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 the projected win-loss records for each team, along with key insights and commentary.
Purdue Boilermakers
Projected Record: 1-11 (0-9 Big Ten)
Purdue continues to struggle, with a projected record of 1-11, indicating another winless season in conference play. Coach Barry Odom's second year hasn't brought significant improvement, and the team remains at the bottom of the Big Ten.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Projected Record: 2-10 (0-9 Big Ten)
The Scarlet Knights face challenges with the loss of experienced quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis. Running back Antwan Raymond will carry the load, but a porous defense suggests a winless conference season.
Northwestern Wildcats
Projected Record: 3-9 (1-8 Big Ten)
Northwestern's schedule is demanding, with tough matchups against Ohio State, Oregon, Indiana, Penn State, and Iowa. Their up-and-down trend continues, with 2026 being a down year.
Nebraska Cornhuskers
Projected Record: 5-7 (2-7 Big Ten)
Nebraska's transition to quarterback Anthony Colandrea from UNLV doesn't guarantee success, as the team lost significant talent. Coach Matt Rhule's squad is expected to regress from last year's performance.
Maryland Terrapins
Projected Record: 5-7 (3-6 Big Ten)
Maryland retains quarterback Malik Washington, but the team lacks a strong supporting cast. Bowl eligibility is a stretch, but they might sniff it.
Michigan State Spartans
Projected Record: 6-6 (4-5 Big Ten)
Pat Fitzgerald takes over for Jonathan Smith, aiming to stabilize the team. A .500 record in his first season would be a positive step towards relevancy.
Minnesota Golden Gophers
Projected Record: 6-6 (3-6 Big Ten)
Minnesota's schedule becomes more challenging, with tough matchups against Indiana, Penn State, Washington, Michigan, and Iowa. The roster isn't strong enough to consistently win those games.
Wisconsin Badgers
Projected Record: 7-5 (5-4 Big Ten)
Coach Luke Fickell's move to land quarterback Colton Joseph should elevate the Badgers. They aim for bowl eligibility, with Joseph's talent potentially winning them a few more games.
UCLA Bruins
Projected Record: 7-5 (5-4 Big Ten)
UCLA's coaching staff change and the presence of Nico Iamaleava at quarterback suggest improvement. Seven wins would be a solid season, but they won't be contenders.
Illinois Fighting Illini
Projected Record: 7-5 (4-5 Big Ten)
Despite a depleted roster, coach Bret Bielema is expected to maintain a .500 record. Seven wins seem achievable, with a crucial nonconference game against Duke.
Michigan Wolverines
Projected Record: 7-5 (5-4 Big Ten)
Michigan's schedule is brutal, with games against Ohio State, Oregon, Indiana, and Penn State. Quarterback Bryce Underwood's raw talent might not be enough to pull off upsets.
USC Trojans
Projected Record: 8-4 (5-4 Big Ten)
USC's defense regressed in 2025, and the same is expected this year. Jayden Maiava's return at quarterback gives them a high ceiling, but they might struggle against top teams.
Iowa Hawkeyes
Projected Record: 9-3 (6-3 Big Ten)
Iowa's consistent nine wins are expected to continue, with a tough stretch in the middle of the season. Their offense's lack of improvement limits their potential.
Washington Huskies
Projected Record: 9-3 (6-3 Big Ten)
Washington is close to Big Ten contender status but falls short with losses to Indiana and Oregon. The quarterback battle between Demond Williams Jr. and Jayden Maiava for USC adds intrigue.
Penn State Nittany Lions
Projected Record: 10-2 (6-2 Big Ten)
Penn State's favorable schedule and Matt Campbell's leadership suggest a bounce back to 10 wins. They are more likely to be an 8-9 win team.
Indiana Hoosiers
Projected Record: 11-1 (8-1 Big Ten)
Indiana's transfer portal additions, including Josh Hoover and Nick Marsh, form a strong receiving duo. Coach Curt Cignetti's leadership positions them as contenders for a Big Ten title.
Oregon Ducks
Projected Record: 11-1 (8-1 Big Ten)
Oregon's defense and Dante Moore's leadership make them a top contender. They will go undefeated, achieving a third straight playoff berth.
Ohio State Buckeyes
Projected Record: 12-0 (9-0 Big Ten)
Ohio State's defense consistently reloads with elite prospects, and quarterback Julian Sayin's talent suggests a dominant season. They are poised to be the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff.
