Big Ten Football Power Rankings: Buckeyes Soar, Illini Impress as Conference Play Heats Up

The Big Ten conference has been a hotbed of action in the early stages of the 2024 college football season. With several teams making statements and jockeying for position in the power rankings, the landscape is rapidly evolving. The latest On3 Massey Ratings-powered rankings provide a comprehensive look at the conference hierarchy after Week 4.

Elevating the Big Ten: A Surge of Momentum and Surprises

Ohio State Flexes Offensive Muscle, Buckeyes Remain Atop the Rankings

The Ohio State Buckeyes have once again asserted their dominance in the Big Ten, returning from a Week 3 bye to dismantle Marshall 49-14. Despite the Thundering Herd's early 7-0 lead, the Buckeyes quickly regained control, showcasing their offensive prowess. Quinshon Judkins, the Ole Miss transfer, continued to impress, rushing for 173 yards and two touchdowns, cementing his status as a key contributor to Ohio State's national title aspirations.

Penn State Cruises Past Kent State, Prepares for Undefeated Illinois Showdown

Following a Week 3 bye, the Penn State Nittany Lions welcomed Kent State to Happy Valley and sent the Golden Flashes home with a resounding 56-0 defeat. Quarterback Drew Allar returned to action with a three-touchdown performance, further solidifying the Nittany Lions' offensive capabilities. However, the real test lies ahead as Penn State prepares to host the undefeated Illinois Fighting Illini in a highly anticipated Big Ten clash in Week 5.

Oregon Ducks Enjoy Bye Week, Set Sights on UCLA Matchup

The Oregon Ducks, who have started the season undefeated, were rewarded with a bye week in Week 4. After a slow start to the season, the Ducks have regained their expected form, most notably with a 35-point victory over Oregon State in Week 3. As they turn their attention to the Big Ten, the Ducks will face a familiar foe in UCLA, a matchup that is sure to captivate college football fans in Week 5.

Michigan Outlasts USC in Thrilling Clash, Wolverines Climb the Rankings

The biggest win of the weekend in the Big Ten came from the Michigan Wolverines, who welcomed USC to the conference with a hard-fought victory. Facing the risk of losing two of their first four games, the Wolverines found a way to prevail, with running back Kalel Mullings emerging as the star of the game, rushing for 159 yards and two touchdowns, including a game-winning score.

Illinois Fighting Illini Remain Undefeated, Prepare for Showdown with Penn State

The Illinois Fighting Illini continued their impressive start to the season, defeating Nebraska 24-13 on the road on Friday night. Quarterback Luke Altmyer shone, throwing four touchdown passes and showcasing his ability to lead the Illini offense. With a perfect 4-0 record, the hype surrounding Illinois is growing, and they will have the opportunity to make a statement when they travel to Happy Valley to take on Penn State in Week 5.

Iowa Hawkeyes Bounce Back, Prepare for Showdown with Ohio State

After a one-point loss to Iowa State in Week 2, the Iowa Hawkeyes have rebounded nicely, defeating Troy in Week 3 and following that up with a win over Minnesota in Week 4. Running back Kaleb Johnson had a standout performance, rushing for 206 yards and three touchdowns. The Hawkeyes will enjoy a bye week in Week 5 before facing a daunting challenge against the Ohio State Buckeyes in Week 6.

Washington Huskies Rebound with Win over Northwestern, Prepare for Rutgers Clash

Following a demoralizing loss at home to Washington State, the Washington Huskies needed to bounce back, and they did so with a 19-point victory over Northwestern in Week 4. Quarterback Will Rogers was efficient, throwing two touchdowns, and the Huskies will now turn their attention to a showdown with the undefeated Rutgers Scarlet Knights on Friday, a game that promises to be an exciting clash.

Indiana Hoosiers Remain Undefeated, Prepare for Offensive Showdown with Maryland

The Indiana Hoosiers have transformed into an offensive juggernaut in 2024, and that trend continued with a 52-14 victory over Charlotte in Week 4. While the Hoosiers have already secured a Big Ten win over UCLA in Week 3, their schedule is about to become more challenging. In Week 5, they will host the Maryland Terrapins, who have also rebounded from an early-season loss and are looking to make a statement in the conference.