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USA Today
4 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Big Ten football 2025 win-loss record predictions, per ESPN's FPI
Big Ten football 2025 win-loss record predictions, per ESPN's FPI The 2025 Big Ten football season continues to draw closer. As of June 7, only 82 days remain until Rutgers, Minnesota and Wisconsin kick off their Week 1 games on Thursday, August 28. We continue to pass important offseason milestones as we count down the days until the season begins. The latest milestone is the release of season power rating metrics, specifically ESPN's SP+ and Football Power Index. Once those numbers are released and updated through the spring, the countdown to the upcoming season can truly begin. This topic is timely because ESPN released its FPI for the 2025 season earlier this week. With SP+ already out, we now have a full picture of what to expect when the games kick off. As a reminder, here is how ESPN describes the methodology behind its Football Power Index. The Football Power Index (FPI) is a measure of team strength that is meant to be the best predictor of a team's performance going forward for the rest of the season. FPI represents how many points above or below average a team is. Projected results are based on 20,000 simulations of the rest of the season using FPI, results to date, and the remaining schedule. Ratings and projections update daily. FPI data from seasons prior to 2019 may not be complete. That picture is both sport-wide and conference-specific. While it's valuable to compare the Big Ten's best to the top teams in the SEC, Big 12 and ACC, it's also important to focus on how the 18 Big Ten members line up. For that specific lineup, here are ESPN's FPI's record predictions for every Big Ten football team in 2025, ordered from lowest to highest. They're also compared with our recent win-loss projections for each team after spring practice. Purdue Boilermakers FPI Projected Win-Loss Record: 3.2 - 8.8 FPI Rating: -6.9 (No. 92 overall) Purdue enters 2025 with low expectations. New coach Barry Odom won't have much trouble improving on the team's 1-11 2024 campaign. But anything more than three wins would be surprising. The FPI gives the Boilermakers only a 6.3% chance to make a bowl game Northwestern Wildcats FPI Projected Win-Loss Record: 4.1 - 7.9 Badgers Wire Record Prediction: 3-9 FPI Rating: -3.6 (No. 74 overall) Northwestern forms the Big Ten's bottom tier with Purdue. David Braun was the conference's coach of the year just two years ago after leading the Wildcats to an 8-5 record in his first year in charge. 2024's 4-8 output created questions about the sustainability of that success. The FPI sees a repeat of that performance in 2025. Michigan State Spartans FPI Projected Win-Loss Record: 5.2 - 6.8 Badgers Wire Record Prediction: 6-6 FPI Rating: 2.3 (No. 59 overall) Michigan State needs to build momentum somehow, whether on the field or the recruiting trail. Since the latter is not happening at the moment, Jonathan Smith will need to show significant improvement when the team takes the field for his second year in charge. The FPI gives the Spartans a 42.4% chance to reach a bowl game and quiet the outside noise. Get more (Michigan State) news, analysis and opinions on Spartans Wire UCLA Bruins FPI Projected Win-Loss Record: 5.4 - 6.6 Badgers Wire Record Prediction: 8-4 FPI Rating: 4.6 (No. 47 overall) UCLA is one of our breakthrough picks in 2025. The FPI disagrees, forecasting another fringe-bowl season for the program. Tennessee transfer QB Nico Iamaleava will have a significant say in the season's result. Get more (UCLA) news, analysis and opinions on UCLA Wire Wisconsin Badgers FPI Projected Win-Loss Record: 5.6 - 6.5 Badgers Wire Record Prediction: 6-6 FPI Rating: 6.3 (No. 38 overall) Wisconsin is not far down this list due to a lack of quality -- the team holds a top-40 ranking entering the year. It is instead due to a gauntlet schedule that includes games against the FPI's No. 3 (Alabama), No. 4 (Ohio State), No. 6 (Oregon), No. 17 (Michigan), No. 27 (Washington), No. 31 (Indiana) and No. 39 (Iowa) teams. The Badgers would do extremely well to make a bowl game, something the FPI gives them a 51.1% chance to do. Rutgers Scarlet Knights FPI Projected Win-Loss Record: 5.8 - 6.2 Badgers Wire Record Prediction: 4-8 FPI Rating: 3.5 (No. 55 overall) The FPI gives Rutgers a 57.1% chance to extend its bowl streak to three seasons. We're less optimistic about the team's chances after it lost numerous defensive starters and contributors to the portal or graduation. Maryland Terrapins FPI Projected Win-Loss Record: 5.9 - 6.1 Badgers Wire Record Prediction: 5-7 FPI Rating: 1.9 (No. 61 overall) Mike Locksley might need a bowl-eligible season to keep his job. Maryland just hired a new athletic director, which only heightens questions surrounding the program after its 4-8 record last season. The FPI gives it a 59% chance to reach the postseason, thanks in part to an easy nonconference slate. Iowa Hawkeyes FPI Projected Win-Loss Record: 6.2 - 5.8 Badgers Wire Record Prediction: 7-5 FPI Rating: 6.3 (No. 39 overall) Iowa can be projected as a fringe-six-win team entering 2025, but history matters. The Hawkeyes haven't won fewer than seven games in any non-COVID season since 2012, and only once since 2000. Given that trend, I'll comfortably predict another seven or eight-win campaign. Get more (Iowa) news, analysis and opinions on Hawkeyes Wire Illinois Fighting Illini FPI Projected Win-Loss Record: 6.8 - 5.2 Badgers Wire Record Prediction: 10-2 FPI Rating: 5.0 (No. 44 overall) Unlike most other metrics and ranking systems, the FPI is low on Illinois entering 2025. A mid-40s ranking leads to a 7-5 record projection. We see a breakthrough season for the program, potentially leading to a College Football Playoff appearance. Minnesota Golden Gophers FPI Projected Win-Loss Record: 6.9 - 5.2 Badgers Wire Record Prediction: 7-5 FPI Rating: 5.2 (No. 43 overall) Minnesota is beginning to enter the Iowa tier of the conference, where seven wins feels like an annual occurrence. The FPI gives the Golden Gophers a 79.2% chance to reach a bowl game and a longshot 4.3% chance to reach the CFP. Washington Huskies FPI Projected Win-Loss Record: 7.1 - 4.9 Badgers Wire Record Prediction: 8-4 FPI Rating: 8.8 (No. 27 overall) Washington is another of our breakthrough picks in 2025, especially if young quarterback Demond Williams Jr. pans out. The FPI agrees, slotting the Huskies as a fringe-top-25 team. The schedule is a challenge, but don't be surprised if Washington threatens a playoff spot this season. Get more (Washington) news, analysis and opinions on Huskies Wire Indiana Hoosiers FPI Projected Win-Loss Record: 7.5 - 4.5 Badgers Wire Record Prediction: 6-6 FPI Rating: 8.3 (No. 31 overall) Indiana is an interesting test case entering 2025. The team lost significant production off a stellar 2024 team. However, coach Curt Cignetti proved last year that he doesn't need years of continuity to win at a high level. The FPI gives the Hoosiers an 87.5% chance to reach a bowl game and an 8.9% shot to return to the CFP. Nebraska Cornhuskers FPI Projected Win-Loss Record: 7.5 - 4.5 Badgers Wire Record Prediction: 8-4 FPI Rating: 9.3 (No. 25 overall) Projections are high on Nebraska entering the season. The Cornhuskers are the FPI's sixth-highest-ranked Big Ten team, with a 1.5% chance to win the conference title. The team's success, or lack thereof, will come down to the development of sophomore quarterback Dylan Raiola, who showed flashes during his true freshman season. Get more (Nebraska) news, analysis and opinions on Cornhuskers Wire USC Trojans FPI Projected Win-Loss Record: 8.3 - 3.9 Badgers Wire Record Prediction: 8-4 FPI Rating: 13.0 (No. 19 overall) USC always finds itself near the top of the FPI. The metric gives the Trojans a whopping 21% chance to make the CFP and a 4.2% shot to win the Big Ten. Remember, those numbers are for a program that is just 15-11 over the last two seasons. Get more (USC) news, analysis and opinions on Trojans Wire Michigan Wolverines FPI Projected Win-Loss Record: 8.4 - 3.7 Badgers Wire Record Prediction: 9-3 FPI Rating: 14.6 (No. 17 overall) The question surrounding Michigan entering 2025 isn't whether the team will be good. The question is whether it is good enough to contend for the Big Ten and reach the CFP. The FPI's prediction is a bit measured, giving the Wolverines a 25.3% chance to reach the CFP and 6% shot to win the conference. Get more (Michigan) news, analysis and opinions on Wolverines Wire Oregon Ducks FPI Projected Win-Loss Record: 10.0 - 2.4 Badgers Wire Record Prediction: 9-3 FPI Rating: 20.5 (No. 6 overall) Oregon begins the Big Ten's top tier entering 2025. That tier mirrors the 2024 standings, which doesn't come as a surprise. The Ducks are an odds-on favorite to return to the CFP (57.5%), with a 4.3% shot to win the national title. Get more (Oregon) news, analysis and opinions on Ducks Wire Penn State Nittany Lions FPI Projected Win-Loss Record: 10.2 - 2.2 Badgers Wire Record Prediction: 11-1 FPI Rating: 21.5 (No. 5 overall) Penn State finally broke through in 2024. With it returning its starting quarterback and its two star running backs, expectations are even higher entering 2025. The FPI gives the Nittany Lions a 25.1% shot to win the Big Ten, a 63.8% chance to return to the CFP, a 14.4% chance to, unlike last season, reach the national title game and a 7% chance to win it. Get more (Penn State) news, analysis and opinions on Nittany Lions Wire Ohio State Buckeyes FPI Projected Win-Loss Record: 10.4 - 2.2 Badgers Wire Record Prediction: 10-2 FPI Rating: 23.8 (No. 4 overall) The only numbers that matter for Ohio State are its win-loss result against Michigan, which it hasn't defeated in a half-decade, and its chance to win the national title. The FPI has the latter at 10.8% entering the year, tied for the third-shortest with Alabama. Only Texas (24.1%) and Georgia (17.9%) have better odds. Get more (Ohio State) news, analysis and opinions on Buckeyes Wire Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
PIMCO Bond Manager Says Securitized Credit Remains Appealing
Securitized credit is popular with active bond fund managers. That may make it seem like a crowded trade, but David Braun, portfolio manager of PIMCO Active Bond ETF (BOND), said the space is big enough and valuable enough to overweight the sector. The $5.5 billion bond ETF's mission is to beat the Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond index with a directive on monthly income, which makes it slightly different than most Pimco funds that focus on total return. Securitized credit by market value compromises 60.7% of BOND, with agency mortgages, such as those issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the biggest weight in that allocation. He said the nominal yield of current coupon agency mortgages is above the investment grade corporate bond index, the opposite of usual. Agency mortgages are higher quality, rated AA versus corporate bond index's BBB to A-minus and are more liquid. 'And you're getting the same or better spread. So, we think that's a great trade,' he said. BOND is also overweight non-agency mortgages, which don't have the government guarantee, AAA-tranche of collateralized loan obligations and consumer asset-backed mortgages, such as credit-card loans and auto loans. BOND also has a small holding in non-agency commercial mortgage-backed securities, buying in that space selectively. High interest-rate volatility has dampened some enthusiasm for agency debt, and some investors continue to shy away from CMBS over worries about office and retail space, he said. However, these two asset classes are more attractive than investment-grade corporate bonds on a risk-adjusted view given a backdrop of likely slowing U.S. growth, corporate bonds' high valuations and continued uncertainty, he said, adding that the portfolio is positioned for resilience. 'We think diversifying in those five securitized sectors is a heck of a lot more intelligent from a risk-reward perspective than adding yield and income via just buying more triple-B corporates or high-yield corporates,' he said. BOND's allocation to corporate bonds and corporate spread duration is the lowest since Braun took over the strategy in 2017, at 22.8% by market value, he explained. The few corporate bonds in the portfolio are mostly financials, specifically systemically important banks in the U.S. and abroad. BOND's portfolio is slightly overweight duration—which measures interest-rate sensitivity—at 6.45 years, versus the Aggregate bond index. Braun said rates are attractive at this point. He also thinks the steepening between the two- and 10-year yield curve is healthy after being inverted for so long. The fund was positioned for that steepening and, he said, bond investors will benefit because roll-down comes back into play as it rolls down an upward sloping yield curve. 'The investor should get a higher total return than just their yield. Because you're rolling down to a lower rate, you get some capital appreciation as you roll down a curve,' he | © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved Sign in to access your portfolio
USA Today
6 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Big Ten football power rankings for 2025 season, per ESPN's FPI
Big Ten football power rankings for 2025 season, per ESPN's FPI Another notable college football offseason domino fell earlier this week when ESPN released its updated Football Power Index for the upcoming season. When compared to ESPN's SP+ and other rating metrics, FPI's release continues to develop a comprehensive look at the upcoming season, judging each team based on its perceived quality. As a reminder, here is how ESPN describes the metric's methodology. The Football Power Index (FPI) is a measure of team strength that is meant to be the best predictor of a team's performance going forward for the rest of the season. FPI represents how many points above or below average a team is. Projected results are based on 20,000 simulations of the rest of the season using FPI, results to date, and the remaining schedule. Ratings and projections update daily. FPI data from seasons prior to 2019 may not be complete. More specifically, June 2's FPI release gives us yet another projection of the 2025 Big Ten season, complete with each team's percent chance to win the conference and/or reach the College Football Playoff. Here is that projection, which is notably skeptical of one consensus Cinderella contender. 18. Purdue Boilermakers FPI Rating: -6.9 (No. 92 overall) Projected Win-Loss: 3.2 - 8.8 % Chance to Win Big Ten: 0.0 % Chance to Make CFP: 0.0 Purdue has a measured outlook entering 2025. Given the circumstances of the full roster and program overhaul after a 1-11 2024 season, even a three-win season would mark a step in the right direction. Barry Odom excelled at UNLV. He now faces a tough situation in West Lafayette. 17. Northwestern Wildcats FPI Rating: -3.6 (No. 74 overall) Projected Win-Loss: 4.1 - 7.9 % Chance to Win Big Ten: 0.0 % Chance to Make CFP: 0.0 Northwestern and Purdue mark the Big Ten's clear bottom tier entering 2025. The Wildcats even did well to win four games last year, given a near Football Bowl Subdivision-worst offense (No. 128 of 134) and below-average defense (No. 79 of 134). 2025 is a critical year for head coach David Braun to prove that 2023's 8-5 output was not an anomaly. 16. Maryland Terrapins FPI Rating: 1.9 (No. 61 overall) Projected Win-Loss: 5.9 - 6.1 % Chance to Win Big Ten: 0.2 % Chance to Make CFP: 1.3 Maryland should be in striking range of a bowl trip in 2025, according to FPI. A postseason bid would stabilize a program that appears to be regressing after a 4-8 finish in 2024. Toss-up games against Rutgers and Michigan State could decide that bowl fate. 15. Michigan State Spartans FPI Rating: 2.3 (No. 59 overall) Projected Win-Loss: 5.2 - 6.8 % Chance to Win Big Ten: 0.1 % Chance to Make CFP: 1.0 Michigan State should have a much higher ceiling than a top-60 team in the country, especially given the potential of underclassman quarterback Aidan Chiles. Spartans fans will be on the edge of their seats entering the year, however, given the team's 5-7 finish in 2024 and current recruiting struggles. Get more (Michigan State) news, analysis and opinions on Spartans Wire 14. Rutgers Scarlet Knights FPI Rating: 3.5 (No. 55 overall) Projected Win-Loss: 5.8 - 6.2 % Chance to Win Big Ten: 0.1 % Chance to Make CFP: 1.7 Rutgers' streak of two consecutive bowl trips and three in four years could come to an end in 2025. The team was forced to rebuild most of its defense after a senior-heavy group moved on after the 2024 season. With quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis leading a low-risk, low-reward offense, a 6-6 finish would be a major win. 13. UCLA Bruins FPI Rating: 4.6 (No. 47 overall) Projected Win-Loss: 5.4 - 6.6 % Chance to Win Big Ten: 0.1 % Chance to Make CFP: 1.9 UCLA may be a bit underrated by FPI. After the team showed well against a gauntlet schedule in 2024, head coach DeShaun Foster and his staff got a full offseason of roster movement, headlined by the addition of former Tennessee starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava. Foster had to scramble after taking over for Chip Kelly in February of last year. More continuity and a manageable schedule could lead to a breakthrough season. Get more (UCLA) news, analysis and opinions on UCLA Wire 12. Illinois Fighting Illini FPI Rating: 5.0 (No. 44 overall) Projected Win-Loss: 6.8 - 5.2 % Chance to Win Big Ten: 0.6 % Chance to Make CFP: 3.8 This is one spot where FPI significantly differs from other rankings and preseason projections. Illinois is a popular College Football Playoff pick. The team returns most of a group that finished 2024 with double-digit wins, plus is set to face a manageable schedule. All signs point toward a much better finish than mid-40s nationally and No. 13 in the Big Ten. 11. Minnesota Golden Gophers FPI Rating: 5.2 (No. 43 overall) Projected Win-Loss: 6.9 - 5.2 % Chance to Win Big Ten: 0.3 % Chance to Make CFP: 4.3 A 7-5 finish and mid-40s ranking would be more of the same for Minnesota. The program has made a bowl game in each of the last six non-COVID seasons. At the same time, it has surpassed 10 wins only once during that time (11 wins in 2019). Unless redshirt freshman quarterback Drake Lindsey breaks out unexpectedly, seven or eight wins seem likely. 10. Iowa Hawkeyes FPI Rating: 6.3 (No. 39 overall) Projected Win-Loss: 6.2 - 5.8 % Chance to Win Big Ten: 0.6 % Chance to Make CFP: 3.7 The Big Ten impressively boasts 10 teams within the nation's top 40. Iowa is a write-in for that category every year, regardless of the team's specific makeup. It put all its chips into Football Championship Subdivision transfer quarterback Mark Gronowski this offseason. If he hits, the Hawkeyes could return to a 10-win mark. Get more (Iowa) news, analysis and opinions on Hawkeyes Wire 9. Wisconsin Badgers FPI Rating: 6.3 (No. 38 overall) Projected Win-Loss: 5.6 - 6.5 % Chance to Win Big Ten: 0.4 % Chance to Make CFP: 2.6 This is where team quality shouldn't be confused with record and resume. Wisconsin could very well be a better team than it's been over the last two years under Luke Fickell. But given a schedule that ranks among the toughest in the sport, a bowl trip would feel like a major win. 8. Indiana Hoosiers FPI Rating: 8.3 (No. 31 overall) Projected Win-Loss: 7.5 - 4.5 % Chance to Win Big Ten: 0.9 % Chance to Make CFP: 8.9 File FPI into the group of metrics that are predicting a bit of a regression from Indiana in 2025. Most agree that the Hoosiers' 11-win 2024 season will be tough to replicate, given the team's schedule alone. The better question is, how high is Indiana's floor under Curt Cignetti? Another nine-win season could seriously change how we view the program. 7. Washington Huskies FPI Rating: 8.8 (No. 27 overall) Projected Win-Loss: 7.1 - 4.9 % Chance to Win Big Ten: 0.8 % Chance to Make CFP: 8.1 Washington is a team to watch in 2025. Like UCLA, the Huskies will benefit from a full year of roster improvement and overall continuity. Washington head coach Jedd Fisch was thrust into a challenging situation last offseason after Kalen DeBoer left for the Alabama job. His team then showed significant promise through the 2024 campaign. Young quarterback Demond Williams Jr. should headline lists of breakout candidates for 2025. Get more (Washington) news, analysis and opinions on Huskies Wire 6. Nebraska Cornhuskers FPI Rating: 9.3 (No. 25 overall) Projected Win-Loss: 7.5 - 4.5 % Chance to Win Big Ten: 1.5 % Chance to Make CFP: 10.3 It isn't a proper college football offseason without high expectations for Nebraska. The team returns 61% of production from a 2024 group that broke the program's extended bowl drought. Its 2025 chances rest on the arm of sophomore quarterback Dylan Raiola, who will need to live up to his five-star billing. More than a 10% chance to reach the CFP feels a bit steep. Get more (Nebraska) news, analysis and opinions on Cornhuskers Wire 5. USC Trojans FPI Rating: 13.0 (No. 19 overall) Projected Win-Loss: 8.3 - 3.9 % Chance to Win Big Ten: 4.2 % Chance to Make CFP: 21.0 USC is a high-ceiling, low-floor team in 2025. If its defense takes a major step forward in year two under top coordinator D'Anton Lynn, and if Lincoln Riley develops another NFL passer, the team could contend for the conference. As we saw in 2024, it could also very well be on the fringe of bowl eligibility. Given the program's recent momentum, more signs point to the former. Get more (USC) news, analysis and opinions on Trojans Wire 4. Michigan Wolverines FPI Rating: 14.6 (No. 17 overall) Projected Win-Loss: 8.4 - 3.7 % Chance to Win Big Ten: 6.0 % Chance to Make CFP: 25.3 Michigan is in a tier by itself. It's a bona fide CFP and conference title contender, though it falls far below the conference's top three teams. Quarterback play will decide the Wolverines' fate, especially if five-star freshman Bryce Underwood is under center. Get more (Michigan) news, analysis and opinions on Wolverines Wire 3. Oregon Ducks FPI Rating: 20.5 (No. 6 overall) Projected Win-Loss: 10.0 - 2.4 % Chance to Win Big Ten: 19.1 % Chance to Make CFP: 57.5 Oregon will have a tough time repeating as Big Ten champion. The team lost numerous top contributors from its stellar 2024 team. It now returns just 43% of production (No. 104 in the nation). While the number does not automatically mean a regression, it makes Oregon a team to monitor as the season continues. The Ducks will still be a CFP contender, but a national title run may be out of the picture. Get more (Oregon) news, analysis and opinions on Ducks Wire 2. Penn State Nittany Lions FPI Rating: 21.5 (No. 5 overall) Projected Win-Loss: 10.2 - 2.2 % Chance to Win Big Ten: 25.1 % Chance to Make CFP: 63.8 Penn State is the second in the projected three-team race for the conference. Returning stars QB Drew Allar and RBs Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen lead that projection, as does the program's terrific history on defense. Penn State finally broke through last season. 2025 could see an even further step forward. Get more (Penn State) news, analysis and opinions on Nittany Lions Wire 1. Ohio State Buckeyes FPI Rating: 23.8 (No. 4 overall) Projected Win-Loss: 10.4 - 2.2 % Chance to Win Big Ten: 40.3 % Chance to Make CFP: 70.6 While Ohio State returns just 48% of production from its 2024 team that won the national title, it's hard to expect the program to regress significantly. All-world WR Jeremiah Smith and star S Caleb Downs anchor an offensive and defensive unit, respectively, that each projects among the conference's best. Ohio State is currently the class of the sport, so it deserves the benefit of the doubt at positions facing turnover. Get more (Ohio State) news, analysis and opinions on Buckeyes Wire Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion
USA Today
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
ESPN's 2025 Big Ten FPI rankings revealed: shocking picks and bold predictions
ESPN's 2025 Big Ten FPI rankings revealed: shocking picks and bold predictions Almost always controversial, ESPN has released its updated Football Power Index for the 2025 preseason. While it tends to get some of the top teams pretty close with its advanced analytics expectations, it usually has some pretty big misses year over year, as well. In fact, when Michigan football won the Big Ten in 2021, the players cited FPI giving the Wolverines a 1% chance to win the conference as motivation. Regardless, the update is out. With its release, we're looking specifically at all 18 Big Ten teams, where they rank against each other, and our thoughts on each as it pertains to their ranking. You can see how all 18 teams rank below. 18. Purdue Boilermakers FPI: -6.9 -6.9 Overall rank: 92 92 Projected W-L: 3.2-8.8 3.2-8.8 Win out %: 0.0 0.0 Win conference %: 0.0 0.0 Make CFP: 0.0 Barry Odom has his work cut out for him but given what he did with UNLV, he should get there. However, this year probably isn't the year. 17. Northwestern Wildcats FPI: -3.6 -3.6 Overall rank: 74 74 Projected W-L: 4.1-7.9 4.1-7.9 Win out %: 0.0 0.0 Win conference %: 0.0 0.0 Make CFP: 0.0 David Braun had a really good interim year, but this team is a mess offensively and shows little-to-no hope of improving on that front this year. 16. Maryland Terrapins FPI: 1.9 1.9 Overall rank: 61 61 Projected W-L: 5.9-6.1 5.9-6.1 Win out %: 0.0 0.0 Win conference %: 0.2 0.2 Make CFP: 1.3 Maryland has some coaching consistency but just lost many of the players that helped it improve steadily over the years. This team is a big question mark and may keep sliding a little until the top recruits Mike Locksley is bringing in start to rise through the ranks. 15. Michigan State Spartans FPI: 2.3 2.3 Overall rank: 59 59 Projected W-L: 5.2-6.8 5.2-6.8 Win out %: 0.0 0.0 Win conference %: 0.1 0.1 Make CFP: 1.0 Some think that MSU is underrated going into Jonathan Smith's second year at the helm, and with Aidan Chiles being more experienced, it's not a stretch to think that the Spartans can outperform expectations. However, the roster isn't terribly cohesive on paper, and recruiting has been a mess. So, basically, we'll believe it when we see it. Learn more about Michigan State at Spartans Wire! 14. Rutgers Scarlet Knights FPI: 3.5 3.5 Overall rank: 55 55 Projected W-L: 5.8-6.2 5.8-6.2 Win out %: 0.0 0.0 Win conference %: 0.1 0.1 Make CFP: 1.7 Rutgers has been getting better and better, but the Scarlet Knights get no latitude schedule-wise with the perceived top three teams in the conference on the docket. Greg Schiano keeps guiding the team in the right direction but the wins and losses this year might not show it. Learn more about the Scarlet Knights at Rutgers Wire! 13. UCLA Bruins FPI: 4.6 4.6 Overall rank: 47 47 Projected W-L: 5.4-6.6 5.4-6.6 Win out %: 0.0 0.0 Win conference %: 0.1 0.1 Make CFP: 1.9 DeShaun Foster got his team better by year's end last year, but it was still struggling. However, with Nico Iamaleava transferring in at quarterback, don't be surprised if this team makes a bit of a run. There are some tough matchups here -- Utah, Ohio State, Penn State, and USC -- but competent QB play can turn things around in a hurry. Learn more about the Bruins at UCLA Wire! FPI: 5.0 5.0 Overall rank: 44 44 Projected W-L: 6.8-5.2 6.8-5.2 Win out %: 0.0 0.0 Win conference %: 0.6 0.6 Make CFP: 3.8 This ranking is laughable. Illinois returns the fifth-most production in all of college football, most importantly, quarterback Luke Altmyer. Bret Bielema got the Illini to 10 wins last year, and aside from Ohio State, Illinois doesn't have any other marquee teams on the schedule. An 11-win regular season is certainly on the table. This is proof that computers and algorithms are only dependent on whatever the input is. Given the schedule, we can't even find five losses, let alone three. 11. Minnesota Golden Gophers FPI: 5.2 5.2 Overall rank: 43 43 Projected W-L: 6.9-5.2 6.9-5.2 Win out %: 0.0 0.0 Win conference %: 0.3 0.3 Make CFP: 4.3 Minnesota doesn't have the easiest schedule, but when does it ever? The Gophers had a decent year last year and P.J. Fleck seems like he's pushing all the right buttons in Minneapolis. We think they'll get over this win total. 10. Iowa Hawkeyes FPI: 6.3 6.3 Overall rank: 39 39 Projected W-L: 6.2-5.8 6.2-5.8 Win out %: 0.0 0.0 Win conference %: 0.6 0.6 Make CFP: 3.7 This feels too low. Iowa does face Penn State and Oregon, but the Hawkeyes are a somewhat dependable eight-to-nine-win team every year, if not higher than that. As usual, the defense should be very good, and the offense took a step in the right direction last year. Learn more about Iowa at Hawkeyes Wire! 9. Wisconsin Badgers FPI: 6.3 6.3 Overall rank: 38 38 Projected W-L: 5.6-6.5 5.6-6.5 Win out %: 0.0 0.0 Win conference %: 0.4 0.4 Make CFP: 2.6 On one hand, Wisconsin being ranked No. 38 overall at this juncture feels too low. Yet, this was a team that didn't make a bowl game last year, and it has perhaps the most brutal schedule in the conference. The Badgers play Alabama, Michigan, Ohio State, Oregon, Iowa, Washington, and Indiana. Thus, the projected W-L feels pretty spot on, barring some big changes with Billy Edwards Jr. leading the charge at quarterback. Learn more about Wisconsin at Badgers Wire! 8. Indiana Hoosiers FPI: 8.3 8.3 Overall rank: 31 31 Projected W-L: 7.5-4.5 7.5-4.5 Win out %: 0.1 0.1 Win conference %: 0.9 0.9 Make CFP: 8.9 People might think Curt Cignetti was a one-year wonder, but as he said at Big Ten media days last year -- Google him, he wins wherever he goes. With Fernando Mendoza, the former Cal standout, coming to Bloomington as quarterback, it wouldn't be surprising to see IU stay relevant. This spot feels a bit like the Hoosiers are underrated. 7. Washington Huskies FPI: 8.8 8.8 Overall rank: 27 27 Projected W-L: 7.1-4.9 7.1-4.9 Win out %: 0.1 0.1 Win conference %: 0.8 0.8 Make CFP: 8.1 Jedd Fisch is a masterful coach, but this is a difficult schedule. With games against Ohio State, Michigan, Illinois, and Oregon, and a new-look roster, it's hard to see this being the year for the Huskies. Learn more about Washington at UW Huskies Wire! 6. Nebraska Cornhuskers FPI: 9.3 9.3 Overall rank: 25 25 Projected W-L: 7.5-4.5 7.5-4.5 Win out %: 0.2 0.2 Win conference %: 1.5 1.5 Make CFP: 10.3 On one hand, we believe in the Nebraska resurgence. On the other, we have not actually seen Nebraska be relevant in over a decade. Dylan Raiola helming the offense in year two, with Dana Holgorsen calling plays, is tantalizing. The schedule is somewhat amenable, though the Huskers face Penn State, Michigan, USC, and Iowa. But they avoid Ohio State and Oregon, so that's a win. Learn more about Nebraska at Cornhuskers Wire! 5. USC Trojans FPI: 13.0 13.0 Overall rank: 19 19 Projected W-L: 8.3-3.9 8.3-3.9 Win out %: 0.3 0.3 Win conference %: 4.2 4.2 Make CFP: 21.0 The Lincoln Riley experiment at USC has been something of a mixed bag. On the one hand, the Trojans made the Pac-12 Championship Game two years ago with Caleb Williams at the helm. However, they haven't really had any signature wins and it's not clear that with a new-look team that they'll be able to compete in the Big Ten. The schedule is brutal, with games against Illinois, Michigan, Notre Dame, Nebraska, Iowa, and Oregon. It's difficult to see USC get to the eight-win threshold expected here, but it is possible. Learn more about USC at Trojans Wire! 4. Michigan Wolverines FPI: 14.6 14.6 Overall rank: 17 17 Projected W-L: 8.4-3.7 8.4-3.7 Win out %: 0.6 0.6 Win conference %: 6.0 6.0 Make CFP: 25.3 In terms of overall rank, Michigan football is probably right where it should be. The projected wins-losses, however, would assume that the Wolverines would lose to every team with similar (but not even equal) talent. The schedule features only one team ahead of the maize and blue within the conference (Ohio State), and two overall (Oklahoma is ranked one spot ahead of Michigan). The Wolverines are one of the more experienced teams in college football, but until we see the offense do its job, the ranking is fair. 3. Oregon Ducks FPI: 20.5 20.5 Overall rank: 6 6 Projected W-L: 10.0-2.4 10.0-2.4 Win out %: 4.4 4.4 Win conference %: 19.1 19.1 Make CFP: 57.5 There probably should be questions about how the Ducks will fare with Dante Moore leading the charge, his first time starting since he was at UCLA. But Oregon has been mostly rolling since Dan Lanning took over. The Ducks feature some challenges on the schedule, from a nonconference game against Oklahoma State to a road trip at Penn State. But otherwise, they avoid Ohio State and Michigan, but does have a late-season contest against USC. Learn more about Oregon at Ducks Wire! 2. Penn State Nittany Lions FPI: 21.5 21.5 Overall rank: 5 5 Projected W-L: 10.2-2.2 10.2-2.2 Win out %: 7.0 7.0 Win conference %: 25.1 25.1 Make CFP: 63.8 Penn State is attempting to do the same thing that Michigan football and Ohio State did the previous two years by having the marquee players return for one final run. The schedule is somewhat brutal (outside of the easy nonconference) with games against Oregon, at Iowa, at Ohio State, Indiana, and Nebraska. Though the Hawkeyes aren't considered one of the top teams, PSU has had a mixed record, especially while playing at Kinnick. Learn more about Penn State at Nittany Lions Wire! 1. Ohio State Buckeyes FPI: 23.8 23.8 Overall rank: 4 4 Projected W-L: 10.4-2.2 10.4-2.2 Win out %: 8.6 8.6 Win conference %: 40.3 40.3 Make CFP: 70.6 Ohio State is ranked No. 1 and is highly ranked across most preseason ratings. But there are a lot of questions that simply aren't being asked. Talent in Columbus isn't a problem, but this will be one of the most inexperienced teams in college football, with a new starting quarterback, two new coordinators, new running backs, and an almost entirely new defense, personnel-wise. Learn more about Ohio State at Buckeyes Wire! Overrated: Ohio State, USC, Wisconsin Underrated: Illinois, Minnesota, Iowa, Indiana
CBS News
19-03-2025
- Sport
- CBS News
Wildcats try out for NFL on Northwestern Pro Day
Northwestern football held its Pro Day Tuesday, and Head Coach David Braun was on hand for the occasion. Ryan Hilinski and former Lincoln-Way East star A.J. Henning were among the 10 seniro and graduate student Wildcats trying to catch the eye of a dozen-plus NFL scouts at Ryan Fieldhouse. Whether they get drafted or sign as free agents, pro 'Cat hopefuls like defensive lineman Jaylen Pate are out to prove they can make the jump to the NFL. "I think it did for me what I needed it to as far as, you know, getting my foot in the door and getting me the chance. I know once I get there and the real football starts again, you know, I'll handle what I need to and take care of business." Hilinski was pleased with the day. "I felt great out there today," he said. "It felt like we trained. We prepared. I was trained with Coco [Azema], Ben [Wrather], and Jaylen [Pate], and those guys came in and put in the work day in and day out. We just wanted to leave with no regrets." Henning said he was satisfied with his own performance and excited to cheer on his teammates. "It was exciting, you know, rooting for your guys who you took the field with. For me, two years, and seeing them chasing, pursuing their dreams and playing at the next level altogether, I mean, it was great," he said. "This is the first time I've really gotten to get eyes on me and work out in this kind of type of setting, so I feel like I laid it all on the line today." Xander Mueller said he was trying to top expectations. "I was focused on everything. I just wanted to show that I could move in space and move better than a lot of them would think I could move, so I did that today in all the drills," he said. Azema, Wrather, Thomas Gordon, Marshall Lang, Sean McLaughlin, and R.J. Pearson also took part in Pro Day.
