
ESPN’s 2026 Preseason Top 25 Forecasts Big Ten Dominance
ESPN’s preseason rankings reveal a Big Ten heavyweight battle, with Ohio State projected as the nation’s top team and Purdue wrestling with low bowl eligibility odds.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Barry Odom across Football.

ESPN’s preseason rankings reveal a Big Ten heavyweight battle, with Ohio State projected as the nation’s top team and Purdue wrestling with low bowl eligibility odds.

From modest expectations to conference championship contention, the UNLV Rebels have built a sustainable winning culture in Las Vegas, anchored by key players and a supportive community.

The Rebels have turned a modest program into a dominant force, driven by a unifying culture and sustained performance.

Purdue's junior linebacker Charles Correa is preparing for a pivotal 2026 campaign, focusing on weight gain, skill development and leadership to restore the program's former glory.

At just 17, quarterback Hank Hendrix has signed with the University of Arkansas Razorbacks, bringing youthful energy to a program seeking to rebound in the SEC.

After a disappointing 2025 campaign, Purdue is rebuilding its special teams unit with new talent and competition, aiming to turn close losses into wins and secure bowl eligibility.

Purdue University is preparing a deep and experienced edge rusher unit for the 2026 season, blending proven returners with impactful transfers and promising newcomers.

Five promising freshmen — Brayden Sweeney, Ar'Mari Towns, Rico Schrieber, Josiah Hope and Jacobo Echeverria Lozano — are slated to influence Purdue's lineup as the program looks ahead to the 2026 season.

A recent Yahoo Sports round‑table examined whether a system of promotion and relegation could reshape college football, weighing its TV appeal against deep‑rooted structural barriers.

The Big Ten Network will provide live coverage of the 2026 Big Ten Football Media Days in Chicago from July 28‑30, featuring press conferences with every coach and expert analysis.
A look at the top Big Ten programs as the 2026 college football season approaches, highlighting Ohio State's dominance, Indiana's championship pedigree, and the rise of Oregon, Michigan, and Penn State.

Jakore Smith, a 6‑foot‑2, 200‑pound freshman defensive back, joins the Arkansas Razorbacks with high expectations after a standout prep career. The Fayetteville native is adapting well to college life, pursuing a business degree, and aiming for a professional football future while planning his own venture.

Projected win‑loss records reveal a handful of teams eyeing national titles, while several programs face steep challenges, setting the stage for a dramatic season.

A look at how Iowa’s upcoming games against Wisconsin, Purdue and Nebraska could determine the fate of several coaches on the hot seat

Eli Drinkwitz’s road record and Missouri’s tendency to falter in big games set the stage for an Arkansas home‑field advantage in 2026.

Purdue’s coaching staff and players discuss the new faces and returning talent poised to reshape the rushing attack for the upcoming season.
Indiana's Curt Cignetti has surged to the summit of the Big Ten coaching rankings after guiding the Hoosiers to an unbeaten national championship, a turnaround that reshapes the conference landscape.
Indiana’s Curt Cignetti has surged to the top of the Big Ten coaching rankings after guiding the Hoosiers to an unbeaten national championship, joining a roster of seasoned mentors whose recent feats define the league’s new dynamics.

Ryan Browne returns as Purdue's starter, but the depth chart behind him remains unsettled, with several newcomers and limited game experience shaping the room.

The Boilermakers are targeting postseason play in 2026, led by second‑year head coach Barry Odom and a mix of seasoned veterans and new additions.

The NCAA's new five‑year eligibility rule gives Purdue's running backs an extra season to develop, bolstering a depth chart that could transform the Boilermakers' rushing attack.

From defensive stalwarts to dynamic playmakers, the latest wave of transfers brings experience and star power to the Big Ten.

Although ESPN ranks Purdue No. 67 for the 2026 season, a strong transfer class, a returning starter and a lighter schedule offer hope for a breakout year.

The NCAA has approved a five‑year post‑high‑school eligibility model, a change that could let schools such as Purdue promise immediate playing time and a clear path to the NFL. The shift raises questions about recruiting strategy, legal challenges, and the future of college athletics.