Week 9 Big Ten Power Rankings

The 2023 College Football season is nearing the end. Week nine had some close games, potentially altering this week’s Big Ten power rankings. For a look at last week’s power rankings, read here. Here is a look at the week nine Big Ten power rankings for the 2023 season.

Big Ten Power Rankings

1: Michigan Wolverines (8-0)

Next Opponent: Purdue Boilermakers

The Michigan Wolverines are coming off their bye week. There may not be much to say, but they are still number one in the conference. Ohio State could creep up into this spot, but based on score differences in games, and a strong Michigan offense, the Wolverines are still on top in the Big Ten.

2: Ohio State Buckeyes (8-0)

Next Opponent: Rutgers Scarlet Knights

The Ohio State Buckeyes are still undefeated following their win over the Wisconsin Badgers. This was not the most exciting game but does keep them in second in the Big Ten. The Buckeyes are ranked number one nationally in the first College Football Playoff rankings of the season. The Buckeyes have a dominant defense that is difficult to beat. Watch for Ohio State to move up as the season progresses.

3: Penn State Nittany Lions (7-1)

Next Opponent: Maryland Terrapins

The Penn State Nittany Lions are still ranked third in the Big Ten. The Nittany Lions defense had a poor game against the Indiana Hoosiers, a game they should have done much better in. After losing to Ohio State the week before, this team definitely has to step up quickly. They are 7-1, but there are issues that need to be fixed.

4: Wisconsin Badgers (5-3)

Next Opponent: Indiana Hoosiers

This may be a questionable positioning, but there is a reason. Wisconsin beating Rutgers this season keeps them in fourth for now. They have had some losses they should have won, but their positioning will stay for now. This offense was expected to be much better this season, but they did not live up to expectations. This team needs to start scoring more if they want to stay in fourth in the Big Ten. Next weekend the Badgers will face a beatable opponent, but if they do not get the win, Wisconsin will fall in these rankings.

5: Rutgers Scarlet Knights (6-2)

Next Opponent: Ohio State Buckeyes

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights are coming off their bye week, and they are hopefully well-rested before facing the Ohio State Buckeyes. Rutgers did just lose linebacker Tyreem Powell for the season which does hurt them, but they do have six wins and other strong players. This weekend will be a big test for them, but they are still in fifth in this week’s Big Ten power rankings.

6: Maryland Terrapins (5-3)

Next Opponent: Penn State Nittany Lions

The Maryland Terrapins have been having a great season, but it feels as though they are slowly falling. They almost defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes, but then lost against Illinois and Northwestern. Those were both games that they should have won. This weekend they will have another big test, which will once again dictate their Big Ten ranking.

7: Minnesota Golden Gophers (5-3)

Next Opponent: Illinois Fighting Illini

The Minnesota Golden Gophers are slowly rising this season. Their big win against Iowa two weeks ago really helped their rankings, as well as playing well against Michigan State last weekend. This week they will face Illinois, and with a win, they will be bowl eligible. Minnesota deserves credit for how they have been playing this year, and it will be interesting to monitor them as the season winds down.

8: Iowa Hawkeyes (6-2)

Next Opponent: Northwestern Wildcats

The Iowa Hawkeyes do have six wins, but with offensive struggles, especially with key injuries, they are continuing to fall in the Big Ten power rankings. The Hawkeyes did inform their offensive coordinator that this would be his last season with the program, and while he will finish out the season, it will be interesting to see if they try anything new. It is hard to find success with the number of injuries that they have had this season, but their defense does continue to fight.

9: Nebraska Cornhuskers (5-3)

Next Opponent: Michigan State Spartans

The Nebraska Cornhuskers have been a sneaky team this season. After starting the season 0-2, it seemed as though there was no hope. Since those two games, the team has gone 5-1, only losing to Michigan. In just one more win, the Cornhuskers will be bowl eligible. With the conference wins this season, Nebraska is up to ninth in the Big Ten rankings.

10: Northwestern Wildcats (4-4)

Next Opponent: Iowa Hawkeyes

The Northwestern Wildcats are definitely on the lower end of the Big Ten, but also cannot be counted out. Four wins is still good for them. Right when it looked as though Northwestern’s luck was running out, they defeated Maryland with a final score of 33-27. The determination of this team keeps them in each game.

11: Michigan State Spartans (2-6)

Next Opponent: Nebraska Cornhuskers

The Michigan State Spartans have been struggling this season. After another loss, this time against Minnesota, things are not looking great for them. They are struggling to put up points, and their defense cannot stop teams late in the game. They have a couple of difficult games lined up for them, such as Ohio State and Penn State. It will be interesting to see if they can turn anything around this late into the season.

12: Illinois Fighting Illini (3-5)

Next Opponent: Minnesota Golden Gophers

The Illinois Fighting Illini may have lost their last game, but they kept it close. Illinois just could not get anything going in the fourth quarter. They also beat Maryland two weeks ago, which puts them in 12th in the Big Ten. They will definitely have to play their best for the last four games if they want to move up at all, but it won’t be easy. They have a chance to improve in rankings, but only if they continue to fight and win more games.

13: Indiana Hoosiers (2-6)

Next Opponent: Wisconsin Badgers

The Indiana Hoosiers actually almost got the win over Penn State last weekend, but then the Nittany Lions got it together. The fight was there, but the Hoosiers do now fall to a 2-6 record, and 14th in the Big Ten. The Hoosiers can definitely get another win this season based on their final four opponents, but it won’t be easy.

14: Purdue Boilermakers (2-6)

Next Opponent: Michigan Wolverines

It has been a disappointing season for the Purdue Boilermakers. Their schedule does not get any easier having to face Michigan next week. Even with having beaten Illinois this season, the Boilermakers are at the bottom of the Big Ten. There is a chance that they can get another win this season, but it will not be easy. Purdue will have to step up moving forward.