The 2024-25 college football season is bound to be an exciting one with the Big Ten Conference undergoing major changes. In the upcoming season, the Big Ten will welcome four new teams: UCLA, Oregon, USC, and Washington. This expansion will bring the total number of teams in the conference to 18, marking the first time there will be no divisional format in the conference.
With the addition of these new teams, the race to the Big Ten Championship in Indianapolis will be more intense than ever. The two teams that will compete for the championship will be determined by conference winning percentage and tiebreakers, making it a wide-open competition with all 18 teams vying for a spot in the title game.
As the season approaches, Ohio State is currently the favorite to clinch the Big Ten title with odds of +140. Despite losing key players like Marvin Harrison Jr. to the NFL Draft, the Buckeyes have made significant additions to their roster, including quarterback Will Howard from Kansas State and star running back Quinshon Judkins from Ole Miss through the transfer portal. Additionally, former UCLA head coach Chip Kelly will join the Buckeyes as their play-caller, bringing his expertise to the team.
Other teams to watch out for in the race for the Big Ten Championship include Oregon, Penn State, Michigan, USC, Iowa, Washington, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Maryland, UCLA, Michigan State, Indiana, Northwestern, Minnesota, Illinois, and Purdue. Each team will be looking to make a statement in the highly competitive conference.
One of the most intriguing storylines of the upcoming season is the performance of former Pac-12 teams in the Big Ten. Oregon, in particular, has caught the attention of many with odds of +210 to win the Big Ten Championship. With quarterback Dillon Gabriel joining the team from Oklahoma and standout wide receiver Tez Johnson returning, the Ducks are poised to make a strong debut in the conference.
Washington, the reigning Pac-12 champs, also join the Big Ten with hopes of making a splash. Despite losing key players and their head coach, the Huskies are determined to prove themselves in their new conference. With Jedd Fisch taking over as head coach and Will Rogers leading the team as quarterback, Washington is gearing up for a competitive season.
As the season unfolds, fans can expect plenty of excitement and surprises in the Big Ten Conference. With teams from across the country vying for the championship title, the competition is sure to be fierce. Stay tuned to FOX Sports for the latest updates on college football and other sports, and don’t miss out on the action as the 2024-25 season kicks off.