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What we learned from Week 9 of college football in the Big Ten
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- What we learned from Week 9 of college football in the Big Ten
Week 9 of the 2026 college football season is now in the books! And while it was an amazing one for the Trojans , there were numerous other Big Ten games played over the weekend as well.
So what did we learn from the rest of the conference? Here are a few non-USC takeaways from Week 9 in the Big Ten:
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Wisconsin was a pretender
A week after upsetting USC, Wisconsin lost 30-0 to Iowa. So much for any playoff talk surrounding the Badgers.
Indiana continues to find ways to win
It once again took overtime this week against Minnesota, but the Hoosiers continue to win ugly games.
And Nebraska continues to find ways to lose
On the other hand, Nebraska seemingly finds a new way to self-destruct every week, most recently Saturday night against Washington.
So much for the Northwestern hype
The Wildcats blew a 20-6 lead to Oregon in Eugene, effectively ending any shot of them emerging as a surprise team in the conference race.
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UCLA sits alone at the top
There is only one team remaining that is undefeated in Big Ten play: UCLA. Did anyone predict that?
Oct 31, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Helmets at the line of scrimmage as Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Gabe Vansickle (58) snaps the ball against the Southern California Trojans in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
(Kirby Lee, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 31, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley watches game action against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the first half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
(Gary A. Vasquez, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day reacts during the NCAA football game against the USC Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Oct. 31, 2026.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
USC Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) passes during the NCAA football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Oct. 31, 2026.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oct 31, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Luke Fahey (13) moves out to pass against the Southern California Trojans during the first half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
(Gary A. Vasquez, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 31, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans running back King Miller (8) carries the ball against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
(Kirby Lee, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
USC Trojans tight end Mark Bowman (19) leaps over Ohio State Buckeyes safety Jaylen McClain (8) during the NCAA football game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Oct. 31, 2026. Ohio State lost 30-18.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oct 31, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans defensive tackle Alex Vansumeren (91) celebrates after sacking Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Luke Fahey (13) in the second half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
(Kirby Lee, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
The torch is lit after the third quarter during the NCAA football game between Ohio State Buckeyes and USC Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Oct. 31, 2026. Ohio State lost 30-18.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
USC Trojans fans celebrate during the NCAA football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Oct. 31, 2026. Ohio State lost 30-18.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Ohio State athletic director Ross Bjork yells at USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley following the NCAA football game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Oct. 31, 2026. Ohio State lost 30-18.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
USC Trojans offensive lineman Elijah Vaikona (79) leaves as fans storms the field the following the NCAA football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Oct. 31, 2026. Ohio State lost 30-18.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oct 31, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans fans storm the field after the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
(Kirby Lee, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from USC’s 30-18 upset of Ohio State
Oct 31, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Helmets at the line of scrimmage as Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Gabe Vansickle (58) snaps the ball against the Southern California Trojans in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
(Kirby Lee, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from USC’s 30-18 upset of Ohio State
Oct 31, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Helmets at the line of scrimmage as Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Gabe Vansickle (58) snaps the ball against the Southern California Trojans in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
(Kirby Lee, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from USC’s 30-18 upset of Ohio State
Oct 31, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley watches game action against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the first half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
(Gary A. Vasquez, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from USC’s 30-18 upset of Ohio State
Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day reacts during the NCAA football game against the USC Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Oct. 31, 2026.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Photos from USC’s 30-18 upset of Ohio State
USC Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) passes during the NCAA football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Oct. 31, 2026.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Photos from USC’s 30-18 upset of Ohio State
Oct 31, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Luke Fahey (13) moves out to pass against the Southern California Trojans during the first half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
(Gary A. Vasquez, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from USC’s 30-18 upset of Ohio State
Oct 31, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans running back King Miller (8) carries the ball against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
(Kirby Lee, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from USC’s 30-18 upset of Ohio State
USC Trojans tight end Mark Bowman (19) leaps over Ohio State Buckeyes safety Jaylen McClain (8) during the NCAA football game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Oct. 31, 2026. Ohio State lost 30-18.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Photos from USC’s 30-18 upset of Ohio State
Oct 31, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans defensive tackle Alex Vansumeren (91) celebrates after sacking Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Luke Fahey (13) in the second half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
(Kirby Lee, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from USC’s 30-18 upset of Ohio State
The torch is lit after the third quarter during the NCAA football game between Ohio State Buckeyes and USC Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Oct. 31, 2026. Ohio State lost 30-18.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Photos from USC’s 30-18 upset of Ohio State
USC Trojans fans celebrate during the NCAA football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Oct. 31, 2026. Ohio State lost 30-18.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Photos from USC’s 30-18 upset of Ohio State
Ohio State athletic director Ross Bjork yells at USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley following the NCAA football game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Oct. 31, 2026. Ohio State lost 30-18.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Photos from USC’s 30-18 upset of Ohio State
USC Trojans offensive lineman Elijah Vaikona (79) leaves as fans storms the field the following the NCAA football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Oct. 31, 2026. Ohio State lost 30-18.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Photos from USC’s 30-18 upset of Ohio State
Oct 31, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans fans storm the field after the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
(Kirby Lee, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: What we learned from Week 9 of college football in the Big Ten
