Big Ten Roundup-- Week 5 features blowouts and shocking upsets

Week 5 of the 2026 Big Ten season delivered blowouts, tight finishes, and upsets, with eight matchups featuring conference teams against each other. On Friday, Northwestern beat Penn State 34-13, breaking the game open early and forcing two fourth-quarter interceptions by Rocco Becht. Saturday saw Ohio State defeat Iowa 31-14 as Jeremiah Smith caught 11 passes for 206 yards and two touchdowns. Indiana topped Rutgers 47-15 behind Josh Hoover’s four touchdown throws and 320-plus rushing yards from Turbo Richard and Lee Beebe Jr. USC rallied to beat Washington 25-21 after a fumble return for a TD by Jahkeem Stewart. Minnesota escaped Michigan 20-14 despite two interceptions and a fumble on a muffed punt, while Wisconsin beat Michigan State 31-3.