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 highly anticipated 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
Projected Record: 1-11 (0-9 Big Ten)
After two consecutive winless seasons in Big Ten play, the Boilermakers are struggling to find their footing. With a new coach, Barry Odom, at the helm, there's hope for improvement, but the roster hasn't seen much of a boost. The schedule is tough, and it's hard to see where the wins will come from. Personally, I think Purdue will continue to struggle, but it's not impossible for them to surprise us and pick up a conference win or two.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Projected Record: 2-10 (0-9 Big Ten)
The Scarlet Knights are facing an uphill battle after losing their experienced quarterback, Athan Kaliakmanis. The offense will have to rely heavily on running back Antwan Raymond, who will be carrying the load in his second season as a starter. The defense is also a concern, which means a winless season in conference play is a real possibility. In my opinion, Rutgers will struggle to find wins, but they might be able to pick up a couple of non-conference victories.
Northwestern Wildcats
Projected Record: 3-9 (1-8 Big Ten)
Northwestern's schedule is brutal, with games against Ohio State, Oregon, Indiana, Penn State, and Iowa. The Wildcats overachieved in 2025, but that won't happen again this fall. I think Northwestern will continue its up-and-down trend, with 2026 being a down year. However, they might be able to pick up a few wins against weaker opponents.
Nebraska Cornhuskers
Projected Record: 5-7 (2-7 Big Ten)
The Cornhuskers are facing a tough season after losing quarterback Dylan Raiola and not replacing him as effectively as hoped. Coach Matt Rhule's squad didn't reload as well as expected, which means a regression from last year is likely. I think Nebraska will struggle to find wins, but they might be able to pick up a few non-conference victories.
Maryland Terrapins
Projected Record: 5-7 (3-6 Big Ten)
The Terrapins' biggest win over the offseason was retaining quarterback Malik Washington, who impressed in his first season as a starter. However, the rest of the roster isn't as strong, and Maryland might struggle to find wins. I think they'll be competitive, but a bowl eligibility is a long shot.
Michigan State Spartans
Projected Record: 6-6 (4-5 Big Ten)
The Spartans are in a state of transition after a disappointing two-year tenure under Jonathan Smith. Coach Pat Fitzgerald is taking over, and while stability is a good thing, it might not be enough to turn things around immediately. I think Michigan State will be competitive, but a .500 record in Fitzgerald's first season would be a win.
Minnesota Golden Gophers
Projected Record: 6-6 (3-6 Big Ten)
The Golden Gophers had an easy schedule in 2025 that led to eight wins, but that won't be the case in 2026. They'll have to take on Indiana, Penn State, Washington, Michigan, and Iowa. I think Minnesota will struggle to find wins, but they might be able to pick up a few non-conference victories.
Wisconsin Badgers
Projected Record: 7-5 (5-4 Big Ten)
Coach Luke Fickell is still around, and he's made some smart moves in the portal, including landing Old Dominion quarterback Colton Joseph. I think the Badgers will be competitive, and with Joseph's talent, they might be able to pick up a few more wins than last season. A bowl eligibility is a real possibility.
UCLA Bruins
Projected Record: 7-5 (5-4 Big Ten)
The Bruins had a tough season in 2025, but with a new coaching staff and a solid roster, they should be much more respectable in 2026. I think UCLA will be competitive, and with seven wins, it would be a solid season for them. However, they won't be world-beaters.
Illinois Fighting Illini
Projected Record: 7-5 (4-5 Big Ten)
The Illini had a strong season in 2025, but the roster is depleted. I think coach Bret Bielema will be able to keep them above .500, and with seven wins, it would be a solid season for them. However, they might struggle against some of the stronger teams in the conference.
Michigan Wolverines
Projected Record: 7-5 (5-4 Big Ten)
The Wolverines have a brutal schedule, with games against Ohio State, Oregon, Indiana, and Penn State. Quarterback Bryce Underwood is talented but still raw, which means the Wolverines might struggle to find wins. I think they'll be competitive, but a bowl eligibility is a long shot.
USC Trojans
Projected Record: 8-4 (5-4 Big Ten)
The Trojans have a high ceiling with quarterback Jayden Maiava back. However, I think they'll struggle against some of the stronger teams in the conference, and a regression on defense is likely. I think USC will be competitive, but they might not be able to close the deal in some of their key games.
Iowa Hawkeyes
Projected Record: 9-3 (6-3 Big Ten)
The Hawkeyes have a tough three-week stretch in the middle of the season, with games against Michigan and Washington sandwiched around a home date with Ohio State. I think Iowa will struggle against these stronger teams, but they should be able to pick up a few wins against weaker opponents. Death, taxes, and Iowa finishing with nine wins every year.
Washington Huskies
Projected Record: 9-3 (6-3 Big Ten)
The Huskies are knocking on the door of Big Ten contender status, but they might struggle against some of the stronger teams in the conference. I think they'll be competitive, but they might not be able to close the deal in their key games. The quarterback dual between Demond Williams Jr. and Jayden Maiava for USC should be interesting to watch.
Penn State Nittany Lions
Projected Record: 10-2 (6-2 Big Ten)
The Nittany Lions have a favorable schedule, missing Ohio State, Oregon, and Indiana. I think they'll have a nice bounce-back season, but they might not be as good as an 8- or 9-win-caliber team. Coach Matt Campbell's first year at the helm will be an interesting one to watch.
Indiana Hoosiers
Projected Record: 11-1 (8-1 Big Ten)
The Hoosiers lost a lot of talent, but they didn't lose their coach, Curt Cignetti. He reloaded via the transfer portal, landing TCU quarterback Josh Hoover and Michigan State wide receiver Nick Marsh. I think Indiana will be a force to be reckoned with, pushing for a Big Ten title game berth. With Cignetti at the helm, they have a real chance to be competitive.
Oregon Ducks
Projected Record: 11-1 (8-1 Big Ten)
The Ducks have a high ceiling with quarterback Dante Moore leading the way and one of the best defenses in the country from a roster perspective. I think they'll go undefeated the rest of their schedule and achieve a third straight berth in the playoff. Oregon has as high of a ceiling as any team in the country.
Ohio State Buckeyes
Projected Record: 12-0 (9-0 Big Ten)
The Buckeyes are a force to be reckoned with, and it's hard to imagine them losing a game in the regular season. With wide receiver Jeremiah Smith in his third year and quarterback Julian Sayin, the defense always seems to reload with elite prospects. I think Ohio State will be the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff come December.
