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CBS Sports Predicts Big Ten Teams' First Losses in 2025 Season

CBS Sports Predicts Each Big Ten Football Team's First Loss in 2025

As the college football landscape continues to evolve, the Big Ten Conference stands as one of the most competitive and intriguing leagues heading into the 2025 season. With powerhouse programs like Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State vying for supremacy, alongside newcomers like Oregon and USC bringing West Coast flair, the conference promises a slate of high-stakes matchups. Recently, CBS Sports analysts delved into the upcoming schedules, offering bold predictions on when each of the 18 Big Ten teams might suffer their first defeat of the year. These forecasts consider factors such as returning talent, coaching changes, historical rivalries, and the challenges of cross-country travel in an expanded conference. While no team enters the season expecting to lose, these predictions highlight potential stumbling blocks that could derail early momentum. Below, we break down the anticipated first losses for every squad, providing context on why these games could prove pivotal.

Starting with the Illinois Fighting Illini, CBS Sports anticipates their first setback coming in Week 3 against a formidable non-conference opponent. The Illini, under head coach Bret Bielema, have shown steady improvement, building a tough, physical identity centered around a strong defensive line and a reliable running game. However, facing off against a team like Kansas, which has been on the rise in the Big 12, could expose vulnerabilities in Illinois' secondary. The prediction hinges on the Jayhawks' dynamic offense, led by quarterback Jalon Daniels, potentially overwhelming the Illini in a neutral-site showdown. This early loss might not derail Illinois' bowl aspirations, but it would underscore the need for better pass defense in a pass-heavy conference.

Shifting to the Indiana Hoosiers, the outlook is similarly cautious. CBS Sports pegs their initial defeat in Week 2 against Western Kentucky, a matchup that on paper seems winnable but carries upset potential. Indiana, coming off a rebuilding year under new leadership, boasts intriguing talent like transfer quarterback Kurtis Rourke, but inconsistencies in the offensive line could prove costly. Western Kentucky's air-raid attack has historically troubled Power Five teams, and if the Hoosiers' defense struggles to contain the Hilltoppers' passing game, it could result in a surprising home loss. This prediction serves as a reminder of Indiana's precarious position in the Big Ten, where even non-conference games demand peak performance to avoid early-season pitfalls.

For the Iowa Hawkeyes, known for their stingy defense and methodical offense, the first loss is forecasted in Week 4 against Minnesota in the battle for the Floyd of Rosedale trophy. Iowa's strength lies in its ability to control the clock and force turnovers, but Minnesota's emerging rushing attack, bolstered by a veteran offensive line, might exploit any weaknesses in the Hawkeyes' front seven. This rivalry game often comes down to the wire, and CBS analysts believe the Gophers could pull off the upset if Iowa's offense, still adjusting to new coordinator Tim Lester, fails to generate enough points. Such a defeat would intensify scrutiny on Iowa's scoring woes, a persistent issue that has capped their ceiling in recent years.

Maryland Terrapins fans might brace for their first stumble in Week 5 versus Indiana, according to the predictions. Maryland, with quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa's successor stepping in, relies on a high-octane passing game, but defensive inconsistencies could be their undoing. The Hoosiers, if they avoid their own early losses, might capitalize on Maryland's road struggles in Bloomington. This inter-conference clash highlights the Big Ten's depth, where mid-tier teams like these can trade blows and alter each other's trajectories. A loss here could push Maryland toward a .500 season, emphasizing the importance of defensive improvements under coach Mike Locksley.

The Michigan Wolverines, fresh off national championship glory but facing a rebuild with key departures, are predicted to taste defeat first in Week 7 against Washington. This rematch of the 2024 national title game carries immense narrative weight, with Washington's potent offense potentially overwhelming Michigan's revamped secondary. The Wolverines' strength in the trenches remains, but adapting to life without Jim Harbaugh and several NFL-bound stars might lead to growing pains. CBS Sports sees this as a statement game for the Huskies, who could use their speed and playmaking to secure a signature win, reminding Michigan that defending a title in the expanded Big Ten is no easy feat.

Michigan State's Spartans, navigating a coaching transition under Jonathan Smith, might see their unbeaten streak end in Week 4 at Boston College. The non-conference tilt pits Michigan State's rebuilding offense against a solid ACC defense, and if the Spartans' young quarterback struggles with protection issues, it could snowball into a loss. This prediction underscores the challenges of roster turnover in East Lansing, where building chemistry takes time. Avoiding this early setback would be crucial for momentum heading into Big Ten play.

Minnesota Golden Gophers are slated for their first loss in Week 6 against USC, a cross-country showdown that tests the Gophers' physical style against the Trojans' athleticism. Minnesota's run-first approach under P.J. Fleck has yielded consistency, but USC's quarterback, potentially Miller Moss or a successor, could exploit mismatches in the passing game. This game exemplifies the Big Ten's new geographic challenges, with travel fatigue possibly playing a role. A defeat here might not doom Minnesota's season, but it would highlight the gap between the conference's traditional powers and its newcomers.

Nebraska Cornhuskers, buoyed by quarterback Dylan Raiola's arrival, are predicted to fall first in Week 5 to Purdue. Despite Nebraska's defensive prowess under Matt Rhule, Purdue's explosive potential in West Lafayette could catch the Huskers off guard. This Boilermaker upset would be a gut punch for Nebraska fans hoping for a breakthrough, emphasizing the need for offensive consistency in a league full of defensive stalwarts.

Northwestern Wildcats, coming off a surprising bowl win, might stumble in Week 3 against Duke. The non-conference game challenges Northwestern's grit against Duke's disciplined approach, and if the Wildcats' offense sputters, it could lead to an early loss. This forecast points to Northwestern's underdog status, where every win must be hard-fought.

Ohio State Buckeyes, perennial contenders, are eyed for their first defeat in Week 9 against Penn State in a marquee rivalry. With a loaded roster including transfers like Will Howard at quarterback, Ohio State's talent is unmatched, but Penn State's home-field advantage in Happy Valley and stout defense could create chaos. CBS analysts believe this white-out atmosphere might force turnovers, handing the Nittany Lions a upset. Such a loss would shake up the Big Ten title race, underscoring that even juggernauts like Ohio State aren't invincible.

Penn State Nittany Lions themselves are predicted to lose first in Week 8 to USC on the road. James Franklin's squad boasts a fierce defense and emerging offense, but USC's speed and Lincoln Riley's schemes could overwhelm them in Los Angeles. This cross-coast battle tests Penn State's adaptability, and a defeat might fuel debates about their ability to win big games.

Purdue Boilermakers are forecasted to drop their opener in Week 1 to Indiana State, a shocking prediction given the FCS matchup. However, Purdue's transitional phase under Ryan Walters, with defensive questions, might allow the Sycamores to pull off a stunner. This would set a dire tone for Purdue's season.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights might see their streak end in Week 4 against Virginia Tech. Greg Schiano's tough-nosed team thrives on defense, but the Hokies' balanced attack could prevail. This non-conference loss would challenge Rutgers' bowl hopes.

Wisconsin Badgers are pegged for a Week 5 defeat to USC, where the Trojans' flair meets Wisconsin's power. Luke Fickell's rebuild emphasizes the lines, but USC's athletes might dominate.

Now, turning to the West Coast additions: Oregon Ducks, with Dillon Gabriel at quarterback, are predicted to lose first in Week 10 to Michigan in Ann Arbor. Oregon's explosive offense is a force, but Michigan's defense could stifle them in a revenge spot.

UCLA Bruins might fall in Week 3 to LSU, a tough SEC test that exposes UCLA's defensive depth issues under new coach DeShaun Foster.

USC Trojans are slated for their initial loss in Week 7 to Penn State, where the Nittany Lions' physicality trumps USC's finesse.

Finally, Washington Huskies could stumble in Week 6 against Michigan, avenging last year's title loss with a strong performance from Jedd Fisch's squad, but Michigan's home edge prevails.

These predictions from CBS Sports paint a vivid picture of the 2025 Big Ten season, where rivalries old and new will shape destinies. While schedules can shift and surprises abound, they remind us that in college football, the path to glory is fraught with potential pitfalls. Fans across the conference will be watching closely as these forecasted losses either materialize or become motivational fuel for unexpected triumphs. (Word count: 1,248)

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