4 takeaways from 2026 Big Ten Football Media Day

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The amount of storylines that developed at Big Ten Football Media Days in Chicago last week were seemingly endless. Having attended Michigan’s portion of Media Days, here are four topics that stood out to me, including news and notes surrounding the Michigan Wolverines and the Big Ten as a whole.

Michigan is under a microscope, and that likely won’t change anytime soon

There have been many controversies and scandals surrounding Michigan the last several years, but first-year head coach Kyle Whittingham wants to “put the drama to bed” once and for all. Whittingham was asked about the Wolverines being under a microscope following a tumultuous time prior to his arrival, and it’s clear outsiders will continue to keep a very close eye on Michigan moving forward. Now, it will be interesting to see if Whittingham can change the narrative surrounding the program.

Kyle Whittingham downplays his hatred of Ohio State

In his first appearance at Big Ten Media Days, Whittingham said he definitely “understands the implications” that are involved with the rivalry between Michigan and Ohio State. However, he also downplayed the hatred of the rivalry, saying, “I just think a rivalry can be intense and emotional without the hatred factor. I don’t think there’s any place for that personally.”

Most coaches have leaned into the hatred, but Whittingham has taken a different approach that could come back to bite him if things don’t go well the weekend of Thanksgiving.

Ohio State is the overwhelming favorite to win Big Ten title

Nearly every person I talked to in Chicago is predicting Ohio State will win the Big Ten title for the first time since 2020. It’s not exactly a surprise since the Buckeyes topped the media’s preseason poll and are favorites to win the national championship, but I think it’s going to be closer than some expect. I’m not saying Ohio State won’t be crowned Big Ten champions, but it won’t be as cut and dry as most people are predicting because the Oregon Ducks and Indiana Hoosiers are also legitimate threats.

Big Ten is presenting itself as the nation’s premier conference

The days of the SEC running college football are in the past, as the Big Ten has made its bid for the nation’s premier conference by winning each of the last three national titles by three different teams.

After leading Indiana to a national championship last year, head coach Curt Cignetti declared the Big Ten “the best league in football.” It’s hard to argue with his claim, as the conference has completely dominated in recent years, and there’s a certain level of confidence Big Ten programs are operating with.

What stood out to you the most during Big Ten Media Days this year? Let us know down in the comments!

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