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The 2025 Big Ten football season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. With the recent additions of USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington, the conference is now a true national powerhouse spanning coast to coast. As a result, the margin for error has never been slimmer, and even traditional powers could find themselves struggling under the weight of expectations. While many teams are on the rise, two programs in particular — Penn State and Wisconsin — could be in danger of falling short in 2025.
1. Penn State Nittany Lions
Penn State has been on the cusp of elite status under James Franklin for nearly a decade, but 2025 may represent a regression rather than a breakthrough. With a brutal schedule that includes games against Ohio State, Michigan, USC, and Washington, the Nittany Lions will be tested early and often. The departure of key defensive leaders from the 2024 squad — especially in the secondary — could make them vulnerable against the new pass-heavy offenses of the West Coast programs.
Additionally, quarterback Drew Allar has shown flashes of brilliance, but consistency and decision-making under pressure have been concerns. If he doesn’t take a major leap forward, Penn State could struggle to keep pace offensively in shootouts. The expectations in Happy Valley are sky-high, and anything less than a College Football Playoff berth could be seen as a disappointment. But with so many obstacles in their path, it’s easy to envision a 9-3 or even 8-4 season — a result that would fall short of preseason hype.
2. Wisconsin Badgers
The hiring of Luke Fickell brought renewed optimism to Madison, and the 2024 season showed promise with improved recruiting and a shift toward a more modern offensive system. However, 2025 could expose some of the growing pains still lingering from that transition. Wisconsin’s traditional identity as a power-running team is being reimagined, but the roster is still in a hybrid phase, not fully suited for the Air Raid-style offense that Fickell and offensive coordinator Phil Longo want to implement.
More importantly, Wisconsin’s 2025 schedule is unforgiving. In addition to facing Big Ten stalwarts like Michigan and Ohio State, the Badgers must also contend with Oregon and UCLA — teams with speed and offensive firepower that could overwhelm Wisconsin’s still-developing secondary. The quarterback position remains a question mark, and unless significant progress is made in the offseason, the Badgers may struggle to keep up in a conference that has never been deeper or more talented.
While expectations are high due to Fickell’s reputation and the program’s strong history, Wisconsin may still be a year or two away from truly contending for a Big Ten title. A 7-5 or 8-4 finish wouldn’t be disastrous in the long term, but it would be a letdown for a fanbase that’s expecting a quicker return to dominance.
Conclusion
The 2025 Big Ten season will be defined by high expectations and fierce competition. Penn State and Wisconsin are both respected programs with strong traditions and ambitious goals. However, tough schedules, roster transitions, and elevated expectations make them prime candidates to disappoint in a year where nearly every game will feel like a playoff.
