The Big Ten is riding high with the last two national champions of college football. The last time that happened was more or less in 1965-66 for Michigan State, but that was based on polling back in those days, and it was split with other teams.
This year’s coaches’ poll has three Big Ten clubs in the Top 7 and six in the Top 19. Nevertheless, it very much seems there are three true contenders to play for the conference title, and others are long shots. Always keep in mind that the polling process is not as accurate as sportsbooks’ odds for a team’s strength.
Here’s the rundown of the elite clubs in the Big Ten, with betting odds from BetMGM.
Big Ten Winner Odds
The Real Contenders
Ohio State Buckeyes (+190)
The national champs are favored to take their conference, something they failed to do last season.
Ohio State came up big when they needed to in the postseason to get the gorilla off coach Ryan Day’s back. The Buckeyes have no shortage of talent on their roster, yet they have to rebuild both the offensive and defensive lines, find answers at running back, and are putting this season in the hands of freshman quarterback Julian Sayin.
Chances are, Ohio State will be much better by November than at the start of the year, as the talent develops along with team continuity. We’re not saying the Buckeyes cannot win the conference, but with all those changes and two new coordinators, this might make it a tall task.
Penn State Nittany Lions (+240)
Our actual choice to win the conference crown is Penn State, which played in the title and lost to Oregon 45-37 last December.
The Nittany Lions have a loaded offense, keyed by senior QB Drew Allar. This team’s offense should be better than the 33 PPG they rang up last year. The Nittany Lions’ defense was #7 nationally in yards allowed and might be better if a few holes are filled.
The only wild card about Penn State is their coach, James Franklin, who has a horrific record facing Top 5 foes. If Franklin takes a more aggressive approach in all games, that could translate into a magical season at State College.
Oregon Ducks (+350)
Oregon drew the short straw, winning the Big Ten in 2024 and having to play Ohio State, which was in revenge mode.
The Ducks’ offensive staff is high on new QB Dante Moore, who was at UCLA two years ago. He knows the Oregon system and has the ability, but maybe he was too young as a Bruin to truly succeed. Moore will be surrounded by far more talent in Eugene.
Coach Dan Lanning doesn’t have the mileage of Jamea Franklin; however, he’s earning the same reputation for not winning more than his share of big games. In truth, like Franklin, he’s mostly had a squad that wasn’t as good as those they lost to.
Currently, this Oregon edition doesn’t seem as good as the last couple. That doesn’t mean they cannot surpass expectations. Everyone will find out on the last Saturday of September at Penn State.
The Long Shots
Michigan Wolverines (+700)
Coming off a championship season that included player departures and a coaching change, Michigan was bound to take a step backward.
Even with the inconsistency on both sides of the line of scrimmage, the Wolverines could not have closed last year better with upsets of Ohio State and Alabama.
Michigan has a better QB room coming into the season; thus, an upgrade at that position should enhance the Wolverines’ opportunity to improve. The Michigan defense could be Top 25 again, and if they win early road games at Oklahoma and Nebraska, they would figure to be 10-1 hosting the hated Buckeyes. This gives MEEchigan an outside chance to play for a conference title, IF the improvement happens.
Indiana Hoosiers (+3500)
The only person who thought Indiana would have a winning season was first-year head coach Curt Cignetti.
The Hoosiers were an unfathomable 11-1 before losing on the road at South Bend. Still, a historic campaign for the history books of Indiana football. The road will be tougher for the Hoosiers, literally, with stops in Iowa, Oregon, and Penn State. If Indiana can reach eight victories, that would be quite a follow-up season by Indiana standards.
Illinois Fighting Illini (+4000)
The Fighting Illini were just that, with a shocking 10-win season in 2024.
Expectations are high with Illinois bringing back QB Luke Altmyer. The offense might move up to 30 PPG because the entire offensive line returns. Coach Bret Bielema is back in his environment in this conference, playing physical football on both sides of the ball, yet wiser from his Arkansas experience, more willing to change immediately than being stubborn.
The odds say they are not in the same class as the Top 3, plus opponents will treat them differently. A solid club that should be 8-4 or 9-3.
Place Your Bets!
The Big Ten’s 2025 season promises exciting competition with clear favorites and intriguing longshots. Ohio State, Penn State, and Oregon lead the pack, but teams like Michigan and Indiana have the potential to surprise.
Stay tuned as the season unfolds, and download the OddsTrader BetStation app today to track live odds, line movement, and betting trends.
More Picks & Insights
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