Sam McKewon’s Big Ten college football rankings, Week 12

Key Takeaways:

• Sam McKewon regularly issues Big Ten college football rankings.
• Nebraska has climbed in the standings despite not playing a game.
• The article highlights an unusual move up the conference ladder.
• This story originally appeared in the Columbus Telegram on November 18, 2025.
• Additional details are behind a paywall, showing deeper analysis is limited to subscribers.

The Latest Rankings

Sam McKewon, the World-Herald Sports Editor, has unveiled his Big Ten college football rankings for Week 12. Although the full list is accessible only to paid subscribers, one noteworthy development has garnered wide attention: Nebraska gained ground in the standings, contrary to typical expectations.

Nebraska’s Quiet Advance

Perhaps the most surprising twist in these rankings is that Nebraska improved its position without even playing a game. Such a shift underscores the fluidity of college football standings, where a week of off-field rest does not necessarily preclude a jump in perception and placement.

Context from Sam McKewon

McKewon’s weekly breakdowns draw on overall team performances and conference dynamics. He is known for tracking roster depth, in-game execution, and competitive results across the Big Ten. While the deeper reasoning behind Nebraska’s latest boost remains locked behind a paid plan, readers can surmise that other teams’ outcomes may have played a role in reconfiguring the conference hierarchy.

Looking Ahead

With Week 12 in the books, attention turns to how Nebraska will fare in subsequent matchups. Their climb—even during inactivity—points to the possibilities of late-season momentum. For the detailed rankings and a deeper dive into each team’s position, readers must turn to McKewon’s full analysis, which remains accessible through a paid subscription.