Big Ten Football: Spring 2026 Power Rankings
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Spring practice is already underway or will soon start for all 18 teams in the Big Ten for the 2026 college football season. Although it’s tough to get an accurate or in-depth read on teams from practices in the spring, this is the first set of official workouts and provides some insight into rosters, coaching outlooks, transfers or impact freshmen for the upcoming year. And with no spring transfer portal this year, the rosters should largely be set for upcoming workouts and for the battle to settle positions on the depth chart.
Ohio State leads the way in the spring Big Ten power rankings for the 2026 college football season, but Indiana and Oregon are in the same top tier. Michigan, USC, Washington, and Penn State headline the next tier. The Big Ten also has plenty of intrigue in the middle and at the back of the league. Pat Fitzgerald takes over at Michigan State, this spring is the first chance to see Chip Kelly’s offense at Northwestern, and Nebraska and UCLA are both aiming to take a step forward in ’26.
What are the early storylines to watch and how do the teams stack up in the Big Ten going into ’26? Here are Athlon’s top things to watch and the storylines in the conference going into spring practice:
Big Ten Football: Spring 2026 Power Rankings
18. Purdue
Barry Odom’s rebuilding effort in West Lafayette continues this offseason after ending ‘25 on a 10-game losing streak. A large transfer class (over 25 newcomers) should help the Boilermakers be more competitive this fall.
17. Rutgers
The quarterback battle between former Alabama and Boston College signal-caller Dylan Lonergan and AJ Surace is the top storyline this offseason for coach Greg Schiano. Additionally, this spring is Scarlet Knights’ first chance to work under new play-caller Travis Johansen who hopes to improve a defense that allowed 36 points a game in Big Ten play last year.
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16. Maryland
Quarterback Malik Washington is back after a standout true freshman campaign. This spring is all about getting Washington and new play-caller Clint Trickett on the same page in a critical make-or-break year for coach Mike Locksley. Improvement on defense (31.7 points a game allowed in Big Ten games) is a must too.
15. Michigan State
The Pat Fitzgerald era starts this spring with a massive roster overhaul. The Spartans bring back only three starters and brought in over 25 transfers from the portal to help a team that won only nine games over the last two years.
14. Wisconsin
Coach Luke Fickell is squarely on the hot seat entering ‘26 after a 9-15 record over the last two years. The roster got a hefty overhaul from the portal, with Old Dominion transfer quarterback Colton Joseph among the top additions. The linebacker duo of Mason Posa and Cooper Catalano headlines three returning starters on defense.
13. UCLA
New coach Bob Chesney hopes a large transfer class helps to quickly revitalize the Bruins in ‘26. Quarterback Nico Iamaleava’s return provides Chesney with a key building block on offense. However, the Bruins have plenty of room to improve on a defense that ranked last in the Big Ten in points allowed (33.4 a game) last year.
12. Northwestern
A new-look Northwestern offense under coordinator Chip Kelly is one of the Big Ten’s top spring storylines. The Wildcats should have a strong rushing attack once again, but Kelly needs to get the most out of transfer quarterback Aidan Chiles (Michigan State) for this team to move up the Big Ten pecking order.
11. Nebraska
This spring is crucial for coach Matt Rhule’s offense after quarterback Dylan Raiola transferred to Oregon, and running back Emmett Johnson departed to the NFL. UNLV transfer Anthony Colandrea and TJ Lateef will battle to replace Raiola. New coordinator Rob Aurich is tasked with improving a defense that allowed 28 points a game in Big Ten play and struggled to stop the run last year.
10. Minnesota
Quarterback Drake Lindsey and running back Darius Taylor return after guiding the Golden Gophers to a 8-5 record last year. Coach PJ Fleck’s team needs to find more playmakers at receiver to help Lindsey’s development. Standout end Anthony Smith headlines five returning starters on defense.
9. Illinois
It’s a crucial spring for coach Bret Bielema with the Fighting Illini hoping to maintain momentum after 19 wins over the last two years. East Carolina transfer Katin Houser is expected to win the starting quarterback job, while a retooled offensive line is under the spotlight this offseason. This spring also provides the first glimpse at how the defense is performing under new coordinator Bobby Hauck.
8. Iowa
The Hawkeyes have a ton to replace with just six returning starters. However, the guess here is coach Kirk Ferentz and coordinators Tim Lester (offense) and Phil Parker (defense) will find the right answers on both sides of the ball. The offensive line and rushing attack should be among the best in the Big Ten.
7. Penn State
New coach Matt Campbell inherits only five returning starters from last year’s seven-win team. However, several key transfers migrated from his former job at Iowa State to help the turnaround effort in Happy Valley. Quarterback Rocco Becht should be one of the top transfers in the Big Ten this fall.
6. Washington
The Huskies must replace standout running back Jonah Coleman and receiver Denzel Boston, but quarterback Demond Williams’ return to go with four starters back on the line should help coach Jedd Fisch’s offense rank among the nation’s best. Rebuilding the secondary and defensive line top the spring priorities.
5. USC
Quarterback Jayden Maiava returns, but the Trojans need to replenish a receiving corps losing standouts Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane. An experienced offensive line is a huge plus for Maiava, and new coordinator Gary Patterson should help the defense take a step forward.
4. Michigan
Kyle Whittingham is one of the offseason’s top hires and inherits a roster capable of contending for a spot in the College Football Playoff. Quarterback Bryce Underwood should have a breakout season under new coordinator Jason Beck.
3. Oregon
Quarterback Dante Moore’s return to Eugene instead of departing for the NFL could be enough for Oregon to bring back the program’s first national title. The Ducks are loaded at the skill spots once again and the defensive front should be a strength thanks to the return of Teitum Tuioti, A’Mauri Washington, and Bear Alexander instead of leaving for the NFL.
2. Indiana
The reigning national champs return just 10 starters, including receiver Charlie Becker and a standout offensive line. However, coach Curt Cignetti will reload and find a way to keep this team near the top of the Big Ten. A standout transfer portal class certainly helps, especially with the arrival of quarterback Josh Hoover (TCU).
1. Ohio State
Rebuilding an elite defense and improving the rushing attack top the list of spring priorities for coach Ryan Day. The Buckeyes have holes to fill, but quarterback Julian Sayin and receiver Jeremiah Smith return to lead this team back into national title contention.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 2, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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