Big Ten Football: Ranking the Conference's 18 Teams Into Tiers for 2026
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With the start of college football’s 2026 season less than 30 days away, it’s time to rank Big Ten teams into tiers of conference title and playoff favorites, wild card contenders, and teams expected to fight for bowl eligibility. Indiana's victory over Miami last year brought the Big Ten its third consecutive national championship and another title for the conference could be in store this fall. The Hoosiers rank among the top contenders once again in '26, with Ohio State and Oregon joining coach Curt Cignetti's team in the top tier. While the SEC may boast superior overall depth, the Big Ten holds the advantage at the top with three national championship contenders.
Ohio State, Oregon and Indiana will draw the bulk of attention in fall practice, but the Big Ten also has an intriguing second tier of teams headlined by Michigan and USC. Nebraska, Illinois, Minnesota and UCLA follow as wild card programs to watch this season.
Using projected 138 team rankings by Athlon Sports for the '26 season, let’s rank the Big Ten into tiers.
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Ohio State (No. 1 in Athlon's projected 138 team rankings for 2026)
Indiana (No. 5)
Oregon (No. 6)
This tier showcases the strength of the Big Ten. Ohio State, Indiana and Oregon are among the top favorites to win the national title this season, giving the conference an excellent shot at its fourth consecutive championship.
Quarterback Julian Sayin and receiver Jeremiah Smith are back to lead Ohio State’s offense, and new coordinator Arthur Smith could add new elements to improve a rushing attack featuring rising star running back Bo Jackson. The Buckeyes lost several key players from last year’s standout defense. However, coordinator Matt Patricia will reload this unit and keep it among the best in college football.
Repeating as the national champion is a tough assignment, but Indiana is equipped to chase back-to-back titles. Transfer quarterback Josh Hoover (TCU) should be a good fit for coach Curt Cignetti’s offense. The Hoosiers can support Hoover with running backs Khobie Martin and Turbo Richard, along with receivers Charlie Becker and Nick Marsh. Additionally, the defense won’t miss much of a beat in ‘26 after holding teams to 11.7 points a game last year.
The return of quarterback Dante Moore and defenders Matayo Uiagalelei, Bear Alexander, A'Mauri Washington and Teitum Tuioti is the biggest reason for optimism in Eugene and why Oregon could win its first national title in program history. The Ducks don’t have many glaring weaknesses, especially after coach Dan Lanning plugged a few gaps on the recruiting trail and the portal along the offensive line and on defense. The transition to a pair of new coordinators — Drew Mehringer (offense) and Chris Hampton (defense) — is arguably the biggest concern for Lanning.
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Michigan (No. 13)
USC (No. 14)
Washington (No. 17)
Penn State (No. 18)
Iowa (No. 25)
Ohio State, Indiana and Oregon are a clear step above this tier. However, with the right breaks, any of these five teams could make the College Football Playoff.
New Michigan coach Kyle Whittingham inherits a roster capable of winning double-digit games. Quarterback Bryce Underwood’s development is crucial.
USC is positioned for its best run at a spot in the College Football Playoff since it joined the Big Ten in 2024. As always under coach Lincoln Riley, the Trojans should have one of the conference’s top offenses. If USC is to reach the 12-team field, the defense needs to show marked improvement under new coordinator Gary Patterson.
Washington took a step forward in coach Jedd Fisch’s second season, improving to 9-4 in 2025 from 6-7 in 2024. The Huskies need to close the gap against the Big Ten’s top teams (a combined score of 74-27 in losses to Michigan, Ohio State and Oregon). Quarterback Demond Williams returns to lead a dynamic offense. The defense has holes to fill with four returning starters.
A favorable schedule should help new Penn State coach Matt Campbell get off to a fast start in Happy Valley. A handful of transfers from Campbell’s last job at Iowa State followed him to Penn State, including quarterback Rocco Becht. That should help ease the transition period.
Even though Iowa returns only six starters, never count coach Kirk Ferentz’s team from playoff contention. The offensive line should be among the best in the nation.
Related: College Football Bowl Projections for 2026
Illinois (No. 33)
Nebraska (No. 38)
Minnesota (No. 41)
UCLA (No. 43)
Illinois is coming off the best two-year stretch in program history. Another season of nine (or more) victories won’t be easy for the Fighting Illini, as the offense features a new quarterback (East Carolina transfer Katin Houser) and a revamped line. The defense is also in transition under new coordinator Bobby Hauck.
Is Nebraska poised for a breakthrough year under coach Matt Rhule? UNLV transfer quarterback Anthony Colandrea’s fit in coordinator Dana Holgorsen’s offense is intriguing. Also, the Cornhuskers should have one of the Big Ten’s top offensive lines. Can the defense show marked improvement under new coordinator Rob Aurich?
Minnesota has won at least eight games in four of the last five years under coach PJ Fleck. Quarterback Drake Lindsey, running back Darius Taylor and defensive end Anthony Smith provide a strong foundation.
UCLA could be the Big Ten’s most-improved team under new coach Bob Chesney. Quarterback Nico Iamaleava headlines six returning starters.
Related: Ranking the Big Ten Coaches for 2026
Wisconsin (No. 53)
Northwestern (No. 57)
Maryland (No. 58)
For two of the programs in this tier, it’s likely a make-or-break year for the head coach.
At Wisconsin, coach Luke Fickell hopes that an offseason of significant roster changes, along with a favorable schedule, translates into a much-improved team and cools hot-seat talk in Madison. Old Dominion transfer quarterback Colton Joseph is a dynamic addition for an offense that averaged only 12.8 points a game in ‘25.
It’s a new era for Northwestern with the opening of its new stadium. Also, optimism is high for an improved offense under new play-caller Chip Kelly and transfer quarterback Aidan Chiles (Michigan State).
Similar to Fickell, Maryland’s Mike Locksley is squarely on the hot seat with a 2-16 record in Big Ten play over the last two years. However, the Terrapins have reason for optimism with a promising core of young talent, including quarterback Malik Washington, ends Sidney Stewart and Zahir Mathis and linebacker Zion Elee.
Related: Ranking the Big Ten's Toughest and Easiest Schedules for 2026
Rutgers (No. 69)
Michigan State (No. 72)
Purdue (No. 85)
Fall practice will provide crucial insight into Rutgers for 2026. Coach Greg Schiano has a quarterback battle to sort through, and the defense needs to make major strides under new coordinator Travis Johansen after giving up 36 points a game in Big Ten play last year. Running back Antwan Raymond and receiver KJ Duff are two of the conference's top playmakers.
It’s a new era at Michigan State with Pat Fitzgerald taking over. The former Northwestern head coach has been away from the sideline for three years and wasted no time overhauling the roster by bringing in over 30 transfers.
Purdue is still rebuilding under coach Barry Odom. The Boilermakers are 3-21 over the last two years and have not won a Big Ten game since Nov. 25, 2023 (35-31 over Indiana).
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jul 31, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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