Overview

• Oregon, Ohio State and Penn State sit atop new power rankings with immediate tests ahead, including Oregon at Penn State’s White Out and Ohio State traveling to Washington.
• Indiana vaulted after a 63-10 demolition of then-No. 9 Illinois, reinforcing playoff chatter behind quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
• Maryland improved to 4-0 by routing Wisconsin in Madison, positioning the Terrapins as a rising sleeper in conference play.
• A wave of young quarterbacks is driving the league’s narrative, with Malik Washington, Bryce Underwood, Fernando Mendoza, Desmond Williams and Dante Moore Jr. drawing early buzz.
• Coaching pressure is intensifying as Wisconsin absorbs criticism of Luke Fickell’s tenure, and reports indicate UCLA dismissed head coach DeShaun Foster following a 25-point loss to New Mexico.