The 2025 Big Ten football season is set to deliver some fun games this season, with the conference’s 18-team, no-division structure upping the stakes of its rivalry games. From Ohio State vs. Michigan to Oregon vs. Penn State, these contests are must-watch events for fans and those who like to place bets. These matchups will shape the race to the Big Ten Championship and the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff (CFP). We have a breakdown of the top 2025 Big Ten Football Rivalry Games for 2025, complete with schedules, TV and streaming details, and early betting odds for you.
2025 Big Ten Football Rivalry Games
The Big Ten’s scheduling model helps preserve historic rivalries while also emphasizing new matchups like Wisconsin vs. USC. Below are some of the biggest rivalry games to watch, with schedules and TV assignments based on the latest announcements.
- Ohio State vs. Michigan
- Date: November 29, 2025
- Time: 12:00 PM ET
- TV/Stream: FOX (stream on FOX Sports app)
- Location: Ann Arbor, MI
- Why It Matters: Known as “The Game,” this matchup is one of the biggest of all college football rivalries. Ohio State, coming off a 2024 CFP National Championship, faces a Michigan team hungry to reclaim bragging rights. With no divisions, this game could decide Big Ten Championship seeding and CFP berths.
- Odds: Ohio State -6.5, Over/Under 48.5 points (based on 2024 trends).
- Oregon vs. Penn State
- Date: September 27, 2025
- Time: TBD (likely afternoon or evening)
- TV/Stream: NBC/Peacock
- Location: University Park, PA
- Why It Matters: Oregon’s high-octane offense meets Penn State’s “White Out” defense in a new Big Ten rivalry with national title implications. This early-season showdown could set the tone for CFP contention.
- Odds: Oregon -3, Over/Under 52 points.
- Wisconsin vs. USC
- Date: September 20, 2025
- Time: 12:00 PM ET
- TV/Stream: TBD (likely CBS or FOX; check SportsBrackets.net for updates)
- Location: Madison, WI
- Why It Matters: This cross-country clash pits USC’s West Coast flair against Wisconsin’s smashmouth style. As one of the Big Ten’s new West Coast additions, USC aims to make a statement in Madison.
- Odds: USC -4, Over/Under 50 points.
- Michigan vs. Michigan State
- Date: October 18, 2025
- Time: TBD
- TV/Stream: TBD (likely NBC or BTN; stream on Peacock or FOX Sports app)
- Location: East Lansing, MI
- Why It Matters: The battle for the Paul Bunyan Trophy remains a heated in-state rivalry. Both teams are fighting for Big Ten respect and a shot at the CFP.
- Odds: Michigan -7, Over/Under 45 points.
- Other Notable Rivalries
- Iowa vs. Nebraska (Nov. 28, 2025, 12:00 PM ET, CBS, Lincoln, NE): A Black Friday showdown with CFP implications.
- Minnesota vs. Wisconsin (TBD, likely late November, TBD, likely BTN): The battle for Paul Bunyan’s Axe is always a fan favorite.
- Illinois vs. Northwestern (Nov. 22, 2025, TBD, TBD, Urbana-Champaign, IL): A regional rivalry with bowl eligibility on the line.
2025 Big Ten Football TV and Streaming Guide
The Big Ten’s 2025 schedule is broadcast across major networks, with streaming options for cord-cutters. Here’s the breakdown for confirmed assignments:
- FOX: Airs top-tier games like Ohio State vs. Michigan (Nov. 29) and the Big Ten Championship (Dec. 6, 8:00 PM ET, Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis). Stream on the FOX Sports app.
- CBS: Covers games like Iowa vs. Nebraska (Nov. 28) and Wisconsin vs. USC (Sept. 20, pending confirmation). Stream on Paramount+.
- NBC/Peacock: Handles primetime and select games, including Oregon vs. Penn State (Sept. 27). Peacock also streams exclusives like Rutgers vs. Miami (OH) (Sept. 6, 3:30 PM ET).
- BTN/FS1: Broadcasts early-season and mid-tier games, such as Minnesota vs. Northwestern State (Sept. 6, 12:00 PM ET, BTN) and Wisconsin vs. MTSU (Sept. 6, 4:00 PM ET, FS1).
- TBD Assignments: Many games’ TV slots are finalized 6–12 days before kickoff due to the Big Ten’s flexible scheduling. Check SportsBrackets.net weekly for updates.
Why Do These Games Matter for the 2025 College Football Playoff?
With no divisions in the Big Ten, head-to-head results in these rivalry games are critical for determining the two teams advancing to the Big Ten Championship (Dec. 6, 2025, 8:00 PM ET, FOX). The winner earns an automatic bid to the 12-team CFP, which runs from December 19, 2025, to the National Championship on January 19, 2026. Teams like Ohio State, Oregon, and Penn State are early CFP favorites, making games like Ohio State vs. Michigan and Oregon vs. Penn State pivotal for national title hopes.
Printable 2025 Big Ten Football Schedule
Here’s the printable 2025 Big Ten Football schedule grid released by the conference for you.
2025-26 College Football Regular and Postseason Schedule
So, we’ll finally get to see the 2025 college football regular season schedule kick off on August 23rd, 2025 in Week 0. We’ll see which Big Ten teams stay in the mix for a 2025-26 college football playoff berth. Then, we’ll have a number that will play in the 2025-26 college football bowl schedule.
