5 Big Ten Storylines for Week 8: Michigan, Ohio State

The Big Ten’s Week 8 picture is shifting fast: Michigan has benched prized quarterback Bryce Underwood, Ohio State may be without Julian Sayin for the rest of the season, and Indiana is responding to its first loss since 2024. Meanwhile, UCLA has surged into the top 10 and Northwestern is looking to prove its 5-1 start is for real.

• Michigan beat Penn State, 21-18, after freshman Tommy Carr replaced Underwood.
• Underwood has thrown 16 touchdowns and 15 interceptions over a year and a half as Michigan’s quarterback.
• UCLA is 6-0, ranked No. 9 and has allowed 25 points total over its past 3 games.
• Northwestern is 5-1; quarterback Aidan Chiles has thrown 0 interceptions this season.
• Kalshi’s Big Ten title market lists Ohio State at 40% and Indiana at 25%.

The outlook remains uncertain: Ohio State’s quarterback injury could derail its title hopes, while UCLA’s unbeaten start will be tested without season-ending starter Nico Iamaleava. Indiana still has a strong path to the Playoff, but must show it can bounce back from a painful loss.

• Tommy Carr is expected to make his first career start for Michigan against Indiana.
• Ohio State is entering its bye week, with freshman Luke Fahey and sophomore Tavien St. Clair competing for the quarterback role.
• UCLA and Ohio State sit atop the Big Ten standings; UCLA’s remaining schedule could make an undefeated season possible.
• Northwestern faces Rutgers before a demanding stretch featuring Oregon, Iowa, Ohio State and Minnesota.

Week 8 could reset the conference’s momentum: Indiana visits Michigan, while Northwestern gets a chance to move to 6-1 before its toughest stretch. Ohio State will use its bye to prepare for a five-game Big Ten finish, beginning at USC.

The Big Ten race is wide open, and the defining question is which teams can withstand adversity: Ohio State without its star quarterback, Indiana after its first defeat, and UCLA and Northwestern as their unexpected rises meet tougher tests.