The computers behind the ESPN Football Power Index (FPI) are expecting another rough year in East Lansing, Mich. in 2025.

Northwestern and Purdue mark the Big Ten's clear bottom tier entering 2025. The Wildcats even did well to win four games last year, given a near Football Bowl Subdivision-worst offense (No. 128 of 134) and below-average defense (No. 79 of 134). 2025 is a critical year for head coach David Braun to prove that 2023's 8-5 output was not an anomaly.

Michigan has a 25.3% chance of making the College Football Playoff and a 1% chance of winning the championship, according to ESPN. So, you're telling me there's a chance?