The 2026 college football landscape is taking shape as media outlets begin to publish their conference forecasts, and the Big Ten is no exception. Recent polls from USA TODAY and cleveland.com align on a clear hierarchy: Ohio State is projected to claim the top spot, followed by Oregon in second, with Indiana slated to finish third.
Poll consensus and championship ambitions
Ohio State enters the conversation with a tangible goal: securing its first Big Ten Championship since 2020. The Buckeyes’ pursuit adds a layer of urgency to their schedule, while Oregon, fresh from a strong recent showing, is expected to maintain its upward trajectory. Both programs receive consistent praise across the two independent media assessments.
Indiana’s placement at third is underpinned by a modest but notable vote of confidence. In cleveland.com’s poll, the Hoosiers earned five first‑place votes, a sign that at least a segment of the media sees upside in the program. The same poll had placed Indiana sixth in the 2025 preseason media ranking, indicating a significant jump in expectations for the upcoming season.
Media Days set the stage in Chicago
The buzz around these projections coincides with the kickoff of Big Ten Media Days in Chicago this week. The event brings together coaches, players and journalists from across the conference, providing a forum to discuss storylines, expectations and the competitive balance that defines the league. For Indiana, the increased visibility offers a platform to translate preseason optimism into on‑field performance.