The overarching theme of the Big Ten games the weekend of November 14th and November 15th, 2025, was “Separation Saturday”—a pivotal weekend where contenders distinguished themselves from the pack, and postseason narratives began to crystallize. Here’s how that theme played out across the conference:
Ohio State and Indiana remain undefeated, and seem to be headed toward a showdown for Big Ten supremacy in Indianapolis on December 6th. Ohio State easily handled UCLA 48-10, while Indiana took control in the second half of their game versus Wisconsin and won 31-7. Ohio State is 10-0, while Indiana is 11-0. Both UCLA and Wisconsin are 3-7 for the season.
Oregon had little resistance from Minnesota as the Ducks defeated the Golden Gophers 42-13. With only one loss, Oregon remains squarely within The College Football Playoff and could possibly factor into The Big Ten Championship Game, if either Ohio State or Indiana stumble along the way. Oregon is now 9-1, while Minnesota is 6-4.
Michigan had to rally in the final seconds at Wrigley Field against Northwestern, winning 24-22. The Wolverines were able to overcome five turnovers, and like Oregon, are also only one game out of The Big Ten Championship Game. Michigan improved to 8-2, while Northwestern fell to 5-5 for the season. The disappointment by Northwestern head coach David Braun postgame was understandable, as he said, “None of us want to hear, ‘Hey, good effort, guys. You gave Michigan a run for their money. That was a great effort…We came here to win a football game and that was the expectation.”.
USC rallied to defeat the visiting Iowa Hawkeyes, 26-21. The Trojans are still alive in their hunt for a College Football Playoff berth, but at 8-2, cannot lose the remainder of the regular season. Iowa is now at 6-4 for the season. USC head coach Lincoln Riley said, “The energy in that room at halftime, I felt very strongly we were going to come back out and make a run.”.
Illinois had little difficulty with Maryland, winning 24-6. The Fighting Illini are now at 7-3, with faint hopes of making The College Football Playoff. Maryland lost their 6th straight game, and are now 4-6 for the season. “We’ll keep pushing and we’ll keep fighting for each other and finish this thing up the right way,” said Maryland coach Michael Locksley. “I’ll remain positive, and make sure we do all we can for the older players who deserve it.”
Washington rebounded from its defeat at Wisconsin a week ago by handling Purdue easily, 49-13. The Huskies are now 7-3, and hope remains that a College Football Playoff berth is obtainable if they win out the remainder of their regular season games. Purdue is now at 2-9 on the season.
Penn State snapped its losing streak, going on the road to East Lansing and defeating Michigan State, 28-10. Penn State can still gain bowl eligibility by winning their last two games and getting to a 6-6 record, as Penn State is now 4-6 on the season. Michigan State fell to 3-7.
What does it all mean? With Nebraska and Rutgers on bye weeks, The Big Ten has a clear pecking order of Ohio State and Indiana well situated to play for the conference championship. Michigan, Oregon, and USC are all one game behind, with some type of resolution coming after the November 22nd weekend when USC travels to Eugene to take on Oregon.
Michigan State and Purdue are both winless in The Big Ten, and the Spartans will have two more opportunities to get that elusive conference win with games at Iowa on November 22nd and versus Maryland on November 29th, while the Boilermakers will not play until their season finale versus Indiana on Black Friday, November 28th.
