The B1G continues to be a dominant force in college football, known not only for its rich history and passionate fan bases but also for its balance of tradition, innovation and overall competitiveness. With some of the nation’s largest stadiums and one of the most lucrative media deals the NCAA has ever seen, the conference maintains a high level of exposure and competitiveness year after year. As conference realignment continues to reshape college football’s landscape, the B1G remains focused on building strong programs capable of competing at the highest level. In this article, I’ll reveal the next wave of my B1G predictions and previews, featuring the following teams: Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Nebraska, and Northwestern.

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Michigan Wolverines

8/30 – vs. New Mexico – Win

9/6 – @ Oklahoma – Loss

9/13 – vs. Central Michigan – Win

9/20 – @ Nebraska – Loss

9/27 – BYE

10/4 – vs. Wisconsin – Win

10/11 – @ USC – Loss

10/18 – vs. Washington – Win

10/25 – @ Michigan State – Win

11/1 – vs. Purdue – Win

11/8 – BYE

11/15 – @ Northwestern – Win

11/22 – @ Maryland – Win

11/29 – vs. Ohio State – Win

Final Record: 9-3 (7-2)

One year removed from winning a national championship, Michigan entered a new era under head coach Sherrone Moore, who took over following Jim Harbaugh’s departure to the NFL. Despite a turbulent offseason that included significant roster turnover, ongoing program controversy, and one of the nation’s most demanding schedules, Moore’s debut season delivered late. The Wolverines defeated Ohio State for the fourth straight year and capped the campaign with a win over Alabama—again—this time in the ReliaQuest Bowl.

Heading into 2025, Moore will once again face the challenge of reloading on both sides of the ball. He also made a notable staff move, hiring former North Carolina offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey to replace Kirk Campbell. All eyes will be on five-star freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood, the nation’s top overall recruit, who is expected to rejuvenate a stagnant passing game. He’ll be supported by a revamped backfield featuring Alabama transfer Justice Haynes and redshirt freshman Jordan Marshall, both stepping in for the departed Donovan Edwards and Kalel Mullings. Michigan’s offensive line—always a program strength—returns just two starters but should remain solid thanks to strong depth and development. The pass-catching group will look different as well, with tight end Colston Loveland off to the NFL. However, the wide receiver room may actually be improved, with Indiana transfer Donaven McCulley joining returners Fredrick Moore and Semaj Morgan.

On defense, coordinator Wink Martindale enters his second season at Michigan after leading a unit that consistently carried the load in 2024. Replacing stars like Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant, Josaiah Stewart, and Will Johnson won’t be easy, but the front seven still brings plenty of experience and physicality. Rayshaun Benny returns to anchor one end, while Clemson transfer Tré Williams and Alabama transfer Damon Payne add proven size and power on the interior. Edge rusher Derrick Moore is back to lead the pass rush, joined by returning linebackers Ernest Hausmann and Jaishawn Barham, with TJ Guy expected to play a key rotational role. The defensive line will lean heavily on the new transfer additions, but the biggest question mark may be the secondary. Safety Rod Moore returns as a steadying presence, while Louisiana cornerback transfer Caleb Anderson and Arkansas safety TJ Metcalf are expected to step into starting roles as the Wolverines look to reload their back end.

Michigan’s 2025 schedule is less punishing than last year’s, but key tests remain. A non-conference road trip to Oklahoma kicks things off, followed by challenging Big Ten matchups at Nebraska, USC, and rival Michigan State. As always, the season will likely hinge on the showdown with Ohio State—this time in Ann Arbor—after last year’s win in Columbus knocked the Buckeyes out of Big Ten title contention.

Even with a young quarterback and several new starters, Michigan’s foundation remains strong. Expect early growing pains, but once Underwood settles in, the Wolverines have the pieces to finish strong again, contend for double-digit wins, and remain a threat in the Big Ten race.

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Michigan State Spartans

8/29 – vs. Western Michigan – Win

9/6 – vs. Boston College – Win

9/13 – vs. Youngstown State – Win

9/20 – @ USC – Loss

9/27 – BYE

10/4 – @ Nebraska – Loss

10/11 – vs. UCLA – Win

10/18 – @ Indiana – Loss

10/25 – vs. Michigan – Loss

11/1 – @ Minnesota – Win

11/8 – BYE

11/15 – vs. Penn State – Loss

11/22 – @ Iowa – Loss

11/29 – vs. Maryland – Win

Final Record: 6-6 (3-6)

Jonathan Smith enters Year Two in East Lansing with the goal of steering Michigan State back toward relevance, much like he did with Oregon State. After a rebuilding year in 2024, the path to bowl eligibility in 2025 will be a key benchmark for the program—and Smith has the coaching continuity to make it happen with offensive coordinator Brian Lindgren and defensive coordinator Joe Rossi both returning for their second seasons.

The offense will once again be led by quarterback Aidan Chiles, now entering his third year under Brian Lindgren’s system dating back to their time together at Oregon State. A breakout campaign feels well within reach for the dynamic signal-caller, especially with a strong supporting cast around him. Sophomore wideout Nick Marsh and senior tight end Jack Velling return as proven weapons, while the receiving corps gets a boost from two key transfers: MTSU slot receiver Omari Kelly and versatile Kent State playmaker Chrishon McCray. The offensive line, a major concern in 2024, should take a step forward with left tackle Stanton Ramil anchoring a group that welcomes several new additions via the portal. Behind them, a fairly young running back room will feature mostly freshmen and sophomores, but it will be led by Sacramento State transfer Elijah Tau-Tolliver—a veteran presence who could emerge as a key contributor in the starting role.

Defensively, the Spartans have quietly assembled one of their more complete units in recent years. Despite the loss of standout corner Charles Brantley to Miami, the secondary has reloaded nicely. Cornerback Chance Rucker is back from injury, and he’ll be flanked by three impact transfers at the position. Safeties Nikai Martinez and Malik Spencer provide continuity and leadership on the back end. The linebacker corps is led by a healthy Darius Snow, who’ll be paired with rising star Jordan Hall. Up front, the defensive tackle pairing of Alex VanSumeran and Florida State transfer Grady Kelly could anchor one of the Big Ten’s more underrated interiors. The pass rush was inconsistent in 2024, but a mix of returning veterans and edge transfers could change that if development clicks under Rossi’s guidance.

Michigan State’s non-conference schedule offers a favorable start, including a winnable matchup against Boston College. However, the gauntlet begins quickly in B1G play, with early road trips to USC and Nebraska. The Spartans also draw October games at Indiana and home against Penn State, with a challenging November road test at Iowa.

The path to six wins won’t be easy, but it’s manageable. With three non-conference victories likely and a few swing games in conference play, Smith has a real opportunity to get Michigan State back to the postseason—and perhaps more importantly, reignite belief in a program hungry for a fresh era.

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Minnesota Golden Gophers

8/28 – vs. Buffalo – Win

9/6 – vs. Northwestern State – Win

9/13 – @ California – Win

9/20 – BYE

9/27 – vs. Rutgers – Win

10/4 – @ Ohio State – Loss

10/11 – vs. Purdue – Win

10/17 – vs. Nebraska – Win

10/25 – @ Iowa – Loss

11/1 – vs. Michigan State – Loss

11/8 – BYE

11/14 – @ Oregon – Loss

11/22 – @ Northwestern – Win

11/29 – vs. Wisconsin – Loss

Final Record: 7-5 (4-5)

Year Nine of the PJ Fleck era is about to be underway in Minneapolis, and the Golden Gophers are looking to build on a remarkably consistent stretch of success. Minnesota enters 2025 having won at least eight games in four of the last six seasons and boasts a perfect 6-0 bowl record during that span. Fleck’s staff remains mostly intact, with Greg Harbaugh Jr. returning for his fourth season as offensive coordinator, while Danny Collins has been promoted to lead the defense following Corey Hetherman’s departure for Miami.

As usual, the rushing attack is expected to be Minnesota’s foundation. Star back Darius Taylor returns after racking up nearly 1,800 rushing yards across his first two seasons—including close to 1,000 last fall—and he’ll be joined by Marshall transfer AJ Turner, who brings breakaway potential after averaging 8.5 yards per carry in 2024. The passing game, which saw modest production last year with Max Brosmer, now turns to redshirt freshman Drake Lindsey to take the reins under center. Lindsey will face a steep learning curve without top targets Daniel Jackson and Elijah Spencer, but he’ll have a revamped receiving corps that includes transfers Malachi Coleman from Nebraska, Javon Tracy from Miami (OH), and Logan Loya from UCLA, as well as returning tight end Jameson Geers. While Lindsey should benefit from a veteran offensive line, the unit must improve its overall play after losing stalwart left tackle Aireontae Ersery to the NFL.

The defensive front should remain a strength for Minnesota, with returning tackles Deven Eastern and Jalen Logan-Redding anchoring the interior and defensive end Anthony Smith—who tied for the team lead in sacks—set to cause even more disruption off the edge. At linebacker, Maverick Baranowski is expected to fill the void left by Cody Lindenberg in the middle, and after seeing a big jump in production last year at Oklahoma State, Jeff Roberson has transferred in to solidify a legitimate linebacker tandem. In the secondary, all-purpose safety Koi Perich returns after a stellar freshman season and could emerge as one of the Big Ten’s best defenders and punt returners, but the loss of Justin Walley and Jack Henderson will test their depth and incoming transfers.

Minnesota’s schedule sets up for a strong start, with a manageable non-conference road trip to California and a favorable home slate featuring seven winnable games. However, a daunting trio of conference road tests at Ohio State, Iowa, and Oregon looms large in the second half of the season.

If Lindsey settles in quickly and the defense holds steady, Minnesota should once again secure bowl eligibility. And if that happens, PJ Fleck will have a shot to extend his flawless postseason record to 7-0 with the Gophers.

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Nebraska Cornhuskers

8/28 – vs. Cincinnati (in Kansas City, MO) – Win

9/6 – vs. Akron – Win

9/13 – vs. Houston Christian – Win

9/20 – vs. Michigan – Win

9/27 – BYE

10/4 – vs. Michigan State – Win

10/11 – @ Maryland – Win

10/17 – @ Minnesota – Loss

10/25 – vs. Northwestern – Win

11/1 – vs. USC – Win

11/8 – @ UCLA – Loss

11/15 – BYE

11/22 – @ Penn State – Loss

11/28 – vs. Iowa – Loss

Final Record: 8-4 (5-4)

Nebraska has shown steady improvement under Matt Rhule, increasing its win total in each of his first two seasons. If history is any indicator—based on his third-year breakouts at both Temple and Baylor—2025 could be the year the Cornhuskers take a massive leap. That won’t be easy in a reloaded Big Ten, but with former West Virginia and Houston head coach Dana Holgorsen now running the offense and in-house promotion John Butler leading the defense, expectations in Lincoln are rising quickly.

Sophomore quarterback Dylan Raiola, the former five-star phenom, returns to lead the offense as he continues to chase lofty comparisons to Patrick Mahomes. He’ll have a revamped receiving corps that includes Kentucky transfer Dane Key, Cal transfer Nyziah Hunter, and rising slot weapon Jacory Barney. Former quarterback Heinrich Haarberg has shifted to tight end, giving Raiola another intriguing option. In the backfield, running back Emmett Johnson returns after a solid 2024, but the team needs another depth piece to step up with Dante Dowdell off to Kentucky. Up front, three starters are back on the offensive line, joined by two high-end portal additions in Alabama tackle Elijah Pritchett and Notre Dame guard Rocco Spindler.

On defense, size along the front remains a concern, even with several quick, disruptive edge players in the mix, but one player who could help reshape that unit is former top overall recruit Williams Nwaneri, a Missouri transfer whose raw strength and frame could give the Cornhuskers a true anchor up front. At linebacker, there’s real potential with Indiana transfer Dasan McCollough—arguably one of the most physically gifted defenders in the Big Ten—and Georgia Southern transfer Marques Watson-Trent, who brings proven production and instincts to the middle. The secondary has solid returning experience with three starters back, including versatile nickel Malcolm Hartzog Jr., but the group must find greater consistency if it hopes to match up with the top passing offenses in the league.

Nebraska opens the season in Kansas City against Cincinnati, and its non-conference slate should be manageable. The real test begins early with a pivotal home game against Michigan, but it’s the final month that will define their season. A November gauntlet includes home matchups with USC and Iowa, as well as a difficult road trip to Penn State.

Rhule has proven he can engineer program turnarounds, and Nebraska has the pieces to be this year’s breakout team in the Big Ten. They should get off to a hot start—but whether they can sustain that momentum into November will ultimately determine whether this team flirts with national relevance or simply falls just short.

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Northwestern Wildcats

8/30 – @ Tulane – Loss

9/5 – vs. Western Illinois – Win

9/13 – vs. Oregon – Loss

9/20 – BYE

9/27 – vs. UCLA – Loss

10/4 – vs. UL Monroe – Win

10/11 – @ Penn State – Loss

10/18 – vs. Purdue – Win

10/25 – @ Nebraska – Loss

11/1 – BYE

11/7 – @ USC – Loss

11/15 – vs. Michigan – Loss

11/22 – vs. Minnesota – Loss

11/29 – @ Illinois – Loss

Final Record: 3-9 (1-8)

Northwestern has long been one of the B1G’s most volatile teams—either exceeding expectations with surprising success or falling flat with disappointing results. In 2024, David Braun’s first season as full-time head coach saw the Wildcats finish 16th out of 18 teams at 4–8, far below what many believed would be a middle-of-the-pack campaign.

To breathe life into a stagnant offense that threw just seven touchdown passes last year, Braun hired former South Dakota State offensive coordinator Zach Lujan, who brings a more creative scheme and familiarity with quarterback Preston Stone, a transfer from SMU. With the departures of AJ Henning, Bryce Kirtz, and tight end Thomas Gordon, Northwestern reloaded via the portal—adding Lujan’s former Jackrabbit star Griffin Wilde, Stanford slot receiver Chase Farrell, and New Mexico State tight end Alex Lines. In the backfield, veteran Cam Porter returns for one more season after a down year in 2024, but he’ll be given help with Arkansas transfer Joseph Himon II expected to share touches. If the offensive line—which returns standout tackle Caleb Tiernan and adds several transfers—can open up running lanes, the ground game could be much improved.

Defensively, second-year coordinator Tim McGarigle has some tools to work with, especially up front where edge rushers Aidan Hubbard and Anto Saka combined for 9.5 sacks last fall. The interior will rely on Najee Story and Utah State transfer Miguel Jackson to balance out the pass rush and provide a stronger push against the run. Purdue transfer Yanni Karlaftis is poised for a breakout season at linebacker alongside leading tackler Mac Uihlein. The secondary also shows promise, featuring Jacksonville State transfer Fred Davis at corner, returning nickel Robert Fitzgerald, and safety Damon Walters anchoring the back end.

Unfortunately, a brutal schedule could limit any real progress. The Wildcats open the season at Tulane, one of the top Group of Five programs, before welcoming playoff contender Oregon two weeks later. The rest of the schedule includes home matchups with Michigan and Oregon but also a daunting road slate featuring Penn State, Nebraska, USC, and Illinois—all teams with double-digit win potential.

Even with a few bright spots and intriguing newcomers, the schedule feels like too much to overcome. Unless the offense takes a major leap and the defense holds up week after week, Northwestern seems destined for another year near the bottom of the Big Ten standings in 2025.