Big Ten Football: Post-Spring 2026 Power Rankings

Thanks to three consecutive national championships, the Big Ten has bragging rights over the rest of college football entering the 2026 season. With Indiana, Oregon, and Ohio State each likely to start in the top five this year, the Big Ten’s dominance over the rest of the sport could continue this fall. 

The battle between the Hoosiers, Ducks, and Buckeyes is tight at the top, and the Big Ten has a strong second tier of teams in place with Michigan, USC, Penn State, Washington, and Iowa all ranking in the pre-spring top 25. The conference also has improving depth. UCLA should take a step forward under new coach Bob Chesney, with Maryland, Northwestern, and Michigan State all providing intrigue exiting spring practice. 

How does the Big Ten stack up after spring ball? Athlon Sports ranks all 18 teams prior to preseason predictions release later this summer: 

The Boilermakers should be more competitive in coach Barry Odom’s second season. However, the roster might be a year away from seriously contending for a bowl.

Pat Fitzgerald is back on the sidelines after three seasons away following his dismissal at Northwestern. The Spartans dramatically reshaped the roster with nearly 30 transfers following last year’s disappointing 4-8 record.

Running back Antwan Raymond and receiver KJ Duff return as two of the top skill players in the Big Ten in ‘26. Question marks remain about Rutgers’ defense and quarterback situation exiting the spring.

Coach Mike Locksley’s team returns a couple of promising sophomores in quarterback Malik Washington and defensive linemen Sidney Stewart and Zahir Mathis. Additionally, five-star recruit Zion Elee is poised to make an instant impact this fall. The pieces are in place to improve on last year’s four-win season.

The Wildcats face one of the hardest slates in the Big Ten this fall thanks to road trips to Oregon, Indiana, and Ohio State. However, after averaging only 20.3 points in Big Ten play last year, optimism is high for a step forward on offense behind new coordinator Chip Kelly and transfer quarterback Aidan Chiles.

A favorable schedule should help coach Luke Fickell’s team push for a bowl trip in a make-or-break year for the staff. Old Dominion transfer quarterback Colton Joseph is a dynamic addition to an offense that managed only 12.8 points a contest last season.

New coach Bob Chesney inherits a roster with just six returning starters. However, the Bruins should be much improved thanks to a standout transfer class, along with quarterback Nico Iamaleava’s development under new play-caller Dean Kennedy.

Defensive end Anthony Smith (17.5 TFL in ‘25) returns as one of the most underrated players in the nation. Quarterback Drake Lindsey (2,382 passing yards and 18 touchdowns) is poised to take a step forward after a solid freshman debut last fall.

The offensive line could be among the best in the Big Ten, and UNLV transfer Anthony Colandrea was a solid addition to replace Dylan Raiola under center. How much improvement the Cornhuskers make on defense at stopping the run under new coordinator Rob Aurich will determine if this is a top-25 team in ‘26.

Just seven starters are back for coach Bret Bielema, but the cupboard isn’t empty. The backfield is solid with Ca'Lil Valentine and Aidan Laughery, while East Carolina transfer Katin Houser was a key transfer addition to replace Luke Altmyer at quarterback. New coordinator Bobby Hauck has to reload the defensive front. However, the secondary should be among the best in the Big Ten.

The Hawkeyes have a ton to replace on both sides of the ball, but the guess here is coach Kirk Ferentz will find the right answers before the ‘26 season starts. The return of Kade Pieper and Trevor Lauck forms the foundation of one of the Big Ten’s top offensive lines.

A favorable schedule that misses Indiana, Oregon, and Ohio State could allow the Nittany Lions to challenge for a playoff spot in coach Matt Campbell’s first season. Quarterback Rocco Becht is also on track to return to full strength by the ‘26 opener in his recovery following offseason shoulder surgery.

Dynamic quarterback Demond Williams is back, and the Huskies have breakout candidates at running back (Jordan Washington) and receiver (Dezmen Roebuck) to alleviate personnel losses from last season. Four starters return from a defense that limited Big Ten teams to just 19.8 points a contest in ‘25.

Scoring points won’t be a problem for coach Lincoln Riley once again with quarterback Jayden Maiava and an experienced offensive line returning. How far the defense improves under new coordinator Gary Patterson will decide whether or not this team can make a run at the playoff.

New coach Kyle Whittingham takes over a team poised to contend for a spot in the College Football Playoff. Quarterback Bryce Underwood should thrive under new play-caller Jason Beck, and the backfield tandem of Jordan Marshall and Savion Hiter is among the best in college football.

There’s very little separation between Ohio State at No. 1 and Oregon at No. 3. The Ducks are primed for a run at the national title with quarterback Dante Moore and a couple of key defenders returning for their senior year.

The Hoosiers lost a handful of key cogs from last year’s team that brought home the national championship trophy. However, coach Curt Cignetti will once again find the right answers to keep this team near the top of the Big Ten.

The Buckeyes exit spring with a slight edge over Indiana and Oregon for the No. 1 spot in the conference. A rebuilt defense is coach Ryan Day’s biggest concern, but the offense is loaded behind quarterback Julian Sayin, receiver Jeremiah Smith, and running back Bo Jackson.