Issuu

Thursday September 25th, 2025

THE LANTERN

Year 144, Issue 6.

BATTLE FOR THE

BIG TEN

Thursday September 25th, 2025 | www.thelantern.com | 2

More than Rivals: A Big Ten Collaboration Liv Rinaldi Sports Editor

For this year’s Big Ten Preview Edition, we turned to the people who best know the teams Ohio State will face this year – student journalists covering them day in and day out. We’re proud to have collaborated with these amazing reporters to bring together voices from across the Big Ten. This project was a reminder that our football teams are competitors on the field, but we are all connected through the collegiate experience. A heartfelt thank you goes to all the writers who contributed. Wishing everyone a safe and successful season. Our contributors: Washington: The Daily Jared Tucker, sports editor Minnesota: The Minnesota Daily Megan Davis, sports editor Illinois: The Daily Illini Brendan Gallian, sports editor Penn State: The Daily Collegian Lyle Alenstein, football reporter Purdue: The Exponent Gabe Fryling, staff reporter UCLA: Daily Bruin Connor Dullinger, sports editor

REID MURRAY | LANTERN FILE PHOTO

The map of all 18 Big Ten schools, though Ohio State will only face nine this season.

Ohio State’s Big Ten season schedule SEPT. 27

OCT. 4

OCT. 11

OSU vs. Washington @ Seattle

OSU vs. Minnesota @ Columbus

OSU vs. Illinois @ Champaign

Rutgers: The Daily Targum Nicholas Hart, sports editor

NOV. 15

Michigan: The Michigan Daily Sam Gibson, senior sports editor

OCT. 18

NOV. 1

OSU vs. OSU vs. Wisconsin @ Penn State Madison @ Columbus

NOV. 8

OSU vs. UCLA @ Columbus

NOV. 22 OSU vs. Purdue @ West LayOSU vs. Rutgers fayette @ Columbus

NOV. 29 OSU vs. Michigan @ Ann Arbor

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The Lantern Sports desk 2025 Big Ten predictions

Jack Diwik, Managing Sports Editor, picks:

e c a l p econd

e c a l p First

e c a l p Third

S e c a l p Fourth

e c a l p h Fift

Big Ten championship winner: Penn State beats Ohio State Liv Rinaldi, Sports Editor, picks:

e c a l p t Firs

e c a l p d Thir

e c a l p econd

S e c a l p h Fourt

e c a l p h Fift

Big Ten championship winner: Ohio State beats Penn State

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Washington’s offense faces its biggest test yet vs. Ohio State Jared Tucker, Sports Editor The Daily

umbers don’t lie. Washington has the best offense in the country. Just look at the numbers: 55.67 points per game. 536 yards per game. 23 touchdowns. 11.3 passing yards per attempt. Led by sophomore quarterback Demond Williams Jr, the Huskies offense has cruised through their first three games, not punting since their week one contest against Colorado State. With an Apple Cup-record 59 points last week over Washington State, Washington’s offense is at its peak heading into its Sept. 27 contest against No. 1 Ohio State. The backfield is led by senior running back Jonah Coleman—who leads the nation with 10 touchdowns, and is second in the country with 523 all-purpose yards. The Huskies are mounting a Heisman campaign for their superstar senior, and are keen on getting him the ball in a national TV contest against the Buckeyes. Denzel Boston, a 6-foot-4 senior wide receiver and projected first round pick, has also been impressive, racking up 249 receiving yards and three touchdowns. The Huskies have scored on 21-straight completed possessions this season. Washington’s defense, however, has been a different story. Until crucial turnovers allowed Washington to pull away in the Apple Cup,

the Cougars’ passing game was a handful for the Huskies, with over 250 passing yards early in the fourth quarter. With senior cornerback Tacario Davis suffering an upper-body injury in Washington’s week two win over UC Davis, the secondary struggled against WSU, allowing the Cougars to stay within striking distance. With Davis still questionable for Saturday’s contest, the Huskies’ shaky defense is doubtful for their biggest game of the season. Washington has one trick up its sleeve on defense. Offenses tend to struggle when faced with 130 decibels. And when the No. 1 team is in town, Husky Stadium is sure to bring the noise. Quarterback Demond Williams Jr. ALIKA JENNER / GETTY IMAGES | TNS

Challenges stack up as the Gophers attempt to compete in the Big Ten Megan Davis, Sports Editor The Minnesota Daily

Quarterback Drake Lindsay.

.J. Fleck wanted Minnesota to “be delusional” going into its 2025 season, and he made it clear he has high expectations despite a difficult schedule. After backing up quarterback Max Brosmer last year, redshirt freshman Drake Lindsay took over the starting role for the 2025-26 season. His lack of experience will be a challenge, but teammates expressed that they are confident in Lindsay’s leadership and ability to adjust. Lindsay is averaging about 200 yards per game, but the offense has not been explosive. The Gophers had their bye week before the start of Big Ten play, a good time to reset after their UC Berkeley loss, which resulted in injuries to running backs Darius Taylor (hamstring) and A.J. Turner. Taylor is the backbone of the Gophers’ run game, and Fleck said his injury is not

ALEX KORMANN/THE MINNESOTA STAR TRIBUNE | TNS

considered long-term. An exact timeline was not given; the Ohio State game Oct. 4 could be Taylor’s first game back. The team is young and there is room to grow. Redshirt freshman Fame Ijeboi took over after Turner’s early exit in the Cal game; his 85-yard game revealed the Gophers could have more RB depth than expected. The bright spot for the Gophers is their defense. Former Minnesota safeties coach Danny Collins was promoted to defensive coordinator in January, and the Gophers’ defense remained consistent with him at the helm. Minnesota is ranked first overall in total defense, allowing only 177 yards per game. Defensive back Koi Perich made first-team All-Big Ten in his freshman year and looks to grow upon that success. He recorded five interceptions last season, while also serving as the team’s primary kick and punt returner. Perich had an uncharacteristically rough game at Cal, but he is expected to bounce back as Big Ten matchups start. Fleck emphasized working on defensive turnovers more, but said he is happy with the progress his team is making. Fleck said he believes the Gophers can take the next step with the offense they have, but with the strength of the Big Ten, it will take a lot to move the Gophers out of the middle of the pack – especially with a road-heavy schedule.

Thursday September 25th, 2025 | @thelanternosu | 5

Illinois faces tough five-week stretch to prove itself in Big Ten Brendan Gallian, Sports Editor The Daily Illini

o. 23 Illinois got off to a 3-0 start, outscoring its opponents 135-22. Senior quarterback Luke Altmyer and the offense looked as strong as ever. Then came its Big Ten opener against No. 11 Indiana. The Illini left that game reeling, suffering a 63-10 walloping at the hands of the Hoosiers. The loss all but ended talks of playoff contention and cast doubts on the team’s chances against the tough competition in the upcoming weeks. Illinois will tangle on the road with Washington, No. 21 USC and No. 1 Ohio State, all over the next five weeks. Illinois will learn a lot about itself during that stretch, especially against last year’s national champions. An Illini win seems out of the question at this point, but the team should be capable of keeping things close if they can clean up some key areas.

Establishing the run game Illinois managed just two rushing yards against Indiana. The ground game couldn’t put anything together against the Hoosier defense, but the Illini’s top three running backs have all shown they are capable of strong performances. Junior Aidan Laughery ran for 101 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the season-opener against Western Illinois. Laughery looked to be Illinois’ best option at running back but was injured in the team’s win over Duke and missed Western Michigan and Indiana. In his absence, junior Kaden Feagin and sophomore Ca’Lil Valentine stepped up. Feagin notched a 100yard game against the Broncos, while both he and Valentine found the endzone without Laughery.

Secondary health The Illini entered Keeping Altmyer Hoosier territory with up a weakened secondFor all the talent in ary. Senior Xavier his right arm, AltmyScott and junior Jaer has already been heim Clark were both sacked 16 times this ruled out, with Scott season, second most projected to miss a CALEB BOWIN / GETTY IMAGES | TNS in the FBS. majority of the season. Luke Altmyer (9) of the Illinois Fighting Illini passes in the second quarter against the Indiana Hoosiers at The veteran offensive During the clobbering Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, in Bloomington, Indiana. line hasn’t played up to at Indiana, Illinois lost standard this year, but most of its defensive that isn’t the sole reason that Altmyer has struggled to stay on his feet. Against backs. Senior Miles Scott was ejected after a targeting penalty, while junior Indiana, the veteran quarterback stepped into pressure a few times, leading to Kaleb Patterson, junior Matthew Bailey, senior Torrie Cox Jr. and junior Mac easy sacks. Resetich all left with injuries. Most are expected back this week against USC. When he stays up, Altmyer has played well this season. The senior has thrown If the group can remain healthy, their presence alone should keep games for nine touchdowns and 855 yards this year, all without an interception. If he closer this season. and the offensive line can avoid sacks moving forward, the Illini offense should be able to put up points.

Thursday September 25th, 2025 | www.thelantern.com | 6

Wisconsin battles injuries, tough schedule after rocky start Noah Adkins Lantern Reporter

he Wisconsin Badgers started their season on a high note, shutting out Miami University 17-0 in their home opener Aug. 28. Soon after, the high came crashing down when starting quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. suffered a sprained left knee. Wisconsin turned to San Diego State transfer quarterback Danny O’Neil, who led it to a decisive 42-10 win over Middle Tennessee Sept. 6. But the good times did not last long. The Badgers were defeated 38-14 on the road at Alabama Sept. 13, before heading home and getting crushed by unranked Maryland 27-10 in their Big Ten opener. Adding to their woes, Edwards’ comeback lasted just three passes before injury again forced him to the sidelines. The run-heavy Badgers are led by a split backfield of redshirt freshman Dilin Jones and true sophomore Darrion Dupree. The tandem has been an even split through four games, with the two backs combining for 35 carries a piece. Their production has been nearly identical as well; Jones has recorded 171 total yards and one touchdown, while Dupree has

tallied 168 yards without a score. Both backs are averaging more than four yards per carry and have yet to fumble the football. Wisconsin’s defense is anchored by senior safety Preston Zachman, a key factor in leading the Badgers to a top-5 Big Ten unit a season ago. He was sidelined against Maryland with a lower-body injury. Zachman, known for his timely takeaways, has notched two interceptions on the season, and his absence was felt against the Terps. Without his presence in the secondary, Maryland torched Wisconsin’s defense through the air, racking up 265 passing yards and scoring two touchdowns. The Badgers’ schedule does not get any easier. They visit No. 19 Michigan in week six, No. 6 Oregon in week nine, No. 11 Indiana in week 12, and Minnesota in week 14. Their home contests include matchups with rival Iowa in week seven, No. 1 Ohio State in week eight, Washington in week 11, and No. 23 Illinois in week 13.

JOE HERMITT | TNS

Penn State defensive tackle Alonzo Ford Jr. chases down Wisconsin running back Darrion Dupree during the first quarter on Oct. 26, 2024.

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All eyes on Happy Valley: Penn State’s faces first true test against Oregon Lyle Alenstein, Football Reporter The Daily Collegian

enn State had all the hype during the offseason. Between a large contingent of starters coming back from a season ago and highly touted additions from the transfer portal, the Nittany Lions have arguably had their most buzz ever in the James Franklin era. It starts with the coordinator duo that has a case for the best tandem in the country. On the offensive side of the ball, Andy Kotelnicki returns for year two in Happy Valley after flirting with the West Virginia head coaching job a year ago. For the defense, it’s the debut season for Jim Knowles after his departure from an Ohio State team that won the 2024 National Championship. So far, the defense has lived up to the hype, highlighted by defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton, defensive tackle Zane Durant, linebackers Tony Rojas and Amare Campbell, safety Zakee Wheatley and cornerback A.J. Harris. The offense has not been as successful. Quarterback Drew Allar is inconsistent, as is running back Nick Singleton.

The offensive line has been good for the most part, but has also dipped below expectations at times. A trio of transfer wide receivers–Trebor Peña, Kyron Hudson and Devonte Ross–has given Penn State much-needed production, while running back Kaytron Allen was explosive to start. The offensive unit overall has faltered on third down and scoring in the red zone, and improvement is needed come Big Ten play. Penn State is currently ranked No. 3 with a 3-0 record against Nevada, FIU and Villanova, leaving questions as to how the team will perform in conference competition. No. 6 Oregon comes to State College on Saturday for the White Out with College GameDay coming to town, providing the first true read as to how the Nittany Lions will perform against a high-profile opponent.

JOE HERMITT | TNS

Penn State quarterback Drew Allar runs as Nevada defensive back Kasen Kinchenand and defensive lineman Dylan Labarbera defend during the second quarter. Aug. 30, 2025.

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Boilermakers struggle for consistency early in Odom’s first season Gabe Fryling, Staff Reporter The Exponent

urdue football has looked rocky through the first four weeks of the season, showing signs it could be merely an average football team, while also struggling to find consistency on both sides of the ball. The Boilermakers’ roster is filled with new players under first-year Head Coach Barry Odom, who came from UNLV this spring. He led the Rebels to a 19-5 record in his first two seasons. Purdue brought in 52 players this past winter and spring, one of the highest totals of any FBS program. The Boilermakers have played a wide range of opponents that make it hard to accurately diagnose them yet. Against Ball State and Southern Illinois, Purdue’s defense looked strong, limiting opponents and forcing six sacks. Against USC and Notre Dame, the Boilermaker defense struggled to find stops, allowing a combined 87 points in the contests and failing to generate quarterback pressure. SANDRA FU | MANAGING PHOTO EDITOR Its defense ranks 82nd nationally, allowing more than 370 yards per game Purdue wide receiver Jahmal Edrine (7) rushes the ball against Ohio State Nov. 9, 2024. Edrine tallied a total and generating only one turnover in the first of 15 yards during the game at Ohio Stadium. four weeks of the season. Both are unimThe Boilermakers are in a weird spot, having played such varying opponents. pressive numbers that won’t stand up in Big On a bye this week, their next matchups will show fans what the team led by Ten play. Odom is truly made of. Purdue has lacked defensive symmetry early into the season, but it has lacked an equal opponent to give itself a fair test. On the offensive side, sophomore quarterback Ryan Browne has looked OK, tossing for more than 1,000 yards and six touchdowns in his first four games of the season. He struggled turning the ball over, throwing five interceptions, and hasn’t utilized the dual-threat ability that he was known for last year in his three starts as a freshman. Purdue has weapons on the outside, filled with transfer portal additions from Georgia, Alabama and UNLV. They’ve generated a few big passing plays, but no receiver has made themselves the consensus No. 1 guy on the depth chart. The most disappointing part of Purdue’s season so far has been the lack of a rushing game. Expectations were high for senior running back Devin Mockobee after his three strong previous seasons at Purdue. Through four games, he struggled to find consistency on the ground. He rushed for more than 100 yards only once– against Southern Illinois – and Purdue’s rushing attack ranks 119th nationally.

Thursday September 25th, 2025 | @thelanternosu | 9

Bruins in freefall: UCLA’s 2025 season turns into a Big Ten wake-up call Connor Dullinger, Sports Editor Daily Bruin

CLA may be the The offense will also Big Ten’s favorutilize a committee ite football team. The backfield that features Bruins’ most enticing junior Jaivian Thomas quality: they are a free getting the bulk of the win. touches, redshirt junior 2025 has not gone Anthony Woods as the way fans imagined. the pass-catching and After UCLA won four of blocking back, and redits final six games last shirt senior Jalen Bergseason, most thought er as the short-yardage, that there could be power tailback. Iamasomething special leava will supplement about the Head Coach the run game, but all DeShaun Foster era. four may struggle beAdd five-star SEC hind an offensive front quarterback, Nico Iathat has been unable to maleava, and Offensive create lanes. Coordinator, Tino SunThe star of the show seri, who took Indiana will be Iamaleava, to its first-ever College whom fans expected Football Playoff, and to take the Rose Bowl the expectations in by storm but has yet to Westwood were the showcase the expected highest they have been abilities. in years. There is no doubt But the Bruins are that he can make plays 0-3 after just three through the air and ALAN J. SCHABEN/LOS ANGELES TIMES | TNS games–their worst on the ground and start since 2019–with has the arm talent to UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava (9) passes the ball against Utah at the Rose Bowl on Aug. 30, 2025, in former Head Coach Fos- Pasadena, California. extend the field. He ter and defensive coorhas, however, struggled dinator Ikaika Malloe, a to maintain offensive 2024 Broyles Award nominee, gone. The program now sits at the bottom of the momentum behind an offensive line that forces him out of the pocket, and his Big Ten with no clear path upwards in sight. accuracy has been inconsistent. Things are bleak in Westwood, and fans and students alike have little hope for While the offense has yet to click, it is the defense that will ultimately be the the 2025 season and potentially longer. Bruins’ Achilles heel. The team will likely win no more than three games and will instead shift its They have been outscored 108-43 and conceded 1,293 offensive yards. After focus to who UCLA will choose to replace Foster–and what staff the new head losing to the NFL linebackers Kain Medrano, Carson Schwesinger and Oluwahoncho will bring with him. femi Oladejo, and defensive lineman Jay Toia, many knew the defense would Simply put, 2025 has become a tryout. The new coaching staff will evaluate not be what it was. who should stay and who should go as the program undergoes a top-to-bottom But no one expected this. shakeup. The Bruin run defense has been carved through game after game, and it lacks For now, Big Ten fans should see an offense that boasts reliable offensive the firepower and personnel to sack quarterbacks and force turnovers. weapons in the wide receiver trio of sophomore Kwazi Gilmer, junior Mikey Expect Big Ten teams to score–and to do so often–when they face the Bruins. Matthews and redshirt senior Titus Mokiao-Atimalala. The pass catchers have yet to see consistent production, but as redshirt sophomore quarterback Nico Iamaleava settles into the system, play should improve.

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Rutgers’ offense shines, but defense raises questions Nicholas Hart, Sports Editor The Daily Targum

his season Rutgers has one of its most talented offensive units of recent history, with explosive receivers and an accurate quarterback. The same cannot be said of a defense that has not shown much, if any, resistance to opponents this year. Senior quarterback Athan Kaliakmani’s has shown great strides in his second season with the program and is surrounded by playmakers, including wide receivers KJ Duff and Ian Strong. Another big target for Kaliakmanis is North Texas transfer DT Sheffield. Each has his own strengths that make the group versatile. Duff and Strong are jumpball threats down the field, while Sheffield is a quick,

shifty wideout who can blow by most defenders. The Scarlet Knights sit near the top of the Big Ten in passing yards with 1,150 yards and 367 yards in receiving yards. In Kaliakmanis’s first game this season against conference opponent Iowa on Sept. 19, he threw for a career high 330 yards, a promising sign. The defense, however, has not been up to previous standards set by Head Coach Greg Schiano. In four games this season, Rutgers has given up 86 points and 1,374 total yards. A concern going forward is the defensive line, which was supposed to be much-improved. Instead, the defensive front has struggled to contain mobile quarterbacks and failed to generate pressure in the backfield. Along with these struggles, injuries have also become an issue for the Scarlet Knights. Seven players are out for the season including six on defense. Rutgers has a slew of difficult games coming up, including four against No. 6 Oregon on Oct.18, No. 23 Illinois on Nov. 1, No. 1 Ohio State on Nov. 22 and No. 3 Penn State on Nov. 29. It may sound cliché, but every game going forward is important for the Scarlet Knights if they hope to become bowl eligible for the third consecutive season.

This one-handed catch by Rutgers wide receiver KJ Duff (8) went for 18 yards during the second quarter against Norfolk State, Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, in Piscataway, N.J. The Scarlet Knights scored on the next play from scrimmage to take a 20-3 lead.

ANDREW MILLS | TNS

Thursday September 25th, 2025 | @thelanternosu | 11

Wolverines’ freshman QB brings new energy — and new pressure Sam Gibson, Sports Senior Writer The Michigan Daily

t would be difficult to find a team with more optimism and higher expectations following a 7-5 season than the No. 21 Michigan football team. Part of that hope comes from the arrival of freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood, running back Justice Haynes and offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey. Part of it is also due to the Wolverines’ upset wins in 2024 over Ohio State and Alabama. Finally, Michigan’s defense is starting to return to the physicality and toughness that defined it in 2023, giving the Wolverines an abundance of reasons to be excited about 2025. Right now, Michigan is 3-1 after four games, beating New Mexico Aug. 30, Central Michigan Sept. 13 and Nebraska Sept. 20, and losing at Oklahoma Sept. 6. Underwood has shown flashes of what attracted his $12.5 million NIL deal, STEVEN BRANSCOMBE/GETTY IMAGES | TNS showing what he can do Bryce Underwood (19) of the Michigan Wolverines with his legs by running runs from the Nebraska Cornhuskers to score during the first half at for 175 yards and three Memorial Stadium on Sept. 20, 2025, in Lincoln, Nebraska. touchdowns against Central Michigan and Nebraska. With Lindsey calling the plays, Michigan’s ceiling is defined by how well Underwood can perform. After the Wolverines’ loss to the Sooners, Michigan coaches pledged Underwood has a “green light” and more explosive plays should be expected. It’s early to validate those claims, but expect Underwood and the Wolverines’ offense to air it out more as Big Ten play unfolds. The offensive line and the receivers struggled early in the season and have exhibited varying degrees of improvement. The offensive line has lost some starters to short- and long-term injuries, but replacements have been consistent and capable. Left tackle, in particular, is a position to watch for improvement.

Against the Cornhuskers, the Wolverines were more physical at the line of scrimmage. As for the receivers, Indiana transfer Donaven McCulley was expected to headline the receiving corps. Through four games, his connection with Underwood was highlighted by some impressive, improvised catches but there were also limited long throws and some miscommunication. The rest of the Wolverines’ receivers aren’t as dangerous, and they dropped some key passes against Nebraska. The hardest games left on the Wolverines’ schedule are USC and Ohio State. Winning at least one of those would put Michigan in the playoff conversation. As of now, the Wolverines control their own destiny.

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From champions to contenders again: Ohio State reloads, not rebuilds Jack Diwik Managing Sports Editor

hen spring football opened, it might have been expected that Ohio State’s practice space inside the Woody Hayes Athletic Center would feature symbols and testaments to its 2024 National Championship run. Instead, players sought to remove any championship memorabilia. This team wanted to “start from scratch.” It turns out that starting over looks a lot like continuing past success. Ohio State replaced 14 NFL draft picks and barely flinched, sitting at 3-0 entering Big Ten play and ranked No. 1 in the country, having outscored opponents 131–16, a stretch that started with a win over then-No. 1 Texas. Redshirt freshman quarterback Julian Sayin has thrown for 779 yards and eight touchdowns, including five scoring passes of 40 yards or more. Sayin’s job may look easy in part because he throws to the nation’s top receiving tandem. Jeremiah Smith, widely viewed as college football’s premier wideout, and Carnell Tate, a projected 2026 first-round pick, have combined for 514 yards and six touchdowns. Defenses are left making impossible choices, because they can’t cover them both. Freshman Bo Jackson has the rushing attack humming, as the team is averaging 249.5 yards per game over the team’s last two games. The offensive line has dominated as they have allowed just one sack through three games. For all the offensive fireworks, the defense has been the real showstopper. First-year coordinator Matt Patricia silenced early doubts, and his group is overwhelming opponents with apparent ease. The Buckeyes have given up 5.3 points and 227 total yards per game. Anchored by superstar safety Caleb Downs, this defense has stifled every offense to so far line up against them. Now comes the fun part: the Big Ten grind. Ohio State hasn’t played for the league crown since 2020, and the path to a title is rough. Road trips to Washington, Illinois and Michigan will provide significant tests, and they also face a potential top-5 clash with Penn State at the Horseshoe. The path offers no favors, but this Buckeye team is built to chase the school’s first back-to-back national title and prove the old adage to be true: Ohio State doesn’t rebuild. It reloads.

Ohio State junior wide receiver Carnell Tate (17) celebrates a touchdown catch in the Buckeyes’ game against the Ohio Bobcats. Tate totaled 101 yards and 1 touchdown on the day. SANDRA FU | MANAGING PHOTO EDITOR