Rick Neuheisel Predicts 2025 Big Ten Champion Without Hesitation

Aug 12, 2025 11:46 PM EDT

The college football season is just weeks away, and anticipation is high as every team returns to the field with a fresh start and endless possibilities ahead.

But narratives form quickly, and following this week’s release of the preseason AP Top 25, pressure and expectations are already mounting for several teams projected to be national title contenders.

The Texas Longhorns claimed the No. 1 spot but will open the season on the road against No. 3 Ohio State, the defending national champions. Sitting at No. 2 are the Penn State Nittany Lions, a team that longtime head coach and current CBS Sports analyst Rick Neuheisel holds in high regard.

Rick Neuheisel Predicts 2025 Big Ten Champion

On Tuesday, during CBS Sports’ first episode of “Inside College Football” for the upcoming season, Rick Neuheisel shared his predictions for the loaded Big Ten Conference. While he expects Penn State to lose their regular-season matchup against Ohio State, he believes the two teams will meet again in the Big Ten Championship.

Neuheisel ultimately picked James Franklin and the Nittany Lions to win the conference title, avenging their loss to Oregon in last year’s championship game.

“I’m embarrassed to say I’ve got the exact same game, and I’m taking Penn State as well,” Neuheisel said, referring to his prediction of Penn State beating Ohio State. “I think Penn State loses in Columbus, but gets a rematch and gets it done. Big game, James [Franklin] — no more.”

Neuheisel went in-depth on why he believes Penn State, with key returning players like quarterback Drew Allar and running back duo Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen, can do more than just win the Big Ten — they have the potential to capture the national championship. This comes after they fell in the semifinals to Notre Dame in the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff last season.

“It’s now or never. This is absolutely their spot,” Neuheisel said. “They have a great schedule… this sets up as well as it can be set up. It’s Allar. Allar has to deliver. He has two 1,000-yard-type backs… this is about Drew Allar… He has to play big in the big games. If he does, Penn State can hoist it.”