The Big Ten conference is set to dominate college football in 2026, with the Ohio State Buckeyes, Oregon Ducks, and Indiana Hoosiers all vying for the top spot. The conference is known for its strong teams and competitive atmosphere, making it a hotbed of talent and excitement. Here's a breakdown of the projected win-loss records for each team in the Big Ten for the 2026 season, along with some commentary and analysis.
Purdue Boilermakers
Projected Record: 1-11 (0-9 Big Ten)
Comment: After two consecutive winless seasons in Big Ten play, the Boilermakers are expected to struggle again in 2026. With a new coach and an incrementally improved roster, they may see some improvement, but it's unlikely to be enough to secure a conference win.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Projected Record: 2-10 (0-9 Big Ten)
Comment: The Scarlet Knights are facing an uphill battle with the loss of experienced quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis. Running back Antwan Raymond will have to carry the load, but the team's porous defense makes a winless season in conference play a distinct possibility.
Northwestern Wildcats
Projected Record: 3-9 (1-8 Big Ten)
Comment: Northwestern's schedule is a tough one, with games against Ohio State, Oregon, Indiana, Penn State, and Iowa. While they overachieved in 2025, this season is expected to be a step back, with a trend of up-and-down win totals continuing.
Nebraska Cornhuskers
Projected Record: 5-7 (2-7 Big Ten)
Comment: The Cornhuskers are facing a challenging season with the loss of quarterback Dylan Raiola and a new starter in Anthony Colandrea. Coach Matt Rhule's squad didn't reload as hoped, leading to a potential regression from last year's performance.
Maryland Terrapins
Projected Record: 5-7 (3-6 Big Ten)
Comment: Maryland's biggest win was retaining quarterback Malik Washington, who impressed in his first season as a starter. However, the team's overall talent level is not impressive, and bowl eligibility is a stretch goal.
Michigan State Spartans
Projected Record: 6-6 (4-5 Big Ten)
Comment: The Spartans are looking to turn things around under new coach Pat Fitzgerald. While they won't compete with the conference's best, a .500 record in Fitzgerald's first season would be a significant improvement.
Minnesota Golden Gophers
Projected Record: 6-6 (3-6 Big Ten)
Comment: Minnesota's schedule is much tougher in 2026, with games against Indiana, Penn State, Washington, Michigan, and Iowa. Despite bringing back quarterback Drake Lindsey and star running back Darius Taylor, the team's roster is not strong enough to secure wins in those games.
Wisconsin Badgers
Projected Record: 7-5 (5-4 Big Ten)
Comment: Coach Luke Fickell is working to improve the Badgers' performance, and the addition of Old Dominion quarterback Colton Joseph should help. The team is expected to be bowl-eligible, with a few more wins than in the previous season.
UCLA Bruins
Projected Record: 7-5 (5-4 Big Ten)
Comment: The Bruins are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season. With a new coaching staff and talented quarterback Nico Iamaleava, they are expected to be more respectable, but not world-beaters.
Illinois Fighting Illini
Projected Record: 7-5 (4-5 Big Ten)
Comment: Despite a depleted roster, coach Bret Bielema is expected to keep the team above .500. Seven wins seem like a reasonable goal, with a big game against Duke serving as a litmus test.
Michigan Wolverines
Projected Record: 7-5 (5-4 Big Ten)
Comment: The Wolverines have a brutal schedule, with games against Ohio State, Oregon, Indiana, and Penn State. Quarterback Bryce Underwood is talented but raw, and the team's ceiling is limited.
USC Trojans
Projected Record: 8-4 (5-4 Big Ten)
Comment: The Trojans have a high ceiling with quarterback Jayden Maiava, but I expect a regression on defense. They will be competitive in games against Indiana, Ohio State, and Oregon, but may struggle to close the deal.
Iowa Hawkeyes
Projected Record: 9-3 (6-3 Big Ten)
Comment: Iowa has a history of finishing with nine wins, and their schedule includes a tough stretch with games against Michigan, Washington, and Ohio State. Their offense is expected to remain stagnant, limiting their potential.
Washington Huskies
Projected Record: 9-3 (6-3 Big Ten)
Comment: The Huskies are knocking on the door of Big Ten contender status, but their schedule includes losses to Indiana and Oregon. The quarterback battle between Demond Williams Jr. and Jayden Maiava will be intriguing, but Washington may not get over the hump.
Penn State Nittany Lions
Projected Record: 10-2 (6-2 Big Ten)
Comment: Penn State has a favorable schedule, missing Ohio State, Oregon, and Indiana. They are expected to finish with 10 wins, but are more likely to be an 8- or 9-win team.
Indiana Hoosiers
Projected Record: 11-1 (8-1 Big Ten)
Comment: The Hoosiers lost some talent but retained coach Curt Cignetti, who reloaded via the transfer portal. With a strong receiving duo and Cignetti's leadership, Indiana is expected to push for a Big Ten title game berth.
Oregon Ducks
Projected Record: 11-1 (8-1 Big Ten)
Comment: Oregon is expected to go undefeated in conference play, achieving a third straight playoff berth. With a strong defense and talented quarterback Dante Moore, the Ducks have a high ceiling and are one of the top teams in the country.
Ohio State Buckeyes
Projected Record: 12-0 (9-0 Big Ten)
Comment: The Buckeyes are a force to be reckoned with, with a strong defense and elite prospects. They are expected to be the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff, with a talented quarterback and wide receiver duo.
