Big Ten football: East Division power rankings after week 5

The Big Ten has had some ups and downs so far this year, and overall most have been pretty surprised with how things have played out thus far. Here are my Big Ten football power rankings (East division) following week 5.

1. Ohio State

COLUMBUS, OHIO – OCTOBER 01: C.J. Stroud #7 of the Ohio State Buckeyes looks to pass during the third quarter of a game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Ohio Stadium on October 01, 2022 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Ben Jackson/Getty Images) /

Record/rank: 5-0 (2-0 Conf.), No. 3

Shocker, right? The Buckeyes have frankly looked near perfect thus far, and Ryan Day is doing an incredible job with the program as a whole. Right now Ohio State is ranked No. 3 in the nation and is coming off of a 49-10 win over a well-coached Rutgers team. I could see Ohio State finishing the regular season 12-0 and winning it all this year.

2. Michigan

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN – SEPTEMBER 17: Alex Orji #10 of the Michigan Wolverines runs for a touchdown after avoiding a tackle by Ian Swenson #6 of the Connecticut Huskies during the second half of a college football game at Michigan Stadium on September 17, 2022 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Michigan Wolverines won the game 59-0 over the Connecticut Huskies. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images) /

Record/rank: 5-0 (2-0 Conf.), No. 4

The Wolverines came into this season with high expectations, and so far those have held true. Michigan played no one throughout its non-conference schedule (although this is rare) and seemed to stutter a bit against Maryland, but has looked solid so far. The Wolverines took down Iowa last weekend, 27-14, and will face Indiana this weekend. Michigan’s first real test will be on October 15th when Penn State comes to town.

3. Penn State

STATE COLLEGE, PA – OCTOBER 01: Nick Tarburton #46 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates after recovering a fumble against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first half at Beaver Stadium on October 1, 2022 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

Record/rank: 5-0 (2-0 Conf.), No. 10

Penn State was the Big Ten’s wildcard heading into 2022, but so far has earned a place with the other top teams. Penn State is the Big Ten’s final top-10 team right now and boasts arguably the best defense in the conference. The Nittany Lions have a few impressive wins so far, namely at Purdue in a “blackout” and at Auburn in an “orange out.” Penn State is coming off of a sloppy 17-7 win over Northwestern in a monsoon (the remnants of Hurricane Ian) and has a BYE this weekend before facing (presumably undefeated) Michigan the following week.

4. Maryland

(Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images) /

Record/rank: 4-1 (1-1 Conf.), UR

Maryland has been a bit of a surprise thus far, winning four of its first five and nearly taking down Michigan in Ann Arbor. The Terps have utilized their high-powered offense while also using a balanced defense to win games thus far, and last weekend took down Michigan State at home. Maryland may not be a Big Ten contender, but the Terps will give the conference’s best teams a close game regardless.

5. Indiana

BLOOMINGTON, IN – SEPTEMBER 17: Josh Henderson #26 of the Indiana Hoosiers runs the ball during the game against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Memorial Stadium on September 17, 2022 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Record/rank: 3-2 (1-1 Conf.), UR

As odd as it may seem, Indiana is a lot better than they were a year ago. In 2021 IU only managed to win two of its 12 games, and so far have won three of its first five games this season. The Hoosiers may not be a threat to the Big Ten’s best teams, but there is a solid chance that this team goes bowling this year.

6. Rutgers

PISCATAWAY, NJ – SEPTEMBER 24: Quarterback Evan Simon #3 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights hands off to running back Kyle Monangai #23 against the Iowa Hawkeyes during a game at SHI Stadium on September 24, 2022 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Iowa defeated Rutgers 27-10. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

Record/rank: 3-2 (0-2 Conf.), UR

Now here’s a shocker: Rutgers isn’t last! The Knights have been playing pretty good football thus far despite losing their last two games. Rutgers started the year 3-0 including wins over Boston College and Temple, and its only two losses are respectable (close loss to Iowa, loss at Ohio State). Like Indiana, Rutgers isn’t a threat to the Big Ten title, but could definitely slip into Bowl Season this year.

7. Michigan State

EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN – SEPTEMBER 24: Payton Thorne #10 of the Michigan State Spartans runs up the field in the second half of a game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Spartan Stadium on September 24, 2022 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images) /

Record/rank: 2-3 (0-2 Conf.), UR

Michigan State football started this season with a lot of high hopes, including a top-15 ranking that will likely not hold up. Through its first two games, the Spartans seemed solid, although that period was shorted lived once the Washington game rolled around. MSU now has three straight losses, all by wide margins, and will likely not be going bowling this year. I would be shocked if Michigan State won five games as of right now, which means Mel Tucker has his work cut out for him.

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