Sports

Big Ten Football 2026 Predictions

By Steven Lassan Athlon Sports

Updated June 9, 2026 1:33 PM

With Michigan, Ohio State and Indiana winning the last three national championships, the Big Ten has either closed the gap or passed the SEC for the No. 1 spot among college football's conferences. Don't expect the Big Ten's momentum to slow in ‘26 either. The conference boasts three of the top national title contenders with Ohio State, Indiana and Oregon among the favorites to win it all. Additionally, Michigan, USC, Penn State and Washington are projected to contend for the playoff this fall. And if the pieces fall into place, perhaps Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota or Nebraska could make a sleeper run at a playoff spot.

The intrigue in this conference continues down the projected standings with new coaches at Michigan State (Pat Fitzgerald) and UCLA (Bob Chesney), while Wisconsin's Luke Fickell and Maryland's Mike Locksley sit squarely on the hot seat. Rutgers aims to get back on track after a five-win season and massive issues on defense. The arrival of Chip Kelly as Northwestern's offensive coordinator provides plenty of intrigue for a team aiming to take a step forward in the Big Ten's pecking order. Purdue hasn't won a Big Ten game since ‘23, but coach Barry Odom has this program on the right track and more progress should be noticeable this fall.

ORDER NOW: 2026 Athlon Sports College Football Preview Guide

How does Athlon Sports project the Big Ten for 2026? Steven Lassan predicts and ranks all 18 teams in the Big Ten for this fall:

The Boilermakers are riding an 18-game losing streak in Big Ten play entering 2026. However, this team showed growth under first-year coach Barry Odom last season, losing two conference matchups by one score and showing progression on the stat sheet. Expect Purdue to take another step forward this fall. However, that might still mean Odom's team finishes No. 18 in the Big Ten. For the Boilermakers to exceed expectations, an offense that averaged only 18.8 points a game last year needs better play from quarterback Ryan Browne and an instant impact from a handful of transfers, including running back Fame Ijeboi (Minnesota) and receivers Xavier Townsend (Iowa State), Asaad Waseem (FAU) and Bisi Owens (Penn). Only one starter (tackle Joey Tanoa) is back up front. In search of a quick fix for a struggling defense, Odom brought former Purdue coordinator Kevin Kane back to call plays and dipped heavily into the portal for help at all three levels. Linebacker Charles Correa is a stalwart on the second level, and former Army/Georgia edge rusher Elo Modozie is an intriguing addition to help spark a pass rush that managed only 16 sacks in Big Ten play last season.

As showcased during his tenure at Northwestern, coach Pat Fitzgerald certainly knows what it takes to win in the Big Ten. However, despite a massive roster overhaul, a quick fix from last year's 4-8 record in ‘26 won't be easy in Fitzgerald's debut in East Lansing. Just one starter - offensive lineman Conner Moore - returns to the depth chart. Sophomore quarterback Alessio Milivojevic showed promise in nine appearances last year and is a key cog in the rebuilding effort this fall. Several transfers, including intriguing pickups at running back with Cam Edwards (UConn), tight end Carson Gulker (Ferris State), center Trent Fraley (NDSU), and receiver Fredrick Moore (Michigan), will aid Milivojevic's development. The theme of newcomers needing to make an impact continues on defense, but this unit does have some continuity with Joe Rossi returning as coordinator, and linebacker Jordan Hall is back after a standout ‘25 campaign. Finding ways to generate more takeaways (nine last year) and sacks (22) is a must to help this defense and aid an offense in transition with short fields.

The Scarlet Knights return two of the Big Ten's top individual players in running back Antwan Raymond and receiver KJ Duff. However, coach Greg Schiano's squad enters ‘26 with significant question marks at quarterback following the departure of Athan Kaliakmanis and needs to show big-time improvement on defense after giving up 36 points in Big Ten play last year. Boston College transfer Dylan Lonergan and AJ Surace will continue their battle to replace Kaliakmanis in the fall. Restocking an offensive line with three new starters is another key priority for Schiano. After last year's struggles, Rutgers reset its defense by hiring South Dakota head coach Travis Johansen to coordinate this unit. Johansen's biggest concern is arguably the front after the Scarlet Knights ranked last in the Big Ten in rush defense and underwent a significant offseason renovation. Moses Walker and Abram Wright return on the second level to give Johansen valuable experience to build around.

After back-to-back losing records, the ‘26 season is clearly a make-or-break year for coach Mike Locksley. The good news for Locksley? The roster and schedule provide optimism for a step forward. Quarterback Malik Washington is one of the Big Ten's rising stars, and if new play-caller Clint Trickett can find ways to spark the run game and develop a couple of weapons for his sophomore quarterback, this offense can take off in ‘26. The theme of promising talent continues on defense with rising star sophomores Sidney Stewart and Zahir Mathis anchoring the line, and true freshman Zion Elee poised for an instant impact at linebacker. All-Big Ten candidate Daniel Wingate joins Elee on the second level, and the secondary brings back three starters. With swing games versus Virginia Tech, UCLA, Rutgers and Wisconsin in College Park, the expectation should be at least six wins and a bowl for the Terrapins.

Improving on last year's seven wins won't be easy for the Wildcats. A schedule featuring road trips to Indiana, Oregon and Ohio State, along with home dates versus Illinois, Iowa and Penn State is arguably one of the toughest in college football. Despite the challenging schedule, there's intrigue surrounding coach David Braun's team. Northwestern made a massive hire by luring Chip Kelly to Evanston to call plays for an offense that averaged only 20.3 points a contest last season. Kelly is expected to build the Wildcats' attack around a backfield featuring Caleb Komolafe (941 yards) and Joseph Himon II (486). The success of this unit hinges on how far Kelly can develop transfer quarterback Aidan Chiles (Michigan State) and find the right answers to restock a line replacing four starters. Northwestern's defense held teams to 19.8 points a game last year and should be strong once again with five returning starters. A secondary returning Braden Turner and Robert Fitzgerald should be the strength of the defense and help to take the pressure off a rebuilt defensive line.

ORDER NOW: 2026 Athlon Sports College Football Preview Guide

With a 17-21 mark since taking over in Madison, coach Luke Fickell sits squarely on the hot seat entering ‘26. However, a schedule that misses the projected top four teams in the conference - Ohio State, Indiana, Oregon and Michigan - provides a favorable path to six victories. A major roster overhaul also provides optimism for improvement. Old Dominion transfer Colton Joseph is a dynamic dual-threat option at quarterback and help from the portal restocked the backfield and filled key voids along the offensive line. Wisconsin's defense brings back only three starters, but Fickell has a promising sophomore tandem at linebacker with Mason Posa and Cooper Catalano, along with more portal additions at every level to build off last year's performance (21.6 points a game allowed).

Expect the Bruins to be among the nation's most-improved teams in 2026. UCLA made one of the offseason's top hires with Bob Chesney arriving on the West Coast after a successful two-year stint at James Madison. Chesney brought a handful of transfers from JMU to help speed up the program's transition, including running back Wayne Knight, offensive lineman Carter Sweazie, defensive end Sahir West and receiver Landon Ellis. Chesney and new offensive coordinator Dean Kennedy should get the most out of quarterback Nico Iamaleava's talent. If the offense stumbles in ‘26, it's likely due to a revamped offensive line. An experienced secondary leads the way on defense, with transfers all over the projected lineup in the trenches and at linebacker. Assuming Chesney and the new staff find the right answers on both lines of scrimmage, a bowl trip in ‘26 should be within reach.

The Golden Gophers have been a model of consistency under coach PJ Fleck. This program has won at least eight games in four out of the last five seasons and earned a bowl trip every year in that span. Fleck's team isn't going anywhere in ‘26 either, as promising sophomore quarterback Drake Lindsey is due for a step forward in his second year as the starter. In addition to Lindsey's development, the offense has optimism behind running back Darius Taylor, an improved receiving corps and three returning starters up front. Star safety Koi Perich transferred to Oregon and will be missed. However, the cupboard isn't bare with five returning starters. Minnesota allowed over six yards a play in Big Ten action last year, so coordinator Danny Collins' group has plenty to work on this offseason. End Anthony Smith is back after leading the Big Ten in sacks (12.5), with linebacker Maverick Baranowski and cornerback John Nestor headlining the other key returners. The Golden Gophers need to be tougher against the run (148.2 yards a game allowed in Big Ten snaps last season) in order for the defense to improve. However, if Lindsey's play takes off, Fleck's team can finish in the top half of the conference and potentially a spot in the top 25.

Progress has been noticeable in Lincoln, as coach Matt Rhule has guided Nebraska to back-to-back bowl games and winning seasons. But can Rhule elevate the Cornhuskers to another level? That's the big question hanging over his tenure and program entering ‘26. Exceeding last year's seven wins won't be easy, either. Running back Emmett Johnson (1,451 yards) leaves a major void in the backfield, and the defense has significant concerns up front once again after struggling to stop the run last fall. Former Virginia/UNLV signal-caller Anthony Colandrea should thrive under coordinator Dana Holgorsen, with receivers Nyziah Hunter and Jacory Barney Jr. providing a standout duo on the outside. Also, the offensive line has the pieces in place to rank among the best in the Big Ten. New defensive coordinator Rob Aurich assembled one of the nation's top defenses at San Diego State in ‘25 and inherited six starters off a unit that allowed 28 points in conference snaps last season. Cornerback Andrew Marshall is a stalwart on the back end, while linebacker Owen Chambliss and safety Dwayne McDougle III followed Aurich from SDSU to fill key voids for ‘26 in Lincoln. A schedule featuring games at Oregon, Iowa and Illinois, along with home dates versus Ohio State, Washington and Indiana does no favors for Rhule's hopes of elevating this team back into the top 25.

The Fighting Illini are coming off the best two-year stretch (19 wins) in program history. Tacking on another season of nine (or more wins) is a huge challenge for coach Bret Bielema's squad, as just seven starters are back and plenty of question marks surround this team ahead fall practice. East Carolina transfer Katin Houser should be a seamless replacement at quarterback for Luke Altmyer. Also, the ground game will be strong again with Aidan Laughery and Ca'Lil Valentine leading the way after Kaden Feagin shifted to tight end. The trio of Hudson Clement, FIU transfer Alex Perry and Collin Dixon provides plenty of weapons for Houser to stretch the field. However, the success of this offense hinges largely on how a line with four new starters develops. Transition is also a major storyline on defense. Former Montana head coach Bobby Hauck will shift the Fighting Illini to more of a 3-3-5 attack, but this unit lost several key cogs from last year's defensive front, including edge Gabe Jacas (13.5 TFL). Improvement on defense overall is a must after Illinois allowed 28.6 points in Big Ten action. An experienced secondary is the biggest strength of Hauck's first group, while the return of safety Xavier Scott from injury is a huge plus for this unit.

Just six starters are back from an Iowa squad that won nine games and suffered four defeats - including a 20-15 loss to eventual national champion Indiana - by one score. Despite the heavy personnel turnover, expect coach Kirk Ferentz to find the right answers to keep the Hawkeyes in contention to finish in the top 25. The strength of the ‘26 squad rests with an offensive line returning standouts in Trevor Lauck and Kade Pieper. That duo will ease the transition around the other three spots and clear plenty of running lanes for backs Kamari Moulton and Lendon Phillips Jr. Jeremy Hecklinski and Hank Brown will continue their quarterback battle to replace Mark Gronowski into the fall, while Ferentz is counting on a couple of transfers to fill voids at receiver. Tight end DJ Vonnahme should push for All-America honors. Coordinator Phil Parker has just three starters returning, but it's tough to doubt this unit considering his track record.

New coach Matt Campbell is positioned for a fast start in Happy Valley. The schedule is favorable, as the Nittany Lions miss Ohio State, Indiana and Oregon in conference play and key matchups versus USC and Minnesota take place at home. Also, while the roster is going through significant turnover (just five starters back), a handful of players followed Campbell from Iowa State to Penn State to solidify key question marks. Included in that haul was quarterback Rocco Becht, running back Carson Hansen, tight end Benjamin Brahmer, receiver Chase Sowell, linebackers Kooper Ebel and Caleb Bacon and defensive backs Marcus Neal Jr. and Jeremiah Cooper. Considering all of the transition, it may take the Nittany Lions time to find their footing. But if a revamped offensive and defensive line mesh quickly, a run to double-digit victories and into playoff contention is within reach for Campbell's first season in charge.

After a 6-7 record in coach Jedd Fisch's debut in 2024, the Huskies finished 9-4 and remained in playoff contention until late November last season. Quarterback Demond Williams' breakout played a major role in Washington's improvement last season and will be counted upon to elevate his game to another level against a schedule that includes road treks to Oregon, Nebraska and USC, along with Iowa, Indiana and Penn State coming to Seattle. Williams' supporting cast has been retooled, with Oregon transfer Jayden Limar joining sophomore Jordan Washington and redshirt freshman Quaid Carr in the backfield to replace Jonah Coleman. Top receiver Denzel Boston will be missed, but sophomore Dezmen Roebuck is primed for a breakout year as the team's No. 1 target, and tight end Decker DeGraaf is among the best in the Big Ten. Fisch and his staff hope true freshman Kodi Greene can star right away at left tackle, which would help solidify a group that allowed 34 sacks last season. Washington held Big Ten offenses to just 4.93 yards a snap in ‘25 but matching that total again won't be easy with just four starters back. However, coordinator Ryan Walters has plenty to work with here. Linebackers Jacob Manu, Jacob Lane and Taariq Al-Uqdah form a standout trio, and the secondary is anchored by transfer Emmanuel Karnley at cornerback and All-Big Ten candidate Alex McLaughlin at safety.

As expected with a Lincoln Riley-coached team, scoring points won't be a problem for the Trojans in 2026. But improvement on defense will decide whether or not USC can go from last year's nine victories to the College Football Playoff. Long-time TCU coach Gary Patterson was hired to coordinate the defense this offseason and improve a group that allowed 5.8 yards per play in Big Ten matchups in ‘25. The good news for Patterson? The talent level on this side of the ball is improving, with sophomore Jahkeem Stewart poised for a breakout year up front and transfers at linebacker in Deven Bryant (Washington) and in the secondary with Jontez Williams (Iowa State) filling key voids on a unit that returns five starters. Quarterback Jayden Maiava returns after guiding USC's offense to an average of 35.8 points a game last fall. Replacing receivers Makai Lemon and Ja'Kobi Lane is the biggest priority for Riley. Sophomore Tanook Hines is primed for a larger role in the offense, with a trio of incoming freshmen - receivers Kayden Dixon-Wyatt and Boobie Feaster and tight end Mark Bowman - expected to factor prominently in the passing game. Maiava is also aided by the return of Waymond Jordan and King Miller in the backfield, along with all five starters on an improving offensive line.

New coach Kyle Whittingham inherited a roster capable of contending for a playoff trip in 2026. Whittingham thrived at getting the most out of his rosters at Utah, and his style of play with physicality and emphasis on winning at the line of scrimmage should play well in Ann Arbor. Michigan's hopes of improving on last year's nine wins could largely hinge on quarterback Bryce Underwood's development. As expected with any true freshman, Underwood had his share of growing pains. New play-caller Jason Beck's offense should be a great fit for Underwood's talents, while the arrival of JJ Buchanan (Utah) and Jaime Ffrench (Texas) adds playmakers to a receiving corps that was thin on options last year. The line is a strength with four starters back and should clear plenty of running lanes for the one-two punch of Jordan Marshall and Savion Hiter in the backfield. Whittingham and new coordinator Jay Hill have the pieces in place to assemble one of the Big Ten's top defenses. Utah transfer John Henry Daley is recovering from a torn Achilles suffered last season but is on track to return at full strength in ‘26. Assuming Daley picks up where he left off at Utah, his ability to create havoc on the line of scrimmage is huge for a Michigan team replacing a couple of key cogs up front. The secondary should be among the best in college football with Jyaire Hill and Zeke Berry returning, along with safety Rod Moore back in the mix after missing nearly all of last season due to injury. How fast Whittingham can speed up the transition, along with Underwood's development in Beck's scheme, will determine whether or not Michigan challenges for the playoff this fall.

Are the Ducks primed to become the next team to win their first national title? With quarterback Dante Moore and key defenders Matayo Uiagalelei, Bear Alexander, A'Mauri Washington and Teitum Tuioti passing on the NFL for one more season in Eugene, coach Dan Lanning's squad returns all of the pieces needed to hoist the national championship in ‘26. A line with three new starters and a new play-caller (Drew Mehringer) is the biggest concern on offense. Moore has plenty of help in the passing game with receivers Dakorien Moore, Iverson Hooks, Jeremiah McClellan, and Evan Stewart back, along with tight end Jamari Johnson. And on the ground, the one-two punch of Jordon Davison and Dierre Hill is among the best in the Big Ten. Oregon's defense also has a new play-caller (Chris Hampton), but eight returning starters provides a strong foundation to prevent any major transition period. Outside of a road game at Ohio State on Nov. 7, the Ducks should be favored in all 11 of their other contests.

ORDER NOW: 2026 Athlon Sports College Football Preview Guide

The Hoosiers lost some key cogs from last year's squad that won the national title, but coach Curt Cignetti deserves the benefit of the doubt to reload and keep Indiana in the mix to win it all again. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza left big shoes to fill in Bloomington, but TCU transfer Josh Hoover should be an excellent fit in Cignetti's offense. He's throwing to one of the nation's top receiving corps that includes Charlie Becker and Michigan State transfer Nick Marsh, while the offensive line is potentially the best returning group in college football. Boston College transfer Turbo Richard and Khobie Martin should be a standout one-two punch in the backfield. Six starters return from a defense that limited teams to 11.7 points a contest last year. Senior Tyrique Tucker is among the top interior linemen returning in the nation, with Kansas State transfers Chiddi Obiazor and Tobi Osunsanmi poised to fill a couple of voids off the edge. Rolijah Hardy and Isaiah Jones form one of the top linebacker duos in the nation, and the secondary returns a strong foundation with Amare Ferrell, Byron Baldwin, and Jamari Sharpe returning. With Ohio State and USC coming to Bloomington next fall, Indiana has another favorable path to a perfect 12-0 record in the regular season.

It's a close call between the Buckeyes, Indiana and Oregon for the No. 1 spot in the Big Ten in 2026. Coach Ryan Day's squad gets a slight nod over the Hoosiers and Ducks, but all three teams are in the top tier of national championship contenders. Receiver Jeremiah Smith and quarterback Julian Sayin headline a dynamic offense, while Day hopes the arrival of new play-caller Arthur Smith, along with an experienced offensive line, provide a little more production on the ground. Sophomore running back Bo Jackson is primed for a breakout year after rushing for 1,090 yards in ‘25. Ohio State's defense suffocated opponents in coordinator Matt Patricia's debut in Columbus last fall by holding teams to 9.3 points a game and four yards a play. This unit has major holes to fill with safety Caleb Downs, linebackers Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles, and linemen Caden Curry and Kayden McDonald off to the NFL. However, the cupboard isn't bare for Patricia. Senior Kenyatta Jackson is back up front, with Alabama transfers James Smith and Qua Russaw providing support. Sophomore Devin Sanchez is a rising star on the back end. He joins Jermaine Mathews Jr. to form a standout duo at cornerback. Even though there's turnover, expect Patricia to find the right answers on defense.

Ohio State over Indiana

This story was originally published June 9, 2026 at 1:24 PM.

Ohio State over Indiana

Get unlimited digital access

#ReadLocal