The 2026 season promises to be an intriguing one for the Big Ten, with several teams vying for conference and national championships. 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)
Comment: After two consecutive winless seasons, Purdue remains at the bottom of the Big Ten. With a new coach and an incrementally improved roster, they'll struggle to secure a conference win in 2026.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Projected Record: 2-10 (0-9 Big Ten)
Comment: The loss of experienced quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis and a porous defense make for a challenging season. Running back Antwan Raymond will carry the load, but a winless conference record is a possibility.
Northwestern Wildcats
Projected Record: 3-9 (1-8 Big Ten)
Comment: Northwestern's schedule is brutal, with games against Ohio State, Oregon, Indiana, Penn State, and Iowa. Despite overachieving in 2025, they'll struggle to maintain their recent up-and-down win total trend.
Nebraska Cornhuskers
Projected Record: 5-7 (2-7 Big Ten)
Comment: With the loss of Dylan Raiola and a lack of reloading, coach Matt Rhule's squad faces regression. The schedule includes tough matchups against Michigan State, Indiana, Oregon, and Washington.
Maryland Terrapins
Projected Record: 5-7 (3-6 Big Ten)
Comment: Maryland retains talented quarterback Malik Washington, but the roster lacks depth. They'll struggle to reach bowl eligibility, with a challenging schedule that includes Virginia Tech, UCLA, and Ohio State.
Michigan State Spartans
Projected Record: 6-6 (4-5 Big Ten)
Comment: Pat Fitzgerald takes over, aiming to bring stability and slowly rebuild the program. A .500 record in his first season would be a positive step forward.
Minnesota Golden Gophers
Projected Record: 6-6 (3-6 Big Ten)
Comment: Minnesota's schedule is demanding, with games against Indiana, Penn State, Washington, Michigan, and Iowa. Despite bringing back quarterback Drake Lindsey and star running back Darius Taylor, the roster may not be strong enough to win those matchups.
Wisconsin Badgers
Projected Record: 7-5 (5-4 Big Ten)
Comment: Coach Luke Fickell's move to land Old Dominion quarterback Colton Joseph should elevate the team. With a solid schedule, they'll aim for bowl eligibility and a return to form.
UCLA Bruins
Projected Record: 7-5 (5-4 Big Ten)
Comment: After a disappointing 2025 season, UCLA looks to improve with a new coaching staff and talented quarterback Nico Iamaleava. They'll aim for a solid season, but won't be contenders.
Illinois Fighting Illini
Projected Record: 7-5 (4-5 Big Ten)
Comment: Despite a depleted roster, coach Bret Bielema is expected to keep the team above .500. A big game against Duke in the nonconference schedule will be a crucial test.
Michigan Wolverines
Projected Record: 7-5 (5-4 Big Ten)
Comment: The Wolverines face a brutal schedule, including games against Ohio State, Oregon, Indiana, and Penn State. Quarterback Bryce Underwood's raw talent may not be enough to secure wins.
USC Trojans
Projected Record: 8-4 (5-4 Big Ten)
Comment: With Jayden Maiava back at quarterback, USC has a high ceiling. However, a regression on defense is expected, and they'll struggle to close deals in crucial games.
Iowa Hawkeyes
Projected Record: 9-3 (6-3 Big Ten)
Comment: Iowa's consistent nine wins are expected to continue, with a tough three-week stretch in the middle of the season. The offense's lack of improvement limits their potential.
Washington Huskies
Projected Record: 9-3 (6-3 Big Ten)
Comment: Washington is knocking on the door of Big Ten contender status. The quarterback dual between Demond Williams Jr. and Jayden Maiava will be intriguing, but they won't get over the hump in 2026.
Penn State Nittany Lions
Projected Record: 10-2 (6-2 Big Ten)
Comment: With a favorable schedule, Matt Campbell's team will enjoy a nice bounce back. They'll finish with 10 wins, but are more like an 8-9 win team.
Indiana Hoosiers
Projected Record: 11-1 (8-1 Big Ten)
Comment: Coach Curt Cignetti's reloaded roster, including TCU quarterback Josh Hoover and Michigan State wide receiver Nick Marsh, forms a top-tier receiving duo. Indiana will push for a Big Ten title game berth.
Oregon Ducks
Projected Record: 11-1 (8-1 Big Ten)
Comment: Oregon will go undefeated, achieving a third straight playoff berth. With Dante Moore and a strong defense, they have a high ceiling and are one of the best teams in the country.
Ohio State Buckeyes
Projected Record: 12-0 (9-0 Big Ten)
Comment: The Buckeyes are expected to reload their defense with elite prospects. With wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and quarterback Julian Sayin, they'll be a force to be reckoned with and a top seed in the playoff.
