Big Ten Power Rankings are getting updated through 3 weeks of the season!

With a new 18-team version of the B1G, we are already entering into the time period of teams taking bye weeks and nonconference matchups heating up. Week 4 will also usher in an increased level of conference games as we enter the latter portions of September.

As for Week 3, a couple of B1G teams were blown out in nonconference games while 2 newcomers renewed old Pac-12 rivalries.

For now, the B1G still has 9 undefeated teams, and 3 of the top 4 teams on these power rankings were idle in Week 3. The pecking order will become clearer over the next few weeks, but let’s dive into the latest version of the B1G Power Rankings!

18. Purdue (1-1)

Last week: vs. Notre Dame, L 66-7

I didn’t award a game ball to anyone on the Boilermakers for that performance against Notre Dame. That should tell you what I think about Ryan Walters’ program right now.

17. UCLA (1-1)

Last week: vs. Indiana, L 42-13

UCLA was blown out at home in the first-ever B1G game played at the Rose Bowl. Making matters worse, it comes to an Indiana program that was bottom of the conference a season ago, but Curt Cignetti is not playing around. UCLA must be careful because this could be the start of a skid of historic proportions.

16. Minnesota (2-1)

Last week: vs. Nevada, W 27-0

If Darius Taylor is healthy, I think Minnesota has a shot to beat any of the teams ranked between 13-18 on these power rankings and would clearly be better than UCLA and Purdue. That’s why the Gophers are here for the time being.

15. Northwestern (2-1)

Last week: vs. Eastern Illinois, W 31-7

A QB change led Northwestern to nearly match its combined point total of the first 2 games in Week 3 alone. Still, Eastern Illinois is a game the Wildcats should have won. Now, it’s time for the B1G slate, and every game could be tough for David Braun’s program.

14. Maryland (2-1)

Last week: at Virginia, W 27-13

Maryland started slowly vs. UVA, but the Terrapins came alive to score 20 in the 2nd half while shutting out the Cavs. Considering it was a road game, I won’t fault Mike Locksley’s team for that.

13. Wisconsin (2-1)

Last week: vs. Alabama, L 42-10

Questions about Luke Fickell being the right man in Madison feel warranted after that performance. The Badgers didn’t hire Fickell for feel-good vibes (which is good because there weren’t any Saturday), but the team is expected to compete under his watch. Fickell is still a good coach, but the fit at Wisconsin will be worth monitoring moving forward.

12. Washington (2-1)

Last week: vs. Washington State, L 24-19

15. The Huskies committed 15 penalties and had triple the penalty yardage of Washington State in the Apple Cup. Nothing else needs to be said.

11. Indiana (3-0)

Last week: at UCLA, W 42-13

I don’t know how much to buy into Indiana quite yet. But the Hoosiers are at least fun on the field and winning the games they should. And a road win in a trip to California should be viewed positively, regardless of who it comes against right now.

10. Illinois (3-0)

Last week: vs. Central Michigan, W 30-9

Illinois has truly seen just one test so far, but it’s still noteworthy that the defense has only surrendered 26 points across 3 games. It’s also very noteworthy that Luke Altmyer does not have a single interception on the season. That will be tested with a road trip to Nebraska.

9. Michigan State (3-0)

Last week: vs. Prairie View A&M, W 40-0

Michigan State looked like it should have against its only FCS opponent of the season, but the big story here is getting to 3 wins by the middle of September. If the Spartans want a bowl game, a road upset vs. Boston College would go a long way toward getting 6 wins.

8. Iowa (2-1)

Last week: vs. Troy, W 38-21

It’s getting harder to talk about anything positive related to Iowa. The Hawkeyes have run into some surprising defensive struggles via explosive plays to accompany their offensive issues. But I’m giving them leeway this week after outscoring Troy 28-7 in the 2nd half.

7. Rutgers (2-0)

Last week: BYE

6. Nebraska (3-0)

Last week: vs. Northern Iowa, W 34-3

Dylan Raiola threw his first interception, but even his pick was understandable with it coming on a deep ball in a one-on-one situation. The ball placement could have been better. But it was not the kind of disastrous throw we saw from other Husker QBs a season ago. The defense continues to look the part with 20 total points given up in 3 games.

5. Michigan (2-1)

Last week: vs. Arkansas State, W 28-18

Michigan built a 28-3 lead before calling off the dogs, and the Wolverines gave Alex Orji some time with the offense as Davis Warren threw 3 interceptions. That’s a major concern, along with an injury to Colston Loveland, and Kalel Mullings continues to look like the best RB on the roster.

4. USC (2-0)

Last week: BYE

3. Penn State (2-0)

Last week: BYE

2. Oregon (3-0)

Last week: at Oregon State, W 49-14

Okay, Oregon. That’s more like it. Dillon Gabriel was electric as a dual-threat, and the offensive line had its best game of the young season. That’s how the Ducks need to look entering B1G play.

1. Ohio State (2-0)

Last week: BYE