The Big Ten Conference is changing, and the 2025 season is expected to be one of the most exciting ever. With new teams joining and big matchups on the way, fans are already wondering how things will turn out. The biggest question: where will Penn State, Ohio State, and the Oregon Ducks finish in the standings?

These three teams are all strong and full of talent. They each believe they can win the Big Ten Championship. But only one team can be on top. So let’s look at each of them, what their strengths and weaknesses are, and where they might land when the season ends.

First, we start with Penn State. The Nittany Lions have been on the edge of greatness for years. They always seem to be just behind Ohio State and Michigan. But 2025 might be the year they break through. Their head coach, James Franklin, has been building a strong program. Now, he has the players and experience to make a serious run.

Penn State’s offense will be led by quarterback Drew Allar. He has one of the strongest arms in college football and is getting better each year. Last season, he showed flashes of greatness, and now he’s more confident and in full control of the offense. Alongside him is a talented group of running backs, including Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen, who can break big plays at any moment. Penn State also has one of the top offensive lines in the conference, giving Allar time to throw and the backs room to run.

On defense, the Nittany Lions are just as strong. Led by star linebacker Abdul Carter and a deep group of defensive linemen, this unit is fast, aggressive, and tough. They can stop the run and pressure quarterbacks. In today’s game, that’s a must.

Their schedule is tough, but Penn State gets several important games at home. If they can beat one of the two giants—Ohio State or Michigan—and avoid any surprise losses, they could find themselves playing for the Big Ten title. Many experts believe this is the most complete Penn State team in years.

Next up is Ohio State. The Buckeyes are always in the mix for the top spot. They’ve won national titles, sent dozens of players to the NFL, and recruited better than almost anyone. But the last couple of seasons have been tough. Losing to Michigan two years in a row hurt the fans and the program’s pride.

This year, Ohio State is determined to bounce back. Their coach, Ryan Day, is under pressure to deliver. Some fans are starting to question if he can win the big games. That means this season is very important for him and his team.

Ohio State’s offense will be led by quarterback Devin Brown, who won the starting job after a strong spring. He’ll have amazing weapons to throw to, including Marvin Harrison Jr., Emeka Egbuka, and a deep group of tight ends and running backs. The Buckeyes’ offensive line is solid, and their play-calling will once again be aggressive and explosive.

On defense, they made big improvements last season and expect to be even better in 2025. Their defensive line is one of the best in the nation. Players like J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer are strong, fast, and skilled. The secondary, once a weakness, now has depth and experience.

Ohio State’s schedule includes key games against Oregon, Michigan, and Penn State. If they win two out of those three, they will likely make it to the Big Ten Championship. If they win all three, they might be the No. 1 team in the country.

And now we turn to the Oregon Ducks, who are joining the Big Ten in 2025. This is a huge move, and many people are excited to see how they fit in with the traditional powers. Oregon is known for its speed, creative offense, and flashy uniforms. But behind the fun style is a very serious football team.

Head coach Dan Lanning has done a great job since arriving at Oregon. He brought in toughness and defense, something the Ducks needed to take the next step. In 2024, Oregon finished with 11 wins and proved they could hang with the best teams in the country.

Now, they’re ready to challenge for the Big Ten title.

The Ducks will be led by quarterback Dante Moore, a young star with great vision, arm strength, and leadership. He’s helped by a group of talented wide receivers and one of the fastest running backs in the league. Oregon plays a fast-paced game and scores a lot of points. If they can keep that up against Big Ten defenses, they’ll be dangerous.

Defensively, Oregon has improved a lot. They bring pressure, tackle well, and play smart. Their front seven may not be as big as Ohio State’s or Michigan’s, but they are quick and aggressive. If they stay healthy, they can shut down any offense.

The biggest challenge for Oregon will be adjusting to the Big Ten travel and weather. Playing in cold places like Michigan and Wisconsin in November is very different from what they’re used to. But if they can handle that, they could surprise a lot of people.

So where will these teams finish?

Let’s start with Penn State. They have the talent, the coaching, and the schedule to finish in the top three of the Big Ten. If they can finally beat one of their rivals, they might even finish in the top two. A trip to the Big Ten title game is very possible. But they must avoid mistakes in games they are supposed to win.

For Ohio State, expectations are always high. If Devin Brown plays well and the defense stays sharp, they have a great shot to finish first in the Big Ten. They have more pressure than the other two teams, but they also have more experience in big games. Many experts predict Ohio State will make it to the conference championship game, and possibly even the College Football Playoff.

As for Oregon, they are the wildcard. They have the talent to beat anyone, and their offense will be a challenge for Big Ten defenses. But being new to the conference comes with growing pains. They may lose one or two games while learning how to adjust. Still, Oregon is likely to finish in the top four and could sneak into the title game if they get hot at the right time.

Here’s one possible final ranking for the top teams in the 2025 Big Ten season:

1. Ohio State (11-1) – Strong offense, revenge tour after recent losses, and more playoff experience.

2. Penn State (10-2) – Powerful defense, big home wins, but one key loss keeps them out of the title game.

3. Oregon (10-2) – Great first year in the Big Ten, but a couple of tough road losses make the difference.

4. Michigan (9-3) – Still strong, but a rebuilding year after losing key players.

5. Wisconsin (8-4) – Solid team, just not enough talent to beat the top three.

Of course, predictions are just guesses. Injuries, upsets, and surprises always happen in college football. A team that starts slow can catch fire in November. A top team can fall apart if their star player gets hurt. That’s what makes the Big Ten so fun to watch.

What’s clear is that Penn State, Ohio State, and Oregon are all ready for battle. Each team has the tools to win. Each has something to prove. And each will be fighting every week to earn a spot in the Big Ten title game—and maybe even the national championship.

One thing is certain: the 2025 Big Ten season will be unforgettable. Whether you’re cheering for the Buckeyes, the Nittany Lions, or the Ducks, you’re in for a wild ride.