• Ohio State and Penn State are projected to be top contenders in the Big Ten, with Illinois as a potential dark horse.
• Several teams, including Michigan, USC, and Washington, are undergoing significant changes and have high potential but also uncertainty.
• Fanbases are exhibiting a mix of optimism and concern regarding their teams' prospects, particularly regarding quarterback situations and defensive improvements.

The Big Ten Conference is gearing up for the 2025 college football season following the conclusion of spring practices. Key storylines include Ohio State's attempt to repeat as national champions, the integration of former Pac-12 teams, and the potential for breakout seasons from programs like Illinois and Washington. Several teams face quarterback transitions and defensive rebuilds, contributing to a wide range of expectations and fan sentiments across the conference.

• What: Analysis of the Big Ten football landscape heading into the 2025 season, covering team rankings, projected records, and fan expectations.
• Who: Key teams include Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State, Illinois, Michigan, USC, and others. Key players include Jeremiah Smith, Dante Moore, Drew Allar, Luke Altmyer, Bryce Underwood and Fernando Mendoza.
• When: Analysis is conducted after the conclusion of spring practices, projecting the outlook for the 2025 college football season.
• Where: Focus is on the Big Ten Conference, encompassing teams across the Midwest and the newly added West Coast programs.

The Big Ten Conference in 2025 presents a landscape of both established powerhouses and programs on the rise. Ohio State's quest for a repeat championship faces challenges due to significant player losses, while Penn State aims to capitalize on returning talent and experience. The integration of former Pac-12 teams adds intrigue, with Oregon expected to regress slightly and programs like USC and Washington seeking to make immediate impacts. Quarterback performance will be a crucial factor for many teams, and defensive improvements are a widespread priority.

The Big Ten 2025 football season is shaping up to be a battleground of returning experience and fresh talent, setting the stage for intense competition and playoff implications. While Ohio State and Penn State remain the teams to beat, programs like Illinois, Michigan, and USC are poised to challenge the established order. Quarterback play will be pivotal, with eyes on Penn State's Drew Allar, Ohio State's Julian Sayin, and Illinois' Luke Altmyer, though newcomers like Michigan's Bryce Underwood could steal the spotlight. Teams such as Illinois, boasting a significant number of returning starters, are aiming for consistent winning seasons and potential playoff contention. Meanwhile, programs like Purdue are undergoing substantial rebuilds, seeking to climb from the conference's basement. Fan expectations are high, fueled by the influx of talent and coaching changes, setting the stage for an unpredictable and captivating season. The integration of transfers, particularly at quarterback, will be a key storyline, with players like Fernando Mendoza at Indiana and Preston Stone at Northwestern looking to make immediate impacts. Moreover, the performance of tight ends, such as Oregon's Kenyon Sadiq and Penn State's Luke Reynolds, could add another layer of excitement to the conference's offensive landscape.