Big 10 Takeaways After Week Ten

Written by Carter Ball

Week 10 was a good one. Georgia survived a scare against Florida, while Michigan barely slipped by Purdue, and Vanderbilt now needs to win out to secure a playoff spot. In this article, we uncover the biggest takeaways from a great Week 10.

Nebraska’s Quarterback Situation

Nebraska true freshman QB TJ Lateef, who will finish the season as the starter in Lincoln following the injury to Dylan Raiola last week

Dylan Raiola’s injury is unfortunate, but I don’t think his season-ending injury, as confirmed by Matt Rhule, is the reason Nebraska lost this game. Now with three losses, the Huskers’ season is practically over. True freshman and former blue-chip QB prospect TJ Lateef out of Orange Lutheran in Southern California will take the reins in Lincoln for the season’s final three games, and looks to get good film before a likely portal entry after the season, as Raiola will come back another year. Nebraska’s season is over, but the group has the opportunity to finish strong and attract a strong portal class to build around Dylan Raiola’s likely final year in college in 2026.

USC’s Playoff Hopes

Lincoln Riley has USC rolling at 6-2

With just two losses and a quality win over Michigan, USC is quietly in the running to wreak havoc in the Big Ten. If USC can defeat Oregon, the Trojans will likely finish at 10-2 with head-to-head wins over Oregon and Michigan, meaning the Trojans could become the first team from the Big Ten in the playoffs after Indiana and OSU. Especially with the danger that could come from a late November trip to Seattle for Oregon, Oregon vs USC on November 22 could serve as a playoff play-in game, and USC is in position to break through for the first time in the Lincoln Riley era.

OSU vs Michigan

Bryce Underwood will have his work cut out for him against this OSU defense in three weeks

After sneaking by Purdue at home for Michigan, and Ohio State’s strong second half pulling away from Penn State, the OSU at Michigan matchup in Week 14 will be a playoff play-in game for the Wolverines. Justice Haynes’ health is in question, but Bryce Underwood’s growth and low turnover rate should make the Wolverines confident that they can extend their winning streak against the Buckeyes to five games later this month. Ohio State is likely to come into the matchup at 11-0 with a spot in both the Big Ten Championship and the College Football Playoff locked up. Because of that, it will be interesting to see how aggressive Ryan Day wants to be against the Wolverines with a first-year QB of his own. Stay tuned for an elite playoff play-in rivalry matchup in Ann Arbor to end the season.

UCLA Momentum

Despite a loss against Indiana, UCLA has clearly found itself after a 4-1 start since firing former HC DeShaun Foster. Nico Iamaleava is likely to stay in Westwood for next season, along with superstar WR and former Notre Dame transfer Rico Flores, setting the Bruins up for a potentially elite 2026 roster if the Bruins can transform their late-season momentum into a strong transfer portal class this offseason. Expect UCLA to have an elite offseason and a ton of returners next season. I would not be surprised if UCLA finishes with 8-10 wins next season.

For more articles and analysis like this, subscribe to our website and tune into CFB Weekly on all platforms.