Big Ten Football's Best Matchups for Weeks 7-13: A Preview for Iowa Fans

The second half of the Big Ten football season is where champions are forged, and this year's slate is loaded with high-stakes showdowns. While the Iowa Hawkeyes have their own battles to fight, the conference race will be defined by a series of heavyweight clashes featuring Ohio State, Michigan, Indiana, and Oregon. These games will not only decide the Big Ten Championship but will also shape the College Football Playoff picture.

Here is a breakdown of the most compelling matchups from Week 7 through Week 13, with an eye on what it all means for the conference and the road to Indianapolis.

Week 7: Ohio State at Indiana

The Hoosiers are no longer the conference's doormat. After a magical 2025 season that ended with a Big Ten Championship and a national title, Indiana is now the team everyone wants to beat. Ohio State travels to Bloomington looking for revenge after falling to the Hoosiers in the 2025 conference title game.

Indiana's rise under head coach Curt Cignetti has been remarkable. The Hoosiers went from homecoming fodder to a powerhouse that no Power 4 program wants to schedule. For Ohio State, this game is about proving they can beat the new king of the conference. The Buckeyes will need a better performance from their kicker, who missed two chip-shot field goals in the last meeting.

Week 8: Indiana at Michigan

The Hoosiers face a brutal stretch, traveling to Ann Arbor just one week after hosting Ohio State. Michigan has historically dominated this series, but Indiana's 2024 win was a sign of changing times. The Wolverines are in a rebuilding year under new head coach Kyle Whittingham, and they face a gauntlet in their final seven games.

Michigan must win at least two of its three marquee matchups against Indiana, Oregon, and Ohio State to prove it belongs back among the conference elite. This game will be a true test of the Wolverines' resilience.

Week 9: Ohio State at USC

Two of college football's most storied programs meet for just the 25th time, with Ohio State making its first trip to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum since 2008. USC holds a narrow 13-10-1 edge in the all-time series, including a 9-6-1 mark in regular-season meetings.

The Buckeyes snapped a seven-game losing streak against the Trojans with a 24-7 victory in the 2017 Cotton Bowl. Both teams have College Football Playoff aspirations, making this a critical early-November test.

Week 10: Oregon at Ohio State

This could be the game of the year in the Big Ten. Ohio State has dominated the all-time series 10-2, but Oregon has won two of the last three meetings. The Ducks' 2021 and 2024 victories proved they can compete with the Buckeyes, though Ohio State blew past Oregon in the 2025 CFP Quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl.

Oregon won convincingly the last time it visited Columbus, so the Buckeyes' defense will be under the microscope. This matchup features two of the top preseason teams in the nation, and the winner will have a clear path to the conference title game.

Week 11: Michigan at Oregon

Oregon faces a similar gauntlet as Indiana, hosting Michigan right after taking on Ohio State. The all-time series is tied at 3-3, with Oregon winning the last meeting 38-17 in 2024. Michigan has never won in Eugene, a stat that could weigh on the Wolverines.

All eyes will be on Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood, whose hefty price tag has raised expectations. Meanwhile, Oregon's Dante Moore could solidify his Heisman Trophy campaign with a strong performance.

Week 12: Indiana at Washington

The reigning champions travel to Seattle for a matchup that could have major CFP implications. Washington is a program on the rise, and quarterback Demond Williams has the tools to lead the Huskies to glory. Indiana, meanwhile, will be looking to avoid a letdown before the final week of the regular season.

This game is a classic trap matchup, with Washington potentially looking ahead to its annual rivalry game with Oregon. But for Indiana, it is another chance to prove that last season was no fluke.

Week 13: Michigan at Ohio State

Nothing in college football compares to The Game. The 122nd meeting between Michigan and Ohio State will have massive stakes, with both teams likely fighting for a spot in the Big Ten Championship and the College Football Playoff.

Ohio State got back into the win column last season after a controversial four-game losing streak, and the rivalry is as heated as ever. This is the game that defines the regular season, and it is a must-watch for any college football fan in Iowa.

What This Means for Iowa

While the Hawkeyes are not featured in these marquee matchups, the outcome of these games will directly impact Iowa's path in the Big Ten West. A strong finish by Iowa could set up a potential rematch with one of these powers in the conference championship game. For now, Hawkeye fans should keep an eye on these showdowns as they will shape the entire conference landscape.

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