College football fans are hard-pressed to find the top conference in college football this year.

There's simply so much parity across the sport in 2026, and the Big Ten is no exception. Most of the league's top brands are mired in down seasons, allowing for some incredible underdog stories in the conference this year.

But where does Iowa stand after throttling Northwestern? We've got the answer here in another batch of Big Ten power rankings.

18: Rutgers (2-7, 1-5)

Last, but certainly least in our power rankings this week is Rutgers. The Scarlet Knights just have no life right now, which showed in Saturday's 31-10 loss to Wisconsin.

17: Maryland (3-6, 1-5)

Maryland finally earned its first conference win of the season and it came when fired coach Mike Locksley was a guest analyst for the Big Ten Network. That has to be soul-crushing for Locksley, but the Terrapins and their fans needed it.

16: Michigan State (3-6, 1-5)

Michigan isn't very good, but winning in the Big House in year one is a major step in the right direction for Pat Fitzgerald. We'll see if this team can play spoiler again down the stretch.

15: Purdue (3-6, 2-4)

Yes, Purdue lost to Maryland, but I'm keeping it above Maryland because it does boast a pair of impressive wins over Illinois and Maryland. The Boilermakers come to Kinnick Stadium on Saturday with a new defensive play-caller.

14: Washington (5-4, 2-4)

Washington nearly rallied back from a big deficit against Penn State, but the Huskies couldn't come back. Is Jedd Fisch on the hot seat?

13: Penn State (5-4, 2-4)

Penn State has responded from a dreadful 0-4 start in Big Ten play with back-to-back wins. A favorable remaining schedule should give Matt Campbell an 8-4 regular season.

12: Michigan (5-4, 2-4)

I was a fan of Michigan hiring Kyle Whittingham to try and restore the culture in Ann Arbor, but the experiment has been a disaster so far. This offense reminds me of the 2023 Iowa offense, which isn't the best comparison for the winningest program in college football.

11: Nebraska (5-4, 2-4)

Nebraska didn't lose a lead in the fourth quarter this time, which is progress. The bad news? The offense was anemic again, leading to offensive coordinator Dana Holgersen getting fired. Matt Rhule's tenure in Lincoln has been a mess so far.

10: Minnesota (5-4, 3-3)

Minnesota kept pace with UCLA for three quarters, but the Bruins pulled away in the fourth. The Gophers also have issues on offense.

9: Wisconsin (6-3, 4-2)

Wisconsin looked lifeless in Iowa City two weeks ago, but the Badgers responded with a blowout win over Rutgers. Luke Fickell is going bowling for the first time since 2023.

8: Illinois (6-3, 4-2)

This may be Bret Bielema's best coaching job yet. The Fighting Illini were left for dead after a 2-3 start, but they've suddenly ripped off a four-game winning streak. Illinois goes to undefeated UCLA on Friday night, so could this be the week the Bruins drop their first game?

7: Northwestern (6-3, 3-3)

Northwestern's season has taken a turn for the worse. The Wildcats blew a 20-6 lead at Oregon and the disappointment from that loss carried into a home game against Iowa, which saw the Hawkeyes cruise to a 24-10 victory. Up next? A trip to Columbus to take on an angry Ohio State team.

6: Ohio State (6-3, 4-2)

Speaking of Ohio State, this looks like a completely different team without Julian Sayin. He probably deserves more credit for running this offense because no one else can seem to get Jeremiah Smith the ball. You don't see a three-loss Buckeye team very often.

5: USC (7-2, 4-2)

The Trojans were on a bye last weekend, but the College Football Playoff dreams are very present.

4: Oregon (6-3, 4-2)

I don't think a three-loss Oregon team has much of a chance to make the CFP, but the Ducks are trying. That was a very impressive victory at Ohio State. Dylan Raiola finally looks like he's worth the money Oregon is paying him.

3: Iowa (7-2, 4-2)

Iowa is right in the CFP mix after bludgeoning Northwestern on Saturday night. The Hawkeyes always play their best football in November, and that performance at Ryan Field was evidence of that. Iowa feels like a very complete team at this point in the year, but you just have to wonder where it would be ranked right now had it not lost to Minnesota.

2: Indiana (8-1, 5-1)

The Hoosiers' offense looked absolutely dreadful before the bye, but Curt Cignetti and Co. are hoping the idle week changes things. A massive home game against USC awaits.

1. UCLA (9-0, 6-0)

Other teams may have more talent than UCLA, but the Bruins will continue to own the top spot until they lose. A tricky home test against Illinois on deck.

Source: Yahoo Sports