Big Ten Power Rankings after Week 2: Ohio State improves while Michigan slips to all-time low

The Big Ten is shaping up to be an intriguing conference to keep an eye on in 2024. The addition of USC, UCLA, Oregon and Washington has injected new excitement and energy into the league, raising the stakes and intensifying competition across the board.

Following another exciting week of conference action, here’s a look at the Big Ten power rankings after Week 2.

Big Ten power rankings after College Football Week 2

#1. Ohio State, 2-0

Ohio State recorded another blowout win on Saturday against Western Michigan, marking a perfect start to 2024. It was another game where the Buckeyes topped 50 points after achieving that feat in Week 1 against Akron. They welcome Marshall to Columbus in Week 3.

#2. Penn State, 2-0

Penn State looks to finally win the Big Ten championship this season after being a contender in the conference over the years. The Nittany Lions recorded a hard-fought win against Bowling Green in Week 2 as they welcome Kent State in their Week 3 schedule.

#3. USC, 2-0

USC had many doubts ahead of their first season in the Big Ten. However, following their win against LSU in Week 1 and Utah State in Week 2, the Trojans performed beyond expectations. They face a tough test in Week 3 as they travel to Ann Arbor to play Michigan.

#4. Oregon, 2-0

Oregon entered the season with a lot of anticipation as they transitioned into the Big Ten. The Ducks had a brilliant start to their season, recording wins against Idaho in Week 1 and Boise State in Week 2. While they are still trying to find their rhythm this season, they play Oregon State in Week 3.

#5. Michigan, 1-1

Michigan started the season on a brilliant note. However, the national defending champion fell to Texas in Ann Arbor in Week 2, marking the first regular season loss in three seasons. The Wolverines will look to bounce back in Week 3 when they come up against Arkansas State.

#6. Washington, 2-0

Washington has been able to maintain a brilliant start to life in the Big Ten despite the changes that have occurred in the program since last season. The Huskies secured a win in Week 2 against Eastern Michigan and will welcome in-state rival Washington State in Week 3.

#7. Nebraska, 2-0

Nebraska has proven to be a revamped program with the presence of true freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola. The Cornhuskers defeated Deion Sanders’ Colorado Buffaloes in Week 2 with a brilliant performance from their QB. They play Northern Iowa in Lincoln next in Week 3.

#8. Indiana, 2-0

Indiana’s start to the 2024 college football season has been a brilliant one. The Hoosiers blew out in-state rival Western Illinois last weekend. They play against Big Ten newcomer UCLA next in Week 3.

#9. Michigan State, 2-0

Michigan State opened the season with a win over FAU in Week 1 and followed with a Week 2 victory against Maryland. The Spartans' strong start sets a positive tone for the season and they will hope to keep the momentum in Week 3 when they welcome Prairie View to East Lansing.

#10. Iowa, 1-1

Iowa suffered a shocking defeat to in-state rival Iowa State in Week 2 as the Cyclones came from behind to secure a one-point win. This halted the momentum gained from the Hawkeyes' season-opening 40-0 win against Illinois State. They hope to bounce back against Troy in Week 3.

#11. Illinois, 2-0

Illinois got a big win over Kansas on Saturday to maintain their perfect start to the new college football season. The Fighting Illini opened the season with a win against Eastern Illinois and will hope to continue that against Central Michigan in Week 3.

#12. Wisconsin, 2-0

Wisconsin has had a confident start to 2024 after defeating Western Michigan in Week 1 and South Dakota in Week 2. However, a big test comes the Badgers' way in Week 3 as they host Alabama at Camp Randall Stadium.

#13. Maryland, 1-1

Maryland suffered a disappointing defeat in Week 2 against Michigan State. This came after the dominant win against UConn in Week 1. The Terrapins will look to get back on track when they play Virginia in Week 3.

#14. Rutgers, 2-0

Rutgers secured a blowout win against Akron on Saturday to mark a brilliant start to the season. It's the first time in history the Scarlet Knights scored more than 40 points in their first two games of the season. They are on bye in Week 3.

#15. Purdue, 1-0

Purdue was on a bye last weekend and will look to get back to winning ways in Week 3 after defeating Indiana State in their season opener. The Boilermakers face a big test against the wounded Notre Dame in Week 3.

#16. Minnesota, 1-1

Minnesota bounced back and returned to form with a solid performance against Rhode Island. Following a late stumble against North Carolina in Week 1, the victory helped the Golden Gophers regain momentum before facing Nevada in Week 3.

#17. UCLA, 1-0

UCLA was on a bye in Week 2 following the win in the season opener against Hawaii. The Bruins – new to the Big Ten – will look to get things going in Week 3 when they square up against Indiana.

#18. Northwestern, 1-1

Northwestern suffered defeat against Duke in double overtime on Saturday, after the Wildcats' win against Miami (OH) in Week 1. They face Eastern Illinois in Week 3.