UPDATE: The latest Big Ten power rankings have just been released, with strong performances from Ohio State and Indiana at the top. Meanwhile, UCLA is making headlines for its ambitious plans to enhance its football program, signaling a serious shift in strategy.
As of October 3, 2023, Ohio State (6-0, 3-0) remains undefeated after a decisive 34-16 victory at Illinois. The Buckeyes are now gearing up to face Wisconsin this Saturday at 12:30 p.m. on CBS. Meanwhile, Indiana continues to impress with a 30-20 win against Oregon, positioning itself at a close second in the rankings as they prepare to take on Michigan State at 12:30 p.m. on Peacock.
In a bold move, UCLA is reportedly pursuing a significant upgrade in its football coaching staff. The University of California Board of Regents has called for a special meeting on Tuesday in San Francisco to discuss the “Athletic Contract Compensation Components for UCLA Football Head Coach.” This closed session hints at a potential salary structure that could reach an astonishing $10 million annually, aimed at attracting a high-caliber coach to replace DeShaun Foster, who was dismissed just last month.
This unprecedented financial commitment could mark a turning point for UCLA football, a program that has struggled for decades. Former UCLA basketball player Bob Myers is on the search committee and also serves on the board of regents, providing a strong advocate for this transformative change.
The backdrop of this shift is significant: UCLA’s previous chancellor, Gene Block, would not have entertained such a bold strategy. However, new leadership under Chancellor Julio Frenk and input from mega-donor Casey Wasserman signal a renewed dedication to elevating the program. This move has the potential to reshape UCLA’s football trajectory dramatically.
The implications for the Big Ten are profound. The conference is currently evaluating a massive $2.4 billion cash infusion, which could further enhance competitiveness across the board. The regents’ meeting is poised to be a critical step in UCLA’s journey toward reclaiming its football legacy.
As we look ahead, all eyes will be on the outcomes of the regents’ discussions and the performances of the top-ranked teams in the Big Ten. Can Ohio State maintain its dominance? Will Indiana continue its upward trajectory? And how will UCLA’s strategic shift affect its standing in the conference?
Stay tuned for updates as these developments unfold. The race for supremacy in the Big Ten is heating up, and UCLA’s bold ambitions could be the game-changer the conference has been waiting for.
To the power rankings…
1. **Ohio State (6-0/3-0)**: Upcoming match against Wisconsin.
2. **Indiana (6-0/3-0)**: Next up vs. Michigan State.
3. **Oregon (5-1/2-1)**: Preparing to face Rutgers.
4. **USC (5-1/3-1)**: Next challenge at Notre Dame.
5. **Washington (5-1/2-1)**: Taking on Michigan next.
6. **Michigan (4-2/2-1)**: Must win against Washington to revive hopes.
7. **Nebraska (5-1/2-1)**: Facing a tough Friday road game.
8. **Illinois (5-2/2-2)**: Currently idle.
9. **Iowa (4-2/2-1)**: Next up vs. Penn State.
10. **UCLA (2-4/2-1)**: Hosting Maryland after a strong win.
11. **Minnesota (4-2/2-1)**: Preparing for a crucial game against Nebraska.
12. **Michigan State (3-3/0-3)**: In need of a turnaround against Indiana.
13. **Maryland (4-2/1-2)**: Hoping to bounce back at UCLA.
14. **Northwestern (4-2/2-1)**: Surprising win against Penn State.
15. **Penn State (3-3/0-3)**: Looking to regroup against Iowa.
16. **Rutgers (3-3/0-3)**: Struggling with offensive consistency.
17. **Purdue (2-4/0-3)**: Aiming to improve against Northwestern.
18. **Wisconsin (2-4/0-3)**: Facing Ohio State in a critical match.
For the latest updates and insights, keep following our coverage as we bring you real-time developments from the Big Ten conference.
