2025 Big Ten Football Schedule: Every Team’s Path to Glory

Big Ten Unveils 2025 Football Schedule: What Lies Ahead for All 18 Teams

The Big Ten Conference has officially released its 2025 college football schedule, and fans are already buzzing about the matchups. With 18 teams now in the mix, the conference is set for another thrilling season of gridiron action. From powerhouse programs to underdog stories, the 2025 schedule promises to deliver drama, rivalries, and plenty of surprises.

Let’s dive into some of the key highlights and challenges for the upcoming season, including a breakdown of each team’s schedule.

Oregon Ducks Avoid Ohio State but Face Penn State

Oregon, the reigning Big Ten champions, caught a break in the 2025 schedule as they won’t have to face Ohio State. However, the Ducks will still have their hands full with a road trip to Beaver Stadium to take on Penn State. This game will serve as a rematch of this year’s Big Ten title game, and you can bet both teams will have it circled on their calendars.

Indiana Hoosiers Face a Grueling Road Ahead

The Indiana Hoosiers, who finished second in the league last season, are staring down a tough road slate in 2025. They’ll travel to Oregon and Penn State, two of the most challenging environments in college football. These games will test the Hoosiers’ mettle and could define their season.

Team-by-Team Schedules

Here’s a closer look at the 2025 schedules for all 18 Big Ten teams:

• Illinois Fighting Illini: Illinois opens the season at home against Western Illinois and will face tough matchups against USC, Ohio State, and Washington. Their season finale against Northwestern could have bowl implications.
• Indiana Hoosiers: Indiana starts with three home games against non-conference opponents before diving into a challenging Big Ten schedule that includes road trips to Oregon and Penn State.
• Iowa Hawkeyes: Iowa’s schedule features a mix of home and away games, with key matchups against Penn State, Oregon, and Nebraska. Their rivalry game against Minnesota on Nov. 28 will be one to watch.
• Maryland Terrapins: Maryland faces a tough October stretch with games against Washington, Nebraska, and UCLA. They’ll need to bring their A-game to compete in the loaded Big Ten East.
• Michigan Wolverines: Michigan’s schedule is highlighted by a road game at Oklahoma and a season-ending clash with Ohio State. The Wolverines will also play Northwestern at Wrigley Field in Chicago.
• Michigan State Spartans: Michigan State has a balanced schedule but will face tough road games at USC, Minnesota, and Iowa. Their rivalry game against Michigan on Oct. 25 is always a must-watch.
• Minnesota Golden Gophers: Minnesota’s schedule includes a trip to Cal and a game against Wisconsin to close out the season. They’ll also face Oregon and Northwestern at Wrigley Field.
• Nebraska Cornhuskers: Nebraska opens the season at Lucas Oil Stadium against Cincinnati and will face Michigan, USC, and Penn State in a challenging Big Ten slate.
• Northwestern Wildcats: Northwestern’s schedule features a mix of home and away games, including a matchup against Michigan at Wrigley Field. They’ll also face Oregon and USC in tough road contests.
• Ohio State Buckeyes: Ohio State’s schedule is headlined by a season opener against Texas and a season-ending showdown with Michigan. The Buckeyes will also travel to Washington and Wisconsin.
• Oregon Ducks: Oregon’s schedule includes a mix of home and away games, with key matchups against Penn State, Iowa, and Washington. The Ducks will look to defend their Big Ten title.
• Penn State Nittany Lions: Penn State’s schedule features a home game against Oregon and a road trip to Ohio State. The Nittany Lions will also face Nebraska and Rutgers to close out the season.
• Purdue Boilermakers: Purdue’s schedule includes a non-conference game at Notre Dame and Big Ten matchups against Michigan, Ohio State, and Washington. Their season finale against Indiana is always a heated rivalry.
• Rutgers Scarlet Knights: Rutgers will face a challenging schedule with games against Iowa, Oregon, and Ohio State. They’ll close out the season at home against Penn State.
• UCLA Bruins: UCLA’s schedule includes a season opener against Utah and a season-ending rivalry game against USC. The Bruins will also face Penn State and Nebraska in key matchups.
• USC Trojans: USC’s schedule features a mix of home and away games, with key matchups against Michigan, Nebraska, and Oregon. Their season finale against UCLA is always a classic.
• Washington Huskies: Washington’s schedule includes a home game against Ohio State and a season-ending rivalry game against Oregon. The Huskies will also face Michigan and Wisconsin in tough road contests.
• Wisconsin Badgers: Wisconsin’s schedule is highlighted by a road game at Alabama and a season-ending rivalry game against Minnesota. The Badgers will also face Ohio State and Oregon in key matchups.

With so many exciting games on the horizon, the 2025 Big Ten season is shaping up to be one for the ages. Whether you’re a fan of a powerhouse program or an underdog team, there’s plenty to look forward to. Mark your calendars and get ready for another unforgettable season of Big Ten football!