The 2026 season promises to be an intriguing one for Big Ten football, with a mix of established powerhouses and teams aiming to make their mark. Here's a breakdown of the projected win-loss records for each team, along with insights and commentary.
Purdue Boilermakers
Projected Record: 1-11 (0-9 Big Ten)
Purdue's struggles continue, with a projected winless season in conference play. Coach Barry Odom's second year hasn't brought the expected 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 daunting, with games against Ohio State, Oregon, Indiana, Penn State, and Iowa. Their up-and-down trend continues, with a projected down year.
Nebraska Cornhuskers
Projected Record: 5-7 (2-7 Big Ten)
The Cornhuskers face a challenging season with the loss of Dylan Raiola and the arrival of transfer quarterback Anthony Colandrea. Coach Matt Rhule's squad didn't reload as hoped, leading to a potential regression.
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 the Terrapins show improvement from the previous season.
Michigan State Spartans
Projected Record: 6-6 (4-5 Big Ten)
Pat Fitzgerald takes over, aiming to bring stability. A .500 record in his first season would be a success, marking a step towards relevancy.
Minnesota Golden Gophers
Projected Record: 6-6 (3-6 Big Ten)
The Golden Gophers face a tough schedule, including Indiana, Penn State, Washington, Michigan, and Iowa. Despite bringing back quarterback Drake Lindsey, the roster lacks the depth to 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. A bowl-eligible season is within reach, marking a positive step forward.
UCLA Bruins
Projected Record: 7-5 (5-4 Big Ten)
The Bruins aim to improve on a disappointing 2025 season. With a new coaching staff and talented quarterback Nico Iamaleava, they strive for respectability.
Illinois Fighting Illini
Projected Record: 7-5 (4-5 Big Ten)
Despite a depleted roster, coach Bret Bielema is expected to maintain a winning record. Seven wins seem achievable, with a crucial non-conference 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 raw talent may struggle against top opponents.
USC Trojans
Projected Record: 8-4 (5-4 Big Ten)
The Trojans have a high ceiling with Jayden Maiava at quarterback. However, a regression in defense is expected, making it challenging to close deals against top opponents.
Iowa Hawkeyes
Projected Record: 9-3 (6-3 Big Ten)
Iowa's consistent nine wins are expected to continue. A tough stretch in the middle of the season could impact their performance, limiting their potential.
Washington Huskies
Projected Record: 9-3 (6-3 Big Ten)
The Huskies are close to contender status but fall short with projected losses to Indiana and Oregon. The quarterback battle between Demond Williams Jr. and Jayden Maiava adds intrigue.
Penn State Nittany Lions
Projected Record: 10-2 (6-2 Big Ten)
Coach Matt Campbell's first year brings a favorable schedule. The Nittany Lions are projected to finish with 10 wins, bouncing back from a disappointing 2025 season.
Indiana Hoosiers
Projected Record: 11-1 (8-1 Big Ten)
The Hoosiers, led by coach Curt Cignetti, reload via the transfer portal. With talented quarterback Josh Hoover and wide receiver Nick Marsh, they aim for a Big Ten title game berth.
Oregon Ducks
Projected Record: 11-1 (8-1 Big Ten)
Oregon's defense and talented quarterback Dante Moore make them a top contender. They aim for an undefeated season and a playoff berth, continuing their recent success.
Ohio State Buckeyes
Projected Record: 12-0 (9-0 Big Ten)
The Buckeyes, led by coach Ryan Day, are projected to dominate with a strong defense and elite prospects. A top seed in the playoff is within reach.
