Big Ten Football 2025: Can Penn State Break Through? Ohio State's Quest for a Repeat

The Big Ten Conference has been a powerhouse in college football, producing the last two national champions. As we look ahead to the 2025 season, the question on everyone's mind is whether Penn State can finally break through and claim the title, or if Ohio State will continue their dominance with a repeat championship.

Penn State's Hype and Potential

Penn State has been on the cusp of greatness for years, but has consistently fallen short against Ohio State. With 11 seasons under head coach James Franklin, the Nittany Lions have finished in the AP Top 10 five times but have suffered 10 losses to the Buckeyes. However, 2025 could be the year Penn State puts it all together. Franklin has assembled what many believe to be his most complete team yet, with a strong defense and an offense that has received plenty of preseason hype.

Key Players:

• Drew Allar (QB): The No. 2 pocket passer in the 2022 recruiting class, Allar has shown flashes of brilliance and will need to take his game to the next level for Penn State to contend.
• Kaytron Allen & Nicholas Singleton (RBs): This dynamic duo has combined for nearly 7,000 yards from scrimmage and 68 touchdowns in their careers.
• Defensive Standouts: With a defense led by coordinator Jim Knowles, Penn State boasts one of the best defensive units in the country.

Ohio State's Quest for a Repeat

Ohio State is coming off a dominant 2024 season that saw them win the national championship. With a roster full of blue-chip talent, the Buckeyes are poised to make another run at the title. However, they will have to navigate some changes, including new coordinators on both sides of the ball.

Key Players:

• Julian Sayin (QB): A top-10 recruit in 2024, Sayin is expected to take over as the starting quarterback and lead Ohio State's high-powered offense.
• Jeremiah Smith (WR): One of the best receivers in the country, Smith will be a primary target for Sayin.
• Caleb Downs (S): A standout safety, Downs will anchor the Buckeyes' defense.

Other Contenders in the Big Ten

While Penn State and Ohio State are the frontrunners, other teams in the Big Ten could make noise in 2025. Oregon, Michigan, and Illinois all have the potential to challenge for the conference title.

Oregon: The Ducks have been a consistent force in the Pac-12 and will look to make an impact in their first year in the Big Ten. With a strong recruiting class and key transfers, Oregon could be a dark horse in the conference.

Michigan: After a disappointing 2024 season, the Wolverines will look to rebound under head coach Sherrone Moore. With a talented roster and a favorable schedule, Michigan could be a contender if they can find consistency at quarterback.

Illinois: The Fighting Illini surprised many with a 10-win season in 2024 and will look to build on that success. With a strong defense and an improving offense, Illinois could be a team to watch in 2025.

Key Games to Watch

• Penn State at Ohio State (Nov. 1): This could be the game that decides the Big Ten East and potentially the conference champion.
• Oregon at Penn State (Sept. 27): A early-season showdown between two of the top teams in the conference.
• Michigan at Ohio State (Nov. 29): The rivalry game that always has major implications in the Big Ten.

Conclusion

The 2025 Big Ten football season promises to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. With Penn State looking to finally break through, Ohio State aiming for a repeat, and several other teams in the mix, the race for the conference title will be highly competitive. Whether Penn State can overcome their Ohio State hurdle or if the Buckeyes can continue their dominance remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Big Ten will once again be at the forefront of college football.