Roster Turnover, NIL Shape Big Ten Football 2025

The Big Ten football landscape in 2025 is defined by widespread roster turnover due to graduations and the transfer portal, making preseason rankings difficult to predict. UCLA, now in its second Big Ten season after a 5-7 debut, is generating buzz thanks to transfer quarterback Nico Iamaleava and a challenging schedule with critical games against Utah and USC. The Bruins are prioritizing recruiting for the 2026 class, focusing on edge rushers and defensive linemen, as NIL-driven competition intensifies. UCLA has secured commitments such as Karson Cox but continues to track local talent for future classes. The program increasingly relies on the transfer portal to fill roster needs, as high NIL market values make recruiting elite high school prospects more challenging. These developments underscore the volatility and changing dynamics shaping Big Ten football programs like UCLA.