Dave Portnoy’s annual Big Ten power rankings for the 2026 season have already begun to shape the conversation around college football, with the Indiana Hoosiers emerging as the top-ranked team after posting a flawless 16‑0 record in 2025.
2026 Big Ten Power Rankings
The rankings, which blend on‑field performance with betting market sentiment, place the Ohio State Buckeyes at the forefront of conference championship odds, underscoring their perennial status as a favorite despite a strong showing from the Indiana squad.
Meanwhile, the Oregon Ducks secured a third‑place position in the odds, buoyed by a 13‑2 finish the previous year, while the Michigan Wolverines lingered at fifth despite a respectable 9‑4 record, illustrating how Portnoy weighs consistency alongside raw win totals.
Other programs such as the Washington Huskies and the UCLA Bruins occupied the seventh and tenth slots respectively, the former riding a 9‑4 campaign and the latter struggling through a 3‑9 season, and Iowa Hawkeyes were noted as a steady mid‑tier contender with a 9‑4 mark, reflecting Portnoy’s emphasis on reliability over flash.
The list also captures notable storylines, including Penn State’s transition to a new coaching era after James Franklin’s departure and a 7‑6 record in 2025, as well as the lower placements of the USC Trojans and Illinois Fighting Illini, which Portnoy attributes to a lack of softer opponents and the challenges of cold‑weather venues.