The 2026 college football season is fast approaching, and the Big Ten is gearing up for another exciting year of competition. With the conference boasting the last three national champions, it's no surprise that the 2026 season is shaping up to be a thrilling one. But who will come out on top? Let's take a closer look at the projected win-loss records for each team in the Big Ten.
Purdue Boilermakers
The Boilermakers are expected to struggle yet again in 2026, with a projected record of 1-11 (0-9 Big Ten). After two consecutive winless seasons in conference play, it's hard to see where Purdue gets a conference win this year. Coach Barry Odom is in his second year at the helm, and while the roster has improved incrementally, the team remains in the basement of the Big Ten.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
The Scarlet Knights are facing an uphill battle in 2026, with a projected record of 2-10 (0-9 Big Ten). The loss of experienced quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis will be a significant setback for the team, and running back Antwan Raymond will have to carry a heavy load in his second season as the starter. The defense is also expected to be porous, which could lead to a winless season in conference play.
Northwestern Wildcats
The Wildcats are projected to have a down year in 2026, with a record of 3-9 (1-8 Big Ten). Their schedule is as tough as it gets, with games against Ohio State, Oregon, Indiana, Penn State, and Iowa. While they overachieved in 2025, it's unlikely that they will repeat that success this fall.
Nebraska Cornhuskers
The Cornhuskers are expected to regress in 2026, with a projected record of 5-7 (2-7 Big Ten). The loss of quarterback Dylan Raiola and the arrival of transfer quarterback Anthony Colandrea will be a significant change for the team. Coach Matt Rhule's squad didn't reload as they had hoped, which could lead to a down year.
Maryland Terrapins
The Terrapins are projected to have a solid season in 2026, with a record of 5-7 (3-6 Big Ten). The team retained talented freshman quarterback Malik Washington, which should give them a chance to be frisky. However, there's not much to be proud of around him, and bowl eligibility is a long shot.
Michigan State Spartans
The Spartans are expected to slowly bring themselves back to relevancy in 2026, with a projected record of 6-6 (4-5 Big Ten). Coach Pat Fitzgerald takes over for Jonathan Smith, and a .500 record in Fitzgerald's first season would be a win. The team has a tough schedule, but they should be able to compete in most of their games.
Minnesota Golden Gophers
The Golden Gophers are projected to have a down year in 2026, with a record of 6-6 (3-6 Big Ten). Their relatively easy schedule in 2025 led them to eight wins, but that won't be the case this year. The team will have to take on Indiana, Penn State, Washington, Michigan, and Iowa, which could lead to a regression in their win total.
Wisconsin Badgers
The Badgers are expected to have a solid season in 2026, with a projected record of 7-5 (5-4 Big Ten). Coach Luke Fickell is still around, and the team landed Old Dominion quarterback Colton Joseph via the portal. Joseph's talent alone should win the Badgers a couple more games than a season ago, elevating them to bowl eligibility.
UCLA Bruins
The Bruins are projected to have a solid season in 2026, with a record of 7-5 (5-4 Big Ten). The team brought in the old James Madison coaching staff and has Nico Iamaleava at quarterback surrounded by a solid roster talent-wise. While they won't be world-beaters, seven wins would be a solid season for them.
Illinois Fighting Illini
The Fighting Illini are expected to have a solid season in 2026, with a record of 7-5 (4-5 Big Ten). Though the roster is depleted from last season, coach Bret Bielema is expected to keep the team above .500. Seven wins seems like the right number, with a big game coming against Duke in the nonconference portion of the schedule.
Michigan Wolverines
The Wolverines are facing a brutal schedule in 2026, with games against Ohio State, Oregon, Indiana, and Penn State. Quarterback Bryce Underwood is talented but still very raw, which could limit their success. The team is expected to have a solid season, but it won't be easy.
USC Trojans
The Trojans are projected to have a solid season in 2026, with a record of 8-4 (5-4 Big Ten). With Jayden Maiava back at the quarterback spot, the team has a high ceiling. However, I'm expecting a regression on the defensive side of the ball, which could limit their success.
Iowa Hawkeyes
The Hawkeyes are expected to have a solid season in 2026, with a record of 9-3 (6-3 Big Ten). The team has a tough three-week stretch in the middle of the season, but they should be able to compete in most of their games. The offense is expected to remain stagnant, which could limit their ceiling.
Washington Huskies
The Huskies are projected to have a solid season in 2026, with a record of 9-3 (6-3 Big Ten). The team is knocking on the door of Big Ten contender status, but they are expected to fall short once again. The quarterback dual between Demond Williams Jr. and Jayden Maiava for USC should be one to watch.
Penn State Nittany Lions
The Nittany Lions are expected to have a solid season in 2026, with a projected record of 10-2 (6-2 Big Ten). Coach Matt Campbell's first year at the helm will be a bounce back from last season. The team has a favorable schedule, which should help them achieve their goals.
Indiana Hoosiers
The Hoosiers are projected to have a solid season in 2026, with a record of 11-1 (8-1 Big Ten). The team lost a lot of talent across the roster, but they retained coach Curt Cignetti, who reloaded via the transfer portal. With Cignetti at the helm, the Hoosiers are expected to push for a Big Ten title game berth.
Oregon Ducks
The Ducks are projected to have a solid season in 2026, with a record of 11-1 (8-1 Big Ten). The team is expected to go undefeated the rest of their schedule and achieve a third straight berth in the playoff. With Dante Moore leading the way and one of the best defenses in the country, the Ducks have as high of a ceiling as any team in the country.
Ohio State Buckeyes
The Buckeyes are expected to have a solid season in 2026, with a projected record of 12-0 (9-0 Big Ten). The team is expected to reload with elite prospects on defense, and quarterback Julian Sayin should have a solid season. The Buckeyes are a strong contender for the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff.
