The Big Ten enters 2026 with another legitimate opportunity to produce the national champion. Michigan, Ohio State and Indiana have captured the past three national titles, and the conference now possesses at least six programs capable of reaching the College Football Playoff.
Ohio State, Oregon and defending champion Indiana form the conference’s top tier, but Michigan, USC, Penn State and Washington could all force their way into the championship race. The unofficial Big Ten media poll also placed those seven programs at the top of the conference entering the season. CBS Sports
1. Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State might have the best quarterback-receiver combination in college football with Julian Sayin throwing to superstar Jeremiah Smith. The Buckeyes must replace several defensive standouts, but their talent, offensive line and playmaking ability make them Sportsvival’s narrow Big Ten favorite.
2. Oregon Ducks
Oregon may be the most complete team in the conference, with Dante Moore returning at quarterback and considerable experience on both sides of the football. Dan Lanning has assembled a championship-caliber roster, and anything short of a serious playoff run would feel disappointing.
3. Indiana Hoosiers
Indiana is no longer the underdog—it is the defending national champion. TCU transfer Josh Hoover takes over at quarterback, while a talented defense led by Tyrique Tucker, Rolijah Hardy, Isaiah Jones and Jamari Sharpe gives the Hoosiers an opportunity to remain among the nation’s elite.
4. Michigan Wolverines
The Kyle Whittingham era begins with a roster built to play his physical brand of football. Michigan should have an outstanding defense, and Utah transfer John Henry Daley gives the Wolverines a proven pass rusher who can immediately change games.
5. USC Trojans
Quarterback Jayden Maiava gives Lincoln Riley another experienced playmaker to direct what should be an explosive offense. USC’s ceiling will once again depend on its defense, but the arrival of Gary Patterson could bring some badly needed toughness and organization to that side of the football.
6. Washington Huskies
Dual-threat quarterback Demond Williams Jr. makes Washington one of the most dangerous teams in the conference. Williams produced 3,065 passing yards, 25 passing touchdowns and another 611 yards on the ground last season, giving the Huskies a player capable of carrying them into playoff contention.
7. Penn State Nittany Lions
New head coach Matt Campbell inherits a program with enough talent to remain competitive near the top of the Big Ten. The Nittany Lions must establish a new identity and improve in close games, but their defense and overall roster depth should keep them in the playoff conversation.
8. Iowa Hawkeyes
Iowa may not overwhelm opponents offensively, but the Hawkeyes’ defense, offensive line and special teams remain among the conference’s most dependable units. DJ Vonnahme, Trevor Lauck, Kade Pieper and Zach Lutmer give Kirk Ferentz several experienced building blocks.
9. Illinois Fighting Illini
Illinois has become a consistently difficult team to play under Bret Bielema. The Fighting Illini might not have the star power of Ohio State or Oregon, but their physical style and ability to control the line of scrimmage should keep them in the bowl picture.
10. Minnesota Golden Gophers
Minnesota’s defense will be led by Anthony Smith, who recorded a Big Ten-best 12.5 sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss last season. If the Golden Gophers can develop a more consistent passing attack, they could finish several spots higher than this projection.
11. Nebraska Cornhuskers
Nebraska remains one of the conference’s most difficult teams to evaluate. The Cornhuskers possess enough talent to reach a bowl game, but they must become more consistent offensively and finally start winning the close games that have repeatedly held the program back.
12. Wisconsin Badgers
Wisconsin is searching for stability after several disappointing seasons. The Badgers still have the size and resources to become competitive again, but their offense must establish an identity before they can challenge the Big Ten’s upper half.
13. UCLA Bruins
James Madison transfer Wayne Knight gives UCLA an exciting all-purpose weapon after producing nearly 2,000 all-purpose yards in 2025. The Bruins should be more explosive, but questions along both lines could prevent them from making a major jump.
14. Northwestern Wildcats
Northwestern continues to play hard and remain competitive despite operating with less overall talent than most of the conference. The Wildcats could become bowl eligible if their offense improves, but they will have very little margin for error against a demanding Big Ten schedule.
15. Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Rutgers has two of the conference’s most productive skill players in running back Antwan Raymond and 6-foot-6 receiver KJ Duff. Raymond rushed for 1,241 yards last season, while Duff recorded 60 receptions for 1,084 yards, but the Scarlet Knights need more consistency at quarterback and along the offensive line.
16. Maryland Terrapins
Maryland has recruited enough athletic talent to create problems, but the Terrapins must find more stability on offense. Punter Bryce McFerson remains a major field-position weapon, although Maryland cannot afford to rely too heavily on its special teams.
17. Michigan State Spartans
Linebacker Jordan Hall leads a defense that should be competitive, and Nebraska transfer Kenneth Williams provides explosiveness in the return game. However, the Spartans still have major questions on offense and may need another season before making a significant move up the conference standings.
18. Purdue Boilermakers
Purdue remains in the early stages of a major rebuilding project. The Boilermakers need improvement in the trenches, more consistent quarterback play and several young players to develop quickly just to escape the bottom of the Big Ten.
Sportsvival’s 2026 Preseason First-Team All-Big Ten
Offense
QB – Julian Sayin, Ohio State
RB – Bo Jackson, Ohio State
RB – Antwan Raymond, Rutgers
WR – Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State
WR – Charlie Becker, Indiana
WR – KJ Duff, Rutgers
TE – DJ Vonnahme, Iowa
OT – Carter Smith, Indiana
OT – Trevor Lauck, Iowa
OG – Austin Siereveld, Ohio State
OG – Joe Brunner, Indiana
C – Kade Pieper, Iowa
All-Purpose – Wayne Knight, UCLA
Defense
EDGE – John Henry Daley, Michigan
EDGE – Anthony Smith, Minnesota
DT – Tyrique Tucker, Indiana
DT – A’Mauri Washington, Oregon
LB – Rolijah Hardy, Indiana
LB – Isaiah Jones, Indiana
LB – Jordan Hall, Michigan State
CB – Brandon Finney Jr., Oregon
CB – Jamari Sharpe, Indiana
S – Koi Perich, Oregon
S – Zach Lutmer, Iowa
Special Teams
K – Nico Radicic, Indiana
P – Bryce McFerson, Maryland
KR – Kenneth Williams, Michigan State
PR – Zach Lutmer, Iowa
Big Ten Championship Prediction
Ohio State 31, Oregon 27
Oregon may own the conference’s deepest and most balanced roster, but Sportsvival is giving Ohio State the slightest edge. Sayin, Smith and Bo Jackson give the Buckeyes three elite offensive weapons, and that firepower could prove decisive in a championship game that comes down to the fourth quarter.
Final Thoughts
Ohio State and Oregon begin the season with the strongest overall rosters, but neither has much room for error. Indiana has earned its place among the conference’s elite, while Michigan, USC, Washington and Penn State form a dangerous second group capable of disrupting the championship race.
Sportsvival expects the Big Ten to place multiple teams in the College Football Playoff. Ohio State is our conference champion, but Oregon may be every bit as capable of winning the national championship—and overlooking defending champion Indiana would be a serious mistake.