5 things to know about Big Ten football in 2026

The Big Ten Conference is the oldest NCAA Division I collegiate athletic conference, dating back to its founding on January 11, 1895. 

Originally formed by seven Midwestern Universities, the conference became synonymous with some of the college sports’ most successful programs and a rich tradition of athletic excellence. 

Over the decades, the Big Ten has continued to evolve through multiple rounds of expansion while remaining one of the nation’s premier collegiate conferences.

In August 2024, the conference expanded to 18 full member institutions and two affiliate members, extending its footprint from coast to coast while maintaining its longstanding academic and athletic prestige. 

Here's five things to know about the Big Ten Conference heading into the 2026 football season.

What Teams Play Football in the Big Ten Conference?

The 18 football teams that play in the Big Ten are:

• University of Illinois 
• Indiana University 
• The University of Iowa 
• University of Maryland 
• University of Michigan 
• Michigan State University 
• University of Minnesota 
• University of Nebraska 
• Northwestern University 
• The Ohio State University 
• The Pennsylvania State University 
• Purdue University 
• Rutgers University 
• University of Oregon 
• UCLA
• USC
• University of Washington
• University of Wisconsin 

Who Are The New Coaches in Big Ten Programs?

• Michigan - Kyle Whittingham (HC at Utah)
• Penn State - Matt Campbell (HC at Iowa)
• UCLA - Bob Chesney (HC at James Madison)
• Michigan State - Pat Fitzgerald (former HC at Northwestern)

What Were The 2025 Big Ten Standings?

1. Indiana 16-0 (10-0)
2. Ohio State  12-2 (9-1)
3. Oregon  13-2 (8-1)
4. USC  9-4 (7-2)
5. Michigan  9-4 (7-2)
6. Iowa 9-4 (6-3)
7. Washington  9-4 (5-4)
8. Illinois  9-4 (5-4)
9. Minnesota  8-5 (5-4)
10. Nebraska  7-6 (4-5)
11. Northwestern  7-6 (4-5)
12. Penn State  7-6 (3-6)
13. UCLA  3-9 (3-6)
14. Rutgers  5-7 (2-7)
15. Wisconsin  4-8 (2-7)
16. Maryland  4-8 (1-8)
17. Michigan State  4-8 (1-8)
18. Purdue 2-10 (0-9)

Who Were The 2025 Big Ten Award Winners?

• Coach of the Year: Curt Cignetti, Indiana
• Offensive Player of the Year: Fernando Mendoza, Indiana 
• Defensive Player of the Year: Caleb Downs, Ohio State
• Offensive Lineman of the Year: Carter Smith, Indiana 
• Defensive Lineman of the Year: Kayden McDonald, Ohio State
• Rookie of the Year: Julian Sayin, Ohio State

Who Is Favorite To Win the Big Ten Conference This Season?

For the upcoming 2026 college football season, several teams enter as favorites to win the Big Ten title. The Ohio State Buckeyes are among the top contenders, with quarterback Julian Sayin expected to take over one of the nation's most talented rosters. Ohio State is also known for consistently recruiting elite athletes, which keeps the program in the championship conversation year after year.

The defending Big Ten champion Indiana Hoosiers are expected to be one of Ohio State's biggest challengers as they look to defend their title. With an experienced roster returning and head coach Curt Cignetti having transformed the program into a national contender, the Hoosiers are a team that cannot be overlooked.

Who Won The Each Football National Championship For The 2025-2026 Season?

• Division I FBS – Indiana def. Miami, 27-21
• Division I FCS – Montana State def. Illinois State 35-34 (OT)
• Division II – Ferris State def. Harding, 42-21
• Division III – University of Wisconsin-River Falls def. North Central (Ill.), 24-14

When Do The 2026 NCAA Division I College Football Playoffs Start?

The first round of the 2026 NCAA Division I Playoffs will be Dec. 18. 

The format features a 12-team bracket consisting of four rounds: the first round, quarterfinals, semifinals and the national championship game. The five highest-ranked conference champions automatically earn bids, while the remaining seven spots are awarded to the highest-ranked at-large teams. The field is then seeded by the College Football Playoff Selection Committee, with the top four seeds receiving first-round byes. The tournament progresses through each round until a national champion is crowned.

The 2026 Division I Football Championship title game will be played Jan. 25, 2027 at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. This will be the venue's first time hosting the event.  

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