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 my personal commentary and analysis.
Purdue Boilermakers
Projected Record: 1-11 (0-9 Big Ten)
After two consecutive winless seasons, Purdue remains at the bottom of the Big Ten. With a new coach and an incrementally improved roster, the Boilermakers are unlikely to break their losing streak in 2026. The schedule doesn't offer much hope, with notable games against Notre Dame and Washington likely to result in more losses.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Projected Record: 2-10 (0-9 Big Ten)
Rutgers faces an uphill battle offensively, with the loss of experienced quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis. Running back Antwan Raymond will have to carry the load, but a porous defense suggests a winless conference season. The Scarlet Knights' schedule includes tough matchups against USC and Michigan, making a turnaround difficult.
Northwestern Wildcats
Projected Record: 3-9 (1-8 Big Ten)
Northwestern's schedule is a gauntlet, with games against Ohio State, Oregon, Indiana, Penn State, and Iowa. While they overachieved in 2025, this season will likely see them return to their recent trend of up-and-down win totals. The Wildcats' struggles are expected to continue.
Nebraska Cornhuskers
Projected Record: 5-7 (2-7 Big Ten)
Nebraska's quarterback situation is uncertain with the departure of Dylan Raiola and the arrival of transfer Anthony Colandrea. Coach Matt Rhule's squad didn't reload as hoped, leading to a potential regression from last year's record. The Cornhuskers' schedule includes a challenging mix of opponents.
Maryland Terrapins
Projected Record: 5-7 (3-6 Big Ten)
Maryland's retention of quarterback Malik Washington is a positive, but the team's overall talent level remains a concern. The Terrapins' schedule includes a mix of manageable and challenging matchups, with bowl eligibility a stretch goal.
Michigan State Spartans
Projected Record: 6-6 (4-5 Big Ten)
Pat Fitzgerald takes over for Jonathan Smith, bringing stability to a struggling program. While a .500 record in Fitzgerald's first season would be a success, it's a step in the right direction for Michigan State's resurgence.
Minnesota Golden Gophers
Projected Record: 6-6 (3-6 Big Ten)
Minnesota's schedule is a significant step up from 2025, with games against Indiana, Penn State, Washington, Michigan, and Iowa. Despite bringing back quarterback Drake Lindsey and star running back Darius Taylor, the Golden Gophers' roster may not be strong enough to overcome these challenges.
Wisconsin Badgers
Projected Record: 7-5 (5-4 Big Ten)
Coach Luke Fickell's arrival has brought a sense of optimism to Wisconsin. The addition of quarterback Colton Joseph via the portal should elevate the Badgers' performance. While they won't be contenders, a bowl-eligible season is within reach.
UCLA Bruins
Projected Record: 7-5 (5-4 Big Ten)
The Bruins' 2025 season was a disappointment, but the arrival of the old James Madison coaching staff and quarterback Nico Iamaleava offers hope. UCLA's schedule includes manageable matchups, and a return to respectability is possible.
Illinois Fighting Illini
Projected Record: 7-5 (4-5 Big Ten)
Despite a depleted roster, coach Bret Bielema is expected to keep Illinois above .500. The schedule includes a crucial nonconference game against Duke, serving as a litmus test for the team's potential.
Michigan Wolverines
Projected Record: 7-5 (5-4 Big Ten)
Michigan's schedule is brutal, with games against Ohio State, Oregon, Indiana, and Penn State, as well as a nonconference Week 2 meeting with Oklahoma. Quarterback Bryce Underwood's raw talent may not be enough to overcome these challenges.
USC Trojans
Projected Record: 8-4 (5-4 Big Ten)
USC's defense regressed in 2025, and I expect a similar outcome this season. While the Trojans have a high ceiling with quarterback Jayden Maiava, they may struggle to close deals in crucial games.
Iowa Hawkeyes
Projected Record: 9-3 (6-3 Big Ten)
Iowa's consistent nine-win seasons are a testament to their program's stability. The Hawkeyes' schedule includes a tough three-week stretch, but their offense's lack of improvement limits their potential.
Washington Huskies
Projected Record: 9-3 (6-3 Big Ten)
Washington is knocking on the door of Big Ten contender status, but their losses to Indiana and Oregon persist. The quarterback dual between Demond Williams Jr. and Jayden Maiava for USC is intriguing, but Washington may not get over the hump.
Penn State Nittany Lions
Projected Record: 10-2 (6-2 Big Ten)
Penn State's schedule is favorable, missing Ohio State, Oregon, and Indiana. Coach Matt Campbell's leadership has brought a bounce-back season, but the Nittany Lions are more likely to be an 8-9 win team.
Indiana Hoosiers
Projected Record: 11-1 (8-1 Big Ten)
Indiana's retention of coach Curt Cignetti and the transfer portal additions of quarterbacks Josh Hoover and wide receiver Nick Marsh form a potent offense. The Hoosiers are poised for a Big Ten title run.
Oregon Ducks
Projected Record: 11-1 (8-1 Big Ten)
Oregon's defense is one of the best in the country, and quarterback Dante Moore's leadership will keep them undefeated. Trips to Columbus may not yield wins, but the Ducks will secure a playoff berth.
Ohio State Buckeyes
Projected Record: 12-0 (9-0 Big Ten)
The Buckeyes' defense consistently reloads with elite prospects, and quarterback Julian Sayin's talent will keep them undefeated. Ohio State is a strong contender for the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff.
