Rick Neuheisel Predicts 2025 Big Ten Champion Without Hesitation

Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, August 16th 2025 at 0:55 GMT by Athlon Sports
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The college football season is just weeks away, and anticipation is high as every team returns to the field with a fresh start and endless possibilities ahead. The Texas Longhorns claimed the No. 1 spot but will open the season on the road against No. 3 Ohio State, the defending national champions. Sitting at No. 2 are the Penn State Nittany Lions, a team that longtime head coach and CBS analyst Rick Neuheisel holds in high regard.

Rick Neuheisel's Bold Predictions for the 2025 Big Ten Football Season

In a recent episode of his popular college football podcast, former UCLA and Washington head coach turned analyst Rick Neuheisel shared his early predictions for the 2025 Big Ten Conference standings. Neuheisel, known for his sharp insights and willingness to make provocative calls, dove deep into the evolving landscape of the Big Ten, which has expanded dramatically in recent years with the additions of USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington from the former Pac-12. His forecast reflects not only the current talent pools and coaching prowess but also anticipates key transfers, recruiting wins, and potential schematic evolutions heading into what promises to be another fiercely competitive season.

Neuheisel kicked off his analysis by emphasizing the conference's top tier, where he sees a familiar powerhouse maintaining dominance. At the summit, he predicts Ohio State will claim the No. 1 spot, edging out rivals with their reloaded roster and Ryan Day's offensive ingenuity. Neuheisel highlighted the Buckeyes' aggressive approach in the transfer portal, particularly at quarterback and along the offensive line, which he believes will mitigate any lingering effects from their narrow losses in 2024. "Ohio State's depth is unmatched," Neuheisel remarked, pointing to emerging stars like wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and a defense bolstered by returning veterans. He envisions them going 11-1 in conference play, with their only potential stumble coming in a heated rivalry game.

Hot on Ohio State's heels, Neuheisel slots Oregon at No. 2, praising head coach Dan Lanning's defensive schemes and the Ducks' high-octane offense. Despite the challenges of integrating into the Big Ten's physical style, Neuheisel argues that Oregon's speed and athleticism will translate well, especially in road games against mid-tier opponents. He specifically called out quarterback Dillon Gabriel's experience as a game-changer, predicting a 10-2 record that positions them for a College Football Playoff berth. "Oregon isn't just joining the Big Ten; they're coming to conquer it," Neuheisel quipped, drawing parallels to their success in the Pac-12.

Michigan, the defending national champions from a couple of seasons back, lands at No. 3 in Neuheisel's rankings. However, he tempers expectations, noting the post-Jim Harbaugh era under new coach Sherrone Moore might involve some growing pains. While the Wolverines' trademark ground-and-pound attack remains intact, Neuheisel questions their passing game's consistency, forecasting a 9-3 finish. He lauded their defensive line but warned that without a breakout quarterback, they could drop games to upstarts like Penn State or USC.

Speaking of Penn State, Neuheisel places them at No. 4, buoyed by James Franklin's recruiting prowess and a balanced team. He predicts they'll capitalize on home-field advantages at Beaver Stadium, potentially upsetting one of the top dogs for a 9-3 record. Neuheisel delved into their quarterback situation, suggesting Drew Allar could have a Heisman-caliber year if protected well, and praised their secondary as one of the conference's best.

USC rounds out the top five in Neuheisel's view, with Lincoln Riley's offensive wizardry expected to shine despite defensive vulnerabilities. He anticipates a rebound from their 2024 struggles, thanks to quarterback Miller Moss and a revamped receiving corps, leading to an 8-4 mark. Neuheisel was candid about the Trojans' adjustment to Big Ten travel and weather, but he believes Riley's play-calling will keep them competitive in shootouts.

Moving to the middle of the pack, Neuheisel sees Washington at No. 6, acknowledging the Huskies' recent national title game appearance but predicting a slight regression under new coach Jedd Fisch. With key departures, he forecasts 8-4, emphasizing their need to rebuild the offensive line. Iowa follows at No. 7, where Neuheisel lauds Kirk Ferentz's consistency and elite defense, but critiques their often-anemic offense, pegging them at 7-5.

UCLA, Neuheisel's former team, gets a optimistic nod at No. 8 with a 7-5 prediction under DeShaun Foster. He highlighted their defensive improvements and the potential of quarterback Ethan Garbers, suggesting they could surprise in rivalry games. Wisconsin sits at No. 9, with Neuheisel expecting Luke Fickell's schemes to yield 7-5 results amid a tough schedule.

Indiana, a surprise contender in 2024 under Curt Cignetti, is slotted at No. 10 with 6-6, as Neuheisel cautions against overhyping their momentum without sustained recruiting. Nebraska follows at No. 11, where Matt Rhule's rebuild is progressing, potentially hitting 6-6 with quarterback Dylan Raiola's development.

Lower in the standings, Neuheisel predicts Michigan State at No. 12 (5-7), praising Jonathan Smith's fresh approach but noting roster turnover. Illinois at No. 13 (5-7) benefits from Bret Bielema's grit, while Minnesota at No. 14 (4-8) struggles with P.J. Fleck's offense in flux.

Rutgers gets No. 15 with 4-8, as Greg Schiano's defense keeps them feisty but offensively limited. Maryland at No. 16 (3-9) faces challenges post-Mike Locksley adjustments, and Northwestern at No. 17 (3-9) rebuilds after a strong 2023.

Finally, Purdue rounds out the bottom at No. 18 with 2-10, as Neuheisel sees Ryan Walters needing time to turn things around amid tough competition.

Throughout his breakdown, Neuheisel wove in broader themes, such as the impact of NIL deals on player retention and the Big Ten's push for national relevance in the expanded playoff era. He speculated on potential upsets, like a dark horse run from Indiana or Nebraska, and stressed the importance of November games in deciding the title. Neuheisel's predictions aren't just rankings; they're a narrative of evolution in a conference that's become a behemoth, blending traditional Midwest power with West Coast flair. He wrapped up by noting that while Ohio State and Oregon seem locked in, the Big Ten's parity could lead to chaos, making 2025 one of the most unpredictable seasons yet. His analysis, rich with anecdotes from his coaching days, underscores why the Big Ten remains a focal point of college football excitement. (Word count: 842)

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