Win Totals, Futures, and More!
The 2025 Big Ten football season is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in recent memory, with powerhouse programs reloading, surprise contenders looking to prove they weren’t a one-year wonder, and a few teams hoping major roster upgrades can spark a leap forward. From Nebraska’s optimism under Matt Rhule to Wisconsin’s uphill climb against a gauntlet schedule, and from USC’s push back to national relevance to Oregon’s bid to defend its Big Ten crown, every team faces a unique mix of opportunity and challenge. Our team of analysts — Eric, Mike, Stefan, and special guest Matt Wispey — break down each program’s storylines, key players, and schedule outlook, and share their official betting plays for the upcoming season. Whether you’re hunting for value on win totals, scouting breakout stars, or just getting ready for kickoff, this preview has every angle covered.
Nebraska Cornhuskers
Nebraska’s 2025 schedule includes significant matchups such as Michigan at home, road games against Maryland, Minnesota, UCLA, and Penn State, and a home game against Iowa, while notably avoiding Ohio State and Oregon. The non-conference schedule features games against Cincinnati, Akron, and Holy Cross. The team enters 2025 with optimism after achieving its first winning record since 2016 in 2024, with Coach Matt Rhule’s program showing an upward trend.
Key players to watch for Nebraska include sophomore quarterback Dylan Raiola, who is poised to become a top Big Ten quarterback and has breakout potential. Wide receiver transfers Dane Key from Kentucky and Nyziah Hunter from California are expected to be massive additions to the offense. Other notables include offensive line transfers Rocco Spindler and Elijah Pritchett, and linebackers Marques Watson-Trent and Vincent Shavers Jr..
The consensus among Mike, Eric, and Stefan is to bet the Over 7.5 wins for Nebraska. This confidence stems from Raiola’s potential in Dana Holgorsen’s offense, the significant upgrades at wide receiver, and the team’s solid defensive performance in 2024, ranking 20th in points allowed. The schedule is perceived as favorable, with 11 “winnable” games according to Eric, and many 50/50 games being played at home. While the Cincinnati road game is seen as pivotal, the overall sentiment is that Nebraska can achieve 8 or 9 wins.
Official Play
Eric: Over 7.5
Mike: Over 7.5
Stefan: Over 7.5
Wisconsin Badgers
Wisconsin faces a “brutal schedule” in 2025, highlighted by non-conference games at Alabama, and Big Ten matchups against Michigan, Ohio State, and Oregon. Other challenging games include home dates against Iowa and Washington, and road games at Indiana and Minnesota. Coach Luke Fickell is under pressure after a 13-13 record over two years, including a losing season in 2024.
Players to watch for the Badgers include Maryland transfer quarterback Billy Edwards Jr., who steps into the starting role. Sophomore running back Darrion Dupree could benefit from a new offensive system, and cornerback Ricardo Hallman is noted as an “underrated player”. The team’s offense averaged only 22.6 points per game in 2024, a point of concern.
Mike and Matt Wispe have officially placed bets on the Under 5.5 wins for Wisconsin. Their reasoning is primarily the incredibly tough schedule, with Alabama, Michigan, Ohio State, and Oregon being perceived as guaranteed losses. This leaves very few “guaranteed wins,” making it a stretch to find four more victories to hit the over. Stefan also leans under, citing the brutal schedule and a perceived lack of talent on the roster. There’s a concern that the “wheels could fall off pretty bad,” leading to a significant losing streak.
Official Play
Mike: Under 5.5
Matt: Under 5.5
USC Trojans
USC’s 2025 schedule includes significant matchups against Michigan, Iowa, Oregon, and UCLA at home, and road games at Purdue, Illinois, Notre Dame, and Nebraska. Coach Lincoln Riley is under pressure after two underwhelming seasons, but the program is described as “all-in”. The defense notably took a step forward in 2024 under D’Anton Lynn.
Key players for USC include quarterback Jayden Maiava, who has settled into the starting role. The receiving tandem of Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane is highlighted, along with incoming five-star freshman defensive lineman Jahkeem Stewart. The team also added defensive linemen from Georgia and Kentucky through the transfer portal.
Both Mike and Eric have officially bet the Over 7.5 wins for USC. They see 10 to 11 “winnable” games on the schedule, even with some tough road matchups. The belief is in Lincoln Riley’s offensive genius, Maiava’s potential, and the continued improvement of the defense, especially with new defensive line additions. While Stefan and Matt are hesitant due to tough road games and questions about Lincoln Riley’s coaching, they acknowledge the possibility of USC reaching 8 or 9 wins.
Official Play
Eric: Over 7.5
Mike: Over 7.5
Penn State Nittany Lions
Penn State’s 2025 schedule features critical home games against Oregon and Ohio State, and road games against UCLA, Iowa, Michigan State, and Rutgers. The team is described as “loaded with its best team potentially” under Coach James Franklin, having retained key players and addressed weaknesses through the transfer portal. The addition of former Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles to the staff and Andy Kotelnicki as offensive coordinator are seen as significant.
Players to watch include quarterback Drew Allar, who is expected to take “another step forward” after a solid 2024 season. Running backs Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen form what is considered the “nation’s top backfield”. Defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton is projected to be the “next star pass rusher”. The receiver room, bolstered by transfers Trebor Pena, Devonte Ross, and Kyron Hudson, needs to step up.
There are mixed opinions on Penn State’s win total. Eric is betting the Under 10.5 wins, attributing it to a “purely an anti James Franklin bet” and anticipating a loss to Ohio State plus another “classic Franklin slip-up”. Mike, however, likes Penn State to make the Big Ten Conference Championship game (+115), believing Jim Knowles’s defensive knowledge of Ohio State will be an advantage, and that the improved wide receiver corps will benefit the offense. Stefan leans under, expressing concern about the wide receiver situation despite the strong running backs and quarterback. Matt leans over, believing they will win one of their two major games and noting the interesting coordinator pairing.
Official Play
Eric: Under 10.5
Mike: to make the Big Ten Conference Championship game (+115)
Northwestern Wildcats
Northwestern’s 2025 schedule includes non-conference games against Tulane, Western Illinois, and UL Monroe. Key Big Ten opponents include home games against Oregon, UCLA, Purdue, Michigan, and Minnesota, and road games at Penn State, Nebraska, USC, and Illinois. The team finished 2024 with a 4-8 record and faces challenges related to a talent gap and academic restrictions.
Players to watch for Northwestern include SMU transfer quarterback Preston Stone, who has a chance to boost the offense. FCS standout wide receiver transfer Griffin Wilde and running back Cam Porter are also noted. The team brought in 14 portal additions, with roughly 11 expected to start, leading to uncertainty about their performance.
Eric has officially bet the Over 3.5 wins for Northwestern. His reasoning is based purely on the schedule, predicting three non-conference wins plus a win against Purdue, which would already hit the over. He also anticipates potential upsets at home on the “blowing lake front” against teams like UCLA or Minnesota, suggesting five wins is “very doable”. Mike and Stefan had no official play, expressing uncertainty given the significant roster turnover and coaching situation.
Official Play
Eric: Over 3.5
Indiana Hoosiers
Indiana’s 2025 schedule features a tougher slate than last season, including back-to-back games against Illinois, Iowa, and Oregon, and difficult road trips to Maryland and Penn State. They also face Wisconsin at home and Purdue on the road at the end of the season. The Hoosiers were a “biggest surprise” in 2024, winning 11 games and making the playoff, but Coach Curt Cignetti’s program no longer holds Cinderella status.
Key players for Indiana include California transfer quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who is seen as a “big win” in the winter portal and expected to have a “phenomenal” season. Other players to watch include receiver Elijah Sarratt, defensive stars Mikail Kamara, Aiden Fisher, and D’Angelo Ponds, and notable transfers like Roman Hemby (RB) and offensive linemen Pat Coogan, Kahlil Benson, and Zen Michalski.
Stefan has officially bet the Under 8.5 wins for Indiana. He believes the schedule is too tough, with many potential losses, and that the team lost a lot of talent and production. Despite Mendoza being a “fine quarterback,” Stefan is concerned he won’t be as effective as last year’s starter. Matt, however, leans over, citing his strong belief in Coach Cignetti as a culture builder and Mendoza’s potential, believing the scheme is set up for aggressive offense. Mike had no play due to the significant roster movement from transfers.
Official Play
Stefan: Under 8.5
Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State’s 2025 schedule includes a challenging season opener at home against Texas, followed by key Big Ten road games at Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan, and a home game against Penn State. The Buckeyes are the reigning national champion but face significant personnel turnover, needing to replace 14 starters. New coordinators, Matt Patricia on defense and Brian Hartline on offense, are tasked with adapting the team.
Key players for Ohio State include quarterback Julian Sayin, a former five-star prospect favored to start. Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith is touted as the “best wide receiver on the planet,” and safety Caleb Downs is called the “best defensive player in all of college football”. Other notables include QBs Lincoln Kienholz and Tavien St. Clair, a deep wide receiver room, and transfers like RB CJ Donaldson.
Stefan’s official play is Ohio State to win the Big Ten Conference (+190). He views Ohio State as the “best team in the country” and believes they will beat Penn State, providing value at the current odds. Matt acknowledges the team’s talent but expresses worry about replacing effectively their whole defense and the three “toss-up” games (Texas, Penn State, Michigan), suggesting a potential slow start. Mike leans over, interested to see how Matt Patricia’s defense adjusts in college football.
Official Play
Stefan: to win Big 10 Conference +190
Michigan Wolverines
Michigan’s 2025 schedule is seen as manageable, featuring non-conference games against New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Central Michigan. Key Big Ten opponents include home games against Wisconsin, Washington, Purdue, and Ohio State, and road games at USC, Michigan State, and Northwestern. Coach Sherrone Moore secured the program’s future by flipping five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood, and offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey aims to overhaul the passing game.
Key players to watch include true freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood, the No. 1 overall recruit in 2024, described as a “dynamic athlete” and “immediate upgrade”. Running backs Jordan Marshall and Justice Haynes form a “standout duo” with potential to be elite. Safety Rod Moore is expected to return after injury, serving as a key leader.
Matt Wispe is betting the Over 8.5 wins for Michigan. He believes Michigan is a “really well-run program” with a clear identity focused on running the football with a strong offensive line, which should lead to wins against teams they are supposed to beat. He sees their toss-up games as Oklahoma, USC, Washington, and Ohio State, needing to win only one to hit the over. Mike and Stefan lean under, expressing the need to “see it to believe it” with Sherrone Moore as head coach and Underwood in his freshman year. Mike is also intrigued by the week 2 road game against Oklahoma.
Official Play
Matt: Over 8.5
Oregon Ducks
Oregon’s 2025 schedule includes significant matchups against Oklahoma State, a road game at Northwestern, and home games against Oregon State and USC. They face tough Big Ten opponents such as Penn State on the road, and Iowa and Washington at home. After a perfect regular season and Big Ten title in 2024, Oregon faces a “significant roster overhaul” but is expected to remain a factor under Coach Dan Lanning.
Key players include UCLA transfer quarterback Dante Moore, who is ready to take control of the offense and has elite talent. Running back transfer Makhi Hughes from Tulane and true freshman receiver Dakorien Moore are also highlighted. Edge rusher Matayo Uiagalelei is considered one of the Big Ten’s top returning edge players, and Purdue safety transfer Dillon Thieneman is a “key cog” for the defense.
Matt Wispe is betting the Over 10.5 wins for Oregon. He is confident in Oregon’s scheme, which should lead to a strong offense, and believes they have the “best defense in the country”. He points to a relatively favorable early schedule before the Penn State game, which is seen as their “one true toss-up”. Stefan also leans over, despite some nervousness about Dante Moore and the loss of skill position players, acknowledging the tough games against Penn State and Washington. Mike is a “Dan Lanning fanboy” and is optimistic about Oregon’s ability to fill departures with talent
Official Play
Matt: Over 10.5