Three worst Big Ten teams in college football 25 ft. Northwestern
The makers of EA Sports College Football 25 have tried to replicate the sport's environment. One effect of their simulation is that not all teams are great. While the Big Ten powers of Ohio State and Oregon are as tough as they should be, not every Big Ten team is a power. Here's the bottom of the league, at least according to College Football 25.
Three worst Big Ten teams in College Football 25
1. Northwestern (80 overall)
There were actually four Big Ten teams with an 80 overall rating. The tie-breaker for the bottom of the league was the lowest combined offense and defense ratings. Northwestern's 73 offense and 78 defense gave them the lowest subtotal.
Northwestern was 8-5 a year ago, but they lost their top passer, rusher, receiver, and tackler. The Wildcats also drew five conference road games and have a tough pre-conference battle with Duke. They averaged just 304 yards per game a year ago. They did win three games in 2023 as a double-digit underdog, but that seems hard to replicate.
The other big factor for Northwestern, frankly, is luck. They were +13 in turnover margin a year ago and went 8-5. Two years ago, they were -19 in turnovers and went 1-11. Neither of those outcomes is within normal realms. That makes a 4-8 2024 season likely for Northwestern.
2. Illinois (80 overall)
The Illini are another of the four teams rated at 80 overall. Their combined offensive and defensive ratings of 153 are the second worst in the league. Illinois is projected at a 75 offensive rating and a 78 defensive rating. Bret Bielema's team is generally a bit better in league play, but time will tell if they are this season.
Last year, Illinois was 5-7 and lost three league games in the second half of the season by a combined eight points. It's fair to note that a single timely score could have boosted Illinois to a bowl game. That said, all five Illinois wins were by margins of six points or less.
Like Northwestern, Illinois will play five road games in league play. They'll face Penn State, Michigan and Oregon. The final three league games are Michigan State at home and then at Rutgers and Northwestern, so if Illinois can get within reach of a bowl by early November, they'll be fine.
However, the projection is that the Illini can't do that. Their major issues include replacing the entire defensive line and an absence of competent receivers aside from Patrick Bryant. No other returning player caught more than a dozen passes for the Illini last year. That could make for a long season, even in College Football 25.
3. Michigan State (80 overall)
Another 80 overall team, Michigan State was one combined point behind Maryland. State's offense is rated at 78 and their defense, at 76, is projected to be one of the worst in the conference.
New coach Jonathan Smith inherited a mess from last year's 4-8 squad, which sent coach Mel Tucker packing. MSU was 11-2 in 2021, but its decline since has been sharp.
Last season, State averaged just 15.9 points and 289 yards per game. They also must replace the quarterback and most of the offensive line from that group, which is not an encouraging sign.
Defensively, Michigan State was adequate a year ago, allowing 28.3 points per game. But their only two conference wins came by six combined points against Nebraska and Indiana.
Meanwhile, their 2024 schedule will be challenging. Following an early road game at Maryland, the end of September and beginning of October bring games with Ohio State and Oregon in consecutive weeks. Iowa and Michigan follow next, so it will be a rough start for the Spartans in College Football 25 and in real life.
Which teams would you project as the weakest in the Big Ten in College Football 25? Share your thoughts and experiences below in our comments section.