Week 12 of the 2025 college football season is in the books. For the first time since last October, the Wisconsin Badgers have a multi-week stretch of momentum.
The team defeated Illinois 27-10 on Saturday night. The triumph notably continues Wisconsin's strong form since Chris McIntosh announced that Luke Fickell would return for the 2026 season; it is now 2-1 since that date, with two ranked wins in three weeks. The Badgers can continue that red-hot momentum in Week 14 when they travel to face a struggling Minnesota team. While bowl eligibility isn't at stake, a victory would build even further momentum entering a critical offseason for Fickell and his staff.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWith rivalry week upon us, here is an updated snapshot of the Big Ten power rankings, including where Wisconsin ranks after its big win over Illinois.
Updated Big Ten football power rankings after Week 13
MADISON, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 08: Head coach Luke Fickell of the Wisconsin Badgers before the game against the Washington Huskies at Camp Randall Stadium on November 08, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)Ohio State Buckeyes (42-9 win over Rutgers) -- No change
Indiana Hoosiers (bye week) -- No change
Oregon Ducks (42-27 win over USC) -- No change
Michigan Wolverines (45-20 win over Maryland) -- No change
USC Trojans (42-27 loss to Oregon) -- No change
Washington Huskies (48-14 win over UCLA) -- Up 1
Iowa Hawkeyes (20-17 win over Michigan State) -- Up 1
Illinois Fighting Illini (27-10 loss to Wisconsin) -- Down 2
Northwestern Wildcats (38-35 win over Minnesota) -- Up 2
Penn State Nittany Lions (37-10 win over Nebraska) -- Up 2
Nebraska Cornhuskers (37-10 loss to Penn State) -- Down 2
Minnesota Golden Gophers (38-35 loss to Northwestern) -- Down 2
Wisconsin Badgers (27-10 win over Illinois) -- Up 3
Rutgers Scarlet Knights (42-9 loss to Ohio State) -- Down 1
Maryland Terrapins (45-20 loss to Michigan) -- No change
UCLA Bruins (48-14 loss to Washington) -- Down 2
Michigan State Spartans (20-17 loss to Iowa) -- No change
Purdue Boilermakers (bye week) -- No change
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This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Big Ten football Week 13 power rankings after Wisconsin win Illinois
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