Penn State may have been off this week, but most other teams in the Big Ten took the gridiron this weekend for Week 4 of the 2025 season.
During the first week of predominantly conference matchups, a few teams pulled out close wins while others continued to roll.
Here’s a recap of the action from around the conference.
Indiana embarrasses Illinois
Then-No. 9 Illinois at then-No. 19 Indiana was the most-anticipated contest in the Big Ten on Saturday, but the on-field product didn’t live up to the hype.
Indiana completely dominated the Fighting Illini 63-10, a scoreline no one saw coming. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza finished the win with an elite 91.3% completion percentage, 267 yards and five touchdowns.
Additionally, the Hoosiers tallied 312 rushing yards, with Khobie Martin accumulating 107 yards and two touchdowns on 12 carries. Kaelon Black was just behind Martin with 89 yards on 10 touches and one touchdown.
Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) runs during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Indiana, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, in Bloomington, Ind. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Darron Cummings | AP Photo
The other sideline had a stark difference in rushing yards, as Illinois finished with just two yards on the ground. Luke Altmyer’s performance concluded with 146 passing yards and one touchdown.
As a result of Indiana’s beatdown, the Hoosiers jumped to No. 11 in the AP poll, while Illinois dropped to No. 23.
Four other teams remain undefeated
USC, Oregon, Washington and Maryland continued their perfect starts to the 2025 season this week in dominant fashion.
The Trojans, who are now ranked No. 21, defeated Michigan State 45-31 behind three touchdown passes by Jayden Maiava. Running back Waymond Jordan finished with an elite 157 rushing yards and is now averaging 7.8 yards per carry this season.
Washington, meanwhile, retook ownership of the Boeing Apple Cup after defeating in-state rival Washington State, 59-24. Sophomore quarterback Demond Williams Jr. had 386 total yards and five total touchdowns, while running back Jonah Coleman had two touchdowns.
The Huskies’ have looked dominant to start the season at 4-0, but have a tough task next week when No. 1 Ohio State heads out to Seattle looking to snap one of the country’s longest home winning streaks.
Maryland quarterback Malik Washington throws during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Wisconsin Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Morry Gash | AP Photo
Maryland’s win over Wisconsin was one of the more surprising outcomes this weekend in the Big Ten, as Maryland won convincingly on the road, 27-10, continuing the Badgers’ 2025 struggles.
Malik Washington had 265 yards and two touchdowns through the air, while Wisconsin had four different quarterbacks appear in the contest. It’s safe to say Luke Fickell is firmly on the hot seat.
Ahead of its biggest contest this season, Oregon crushed Oregon State 41-7 even though it appeared close after the first quarter. Dante Moore had 305 passing yards and four touchdowns as he prepares to take on a Penn State defense that currently ranks ninth nationally in yards allowed per game.
Michigan wins close contest at Nebraska
Nebraska showed flashes of serious potential this weekend against No. 21 Michigan, but the Wolverines sneaked out a very tight 30-27 win on the road over Matt Rhule’s squad.
The star for Michigan was once again running back Justice Haynes, who had 149 yards and one touchdown while averaging 8.8 yards per carry. Bryce Underwood had 105 passing yards, but also had 61 yards on the ground.
Michigan’s Justice Haynes, left, carries the ball as Nebraska’s Javin Wright brings him down during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, in Lincoln, Neb. (AP Photo/Rebecca S. Gratz)
Rebecca S. Gratz | AP Photo
Dylan Raiola looked impressive with 308 yards and three touchdowns through the air. Jacory Barney Jr. was his primary target, as the receiver accumulated 120 yards and two touchdowns on six catches.
Michigan moved up two spots in the AP Poll after the victory, as it’s now ranked No. 19 heading into its first bye week of the season.
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