Big Ten Head Coach Power Rankings: 2025 Preview

maryland Football Faces Pivotal Year Seven under Head Coach Mike Locksley

Collage Park, MD – The clock is ticking for Maryland Terrapins head coach Mike Locksley as he enters his seventh season at the helm, a critical juncture for a program seeking sustained success. After a promising stretch that saw the Terps reach three consecutive bowl games from 2021-2023, a disappointing 4-8 record last season cast a shadow over the program’s upward trajectory.

The 2023 campaign was marked by a solitary conference victory, a win against USC, and a general feeling of being outmatched in the majority of their losses. While Locksley has demonstrated an ability to recruit talent to College Park, translating that recruiting prowess into consistent on-field results, particularly within the highly competitive conference landscape, has remained a meaningful challenge. Over the past six seasons, Maryland has struggled to a 16-40 record in conference play, a statistic that underscores the urgency for improvement.

This upcoming season, Year Seven, is widely viewed as a defining period for Locksley’s tenure. The expectation is clear: a return to winning ways and competitive performances are paramount to solidifying his position and the program’s future. The foundation has been laid with bowl appearances, but the ultimate goal remains hoisting trophies and competing for championships. The ability to convert recruiting wins into tangible on-field victories will be the ultimate measure of success for Locksley and the Maryland football program.

Evergreen Insight: The pressure on college football coaches to deliver immediate and consistent results, especially after initial periods of rebuilding, is a perennial theme in the sport. Even with strong recruiting classes, the integration of talent, strategic coaching, and overcoming the inherent parity in manny conferences are complex challenges. A coach’s ability to adapt, develop players, and navigate tough schedules ofen determines the longevity of their tenure. For Locksley and Maryland, demonstrating growth and sustained competitiveness in Year Seven will be crucial in silencing critics and building a lasting winning culture.

What key performance indicators (KPIs) will be most crucial for evaluating Ryan Day’s success in 2025,considering the evolving landscape of the Big ten?

The Top Tier: Championship Contenders

These coaches consistently deliver winning seasons and are firmly established as elite program leaders within the Big Ten Conference. Thier track records speak for themselves, and expectations are always sky-high.

1. Ryan Day (Ohio State): Day remains at the top.His offensive prowess is undeniable, and he’s proven capable of recruiting at a national level. The pressure is immense in Columbus, but he thrives under it. Key Stat to Watch: Ohio State’s scoring offense – consistently among the nation’s best.
2. James Franklin (Penn State): Franklin has built a consistent winner in Happy Valley. While a Big Ten Championship still eludes him, his program is always competitive and a recruiting force. Key Stat to Watch: Penn State’s defensive efficiency – a hallmark of Franklin’s teams.
3. Kyle mccord (Michigan): taking the reins after Jim harbaugh’s departure, McCord faces a unique challenge. Maintaining Michigan’s recent dominance will be his immediate priority. The Wolverines’ strong recruiting base provides a solid foundation.Key Stat to Watch: Michigan’s rushing attack – crucial for sustaining their winning formula.

The next Level: programs on the Rise

these coaches have demonstrated significant progress and are poised to challenge the top tier in the coming seasons. They’re building strong programs with clear identities. Collage Football Playoff aspirations are within reach.

1. Greg Schiano (Rutgers): Schiano’s second stint at Rutgers has been a remarkable turnaround story. He’s instilled a tough, physical identity and is recruiting well in the region. Key Stat to Watch: Rutgers’ turnover margin – a sign of their improved defensive discipline.
2. Luke Fickell (Wisconsin): Fickell brings a proven track record from Cincinnati to madison. He’s known for building strong defenses and developing players. Wisconsin’s tradition of strong offensive lines will be a key asset. Key Stat to Watch: Wisconsin’s time of possession – leveraging their ground game to control the clock.
3. Bret Bielema (illinois): Bielema has quickly revitalized the Illinois program. His emphasis on physicality and strong recruiting have laid the groundwork for sustained success. Key Stat to Watch: Illinois’ third-down conversion rate – indicating offensive efficiency.

The Middle Ground: Consistency is Key

These coaches are solid leaders but need to demonstrate more consistency to elevate their programs to the next level. They face pressure to deliver winning seasons and compete for bowl berths. Big Ten Football is fiercely competitive, and staying relevant requires continuous improvement.

1. P.J. Fleck (Minnesota): Fleck’s energy and recruiting enthusiasm are undeniable, but Minnesota needs to find more consistent success on the field. Key Stat to Watch: Minnesota’s special teams performance – often a deciding factor in close games.
2. Ryan Walters (Purdue): Walters is a rising star in the coaching ranks, but he’s still building his program at Purdue. He’s a strong recruiter and has a clear vision for the future. Key Stat to Watch: Purdue’s passing offense – capitalizing on their quarterback play.
3. Matt Rhule (Nebraska): Rhule inherited a challenging situation at Nebraska, and he’s slowly but surely building a more competitive team. patience will be key as he continues to reshape the program. Key stat to Watch: Nebraska’s red zone efficiency – converting opportunities into points.

The Bottom Tier: Facing challenges

These coaches are facing significant challenges and are under pressure to improve their programs quickly. Recruiting, player development, and on-field performance are all areas that need attention. NCAA Football is unforgiving, and sustained struggles can lead to coaching changes.

1. Bill O’Brien (Maryland): O’Brien’s tenure at Maryland has been inconsistent. He needs to demonstrate more consistent success to solidify his position. Key Stat to Watch: Maryland’s ability to close out games – a recurring issue.
2. Gus Edwards (Northwestern): Taking over after Pat Fitzgerald’s dismissal, Edwards faces a monumental task