The 2026 college football season is shaping up to be an intriguing one for the Big Ten, with several teams vying for conference and national championships. Here's a breakdown of the 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 two consecutive winless seasons in Big Ten play, the Boilermakers are expected to struggle again in 2026. Coach Barry Odom's second year at the helm hasn't brought significant improvement, and the team remains at the bottom of the conference.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Projected Record: 2-10 (0-9 Big Ten)
Analysis: The Scarlet Knights face challenges offensively with the loss of experienced quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis. Running back Antwan Raymond will carry a heavy load, but a porous defense suggests a winless season in conference play.
Northwestern Wildcats
Projected Record: 3-9 (1-8 Big Ten)
Analysis: Northwestern's schedule is demanding, with games against Ohio State, Oregon, Indiana, Penn State, and Iowa. Despite overachieving in 2025, the Wildcats are projected to have a down year, continuing their recent trend of up-and-down win totals.
Nebraska Cornhuskers
Projected Record: 5-7 (2-7 Big Ten)
Analysis: The Cornhuskers lost quarterback Dylan Raiola and didn't reload as hoped. Coach Matt Rhule's squad is expected to regress from last year, making it a challenging season for the team.
Maryland Terrapins
Projected Record: 5-7 (3-6 Big Ten)
Analysis: Maryland retains talented quarterback Malik Washington, but the team has limited strengths around him. They are projected to sniff bowl eligibility but fall short.
Michigan State Spartans
Projected Record: 6-6 (4-5 Big Ten)
Analysis: Pat Fitzgerald takes over as coach, aiming to bring stability and slowly rebuild the team. A .500 record in his first season would be a positive step for the Spartans.
Minnesota Golden Gophers
Projected Record: 6-6 (3-6 Big Ten)
Analysis: Minnesota's schedule becomes more challenging 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 isn't strong enough to win those games.
Wisconsin Badgers
Projected Record: 7-5 (5-4 Big Ten)
Analysis: Coach Luke Fickell's support from the athletic department is evident, and the team lands a talented quarterback in Colton Joseph. This should elevate the Badgers to bowl eligibility, winning a few more games than last season.
UCLA Bruins
Projected Record: 7-5 (5-4 Big Ten)
Analysis: The Bruins had a tough season in 2025, but with a new coaching staff and talented quarterback Nico Iamaleava, they are expected to be more respectable in 2026, aiming for seven wins.
Illinois Fighting Illini
Projected Record: 7-5 (4-5 Big Ten)
Analysis: Despite a depleted roster, coach Bret Bielema is expected to keep the team above .500 with seven wins. A key game against Duke in the nonconference schedule will be a litmus test.
Michigan Wolverines
Projected Record: 7-5 (5-4 Big Ten)
Analysis: The Wolverines face a brutal schedule, including games against Ohio State, Oregon, Indiana, and Penn State. Quarterback Bryce Underwood's talent is raw, making it challenging to pull off upsets.
USC Trojans
Projected Record: 8-4 (5-4 Big Ten)
Analysis: With Jayden Maiava back at quarterback, the Trojans have a high ceiling. However, a regression is expected on defense, making it difficult to close deals in games against Indiana, Ohio State, and Oregon.
Iowa Hawkeyes
Projected Record: 9-3 (6-3 Big Ten)
Analysis: Iowa consistently finishes with nine wins, and their schedule includes a tough three-week stretch. The offense's lack of improvement limits their potential.
Washington Huskies
Projected Record: 9-3 (6-3 Big Ten)
Analysis: The Huskies are close to Big Ten contender status but fall short with losses to Indiana and Oregon. The quarterback dual between Demond Williams Jr. and Jayden Maiava for USC is intriguing but won't propel Washington over the hump.
Penn State Nittany Lions
Projected Record: 10-2 (6-2 Big Ten)
Analysis: Coach Matt Campbell's first year at Penn State brings a favorable schedule. The team is projected to finish with 10 wins, bouncing back from last season, but they are considered an 8- or 9-win-caliber team.
Indiana Hoosiers
Projected Record: 11-1 (8-1 Big Ten)
Analysis: The Hoosiers lost talent but retained coach Curt Cignetti, who reloaded via the transfer portal. With a strong receiving duo, Indiana is expected to push for a Big Ten title game berth.
Oregon Ducks
Projected Record: 11-1 (8-1 Big Ten)
Analysis: Oregon is projected to go undefeated in the regular season, achieving a third straight playoff berth. With a strong defense and talented quarterback Dante Moore, the Ducks have a high ceiling.
Ohio State Buckeyes
Projected Record: 12-0 (9-0 Big Ten)
Analysis: The Buckeyes are expected to dominate the regular season, with a strong defense and talented quarterback Julian Sayin. They are projected to be the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff.
