Week 1 Big Ten Power Rankings 2023

Now that week one of the college football season is officially over, everyone has seen the final results for each of the Big Ten games. This means it is always fun to look at what the Big Ten power rankings should be this early in the season. Sure, this list will probably change numerous times throughout the season, but some teams surprised fans with how they played. Here is a look at the Big Ten power rankings for week one.

Big Ten Power Rankings: East

1. Michigan

On the top of the list is the Michigan Wolverines. The team defeated the East Carolina Pirates 30-3. The Wolverines were definitely the favorites to win this game, but it had to be seen how they would play with the suspension of head coach Jim Harbaugh. Despite not having their head coach there, the Wolverines scored big and are first in the week one Big Ten power rankings in the Big Ten East.

2. Penn State

Which team came in second for the week one Big Ten Power Rankings were up in the air. Based on the performances this week, the second spot is going to the Penn State Nittany Lions. There are definitely areas that they will need to clean up, such as their kicker situation, but for now, they are in second. The Nittany Lions defeated the West Virginia Mountaineers 38-15. This was a big win for a team with a new quarterback. With an all-around solid performance, the Nittany Lions are standing at second.

3. Ohio State

Considering these rankings are only based on the week one set of games, the Ohio State Buckeyes are ranked third. The Buckeyes won their week one matchup against the Indiana Hoosiers 23-3. All credit should go to the Buckeyes’ defense, who played a strong game, but the weak offense held them back. There is definitely the chance for their offense to improve over time, but for now, this will hurt their week one Big Ten power rankings.

4. Maryland

With a big week one win, Maryland will sit in fourth place in the Big Ten Power Rankings for the Big Ten East. The Terrapins defeated the Towson Tigers 38-6. A healthy team, specifically a healthy quarterback, leads to one of the many big wins over the weekend. It will be interesting to see how Maryland plays throughout the season, especially as they play more in-conference opponents.

5. Rutgers

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights are coming in fifth in the East for the week one Big Ten power rankings. The Scarlet Knights defeated the Northwestern Wildcats 23-7 in a big opening-day game. The Scarlet Knights’ defense dominated the Wildcats, never giving the team’s offense a chance. The Rutgers offense staying on the field longer was also a big help overall for this team.

6. Michigan State

Michigan State is falling into sixth place in the East. Michigan State defeated Central Michigan 31-7. The Spartans definitely could be placed higher on this list, and that could happen on next week’s power rankings. The game started off slow, but towards the end, Michigan State was able to control the game.

7. Indiana

Despite holding off the Ohio State Buckeyes for a decent amount of the game, the Indiana Hoosiers are falling to the seventh place in the Big Ten power rankings for the Big East. It needs to be seen if Indiana will stick to one quarterback moving forward. Only scoring three points in the game hurt their rankings for week one.

Big Ten Power Rankings: West

1. Wisconsin

On to the Big Ten West, the Wisconsin Badgers are in first. The Badgers defeated the Buffalo Bulls 38-17. There were high hopes regarding Wisconsin football this season, mainly due to a strong receiving core. With their big win over the weekend, they are in first for the week one Big Ten power rankings in the Big Ten West.

2. Iowa

In second place is the Iowa Hawkeyes. The Hawkeyes defeated the Utah State Aggies 24-14. Iowa has had a strong defense, but while they did not put up big numbers, it looks as though they may have a decent offense this season, too. They may have fallen off of the AP Top 25 Poll, but they still played a solid game. If their offense can keep this up, they should be able to put up a fight in the 2023 season.

3. Illinois

The Illinois Fighting Illini had a battle of a game over the weekend. Illinois won 30-28 against the Toledo Rockets. It came down to the end, but it was a fight. In the last play of the game, the Fighting Illini got the game-winning field goal at home. Getting the win in the end places them in third for the Big Ten power rankings in the West.

4. Purdue

Although it was a close game, the Purdue Boilermakers fell short. The final score was 39-35, with the Fresno State Bulldogs in the lead. This does push the Boilermakers down to fourth in the Big Ten power rankings for the West. Could they potentially move up next week? It would depend on how many points they give up after already letting another team score 39 points. Their defense as a whole pushed them down on this list for now.

5. Minnesota

The Minnesota Golden Gophers did not impress, but they got the win over the Nebraska Cornhuskers. This does put them in fifth, having the edge for getting the win over another Big Ten team. The final score was 13-10 with their win over Nebraska. It was a slow game, but the Gophers scored ten points in the fourth quarter when it mattered the most. For now, they are in fifth for the Big Ten power rankings, but this could change whether they improve or not.

6. Nebraska

Considering Nebraska lost against Minnesota, it only makes sense that they are ranked lower than them. This was a slow game, low scoring, with poor offense on both teams. Minnesota had the better passing game, reaching 196 receiving yards, but Nebraska did run the ball better, reaching 181 yards, according to ESPN. The Huskers need to improve if they are going to be ranked higher in next week’s rankings.

7. Northwestern

It was a rough week for the Northwestern Wildcats. They lost their opening game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights 23-7. Their offense could not get anything going against the Scarlet Knights’ defense. The Northwestern defense definitely had their moments, but Rutgers controlled the game. This puts Northwestern in seventh place for the Big Ten power rankings in the Big West.

Big Ten Power Rankings: Overall List

1. Michigan Wolverines (1-0)

Next Opponent: UNLV Rebels (1-0)

2. Penn State Nittany Lions  (1-0)

Next Opponent: Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens (1-0)

3. Ohio State Buckeyes (1-0)

Next Opponent: Youngstown State Penguins (1-0)

4. Wisconsin Badgers (1-0)

Next Opponent: Washington State (1-0)

5. Iowa Hawkeyes (1-0)

Next Opponent: Iowa State Cyclones (1-0)

6. Maryland Terrapins (1-0)

Next Opponent: Charlotte 49ers (1-0)

7. Ilinois Fighting Illini (1-0)

Next Opponent: Kansas Jayhawks (1-0)

8. Purdue Boilermakers (0-1)

Next Opponent: Virginia Tech Hokies (1-0)

9. Rutgers Scarlet Knights (1-0)

Next Opponent: Temple Owls (1-0)

10. Michigan State Spartans (1-0)

Next Opponent: Richmond State Spiders (0-1)

12. Minnesota Golden Gophers (1-0)

Next Opponent: Eastern Michigan Eagles (1-0)

11. Indiana Hoosiers (0-1)

Next Opponent: Indiana State Sycamores (0-1)

13. Nebraska Cornhuskers (0-1)

Next Opponent: Colorado Buffalos (1-0)

14. Northwestern Wildcats (0-1)

Next Opponent: UTEP Miners (1-1)