Ohio State's dominant 45-16 win over Maryland had stressful moments and, on certain drives, unacceptable play. The Buckeyes only led 14-10 at one point and committed four penalties on one of the Terrapins' offensive drives that resulted in a touchdown.
Still, OSU remains No. 1 in these power rankings.
Indiana won against Nebraska, but it took a late rally against the Cornhuskers for the Hoosiers to survive in Lincoln.
Meanwhile, UCLA remained undefeated and handed Oregon its second loss of the 2026 season. The Bruins have fully arrived in the Bob Chesney era.
Here's how the Big Ten shakes out after an exciting and surprising Week 6:
No. 1: Ohio State
The Buckeyes' defining game of the season is in Bloomington this coming Saturday. Win that, and Ohio State is in good shape for a top-four seed in the CFP.
No. 2: Indiana
It's been nearly two years since Indiana took a loss. Will Curt Cignetti conquer the Buckeyes once again this weekend?
No. 3: UCLA
UCLA has an easy run the rest of the year, by and large. It's possible the Bruins are a CFP team in Chesney's first year.
No. 4: USC
The City of Los Angeles' two B1G representatives are crushing it. USC handed Penn State its third straight loss this season in its annual White Out game on Saturday.
No. 5: Iowa
Iowa went on the road and washed Washington in Seattle, bouncing back from the Ohio State loss with the Hawkeyes' backup quarterback, Jeremy Hecklinski, leading the charge.
No. 6: Wisconsin
The Badgers had a bye in Week 6. Wisconsin has the UCLA buzzsaw waiting at the Rose Bowl next Saturday evening.
No. 7: Nebraska
Nebraska almost had the biggest win of the week. Losing keeps the Huskers unranked heading into a massive matchup with Oregon to save each team's 2026 season.
No. 8: Oregon
Two losses to currently ranked teams and beating the Trojans earlier this season have left the Ducks barely saving face. Oregon cannot afford a loss to Nebraska in Week 7. Dan Lanning's Ducks would be effectively eliminated from the CFP in mid-October.
No. 9: Northwestern
Northwestern had a mild challenge against Ball State and won by 31. The Wildcats travel to East Lansing next weekend to further establish themselves in the Big Ten or take a rough loss.
No. 10: Purdue
Upsetting Minnesota is a massive feather in Purdue's cap. The Boilermakers laid a beatdown on the Gophers at home. Purdue is rising in the Big Ten, with Barry Odom finally finding his footing in his second season.
No. 11: Minnesota
Minnesota has inspiring moments but two losses. P.J. Fleck is a far less popular man this week than last.
No. 12: Michigan
TTUN didn't play this week. The Wolverines will be lucky to have a limping Nittany Lions team coming to town in Week 7.
No. 13: Illinois
Illinois picked up a nice win over Michigan State in overtime. If anyone can motivate an undermanned Fighting Illini roster, it's Bret Bielema.
No. 14: Penn State
Penn State didn't suffer the worst loss of the week in the conference. Matt Campbell is looking for moral victories at this point now that the Nittany Lions' season is almost entirely off the rails.
No. 15: Washington
Jedd Fisch's squad has also suffered three straight losses. Fisch is getting close to the hot seat at Washington.
No. 16: Michigan State
The Spartans are not turning it around under first-year Pat Fitzgerald this season yet. Michigan State had a winnable game against Illinois this week.
No. 17: Maryland
Maryland showed fight against OSU, but the talent gap was too vast. The Terrapins continue sleepwalking through the late Mike Locksley era.
No. 18: Rutgers
Rutgers was on its bye week, but the Scarlet Knights could rise out of the cellar on the road at Maryland this coming Saturday.
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