The 2026 college football season promises to be an intriguing one for the Big Ten, with several teams vying for conference and national championships. Here's a breakdown of projected win-loss records for each team, along with notable games and analysis.
Purdue Boilermakers
Projected Record: 1-11 (0-9 Big Ten)
Analysis: After consecutive winless seasons in Big Ten play, Purdue remains in the basement. Coach Barry Odom's second year hasn't brought significant improvement, and the roster still needs development. Notable games include vs. Notre Dame, Washington, and at Indiana.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Projected Record: 2-10 (0-9 Big Ten)
Analysis: The loss of experienced quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis and a porous defense make for a challenging season. Running back Antwan Raymond will carry the load, but a winless conference record is a possibility. Notable games include vs. USC, Indiana, and at Penn State.
Northwestern Wildcats
Projected Record: 3-9 (1-8 Big Ten)
Analysis: Northwestern's schedule is brutal, with games against Ohio State, Oregon, Indiana, Penn State, and Iowa. Despite overachieving in 2025, 2026 will likely be a down year. Notable games include at Indiana, at Oregon, and at Ohio State.
Nebraska Cornhuskers
Projected Record: 5-7 (2-7 Big Ten)
Analysis: With quarterback Anthony Colandrea and talented newcomer TJ Lateef, Nebraska aims to improve from 2025. However, the loss of Dylan Raiola and a challenging schedule may lead to a regression. Notable games include vs. Indiana, at Oregon, and vs. Ohio State.
Maryland Terrapins
Projected Record: 5-7 (3-6 Big Ten)
Analysis: Maryland retains quarterback Malik Washington, but the team lacks other standout talent. Bowl eligibility is a stretch goal, and the schedule includes tough matchups like Virginia Tech, UCLA, and Penn State.
Michigan State Spartans
Projected Record: 6-6 (4-5 Big Ten)
Analysis: Pat Fitzgerald takes over for Jonathan Smith, aiming to stabilize the program. A .500 record in his first season would be a success. Notable games include at Notre Dame, vs. Washington, and vs. Oregon.
Minnesota Golden Gophers
Projected Record: 6-6 (3-6 Big Ten)
Analysis: Minnesota's schedule is challenging, with games against Indiana, Penn State, Washington, Michigan, and Iowa. Despite bringing back quarterback Drake Lindsey and star running back Darius Taylor, the team may struggle.
Wisconsin Badgers
Projected Record: 7-5 (5-4 Big Ten)
Analysis: Coach Luke Fickell's move to land quarterback Colton Joseph should elevate the Badgers. A bowl-eligible season is achievable, and the schedule includes games against Notre Dame, Penn State, and USC.
UCLA Bruins
Projected Record: 7-5 (5-4 Big Ten)
Analysis: With a new coaching staff and quarterback Nico Iamaleava, UCLA aims for respectability. Seven wins would be a solid season, and the schedule includes games at Cal, at Oregon, and at Michigan.
Illinois Fighting Illini
Projected Record: 7-5 (4-5 Big Ten)
Analysis: Despite a depleted roster, coach Bret Bielema is expected to keep Illinois above .500. A big game against Duke in the nonconference schedule will be a test. Notable games include vs. Duke, at Ohio State, and vs. Oregon.
Michigan Wolverines
Projected Record: 7-5 (5-4 Big Ten)
Analysis: Michigan's schedule is brutal, with games against Ohio State, Oregon, Indiana, and Penn State. Quarterback Bryce Underwood's talent is raw, and the team may struggle in these matchups.
USC Trojans
Projected Record: 8-4 (5-4 Big Ten)
Analysis: With quarterback Jayden Maiava back, USC has a high ceiling. However, a regression on defense is expected. Notable games include vs. Oregon, vs. Ohio State, and at Indiana.
Iowa Hawkeyes
Projected Record: 9-3 (6-3 Big Ten)
Analysis: Iowa's offense is unlikely to improve, and a tough stretch in the middle of the season may limit their wins. Notable games include at Michigan, vs. Ohio State, and at Washington.
Washington Huskies
Projected Record: 9-3 (6-3 Big Ten)
Analysis: The Huskies are close to contender status but fall short with losses to Indiana and Oregon. The quarterback battle between Demond Williams Jr. and Jayden Maiava for USC will be intriguing.
Penn State Nittany Lions
Projected Record: 10-2 (6-2 Big Ten)
Analysis: Penn State has a favorable schedule, missing Ohio State, Oregon, and Indiana. Coach Matt Campbell's leadership should lead to a bounce-back season, but they may be more like an 8-9 win team.
Indiana Hoosiers
Projected Record: 11-1 (8-1 Big Ten)
Analysis: Indiana loses talent but retains coach Curt Cignetti. The transfer portal additions of Josh Hoover and Nick Marsh form a top receiving duo. Expect a push for a Big Ten title game berth.
Oregon Ducks
Projected Record: 11-1 (8-1 Big Ten)
Analysis: Oregon aims for a third straight playoff berth with a strong defense and Dante Moore. Trips to Columbus have been successful, and the Ducks will go undefeated except for a loss to Ohio State.
Ohio State Buckeyes
Projected Record: 12-0 (9-0 Big Ten)
Analysis: Ohio State's defense always reloads with elite prospects, and quarterback Julian Sayin is talented. Expect a strong showing in the playoff, potentially as the No. 1 seed.
