Six Big Ten Games That Will Define the Second Half of the College Football Season

The first half of the college football season has set the stage for what promises to be a thrilling second half in the Big Ten. With Penn State already out of contention and Wisconsin struggling to find its footing, the spotlight falls on the teams vying for conference supremacy and a potential College Football Playoff (CFP) berth. Ohio State, ranked No. 1, looks dominant, while Indiana, at No. 3, has captured national attention with a series of impressive wins. Meanwhile, Oregon, sitting at No. 9, appears poised for a deep playoff run.

While the upper echelon of the conference seems clear, the middle tier—featuring teams such as Michigan, Nebraska, Illinois, and No. 21 Southern California—remains tightly contested. The Big Ten could realistically send three or four teams to the 12-team College Football Playoff, building on last year’s success when Ohio State, Indiana, Oregon, and Penn State made the field. The coming games will be pivotal in deciding the conference championship and clarifying the playoff picture.

Here’s a look at the six Big Ten games that could shape the second half of the season:

1. Southern California at No. 15 Notre Dame
After breaking into the US LBM Coaches Poll with a victory over Michigan, USC faces another significant test against the surging Fighting Irish. This matchup in South Bend could define the Trojans’ playoff trajectory. A loss here wouldn’t necessarily end USC’s playoff hopes, as they could still earn an at-large bid or regain momentum in Big Ten play. However, a strong showing against Notre Dame would signal that USC has the consistency and resilience needed to compete on the national stage. This game is a litmus test for USC’s identity as a team capable of contending with elite opponents.

2. UCLA at Indiana
Indiana’s unbeaten run makes this encounter one of their most challenging remaining matchups. UCLA has found its rhythm since parting ways with offensive coordinator Deshaun Foster and has developed a clear offensive identity. Whether the Bruins can pull off a major upset will provide insight into Indiana’s true playoff odds. A victory for Indiana would further solidify their position as one of the most formidable teams in the Power Four conferences, while a UCLA win could dramatically reshape the playoff landscape.

3. Southern California at Nebraska
Nebraska, currently with one loss, remains in contention for the playoff under head coach Matt Rhule. The Cornhuskers’ recent narrow win over Maryland highlighted the fine margins that define their season. A victory against USC would enhance Nebraska’s national reputation and put them in a strong position for a potential 10-win regular season. Conversely, a loss could diminish their playoff prospects, emphasizing how crucial this clash is for Rhule’s team as they seek to prove themselves against a top-tier opponent.

4. Nebraska at Penn State
This game carries extra intrigue due to Matt Rhule’s history with Penn State, where he was once considered a potential replacement for former coach James Franklin. A matchup between a resurgent Cornhuskers program and the Nittany Lions could become a storyline-heavy contest, blending on-field stakes with off-field narratives. If Nebraska is surging in the Top 25, the game could be pivotal in determining both playoff seeding and conference positioning, making it one of the most compelling late-season contests.

5. Oregon at Washington
Oregon heads into Seattle with its eyes on the Big Ten title and a potential at-large playoff berth. While the Ducks are likely to be in a strong position, slip-ups in prior games—such as losses to Iowa or USC—could make this matchup a de facto winner-take-all showdown. Washington will be motivated to derail Oregon’s title hopes, and the game could ultimately decide not only standings but also playoff seeding, making it a high-stakes conclusion to the regular season for the Ducks.

6. Ohio State at Michigan
The perennial rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan remains one of the most anticipated clashes in college football. Ohio State’s elite defense, which ranks near the top nationally in all major statistical categories, could be the key to cracking Michigan’s code. With quarterback Julian Sayin potentially at his peak by this point in the season, Ohio State’s offense could also be firing on all cylinders. The winner of this historic rivalry game often gains momentum heading into the Big Ten Championship and the College Football Playoff, adding even more weight to this late-season showdown.

The second half of the season will reveal which teams are capable of rising to the occasion under pressure. The Big Ten race is poised to deliver drama, unexpected upsets, and standout individual performances. While Ohio State and Indiana appear most likely to contend for the conference crown, teams like Michigan, Nebraska, and USC have the potential to disrupt expectations and secure a playoff berth.

Ultimately, the Big Ten’s second half will define not just who competes for the conference title but also the broader College Football Playoff landscape. Fans can expect thrilling games, strategic coaching battles, and critical performances from star players, as the conference positions itself for national prominence heading into the postseason.

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