Big Ten Power Rankings: Iowa Jumps to No. 6 After Dominant Shutout, Ohio State Takes Top Spot
Week 1 of the 2026 college football season delivered plenty of surprises across the Big Ten, and the latest power rankings reflect a major shakeup. The Iowa Hawkeyes moved up to No. 6 after a commanding 40-0 shutout over Northern Illinois, while Ohio State claimed the top spot following a blowout victory. Meanwhile, Oregon tumbled four spots after a closer-than-expected win over Boise State.
How did Iowa perform in Week 1?
Iowa looked like Iowa defensively, but the offense also showed signs of life in its 40-0 win over Northern Illinois. The Hawkeyes put up 507 total yards while holding NIU to just 120 yards and seven net rushing yards on 32 carries.
Iowa's offense has been a major concern in recent seasons, but the Hawkeyes averaged 7.6 yards per carry and consistently created explosive plays against Northern Illinois. That performance gave Iowa enough reason to move ahead of Michigan following Week 1.
Who took the No. 1 spot in the Big Ten power rankings?
Ohio State wasted no time showing why it was one of the favorites to win the national championship this season. The Buckeyes cruised past Ball State 56-3 in their season opener, putting up 671 total yards while holding the Cardinals to just 165 yards.
Quarterback Julian Sayin looked extremely comfortable, completing 21-of-25 passes for 320 yards and three touchdowns while adding a rushing score. Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith caught eight passes for 151 yards and two touchdowns, including a 48-yard touchdown that capped a 99-yard drive.
After Oregon's close call against Boise State, Ohio State earned the No. 1 spot heading into its massive matchup against Texas.
Why did Oregon drop in the rankings?
Oregon dropped four spots in these rankings, but that does not mean the Ducks suddenly look like a bad football team. They just did not look like the No. 1 team in the country.
Oregon escaped Boise State 34-27 in a game that remained competitive deep into the fourth quarter. The Ducks trailed 17-14 at halftime and allowed Boise State to tie the game at 27 with 8:45 remaining before quarterback Dante Moore and the offense finally took control.
Moore had a strong game individually, completing 24-of-35 passes for 378 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. His 62-yard touchdown pass to receiver Dakorien Moore with 7:51 remaining ultimately gave Oregon the lead for good.
But there were too many issues elsewhere. Oregon committed 10 penalties for 90 yards and allowed Boise State to move the ball consistently enough to stay within one possession for most of the second half.
Which teams made the biggest jumps?
Penn State made the biggest jump in the top 10 following Week 1. The Nittany Lions entered the season with plenty of questions after James Franklin's departure, a new head coach in Matt Campbell and significant roster turnover.
None of that showed up Saturday. Penn State completely dominated Marshall in a 45-0 shutout, holding the Thundering Herd to just 102 passing yards and no red-zone scores. The dominant Week 1 performance moves Penn State up four spots, passing Michigan, Washington and Iowa.
USC also made a statement, moving up two spots to No. 3 after a dominant 39-0 shutout over Fresno State. Quarterback Jayden Maiava was nearly perfect, completing 23-of-25 passes for 349 yards and three touchdowns.
What happened to Michigan?
Michigan somehow won its season opener, but it certainly did not do it the way most people expected. The Wolverines needed a controversial final play to escape Western Michigan 13-12 after trailing 12-7 with one second remaining.
Quarterback Bryce Underwood found JJ Buchanan on a 47-yard Hail Mary touchdown as time expired, giving Michigan the win after the Big Ten replay crew restored one second to the clock. Outside of Michigan's opening 75-yard touchdown drive, the offense struggled badly. The Wolverines went scoreless on nine consecutive drives and converted just 3-of-14 third downs.
Full Big Ten power rankings after Week 1
- Ohio State Buckeyes (1-0) — Previous: No. 2
- Indiana Hoosiers (1-0) — Previous: No. 3
- USC Trojans (2-0) — Previous: No. 5
- Penn State Nittany Lions (1-0) — Previous: No. 8
- Oregon Ducks (1-0) — Previous: No. 1
- Iowa Hawkeyes (1-0) — Previous: No. 7
- Michigan Wolverines (1-0) — Previous: No. 4
- Washington Huskies (1-0) — Previous: No. 6
- UCLA Bruins (1-0) — Previous: Unranked
- Nebraska Cornhuskers (1-0) — Previous: No. 10
The rest of the Big Ten
- 11. Minnesota (1-0)
- 12. Illinois (1-0)
- 13. Maryland (1-0)
- 14. Northwestern (1-0)
- 15. Michigan State (1-0)
- 16. Purdue (1-0)
- 17. Wisconsin (0-1)
- 18. Rutgers (0-1)
Minnesota and Illinois stay in the same spots after strong wins, and Maryland moves up into the No. 13 spot. Northwestern also climbs after its win over San Diego State. Wisconsin falls after its loss to Notre Dame, and Rutgers drops to No. 18 following its upset loss to UMass.
What's next for Iowa?
The Hawkeyes will look to build on their strong Week 1 performance as they continue their 2026 campaign. With the defense looking dominant and the offense showing new life, Iowa fans have reason for optimism heading into Week 2.