USC's stunning 30-18 victory over then-No. 1 Ohio State has reshaped the Big Ten power rankings entering Week 10. The Trojans, now 7-2, climbed from ninth to third after their most complete performance of the season, earning a bye week before a pivotal road game at No. 4 Indiana on Nov. 14. That matchup will test whether Lincoln Riley's squad can sustain its momentum away from home, where USC is 5-7 in Big Ten play over the past three years.
Top of the Rankings
UCLA holds the No. 1 spot after cruising past Nevada, sitting at 11-0 with a manageable schedule ahead before the season-ending showdown with USC. Indiana remains second despite back-to-back overtime escapes against unranked opponents; the Hoosiers' offense continues to struggle, but a 60-yard field goal at the buzzer forced overtime against Minnesota. Ohio State drops to fourth after the loss to USC and a No. 12 placement in the first College Football Playoff rankings, leaving zero margin for error against Oregon this week.
Playoff Contenders and Risers
Iowa jumps to fifth after a 30-0 demolition of Wisconsin, keeping a narrow CFP path alive if they run the table. Northwestern, Minnesota, and Wisconsin round out the top eight, each facing critical tests in the coming weeks. Oregon, now 10th, showed offensive improvement under new leadership and travels to Ohio State for a marquee matchup. Washington, Nebraska, Michigan, Penn State, Purdue, Rutgers, Michigan State, and Maryland complete the 18-team rankings, with several teams fighting for bowl eligibility.
