The 2026 Big Ten football season is shaping up to be another thrilling chapter in college football history. With several national contenders spread across the conference, the upcoming season is poised to deliver high-stakes clashes that will influence both the conference championship race and the College Football Playoff picture.
Using SP+ ratings and projected scoring margins, ESPN’s Bill Connelly has identified the five most anticipated Big Ten matchups of the season. These games feature the highest combined SP+ ratings and are projected to be closely contested, with margins of fewer than eight points.
The Biggest Showdowns of the Season
The 2026 Big Ten schedule is packed with heavyweight clashes that could determine the fate of the conference championship race. Here are the five games that fans should mark on their calendars:
USC at Penn State – October 10
The season kicks off with a bang as USC travels to Penn State on October 10. This matchup is one of the first truly massive conference games of the year. A victory for Penn State could solidify their status as a legitimate dark horse contender. USC, coming off matchups against Oregon and Washington, will be fighting to stay alive in the title race, adding to the stakes of this high-profile game.
Ohio State at Indiana – October 17
Last season’s Big Ten Championship Game was filled with drama, and the Ohio State at Indiana matchup on October 17 promises to deliver more excitement. Indiana, the defending national champion, will face Ohio State, which begins the season atop the national SP+ rankings. The winner of this showdown could gain a significant advantage in the conference race.
Indiana at Michigan – October 24
Just one week later, Indiana faces another tough challenge with a trip to Ann Arbor to take on Michigan. The Hoosiers successfully navigated tough road tests last season and will be asked to do so again. Michigan, led by Kyle Whittingham, is motivated to reestablish itself among the conference elite and will bring plenty of emotion and urgency to this matchup.
Oregon at Ohio State – November 7
According to Connelly, only two Big Ten teams have posted winning records against Ohio State during the current decade: Michigan and Oregon. The Ducks have become one of the few programs capable of consistently challenging the Buckeyes. This showdown on November 7 could ultimately determine the conference championship favorite as Ohio State hosts both rivals during the final month of the regular season.
Indiana at Washington – November 21
Connelly describes this game as a potential sleeper with enormous implications. Washington remains one of the biggest mysteries in the conference entering the season. If the Huskies develop into contenders, this matchup could carry Playoff significance. Late-season Big Ten games often deliver surprises, and this one could become much bigger than many expect.
Ranking the Big Ten Teams by Schedule Difficulty
As the 2026 Big Ten football season approaches, each team’s schedule presents unique challenges and opportunities. Here’s a look at how the schedules stack up for each team, from easiest to most difficult:
Penn State, led by new head coach Matt Campbell, has a favorable schedule with no matchups against Oregon, Indiana, or Ohio State. The Nittany Lions will need to navigate tough games against USC, Michigan, and Washington to prove their mettle.
Wisconsin, under Luke Fickell, faces a challenging schedule that includes games against Notre Dame, Penn State, USC, and Iowa. The Badgers will need to perform well to meet expectations and secure a bowl game.
UCLA, under first-year head coach Bob Chesney, has a schedule that includes tough road games against Oregon and Michigan, as well as a home game against USC. The Bruins will need to pull off upsets to make a statement in the conference.
Iowa, with a schedule that includes games against Michigan, Ohio State, Washington, and Illinois, will need to find a reliable quarterback to compete with the top teams in the conference.
Indiana, coming off a national title, has a schedule that sets them up for success. The Hoosiers should be undefeated heading into a crucial two-week stretch against Ohio State and Michigan. A strong performance in these games could set them up for another undefeated regular season.
Oregon, considered a favorite to win it all, has a challenging schedule that includes road games against USC and Ohio State, as well as home games against Michigan and Washington. The Ducks will need to navigate these tough matchups to remain in contention for the national title.
USC, led by Lincoln Riley, has a schedule that includes games against Oregon, Penn State, Ohio State, and Indiana. The Trojans will need to prove themselves against the top teams in the conference to secure a College Football Playoff appearance.
Nebraska, with a schedule that includes games against Indiana, Oregon, Ohio State, Iowa, Washington, and Illinois, faces a daunting task. The Cornhuskers will need to find a way to compete with the top teams in the conference to secure a bowl game.
Penn State Basketball: A Season of Uncertainty
While the football season heats up, Penn State’s basketball team faces a season of uncertainty. Entering his fourth year, head coach Mike Rhoades has seen the Nittany Lions struggle, with three straight losing seasons. The team’s performance this year could determine Rhoades’ job security.
Penn State has lost several key players, including Freddie Dilione, Kayden Mingo, and Josh Reed. The team will rely heavily on transfers and international freshmen to fill the void. Brant Byers, a transfer from Miami (OH), is expected to play a significant role, bringing a winning pedigree to the team.
However, the Nittany Lions face an uphill battle. With only 12.5 percent of returning minutes, the team will need to gel quickly to avoid finishing at the bottom of the Big Ten standings. The defense, which struggled last season, will need to improve significantly to compete with the top teams in the conference.
