Big Ten Power Rankings after Week 4: Lincoln Riley's USC sees a dip after Michigan face-off
The Big Ten teams have played very good football in the early stages of the 2024 college football season, which is in full swing as the calendar turns to Week 5. Over the first four weeks of the year, the conference has gone 48-16 overall and 42-10 in non-conference games.
There are six Big Ten programs ranked in the top 19 of the latest rendition of the AP Top 25 Poll, with three of those programs ranked in the top nine. Three additional teams were among the others receiving votes, meaning half of the conference's 18 teams received some form of recognition from voters.
While there have only been six conference matchups through the first four weeks of the season, that will change in Week 5. 16 of the programs will face a conference rival this weekend, with one of those matchups featuring two ranked opponents.
The expanded postseason field of 12 teams could lead to multiple Big Ten teams reaching the College Football Playoff. As things stand, four teams rank in the top-12 in the nation, with a fifth falling just outside. Take a look at the Big Ten power rankings after Week 4 below.
Big Ten power rankings after Week 4
#1: Ohio State Buckeyes
The No.3-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes continue to dominate their non-conference schedule. They beat the Marshall Thundering Herd 49-14 to improve to 3-0. They have outscored opponent 157-20 to start the season.
#2: Oregon Ducks
The No.8-ranked Oregon Ducks had a Week 4 bye and remain 3-0.
#3: Penn State Nittany Lions
The No.9-ranked Penn State Nittany Lions improved to 3-0 with a 56-0 beatdown against the Kent State Golden Flashes.
#4: Michigan Wolverines
The No.12-ranked Michigan Wolverines got the biggest win of Sherrone Moore's young head coaching career in Week 4. They defeated the No.13-ranked USC Trojans 27-24 to improve to 3-1.
#5: USC Trojans
The No.13-ranked USC Trojans suffered a 27-24 loss to the No.12-ranked Michigan Wolverines to fall to 2-1. It marked their first ever game in Big Ten play.
#6: Illinois Fighting Illini
The No.19-ranked Illinois Fighting Illini went on the road and beat the Nebraska Cornhuskers 31-24 in overtime to improve to 4-0. It marked their second win over a ranked opponent.
#7: Indiana Hoosiers (4-0) - 52-14 W vs. Charlotte 49ers
#8: Iowa Hawkeyes (3-1) - 31-14 W at Minnesota Golden Gophers
#9: Nebraska Cornhuskers (3-1) - 31-24 OT L vs. No.19-ranked Illinois Fighting Illini
#10: Rutgers Scarlet Knights (3-0) - 26-23 W at Virginia Tech Hokies
#11: Washington Huskies (3-1) - 24-5 W vs. Northwestern Wildcats
#12: Michigan State Spartans (3-1) - 23-19 L at Boston College Eagles
#13: Maryland Terrapins (3-1) - 38-20 W vs. Villanova Wildcats
#14: Wisconsin Badgers (2-1) - Bye week
#15: Minnesota Golden Gophers (2-2) - 31-14 L vs. Iowa Hawkeyes
#16: Northwestern Wildcats (2-2) - 24-5 L at Washington Huskies
#17: UCLA Bruins (1-2) - 34-17 L at No.14-ranked LSU Tigers
#18: Purdue Boilermakers (1-2) - 38-21 L at Oregon State Beavers