Big Ten Week 9 Predictions: Ohio State, Indiana Headed for Epic Clash

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Week 9 of the 2025 Big Ten football season is almost here. The conference race is getting wild, with nine teams at 3-1 or better and three more at 2-2.

Still, it’s looking like Ohio State and Indiana are barreling toward a Big Ten Championship collision. Let’s take a look at what’s ahead for these two and what might get in their way as they chase that perfect 12-0.

Table of Contents

Ohio State: The Unstoppable Force

Ohio State’s been rolling this year. Sitting at 7-0, the Buckeyes have looked like they’re having fun out there—dominating on both sides of the ball and making it look pretty easy at times.

Key Remaining Games for Ohio State

But it’s not all smooth sailing from here. There are a couple of games that could get interesting:

Penn State (November 1st): Penn State has a knack for showing up when it matters. This one could go sideways if Ohio State isn’t locked in.
Michigan (November 29th): The rivalry game. It’s always tense, and you just never know what’ll happen.

Here’s what’s left on Ohio State’s schedule:

Nov 1: Penn State
Nov 8: Rutgers
Nov 15: Maryland
Nov 22: Wisconsin
Nov 29: Michigan

Indiana: The Immovable Object

Indiana’s been just as impressive. They’re 7-0, with big wins over Oregon and Illinois already in the bag.

The rest of their schedule? Not a cakewalk, but if they keep playing sharp, they should be in good shape.

Key Remaining Games for Indiana

Some games to watch for Indiana:

UCLA (October 25th): UCLA can be unpredictable. Indiana can’t sleepwalk through this one.
Maryland (November 1st): Going to Maryland is never easy. Execution will matter.
Penn State (November 8th): Another road test. If Indiana slips, this could be the spot.

Here’s the rest of Indiana’s slate:

Oct 25: UCLA
Nov 1: at Maryland
Nov 8: at Penn State
Nov 15: Wisconsin
Nov 29: at Purdue

The Rest of the Big Ten Contenders

Ohio State and Indiana may be leading the pack, but there are a few others hanging around, hoping to mess things up.

Nebraska: A Team on the Edge

Nebraska’s had a weird year. They’re 5-2, and three of their last five are at home in Lincoln.

But if the version of Nebraska that lost in Minneapolis shows up again, things could unravel quickly.

Key Remaining Games for Nebraska:
Nov 1: Rutgers
Nov 15: Maryland
Nov 22: at Wisconsin
Nov 29: Northwestern

USC and Oregon: The Battle for the CFP

The big one for these two? USC at Oregon on November 22nd. If USC can take that, 10-2 is right there for them.

Oregon’s not expected to stumble elsewhere either, so this game could decide a lot for both teams’ playoff hopes.

Key Remaining Games for USC:
Nov 22: at Oregon

Key Remaining Games for Oregon:
Nov 22: USC

Conclusion: The Road to the Big Ten Championship

We’re rolling into the last stretch of the 2025 Big Ten football season, and honestly, it’s hard to look away from Ohio State and Indiana right now. Both teams have made their case—they’ve looked strong and seem to be barreling toward a huge clash in the Big Ten Championship.

But let’s be real, college football loves to throw curveballs. Nebraska, USC, and Oregon are still lurking, ready to pounce if either front-runner slips up. You never really know in this sport, do you?

If you want a deeper dive into the upcoming matchups and some bold predictions for the rest of the season, check out College Football News. We’ll be keeping an eye on every twist and turn as things heat up—should be a wild ride.

Joe Hughes is the founder of CollegeNetWorth.com, a comprehensive resource on college athletes' earnings potential in the NIL era. Combining his passion for sports with expertise in collegiate athletics, Joe provides valuable insights for athletes, fans, and institutions navigating this new landscape.

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