Could Minnesota reach the Big Ten title game? It's not as crazy as it might seem

Could Minnesota make it to the Big Ten title game and even secure a spot in the College Football Playoff? It seems less like a far-fetched notion than it might initially appear. After being pummeled by Purdue on October 10th, the Golden Gophers pulled off an improbable 13-10 victory over Iowa last Saturday. This win has put Minnesota in a strong position, despite not even being ranked in this week's AP Top 25.

Currently, only three teams lead the conference standings -- UCLA with a perfect 5-0 record, Ohio State at 4-0, and Indiana at 4-1. Northwestern and Wisconsin are tied with Minnesota at 3-1.

The real intrigue lies ahead for the Gophers. They will face Indiana, a team that has been struggling to find the end zone. While Indiana is a challenging opponent, their recent struggles and the fact that Ohio State defeated them at home suggest their invincibility may be waning. Minnesota also defeated Indiana in a recent game, so their chances against the Hoosiers could be favorable.

Following Indiana, the Gophers play UCLA, a team that is currently unbeaten but has shown signs of vulnerability following the injury to their starting quarterback. UCLA has scored fewer points in recent games and may not be as dominant as they once were. A win against UCLA would set up Minnesota to play the other teams ahead of them in the standings -- all except Ohio State, which remains atop the conference.

Ohio State, however, is not without its challenges. Their quarterback situation remains uncertain after starter Julian Sayin suffered a right arm/elbow injury. The Buckeyes' remaining schedule includes tough games against USC, Oregon, Northwestern, and Michigan, where they will face a defense known for its sting. While Ohio State is currently leading the conference, the likelihood of them losing one or more games seems plausible.

With so many variables and potential setbacks, Minnesota in the Big Ten title game now appears less preposterous. Many teams are dealing with quarterback issues, making Minnesota's Drake Lindsey's steady performance all the more impressive. While numerous scenarios could unfold, the 2026 college football season has proven that anything is possible.