USA Today has released its preseason assessment of the 18 Big Ten football programs as the 2026 college football season approaches, ranking each team based on a decade of growth, recent performance and projected potential.
At the top of the list, Ohio State emerges as the clear frontrunner, holding the No. 1 spot ahead of the new campaign. The Buckeyes’ position reflects a blend of historic success and the continuity of a program that has remained among the nation’s elite.
Close behind, Indiana secures the second slot, while Oregon garners attention for its trajectory toward a potential national championship, buoyed by a strong recruiting class and an aggressive offensive scheme.
Michigan’s offseason move to appoint Kyle Whittingham as head coach signals a new direction for the Wolverines, who hope the veteran coordinator can restore their former dominance after a turbulent recent stretch.
Penn State also undergoes a transition, with Matt Campbell arriving from Iowa State to take the reins, bringing a proven track record of program building to a conference that values stability.
Iowa, meanwhile, continues to boast one of the most consistent records in the league, having posted only a single losing season since 2006, a testament to the culture cultivated under longtime leadership.
USC, despite registering nine victories in the previous year, finds itself grappling with the gap between those wins and the lofty expectations that accompany a program traditionally positioned at the conference’s pinnacle.
Washington’s schedule presents a gauntlet of matchups against several of the Big Ten’s heavyweights, including USC, Iowa, Penn State, Indiana, and Oregon, promising early tests that could shape the Huskies’ playoff aspirations.
Illinois enters the rankings in the middle tier, introducing a fresh batch of talent that could push the Fighting Illini upward as the season unfolds.
Minnesota, under the steady guidance of coach PJ Fleck since 2017, remains one of the conference’s most reliable programs, consistently punching above its traditional weight class.
Beyond the team dynamics, several storylines revolve around emerging players who could define the upcoming narrative. Names such as Jeremiah Smith, Evan Stewart, Bryce Underwood and Katin Houser are being watched closely as they transition into larger roles.
Coaches like Kyle Whittingham, Matt Campbell and PJ Fleck will also be under scrutiny as they implement new systems, while veteran leaders such as Kirk Ferentz and Lincoln Riley look to preserve their programs’ competitive edge.
What the Rankings Reveal
The list underscores how tradition, coaching turnover and recruiting momentum intertwine to produce a dynamic picture of the conference’s future, setting the stage for a season that could reshape preseason expectations.