Backup QBs steal the spotlight in latest Big Ten power rankings

Ben Bolch’s Big Ten Power Rankings

Game of the week: USC (6-1 overall, 3-1 Big Ten) at Wisconsin (4-2, 2-1), 4:30 p.m. PDT Saturday on NBC. Having already prevailed in road games against Rutgers and Penn State, the Trojans will try to further erode the perception that Lincoln Riley can’t win in the Eastern and Central time zones. Meanwhile, USC defensive coordinator Gary Patterson will try to keep recent momentum going after the Trojans gave up an average of 22 points over their last two games.

1. Ohio State (6-1) Julian Sayin’s injury could open the door for USC at the Coliseum. (Last week: 1)

A UCLA football player yells in celebration. — Ty Dieffenbach of the UCLA Bruins reacts after defeating the Wisconsin Badgers at Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, Calif., on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.

2. Indiana (6-1) Did anyone think the Hoosiers would never lose again? (We were on the fence.) (2)

3. UCLA (6-0) Plenty of room left on the bandwagon with only 36,045 showing up at Rose Bowl. (3)

4. Iowa (5-1) Spent bye week watching re-runs of most famous Hawkeye – Alan Alda. (4)

5. Oregon (4-2) It’s Dylan Raiola to the rescue once more after faltering badly a week ago. (5)

6. USC (6-1) Lincoln Riley notches a huge win in bye week with move toward 24-team CFP. (6)

Dylan Raiola in a green Oregon helmet. — Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola warms up during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Oregon, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, in Eugene, Ore.

7. Wisconsin (4-2) Luke Fickell couldn’t hand Bob Chesney first UCLA loss like he did to Chip Kelly. (7)

8. Northwestern (5-1) Wildcats aren’t paying OC Chip Kelly big bucks for all these field goals. (8)

9. Nebraska (5-2) At least Oregon loss didn’t worsen Matt Rhule’s record against ranked teams. (9)

10. Minnesota (4-2) Iowa game should provide clarity on whether Gophers are golden. (10)

Michigan quarterback Tommy Carr runs into the end zone for a touchdown against Penn State. — Michigan quarterback Tommy Carr runs into the end zone for a touchdown against Penn State late in the fourth quarter at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.

11. Michigan (4-2) Tommy Carr continues proud family legacy with grandpa Lloyd watching. (12)

12. Washington (4-3) Huskies have a quarterback quandary after Elijah Brown stepped up. (13)

13. Purdue (3-4) There’s no defense for giving up 32.3 points per game. (11)

14. Illinois (3-3) Any more losses and these will be the Frightening Illini. (15)

15. Penn State (3-4) Is it too soon to say that Matt Campbell is on the hot seat? (14)

16. Rutgers (2-4) Greg Schiano prevails in the Tarmac Bowl to coach another week. (17)

17. Michigan State (2-5) Pat Fitzgerald making first trip to Pasadena since 1996 Rose Bowl. (16)

18. Maryland (2-5) Mike Locksley might have been left behind had game been on the road. (18)

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