3 Big Ten teams that deserve to be in 12-team College Football Playoff

The 2024 college football regular season has now come to an end following Week 14, with the Big Ten playing great football throughout the season. The 18 teams finished the regular season with a combined 124-92 record, including a dominant 43-11 mark in non-conference games.

There were five Big Ten teams ranked in the latest rendition of the AP Top 25 Poll, with four landing among the top 10 teams in the nation. One other program was among the others receiving votes, meaning that six of the conference's programs received some recognition from voters.

While the more important College Football Playoff rankings also had five Big Ten teams ranked in the top five entering the week, they will not be updated until Tuesday. Take a look at three teams that deserve a spot in the 12-team postseason field below.

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3 Big Ten teams that deserve to be in the 12-team College Football Playoff

#1: Oregon Ducks

The No. 1-ranked Oregon Ducks are seemingly a lock to reach the College Football Playoff. They are the only FBS team that has not lost a game this season, as they finished the regular season with a 12-0 record and a 9-0 mark in Big Ten play. They will face the Penn State Nittany Lions in the Big Ten Championship Game on Saturday but appear in a position to reach the postseason regardless of the result.

#2: Penn State Nittany Lions

The No. 3-ranked Penn State Nittany Lions also appear to be close to a lock to reach the College Football Playoff. They are 11-1 and 8-1 in conference play, with their lone loss coming to the Ohio State Buckeyes. They will likely reach the postseason regardless of their Big Ten Championship Game matchup with the Oregon Ducks; however, a win would allow them to earn the No. 1 seed and a first-round bye.

#3: Ohio State Buckeyes

The No. 7-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes fell to 10-2 and 7-2 in conference play, following their shocking loss to the rival Michigan Wolverines in Week 14. While the loss cost them the opportunity to compete for a conference title and a first-round bye in the College Football Playoff, they still appear to be in a strong position to reach the postseason, thanks to two wins over top-five opponents—the Penn State Nittany Lions and Indiana Hoosiers, both of whom could reach the postseason.