The Big Ten had been run by the same three teams for the last 10 years, Ohio State, Penn State, and Michigan, however, there is a new elite in town in the conference. These are the teams that everyone is expecting to win it every year, and if there is a different champion, then those are labeled the contenders in the conference.
However, it most likely will end up being one of these four teams, as these are the top recruiting teams in the conference, and some of them even in the country.
So, looking ahead to the 2025 season, here are the Big Ten elite that are most likely going to be the Big Ten champions.
Oregon
Not every team that moves conferences can end up going undefeated and winning a conference title in their first season, but Oregon found a way to do it in 2024. Even after just one season in the Big Ten, the Ducks are already considered a part of the elite of the conference thanks to head coach Dan Lanning and the great team he brought with him from the Pac-12.
Even after losing quite a few players to the NFL and the transfer portal, Lanning has done what he does best and recruited very well in the offseason. The Ducks may not repeat as Big Ten champions, but they have a great opportunity to be strong contenders with their fellow elite in the conference.
Penn State
Penn State has always been one of the elite in the Big Ten, even if they haven't been able to win the conference since 2016. The Nittany Lions have struggled to get past Michigan and Ohio State for the last nine years, but they are still considered the elite of the conference since they are always labeled serious contenders year in and year out.
Going into the 2025 season, the Nittany Lions have probably their best chance at finally taking over the Big Ten again. With the number of players returning for Penn State this next season, especially on the offensive side of the ball, James Franklin could finally get past the allegations that he can't win it all again.
Ohio State
Winning a National Championship certainly keeps Ohio State in the elite tier for the Big Ten, as if there was ever a doubt they wouldn't be. The Buckeyes have been running the Big Ten for quite a while now, well, when they aren't getting beat by Michigan.
However, Ohio State lost a lot of players to the NFL this offseason, so Ryan Day will be tested yet again when it comes to his recruiting abilities. Can he put together a team that can follow up a National Championship with another, or will the Buckeyes fall from glory?
Michigan
Even after a season where the Wolverines struggled and finished 7-6, Michigan is no doubt still a part of the elite in the Big Ten. After losing a record number of players to the NFL and going through a head coaching change, the fact that Sherrone Moore still led this team to the record he did is nothing short of amazing.
Michigan now holds the top-ranked player and quarterback in the class of 2025 with Bryce Underwood, and Moore has done a phenomenal job recruiting this offseason. The defense is going to hold it down again for Michigan while the offense figures itself out. The Wolverines are going to make a comeback this season, and everybody needs to be ready for it.