Big Ten Football 2026: Team Overviews

The 2026 college football season is underway, with the Indiana Hoosiers entering as defending Big Ten and national champions after a historic 16-0 run. They bring back 10 starters, led by a highly regarded coach and face a manageable schedule.

Illinois

Head coach Bret Bielema highlighted key moments over the past two years that signaled change at Illinois’ Gies Memorial Stadium. Notably, a win over Michigan in 2024 broke a 14-game losing streak. The Illini have garnered strong fan support, evidenced by consecutive sell-outs of public season ticket sales.

Iowa

Coach Kirk Ferentz, now the Big Ten’s winningest coach, enters his 28th season at No. 22 Iowa. The Hawkeyes face early challenges with games against Michigan, Ohio State, and Washington. With seven players gone to the NFL, the team aims to achieve eight or nine wins.

Indiana

Ranked sixth, Indiana faces the tough task of defending its national championship. With Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza off to the NFL, quarterback Josh Hoover hopes to excel under a stronger supporting cast. The season starts against North Texas.

Maryland

In his eighth season, Michael Locksley aims to stabilize Maryland after two losing seasons. Quarterback Malik Washington, who shined with over 2,500 passing yards as a freshman, looks to improve consistency. Maryland has won 18 consecutive nonconference games.

Michigan

No. 16 Michigan faces a challenging schedule with six AP Top 25 opponents. Coach Kyle Whittingham’s debut season will test quarterback Bryce Underwood’s development, aided by quarterbacks coach Koy Detmer. Michigan is on probation due to NCAA violations.

Michigan State

Coach Pat Fitzgerald aims to avoid a fifth losing season. His tenure begins as he navigates the fallout from Northwestern’s hazing scandal and aims to reignite a struggling Spartans program.

Minnesota

Quarterback Drake Lindsey enters his third year as the Gophers’ leader. Minnesota hopes to build on consistent performance and break through to higher success, having achieved a 40-25 record over the last five years.

Nebraska

Pressure mounts on coach Matt Rhule, whose team faces a brutal schedule. Nebraska is 19-19 under his leadership and struggles against top-ranked opponents. Quarterback Anthony Colandrea, who excelled in the Mountain West, faces new challenges this season.

Northwestern

Coach David Braun, with a 19-19 record, is optimistic about Northwestern’s future. Investments, including the hiring of Chip Kelly as offensive coordinator, aim to advance the Wildcats’ performance. The new Ryan Field opens on October 2nd.

Ohio State

Preseason No. 1 Ohio State, led by quarterback Julian Sayin, faces a demanding schedule. Their goal is a return to the College Football Playoff. Despite losing key defensive talent, expectations are high.

Oregon

Oregon holds a No. 2 ranking, aspiring for a national title. With quarterback Dante Moore staying for another year, Oregon seeks to advance past last season’s semifinal appearance.

Penn State

New coach Matt Campbell is revamping Penn State after a tough season. With the addition of players through transfers, including from his time at Iowa State, Campbell seeks to solidify the program’s foundation.

Purdue

Purdue, under coach Barry Odom, aims to end an 18-game Big Ten losing streak. Despite three consecutive low league finishes, fans remain hopeful for improvement.

Rutgers

Two quarterbacks, AJ Surace and Dylan Lonergan, compete for Rutgers’ starting position. The winner will benefit from returning leading rusher Antwan Raymond and receiver KJ Duff.

UCLA

Under new coach Bob Chesney, UCLA faces rejuvenation. His recruitment drive has brought new talent, aiming to improve fan engagement and lift the program’s fortunes.

USC

USC, led by coach Lincoln Riley, has significant talent and resources. The team’s goal of reaching the College Football Playoff is supported by a strong roster and new training facilities.

Washington

Washington under Jedd Fisch is seeking success in their third Big Ten season. With key schedule challenges and past quarterback struggles, consistent play will determine their season outcome.

Wisconsin

Wisconsin hopes for a rebound after consecutive down years. Coach Luke Fickell aims to capitalize on a more favorable Big Ten schedule not featuring last year’s playoff teams.