The Big Ten conference is set to dominate college football in 2026, with the Ohio State Buckeyes, Oregon Ducks, and Indiana Hoosiers all vying for national championship glory. The conference is a powerhouse, with several teams aiming for playoff football and a chance to challenge for the top spot. Here's a breakdown of the projected win-loss records for each team in the Big Ten for the 2026 season.
Purdue Boilermakers
Projected Record: 1-11 (0-9 Big Ten)
After two consecutive winless seasons, the Boilermakers are expected to struggle again in 2026. With a new coach and an incrementally improved roster, they remain 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 have to carry the offense, and a porous defense suggests a winless season in conference play.
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. They overachieved in 2025 but are projected to return to their recent trend of up-and-down win totals.
Nebraska Cornhuskers
Projected Record: 5-7 (2-7 Big Ten)
The Cornhuskers bring in quarterback Anthony Colandrea, but the loss of talent from last year may lead to a regression. Coach Matt Rhule's squad faces a challenging schedule.
Maryland Terrapins
Projected Record: 5-7 (3-6 Big Ten)
The Terrapins retain quarterback Malik Washington, but their roster lacks notable strengths. They may struggle to reach bowl eligibility.
Michigan State Spartans
Projected Record: 6-6 (4-5 Big Ten)
With Pat Fitzgerald taking over, the Spartans aim for stability. A .500 record in Fitzgerald's first season would be a positive step towards relevancy.
Minnesota Golden Gophers
Projected Record: 6-6 (3-6 Big Ten)
The Golden Gophers face a challenging schedule, including Indiana, Penn State, Washington, Michigan, and Iowa. Despite bringing back quarterback Drake Lindsey, their roster may not be strong enough to win those games.
Wisconsin Badgers
Projected Record: 7-5 (5-4 Big Ten)
Coach Luke Fickell's squad brings in quarterback Colton Joseph, who should elevate the Badgers to bowl eligibility. They aim to improve on their 2025 performance.
UCLA Bruins
Projected Record: 7-5 (5-4 Big Ten)
The Bruins, with a new coaching staff and quarterback Nico Iamaleava, aim for a solid season. They won't be world-beaters but seven wins would be respectable.
Illinois Fighting Illini
Projected Record: 7-5 (4-5 Big Ten)
Despite a depleted roster, coach Bret Bielema is expected to keep the Illini above .500. Seven wins seem achievable, with a key nonconference game against Duke.
Michigan Wolverines
Projected Record: 7-5 (5-4 Big Ten)
The Wolverines face a brutal schedule, including Ohio State, Oregon, Indiana, and Penn State. Quarterback Bryce Underwood's talent may not be enough to pull off upsets.
USC Trojans
Projected Record: 8-4 (5-4 Big Ten)
With quarterback Jayden Maiava back, the Trojans have a high ceiling. However, a regression on defense is expected, and they may struggle to close deals in crucial games.
Iowa Hawkeyes
Projected Record: 9-3 (6-3 Big Ten)
Iowa consistently finishes with nine wins. A tough stretch in the middle of the season includes road games against Michigan and Washington, with Ohio State as the only projected loss.
Washington Huskies
Projected Record: 9-3 (6-3 Big Ten)
The Huskies are close to Big Ten contender status but face challenges with losses to Indiana and Oregon. The quarterback dual between Demond Williams Jr. and Jayden Maiava adds intrigue.
Penn State Nittany Lions
Projected Record: 10-2 (6-2 Big Ten)
With a favorable schedule, the Nittany Lions aim for a bounce-back season. They are projected to finish with 10 wins, but their true potential may be around 8-9 wins.
Indiana Hoosiers
Projected Record: 11-1 (8-1 Big Ten)
The Hoosiers, led by coach Curt Cignetti, reload via the transfer portal. They aim to push for a Big Ten title game berth with a strong receiving duo and a talented quarterback.
Oregon Ducks
Projected Record: 11-1 (8-1 Big Ten)
Oregon, with quarterback Dante Moore, is expected to go undefeated and secure a playoff berth. Their defense is among the best in the country.
Ohio State Buckeyes
Projected Record: 12-0 (9-0 Big Ten)
The Buckeyes, with wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and quarterback Julian Sayin, are projected to dominate the regular season. Their defense consistently reloads with elite prospects.
