Post-Spring Scamp 2025 College Football Power Rankings
2025 Big Ten Conference Odds, Picks & Predictions
Ohio State Buckeyes (+180)
Despite losing a staggering 14 players to the 2025 NFL Draft, including starting QB Will Howard, the Buckeyes remain the bookie’s favorite. All eyes will be on new quarterback Julian Sayin, a highly touted recruit with all the tools to succeed. He’ll have help – Jeremiah Smith, now a sophomore, is already one of the nation’s most electric wideouts. On defense, Caleb Downs, a First-Team All-American safety, leads a unit brimming with talent.
There may be growing pains early, but the talent floor in Columbus, Ohio remains sky-high.
Penn State Nittany Lions (+260)
After a strong playoff run last year, James Franklin’s Nittany Lions are arguably the most complete team in the conference. Drew Allar returns at quarterback, flanked by the deadly duo of Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen in the backfield. Though they’ll miss tight end Tyler Warren, they’ve addressed the wide receiver position through the portal, including adding Trebor Pena from Syracuse. Their blend of experience and top-end talent makes them a smart pick to win the conference.
My Pick to Win: Depth, continuity, and high-end talent make the Nittany Lions dangerous.
Oregon Ducks (+300)
Oregon moves forward without Dillon Gabriel, who is off to the NFL. Enter Dante Moore, a former five-star who transferred from UCLA. After a year behind Gabriel, Moore is poised to lead, but he’ll have to do it without Evan Stewart, who is out for the year with a torn patella tendon. Freshman WR Dakorien Moore could be a breakout candidate. If the Ducks can hold up defensively and Moore settles in fast, they’ll be in the mix.
RELATED: Evan Stewart Devy Stockwatch (Post-Injury)
Michigan Wolverines (+1100)
The Wolverines ended 2024 with wins over Ohio State and Alabama, but a poor offensive ranking (129th in total offense) still looms large for them. This year, freshman QB Bryce Underwood will potentially take the reins, joined by RB Justice Haynes, a transfer running back from Alabama. The defense, led by veteran defensive coordinator Wink Martindale, will need to offset some personnel losses. They avoid Penn State and Oregon on the schedule, while getting Ohio State at home – factors that make them a true dark horse.
USC Trojans (+2400)
USC hopes for more stability under center with QB Jayden Maiava. While a favorable start could see them 4-0, the latter half includes Michigan, Notre Dame and Oregon. The loss of Zachariah Branch and Duce Robinson to the portal hurts badly. Long-term, the changes behind the scenes are promising, but 2026 looks more realistic than 2025 for a real title push.
Iowa Hawkeyes (+3400)
Mark Gronowski, a transfer from FCS champion South Dakota State, steps in at quarterback after last season’s injury nightmare. But key tone-setters RB Kaleb Johnson and LB Jay Higgins are gone. Defense will keep them competitive, but the ceiling feels capped without explosive offensive firepower.
Illinois Fighting Illini (+3600)
Coming off a 10-win campaign, Bret Bielema returns much of his squad, including steady quarterback Luke Altmyer. The big question is replacing wideouts Pat Bryant and Zakhari Franklin, who combined for 109 catches in 2024. Illinois could be a sneaky team to watch if new receiving talent emerges.
Nebraska Cornhuskers (+4000)
The Cornhuskers made it a mission to protect Dylan Raiola, their prized sophomore quarterback. Additions like Elijah Pritchett and Rocco Spindler help shore up the offensive line. They also brought WR Dane Key to give Raiola a true No. 1 target. The running back room lacks depth, but Raiola’s development brings serious intrigue. Look for betting value on player props, not team futures.
Indiana Hoosiers (+4800)
Head coach Curt Cignetti’s debut season was a revelation, and retaining both coordinators keeps the foundation stable. Key transfers like quarterback Fernando Mendoza and running back Roman Hemby should help build on last year’s progress. Returning wide receiver Elijah Sarratt provides a proven option. Indiana remains a fun longshot if you’re looking for a big payout.
Washington Huskies (+5500)
All eyes in Seattle are on Demond Williams Jr., a dual-threat quarterback ready to shine. With wide receiver Denzel Boston earning first-round buzz and Jonah Coleman in the backfield, the offense has playmakers. Hosting Oregon and Ohio State gives them a fighting chance, but even so, the schedule is daunting.
Michigan State Spartan (+11000)
Head coach Jonathan Smith may already be on the hot seat after struggling last year. He’s added portal talent in the secondary and, more importantly, the wide receiver room, providing depth behind key returner Nick Marsh, but expectations are low. Watch win totals and coaching futures here, not conference championship odds.
Wisconsin Badgers (+13000)
A brutal schedule, massive portal losses (over 24 players) and a new offensive coordinator (Jeff Grimes) make this a potential disaster season. Grimes aims to return the Badgers to a physical ground game, but this looks like a transition year at best.
Minnesota Golden Gophers (+13000)
The Golden Gophers will rely on a defense led by Koi Perich, a sophomore safety already earning All-American nods. They’ll need Drake Lindsey to settle in at quarterback and help get the most out of RB Darius Taylor. The defense will keep games close, but scoring must improve.
UCLA Bruins (+21000)
After a 5-7 debut Big Ten season, UCLA’s win total sits at 5.5, which feels generous. Transfer QB Nico Iamaleava brings name recognition and upside, but he struggled with consistency at Tennessee. Until the Bruins prove they can handle the grind of Big Ten conference play, it’s hard to back them.
RELATED: Devy Stock Watch: Nico Iamaleava
Maryland Terrapins (+30000)
Last year’s 4-8 record could easily repeat itself. The Terrapins have a light schedule but a depleted roster. They avoid most of the top-tier teams in the conference, which helps, but there are just too many holes for a realistic championship run.
Purdue Boilermakers (+30000)
A 1-11 2024 season has Purdue bringing in new head coach Barry Odom and the program starting over. The Boilermakers brought in over 50 new players between the portal and freshmen. That’s a lot of turnover, and there’s still no clear starting quarterback. Wins will be hard to come by in conference play, especially after the soft opening games.
Northwestern Wildcats (+30000)
Northwestern ranked near the bottom nationally in offensive efficiency last season. So, they brought in offensive coordinator Zach Lujan and SMU transfer QB Preston Stone to change that. The defense returns some talent, including new addition Yanni Karlaftis, but it’s a long road back to Big Ten relevance.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for value, Penn State (+260) might offer the best combination of talent, experience and favorable conditions. For longshot lovers, Indiana (+4800) offers an intriguing narrative if things fall into place.
Got a no-sweat bet or spare change lying around? There’s always room for a flyer on Indiana.
Still, for most of the Big Ten, the 2025 season is more about building than winning.
Thanks for reading my article on “2025 Big Ten Conference Preview + Championship Odds, Picks & Predictions”! For more Devy and College Fantasy Football content, follow me on Twitter/X @PoshplaysFF.
