College football is nearly back. Naturally, the conversation begins to turn to the strength of schedule and whether or not certain teams are getting an easier path to the College Football Playoff. The Big Ten non-conference schedules only include three teams due to the fact that it plays nine conference games. While there are a few marquee matchups, there are a few programs with incredibly easy non-Big Ten matchups on the docket.
We looked at ESPN‘s Bill Connelly’s SP+ rating and averaged out the preseason rankings. They are not the end-all, be-all, as one really bad team can drag the average down, but it’s a suggestion.
Note: “Easiest” is not to be confused with “this team will win.” It’s all relative.
The Easiest Big Ten Non-Conference Schedules in 2024
1. Indiana: vs. Old Dominion, vs. Kennesaw State, vs. Indiana State (FCS)
It’s not controversial to say Indiana has the easiest route outside of Big Ten play. Much was made of the Hoosiers’ schedule last year, and this year will be no different. Of course, the only reason anyone is paying attention is because of the fact that Indiana made the CFP last year. Nobody was batting an eye when the Hoosiers were the doormat of the Big Ten.
This year will be the first time Indiana faces either Old Dominion or Kennesaw State. Considering both are relatively new to the FBS level, it makes sense. However, it’ll be the eighth time Indiana and Indiana State will play. The Hoosiers own a perfect 7-0 mark and beat the Sycamores 41-7 in the last matchup in 2023.
More: Expectations are Sky High for New Indiana Quarterback
2. Maryland: vs. Florida Atlantic, vs. Northern Illinois, vs. Towson (FCS)
The second-easiest Big Ten non-conference slate belongs to Maryland. The Terrapins also don’t have any Power 4 opponents outside of the nine Big Ten foes on the schedule. While they are not expected to be toward the top of the conference standings, Maryland will be able to vie for bowl eligibility thanks to what looks to be three non-conference wins.
Maryland has never faced FAU, but this year will be the fourth matchup against both NIU and Towson. While the Terps own a 3-0 mark against Towson, it has won two of three against the Huskies. NIU got the better of Maryland in 2003.
3. Penn State: vs. Nevada, vs. Florida International, vs. Villanova (FCS)
The favorite to take the Big Ten and compete for a national title, Penn State should have no issue tearing through its non-conference slate. James Franklin‘s squad has reloaded and is chock-full of NFL-bound studs.
This year marks the first time the Nittany Lions will play Nevada, the second time they’ll face FIU, and the 11th time against Villanova. Penn State has never lost to Florida International and owns a 6-3-1 mark against Nova.
4. Nebraska: Cincinnati, vs. Akron, vs. Houston Christian (FCS)
Year three of the Matt Rhule era comes with high expectations. Thankfully for him and Dylan Raiola, the path to contending for a CFP berth does not have much by way of an out-of-conference schedule. Plus, Nebraska misses out on playing Ohio State and Oregon in conference.
The Cornhuskers draw Cincinnati, one of the worst Power 4 programs heading into 2025. Instead of a trip to Nippert or at home at Memorial Stadium, this one will take place at Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Kansas City Chiefs. This will be the second time the two will face off. Nebraska’s second matchup with Akron will be another chance to work out the kinks before the first-ever matchup against HCU.
5. Minnesota: vs. Buffalo, vs. Northwestern State (FCS), at Cal
The Minnesota Golden Gophers extended P.J. Fleck before this season. In terms of Minnesota coaches, Fleck has the third-best win percentage of coaches who lasted more than five seasons. While the Golden Gophers have only one season with more than double-digit wins (2019), they have made and won a bowl in every non-COVID season since 2018.
According to Connelly’s rankings, Northwestern State is easily the worst team on any of the Big Ten non-conference schedules. Of the two FBS-level foes, Minnesota owns a 2-0 record against Buffalo and a 2-4 mark against Cal. The Golden Bears will be breaking in a true freshman quarterback this year.
The Next Four
6. Rutgers: vs. Ohio, vs. Miami (OH), vs. Norfolk State (FCS)
7. Michigan State: vs. Western Michigan, vs. Boston College, vs Youngstown State (FCS)
8: Washington: vs Colorado State, vs UC-Davis (FCS), at Washington State
9. Northwestern: at Tulane, vs. Western Illinois (FCS), vs UL-Monroe
Main Image: Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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