The Big Ten non-conference slates have made their way into the spotlight. The last two national champions came from the conference that just so happened to have weak out-of-conference slates, oddly enough. This year, it was difficult to parse through the various schedules to pick the easiest in the Big Ten. The most difficult schedules, however, have one obvious team at the top.
We looked at ESPN‘s Bill Connelly’s SP+ rating and averaged out the preseason rankings. They are not the end-all, be-all, as one really bad team can drag the average down, but it’s a suggestion.
Note: “Most Difficult” is not to be confused with “this team will lose.” It’s all relative.
The Most Difficult Big Ten Non-Conference Schedules for 2025
1. Oregon: vs. Montana State (FCS), vs. Oklahoma State, vs. Oregon State
The most difficult of the Big Ten non-conference schedules belongs to Oregon. Despite not having any marquee matchups like plenty of its peers, Oregon doesn’t face a team ranked below 80 in Connelly’s preseason rankings. The Ducks are looking to reload quickly after last year’s Big Ten Championship-winning season.
Montana State is expected to be one of the best teams at the FCS level. The Bobcats are ranked second in both the FCS Coaches Poll and HERO Sports’ poll. Oregon won the only matchup between the two in 1947. As for Oklahoma State, the Ducks won the only previous matchup in 2008. Then, there’s “The Civil War.” Oregon and Oregon State have faced off 125 times. The Ducks own a 67-48-10 advantage.
2. UCLA: vs. Utah, at UNLV, vs. New Mexico
UCLA also doesn’t have a marquee matchup, but the Bruins get bonus points for being one of the 10 programs without an FCS team on the schedule. Year two of the DeShaun Foster era is going to be an interesting one for the Bruins. New quarterback Nico Iamaleava will be out to show the hype was real at Tennessee, and the matchup against Utah to kick off the year could be a great springboard.
Utah and UCLA have faced off 21 times in the short time the two shared a conference. The Bruins own a 12-9 advantage over the Utes. UCLA has also won both past matchups with UNLV and won the only matchup with New Mexico.
3. Ohio State: vs. Texas, vs. Grambling State (FCS), vs. Ohio
The defending champs had a much easier route last year. Even then, Ohio State rode that to a 14-2 record and a ninth title in program history. Now, the Buckeyes must reload by replacing 14 NFL Draft picks. Thankfully, they have the top offensive and defensive players in the country.
The marquee matchup is a rematch from last year’s Cotton Bowl. That win evened up the all-time series at two apiece. As for Grambling, this year’s matchup will be the first between the two programs. Finally, despite being separated by 80 miles, the Buckeyes and Bobcats have only played six times, with Ohio State winning each time.
4. Wisconsin: vs. Miami (OH), vs. Middle Tennessee State, at Alabama
The Wisconsin Badgers will return to the run game after attempting to spread it out last year. Luke Fickell could be on the hot seat and is facing a rough Big Ten slate to go with the fourth-toughest non-conference schedule. Seriously, Wisconsin plays Michigan, Ohio State, Iowa, Oregon, Maryland, Illinois, Indiana, and Minnesota.
The Miami Redhawks have consistently been one of the better MAC programs, but it’s still the MAC. Wisconsin won the only other matchup between the two. This year’s game against Middle Tennessee State will be the first in Wisconsin history. Finally, the marquee matchup is a trip to Tuscaloosa. Wisconsin won the first matchup back in 1924, but Alabama won the next two. Most recently, the Crimson Tide prevailed last year at Camp Randall, 42-10.
5. USC: vs. Missouri State, vs. Georgia Southern, at Notre Dame
Another coach who could be on the hot seat is Lincoln Riley. During his time at USC, the Trojans have not returned to the level that people expect from USC. Another program without an FCS team, the Trojans have one of the more difficult paths among the Big Ten non-conference schedules.
Welcome to the FBS level, Missouri State. Your first game after the promotion is at the LA Coliseum. This will be the first time the Trojans and Bears will face off. As for Georgia Southern, USC has never faced the Eagles before this year, either. Then, a trip to South Bend awaits on October 18. As one of the most storied rivalries in college football, USC and Notre Dame have faced off 94 times, but the Irish hold a 52-37-5 edge.
The Next Four
6. Purdue: vs. Ball State, vs. Southern Illinois, at Notre Dame
7. Michigan: vs. New Mexico, at Oklahoma, vs Central Michigan
8. Illinois: vs Western Illinois (FCS), at Duke, vs Western Michigan
9. Iowa: vs Albany (FCS), at Iowa State, vs UMass
Main Photo: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
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