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The start of the 2026 college football season is a little over a month away, and ESPN has identified lingering questions for the ranked Big Ten teams. The rosters are set, and now it’s time to find out what could prevent the Big Ten teams from making a title run.
There are eight Big Ten teams ranked in ESPN’s preseason Top 25. And of those eight teams, Ohio State and Oregon are ranked in the top five.
But what could prevent those two and the other six Big Ten teams from having a season to remember? Here’s a look at the lingering questions from ESPN.
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Ohio State Buckeyes
Can the Buckeyes’ offensive line get back to punishing teams?
Ohio State finished the 2025 regular season undefeated but lost to Indiana in the Big Ten title game and Miami in the CFP. One reason the Buckeyes fell short is that the offensive line wasn’t as strong as it was during their championship run in 2024.
Ohio State should have a strong offensive line as four starters return from last year. Austin Siereveld is one of the starters, and he’s coming off a 2025 season when he was named to the All-Big Ten Second Team.
Oregon Ducks
Can Oregon put it all together when it matters most?
Oregon has the tools to win a national title. But will 2026 be the season where the Ducks finally put it all together and win their first championship in program history?
Last year, Oregon reached the CFP semifinals but lost to Indiana by a big 34. Earlier in the year, the Ducks fell to the Hoosiers, but they lost by only 10.
Indiana Hoosiers
Can transfer QB Josh Hoover keep the Hoosiers offensive rolling?
Indiana looks to win another national title without Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza. The Hoosiers brought in Josh Hoover, who spent the last four years at TCU.
During his time with the Horned Frogs, Hoover threw for 9,629 yards and 71 touchdowns. Indiana is hoping Hoover can keep the offense going since he’s seen a lot of action.
Michigan Wolverines
Can QB Bryce Underwood take a big step forward under new head coach Kyle Whittingham?
Kyle Whittingham is Michigan’s new head coach, and fans are hoping he can help QB Bryce Underwood take a big step forward. In 2025, Underwood became the starter as a true freshman and threw for just 11 touchdowns.
Michigan still had a solid season, finishing 9-2 and 7-2 in Big Ten play. Whittingham takes over after spending 21 seasons at Utah.
Penn State Nittany Lions
Was James Franklin the problem?
James Franklin had a strong run at Penn State, but the team didn’t take the next step. With Matt Campbell now in charge, the Penn State community will find out if Franklin was really the problem.
Campbell was Iowa State’s head coach for the last 10 seasons. He posted a 72-55 record and won three bowl games.
Washington Huskies
Can Demond Williams Jr. be the difference-maker Washington needs?
Demond Williams Jr. is with the Huskies after the transfer portal controversy earlier this year. After leading Washington to a 9-4 record last year, ESPN wonders if Williams can be the difference-maker the team needs to make a playoff run.
In 13 games last year, Williams threw for 3,065 yards and 25 touchdowns. The 20-year-old also rushed for 611 yards and six scores.
Iowa Hawkeyes
Who will be the new starting QB?
Iowa will have a new starting QB, as Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski have been competing for the starting job. The quarterbacks are looking to replace Mark Gronowski, who threw for 1,741 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Brown and Hecklinski saw limited action for the Hawkeyes last year. Whoever wins the job will look to help Iowa build on its nine-win 2025 season.
USC Trojans
When will the breakthrough happen?
It’s only a matter of time before USC gets back to being a national title contender. But the questions is when will the breaktrhough happen?
Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley is confident that it can happen this season. After finishing 9-4 in 2025 and having QB Jayden Maiava returning, USC has a chance to make a run in the CFP.
