The 2026 college football season is just around the corner, 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
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 coach Barry Odom in his second year at the helm, the team has shown incremental improvement, but it's not enough to turn things around. The schedule doesn't offer much hope for a conference win, and the team is likely to remain in the basement of the Big Ten.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Projected Record: 2-10 (0-9 Big Ten)
The Scarlet Knights are facing an uphill battle after losing experienced quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis. With running back Antwan Raymond carrying the load in his second season as a starter, the team's offense is likely to struggle. A porous defense doesn't help matters, and a winless season in conference play could be on the table.
Northwestern Wildcats
Projected Record: 3-9 (1-8 Big Ten)
Northwestern's schedule is as tough as it gets, with games against Ohio State, Oregon, Indiana, Penn State, and Iowa. While the team overachieved in 2025, it's unlikely that they'll be able to do so again in 2026. The Wildcats will continue their up-and-down win total trend, with 2026 being a down year.
Nebraska Cornhuskers
Projected Record: 5-7 (2-7 Big Ten)
The Cornhuskers are facing a tough season after losing quarterback Dylan Raiola and not reloading as hoped. Coach Matt Rhule's squad is likely to regress from last year, and the schedule doesn't offer much hope for a turnaround.
Maryland Terrapins
Projected Record: 5-7 (3-6 Big Ten)
The Terrapins are looking to build on their success from the previous season, but they're facing an uphill battle. While quarterback Malik Washington is back, the team is lacking in other areas. A bowl eligibility snip is likely, but it won't be an easy feat.
Michigan State Spartans
Projected Record: 6-6 (4-5 Big Ten)
The Spartans are looking to turn things around under new coach Pat Fitzgerald. While they won't be competing with the Big Ten's best, they're slowly bringing the team back to relevancy. 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 are facing a tough schedule, with games against Indiana, Penn State, Washington, Michigan, and Iowa. Despite bringing back quarterback Drake Lindsey and star running back Darius Taylor, the team's roster isn't strong enough to win those games.
Wisconsin Badgers
Projected Record: 7-5 (5-4 Big Ten)
Coach Luke Fickell is looking to build on his team's success from the previous season. With the addition of Old Dominion quarterback Colton Joseph, the Badgers are likely to win a couple more games than last season. A bowl eligibility is within reach.
UCLA Bruins
Projected Record: 7-5 (5-4 Big Ten)
The Bruins are looking to bounce back from a disappointing season. With the addition of the James Madison coaching staff and quarterback Nico Iamaleava, the team is likely to be more respectable in 2026. Seven wins would be a solid season for them.
Illinois Fighting Illini
Projected Record: 7-5 (4-5 Big Ten)
The Fighting Illini are facing a tough schedule, but coach Bret Bielema is likely to keep the team above .500. Seven wins seems like the right number, with a big game against Duke serving as an important litmus test.
Michigan Wolverines
Projected Record: 7-5 (5-4 Big Ten)
The Wolverines are facing a brutal schedule, with games against Ohio State, Oregon, Indiana, and Penn State. While quarterback Bryce Underwood is talented, he's still raw and unlikely to pull off any upsets. The team is likely to finish with seven wins.
USC Trojans
Projected Record: 8-4 (5-4 Big Ten)
The Trojans are looking to build on their success from the previous season. With quarterback Jayden Maiava back, the team has a high ceiling. However, I'm expecting a regression on defense, and the team is likely to struggle in games against Indiana, Ohio State, and Oregon.
Iowa Hawkeyes
Projected Record: 9-3 (6-3 Big Ten)
The Hawkeyes are known for their consistency, and it's unlikely that they'll deviate from that trend in 2026. The team is likely to finish with nine wins, with a tough three-week stretch in the middle of the season serving as the only projected losses.
Washington Huskies
Projected Record: 9-3 (6-3 Big Ten)
The Huskies are knocking on the door of Big Ten contender status, but they're still struggling to get over the hump. The quarterback dual between Demond Williams Jr. and Jayden Maiava for USC is one to watch, but the team is likely to finish with nine wins.
Penn State Nittany Lions
Projected Record: 10-2 (6-2 Big Ten)
The Nittany Lions are looking to bounce back from a disappointing season. With coach Matt Campbell at the helm, the team is likely to finish with 10 wins, but they're more like an 8- or 9-win-caliber team.
Indiana Hoosiers
Projected Record: 11-1 (8-1 Big Ten)
The Hoosiers are looking to build on their success from the previous season. With coach Curt Cignetti at the helm, the team is likely to push for a Big Ten title game berth. The addition of TCU quarterback Josh Hoover and Michigan State wide receiver Nick Marsh will help the team achieve its goals.
Oregon Ducks
Projected Record: 11-1 (8-1 Big Ten)
The Ducks are looking to build on their success from the previous season. With quarterback Dante Moore leading the way and a strong defense, the team has a high ceiling. They're likely to achieve a third straight berth in the playoff.
Ohio State Buckeyes
Projected Record: 12-0 (9-0 Big Ten)
The Buckeyes are looking to build on their success from the previous season. With wide receiver Jeremiah Smith in his third year and quarterback Julian Sayin, the team is likely to go undefeated in the regular season. Don't be surprised if they're the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff.
