Big Ten teams face a significant test of their capabilities this week after opening with weak nonconference opponents. Conference play begins for fifteen of the league's eighteen squads, including undefeated Washington, who will take on Minnesota at home. Both teams enter the matchup seeking to demonstrate their strength following unimpressive early-season performances.
Washington enters this contest with unresolved questions regarding its offense, despite previous narrow victories over Washington State and Utah State. The team then defeated a struggling Eastern Washington program last week. The offense faces uncertainty regarding the development of a running game after losing its top three rushers. Additionally, there are questions about whether the young offensive line can generate better push and if the quarterback is capable of carrying the offense. The receiving corps must also prove it contains playmakers rather than just recruits.
Addressing issues with the offensive line would assist freshman running backs Brian Bonner Jr. and Ansu Sanoe, along with sixth-year senior Trey Cooley. These three have been pressed into service due to long-term injuries suffered by Quaid Carr, Jayden Limar, and Jordan Washington. The offensive line, which currently features eighteen-year-olds Kodi Greene and John Mills at left tackle and left guard, expects the return of senior center Landen Hatchett this week. Having the unit at full strength and playing to its potential would resolve many of Washington's problems.
A functional running game would enable the quarterback to create more opportunities through the air. Demond Williams Jr. currently leads the team with 150 rushing yards and can create space for backs with his dual-threat abilities.
The receiving corps suffered an immediate setback when Christian Moss was injured in the opener after transferring from Kennesaw State. The sixth-year pass catcher is likely to miss several months. Dezmen Roebuck emerged as a primary target in the win over Eastern, catching nine passes on nine targets. Rashid Williams also performed well upon returning from a missed game against Utah State. The unit will require contributions from true freshmen Jordan Clay, Trez Walker, and Mason James, all of whom have shown potential early in the season.
On defense, the Huskies must avoid undisciplined play that has plagued the unit despite expectations for a strong season. Washington has committed nine personal fouls this season, with eight coming from defenders. Second-year defensive coordinator Ryan Walters stated on Tuesday that he has seen enough of that behavior. A larger concern involves the lack of discipline causing defenders to move out of gaps and make other mental errors.
A head coach emphasized that while the sport demands physicality and intensity, players must remain disciplined within the rules, noting that emotional control is essential. He stated that his staff and he believe these attributes can coexist, asserting that a player fails to fulfill their role if they do not balance aggression with discipline. The coach added that there must be consequences for undisciplined choices, as the nature of the game is confrontational but requires adherence to established frameworks.
Big Ten Predictions
Howard (1-2) +43.5 at Rutgers (0-3) 4:30 p.m., Friday, Big Ten Network
Following a 55-0 defeat at Indiana where the team covered a 56.5-point spread, the selection favors the host. Prediction: Rutgers 49, Howard 8
Northwestern (2-0 overall, 0-0 Big Ten) +21 at No. 5 Indiana (3-0, 0-0) 5 p.m. Friday, FOX
Indiana has underperformed against the spread despite outscoring non-conference opponents North Texas, Howard, and Western Kentucky by a combined 145-16. Northwestern has covered its spreads, including a 41-7 victory over Colorado. However, the margin of victory is expected to be closer than three touchdowns. Prediction: Indiana 42, Northwestern 15
Illinois (2-1, 0-0) +27.5 at No. 7 Ohio State (2-1, 0-0) 9 a.m., FOX
Illinois has declined from a College Football Playoff contender to a team aiming for a bowl berth over the past year. Prediction: Ohio State 38, Illinois 10
UCLA (3-0, 1-0) -1.5 at Maryland (2-1, 0-0) 10:30 a.m., BTN
The head coach demonstrated success against Cal and now faces a struggling Eastern opponent after allowing 38 points to Purdue at home. With a matchup against Oregon approaching, this game presents a potential scheduling challenge. Prediction: Maryland 24, UCLA 21
No. 3 Notre Dame (3-0) -27.5 at Purdue (1-2) 11 a.m., Peacock
Purdue exhibits a defensive style this season that is expected to result in a 2-10 record, yet the team is projected to score enough points to cover the spread. Prediction: Notre Dame 37, Purdue 17
No. 17 Iowa (3-0, 0-0) +5.5 at No. 18 Michigan (3-0, 0-0) 12:30 p.m., CBS
This matchup between two top-20 teams appears close, with the outcome potentially hinging on kicking performance. Kicker Caden Buhr, who successfully converted 45- and 42-yard field goals against Iowa State, including a game-winner, is favored. Prediction: Iowa 16, Michigan 13
Wisconsin (2-1, 0-0) +10 at No. 13 Penn State (3-0, 0-0) 2 p.m., Peacock
New Penn State head coach Matt Campbell faces a difficult test to establish his identity distinct from his predecessor. Although the atmosphere will not be as intense as a previous whiteout game, the Nittany Lions are expected to secure a standard victory. Prediction: Penn State 27, Wisconsin 20
Nebraska (3-0, 0-0) -5.5 at Michigan State (2-1, 0-0) 2 p.m., BTN
The Cornhuskers face a challenging contest as the Spartans, who showed resilience against Notre Dame, have yet to test Nebraska against a significant opponent. Prediction: Michigan State 21, Nebraska 20
No. 20 Oregon (2-1, 0-0) -3 at No. 12 USC (4-0, 1-0) 4:30 p.m.
This matchup represents one of the most consequential early-season contests on the national slate. USC enters with heightened stakes, as head coach Lincoln Riley faces mounting pressure; a third consecutive defeat to the Ducks would intensify scrutiny significantly. The Trojans have struggled recently, including a surprising 35-point concession to Rutgers in their last outing.
Oregon, riding a four-game win streak against USC since 2016, carries championship expectations into the Pac-12 race and beyond. A loss here could place their 2026 national title aspirations in jeopardy. The Ducks also still have a marquee road test remaining at seventh-ranked Ohio State.
For Oregon, this game also serves as a litmus test for head coach Dan Lanning’s ability to deliver on national stages. While Lanning has built a strong foundation, skepticism remains about whether he can guide the program to its ultimate goal. In contrast, Riley’s recent performances have not allayed concerns about his team’s resilience in high-pressure moments.
Forecast: Oregon 42, USC 38
Minnesota (2-1, 0-0) +10 at Washington (3-0, 0-0)
The Golden Gophers bring a proven playmaker under center in third-year quarterback Drake Lindsey. The 6-foot-5 arm has drawn attention from NFL scouts as a projected early-to-mid-round selection. His strong arm and command of the offense present a significant challenge for a Washington secondary that may be missing starting cornerback Emmanuel Karley, whose availability remains uncertain after Thursday’s injury report.
Defensively, the Gophers are anchored by fifth-year senior Anthony Smith, last season’s Big Ten sacks leader with 12.5. His presence anchors a unit that offers veteran experience, though not necessarily elite depth or talent.
The game offers clarity on whether Washington can fulfill its preseason billing as a College Football Playoff contender or settles instead as a competitive but middle-tier Big Ten squad. Injuries and youth have introduced some doubt, but home-field advantage and overall depth should carry the Huskies through.
Forecast: Washington 24, Minnesota 17
Big Ten Picks Records Last week: 16–0 straight up, 7–8–1 against the spread Overall: 141–7, 18–28–2 ATS
Huskies preseason forecasts: 3–0, 0–3 ATS Huskies weekly projections: 3–0, 1–2 ATS