The Big Ten Conference is projected to have its normal heavy hitters in playoff contention at the end of the 2025 college football season. Teams like Ohio State, Penn State, and Oregon will likely compete for the Big Ten Championship, hoping to win the title.
Last season, Curt Cignetti’s Indiana Hoosiers emerged as a surprise playoff contender, far exceeding preseason expectations. This year, a new group of Big Ten dark horses are generating buzz, and two Ohio State legends agree on which team could make a run.
Beanie Wells and Cardale Jones Pick Illinois as 2025 Big Ten Dark Horse Contender
On “The Script OSU” podcast, former Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones gave his pick on who he believes is a dark horse to win the Big Ten in 2025.
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Jones chose Illinois, citing its strong 2024 season and the wealth of returning talent that could make them a serious threat in 2025.
“Ten wins they had last year, completely turned that program around, and what we thought of Illinois as a team,” Jones said. “And then they have the most returning starters coming back outside of Penn State.”
Jones, who won a national championship while with Ohio State, undersold the amount of talent that Illinois is returning. According to 247Sports, the Fighting Illini return 16 starters from 2024, which is actually more than Penn State’s 14.
Wells, an Ohio State legend himself, also believes that the Fighting Illini are dark horse contenders, crediting head coach Bret Bielema.
“We can’t forget about Bret Bielema, and the coach that he’s been throughout this career,” he said. “When you look at what he did at Wisconsin, he always had them in contention for a Big Ten championship. He’s always had the ability to go out and recruit top-tier players.”
Wells is absolutely right about Bielema‘s ability to recruit. This offseason, Bielema and Illinois attacked the transfer portal, bringing in 18 commitments to add to their returning talent.
It’s not only Bielema who gives Wells the confidence to pick Illinois as the former Ohio State running back also praised Fighting Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer.
“You go back and look at their quarterback, Luke Altmyer,” Wells said. “He was sensational last year.”
Once again, Wells hit the nail on the head. Altmyer, who began his college football career with Ole Miss, had his best season yet in 2024, throwing for 2,717 yards and 22 touchdowns with only six interceptions.
With Bielema’s track record, the returning production, and Altmyer back at the helm, Illinois is a solid pick from Jones and Wells. If the Fighting Illini can put it all together in 2025, then there’s no telling how high their ceiling is this upcoming season.
