With spring ball about to get underway across the country, it’s the perfect time to take a shot at ranking each Power Four conference in College Football.
Let’s start with the Big Ten. Here’s how I view the conference from a top‑ten power‑ranking perspective as we head into spring practices.
Table of Contents
#1 Indiana Hoosiers
Coming off the best season in program history, Indiana and head coach Curt Cignetti are looking to keep their foot on the gas. The Hoosiers have once again reloaded through a strong transfer portal haul full of proven production, experience, and playmakers on both sides of the ball.
Key Returners: Carter Smith (OT), plus several other offensive linemen, Tyrique Tucker (DT), Charlie Becker (WR), Amare Ferrell (S)
Incoming Recruits: Kevontay Hugan (DL), Ja’Dyn Williams (LB), Kasmir Hicks (CB), Cam McHaney (DL)
Portal Additions: Josh Hoover (QB, TCU), Nick Marsh (WR, Michigan State), Shazz Preston (WR, Tulane), Tobi Osunsami (EDGE, Kansas State)
Key Staff Notes: Cignetti signed an extension; Tino Sunseri re-signed as quarterbacks coach and co-offensive coordinator.
#2 Ohio State Buckeyes
After a disappointing end to their 2025 campaign, the Big Ten runners-up are looking to retool and make another run at the summit. The mood in Columbus remains championship-or-bust for head coach Ryan Day, and here’s how the Buckeyes are shaping up ahead of spring practice.
Key Returners: Julian Sayin (QB), Jeremiah Smith (WR), Jermaine Matthews Jr. (CB), Jaylen McClain (S), Devin Sanchez (CB), Bo Jackson (RB), Brandon Inniss (WR), Austin Siereveld (OL), Kenyatta Jackson (EDGE)
Incoming Recruits: Chris Henry Jr. (WR), Cincere Johnson (LB), Sam Greer (OT), Jay Timmons (CB), Khary Wilder (EDGE)
Portal Additions: James Smith (DL, Alabama), Hunter Welcing (TE, Northwestern), Qua Russaw (EDGE, Alabama), Earl Little Jr. (CB, Florida State)
Key Staff Notes: Ohio State hired new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and top wide receivers coach Cortez Hankton, moves expected to significantly impact offensive identity, tempo, and player development.
#3 Oregon Ducks
The Ducks have reloaded and are looking to climb back to the summit of the Big Ten and the national landscape. Head coach Dan Lanning has brought in enough talent to get them there, but will his staff changes be enough for Oregon in 2026?
Key Returners: Dante Moore (QB), Evan Stewart (WR), Dakorian Moore (WR), Jordon Davison (RB), Iapani Laloulu (OL), Bear Alexander (DT), A’Mauri Washington (DT), Matayo Uiagalelei (EDGE), Teitum Tuioti (EDGE), Brandon Finney Jr. (DB)
Incoming Recruits: Anthony Jones (EDGE), Jett Washington (S), Immanuel Iheanacho (OL), Jalen Lott (WR), Tommy Tofi (OL), Kendre Harrison (TE)
Portal Additions: Koi Perich (ATH, Minnesota), Dylan Raiola (QB, Nebraska), D’Antre Robinson (DL, North Carolina), Aaron Scott Jr. (DB, Ohio State), Iverson Hooks (WR, UAB)
Key Staff Notes: Oregon replaces both coordinators. Drew Mehringer was promoted to offensive coordinator from tight ends coach, and Chris Hampton, formerly co-defensive coordinator, now takes on the role full-time.
#4 Michigan Wolverines
A new era is underway for the Wolverines in Ann Arbor. Longtime Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham takes over the reins. The biggest question: Will his 22-year blueprint for winning in Salt Lake City translate to the Big Ten?
Key Returners: Bryce Underwood (QB), Jordan Marshall (RB), Andrew Marsh (WR), Kendrick Bell (WR), Rod Moore (DB), Trey Pierce (DL), Troy Bowles (LB)
Incoming Recruits: Carter Meadows (EDGE), Savion Hiter (RB), Titan Davis (DL), Malakai Lee (OL), Alister Vallejo (DL)
Portal Additions: John Henry Daley (EDGE, Utah), Smith Snowden (DB, Utah), JJ Buchanan (WR, Utah), Salesi Moa (DB, Utah), Taylor Tatum (RB, Oklahoma), Jamie Ffrench Jr. (WR, Texas), Jonah Leaea (DL, Utah), Max Alford (LB, BYU), Nathanial Staehling (LB, North Dakota State), Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi (QB, Colorado State), Trey Butkowski (K, Pitt)
Key Staff Notes: Both coordinator positions come with Whittingham from the state of Utah. Jason Beck, from Utah, arrives as offensive coordinator, and Jay Hill joins as defensive coordinator from BYU, where he held the same role.
#5 USC Trojans
It’s go-big-or-go-home time for Lincoln Riley and the Trojans. After bringing in the top recruiting class this past cycle, it’s time for USC to make a serious push for the College Football Playoff—and potentially more.
Key Returners: Jayden Maiava (QB), King Miller (RB), Waymond Jordan (RB), Elijah Paige (OL), Jahkeem Stewart (DL)
Incoming Recruits: Keenyi Pepe (OL), Luke Wafle (EDGE), Jaimeon Winfield (DL), Mark Bowman (TE), Kayden Dixon-Wyatt (WR)
Portal Additions: Terrell Anderson (WR, NC State), Jontez Williams (DB, Iowa State), Zuriah Fisher (EDGE, Penn State), Alex VanSumeren (DL, Michigan State), Tucker Ashcraft (TE, Wisconsin)
Key Staff Notes: USC will also have a new coordinator in 2026. Former TCU head coach Gary Patterson takes over as defensive coordinator, replacing D’Anton Lynn, who accepted the same role at Penn State.
#6 Washington Huskies
In an offseason full of drama, legal threats, and nonstop rumors, Washington head coach Jedd Fisch still has his starting quarterback—whether that quarterback wants to be there or not. With that in mind, the major question is how motivated this Huskies team will be after the chaos of the past few months. Still, I remain optimistic.
Key Returners: Demond Williams Jr. (QB), Adam Mohammed (RB), Rashid Williams (WR), Landon Hatchett (OL), Paki Finau (OL), Jacob Lane (EDGE), Buddah Al-Udqah (LB), Jacob Manu (LB)
Incoming Recruits: Kodi Greene (OL), Gavin Day (S), JD Hill (DL), Brian Bonner Jr. (RB), Derek Colman-Brusa (EDGE)
Portal Additions: Kolt Dieterich (OL, Sam Houston State), Emmanuel Karnley (DB, Virginia), Jayden Limar (RB, Oregon), Bodpegn Miller (WR, Ohio State), Christian Moss (WR, Kennesaw State), Kai McClendon (DL, Mississippi State), Logan George (EDGE, Ohio State)
Key Staff Notes: Washington made significant changes to its offensive staff, notably parting ways with offensive coordinator Jimmie Dougherty and promoting J.P. Losman to quarterbacks coach. With the coordinator spot still vacant, Fisch will remain the primary play-caller next season, and the program has not announced plans to fill the role.
#7 Penn State Nittany Lions
Following the James Franklin era, Penn State hired Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell to lead the Nittany Lions into the future. With the strong following he built at Iowa State, could that momentum help turn Penn State into a contender in 2026, especially with a lighter conference schedule?
Key Returners: Tony Rojas (LB), Anthony Donkoh (OL), Dominic Rulli (OL), Koby Howard (WR), Cam Smith (LB), Cooper Cousins (OL), Alex Tatsch (LB), Andrew Rappleyea (TE), Daryus Dixson (DB), Quinton Martin Jr. (RB), Cam Wallace (RB)
Incoming Recruits: Jackson Ford (EDGE), Elijah Reeder (EDGE), Peyton Falzone (QB), Josiah Zayas (WR), Tyrell Chatman (S)
Portal Additions: Rocco Becht (QB, Iowa State), Benjamin Brahmer (TE, Iowa State), Chase Sowell (WR, Iowa State), Caleb Bacon (LB, Iowa State), Marcus Neal Jr. (S, Iowa State), Brett Eskildsen (WR, Iowa State), James Peoples (RB, Ohio State), Carson Hansen (RB, Iowa State), Dallas Vakalahi (DL, Utah), Siale Taupaki (DL, UCLA)
Key Staff Notes: Following an almost complete overhaul of the Nittany Lions’ coaching staff, Matt Campbell brings two new coordinators to help lead his new program. PSU alum D’Anton Lynn will serve as defensive coordinator after joining from USC, while Taylor Mouser takes over as offensive coordinator, the same role he held at Iowa State. Campbell will also retain associate head coach and fan favorite Terry Smith, who recently served as interim head coach to close out the 2025 season.
#8 Illinois Fighting Illini
Coming off a highly successful 9–4 season, the Fighting Illini look to continue their upward trajectory under head coach Bret Bielema. With several key contributors departing Champaign, how will the 2026 season unfold for Illinois?
Key Returners: Hudson Clement (WR), Brayden Trimble (WR), Ca’Lil Valentine (RB), Brandon Henderson (OL), Pat Farrell (EDGE), James Kreutz (LB), Juice Clark (DB), Matthew Bailey (DB)
Incoming Recruits: Nick Hankins (DB), Kai Pritchard (OL), Nasir Rankin (WR), Kenyon Alston (WR), Almirian Thomas (CB)
Portal Additions: Katin Houser (QB, East Carolina), Robert Edmonson (LB, Colorado State), Jake Renfro (OL, Wisconsin), Alex Perry (WR, FIU), Lavon Williams (S, East Texas A&M), Jayshon Platt (WR, FAU)
Key Staff Notes: Illinois is another program that replaced one of its coordinators heading into the 2026 season. Former Montana head coach Bobby Hauck will take over as defensive coordinator, replacing Aaron Henry. The Illini also added Jordan Thomas as defensive line coach and Tyrone Wheatley as running backs coach.
#9 Iowa Hawkeyes
Returning most of their 2025 roster, the Iowa Hawkeyes and long-time head coach Kirk Ferentz remain a prime example of consistency in an ever-evolving Big Ten landscape. So how might their 2026 season unfold?
Key Returners: Zee Vander (WR), Trevor Lauck (OL), Kade Pieper (OL), Jack Dotzler (OL), Kamari Moulton (RB), Kenneth Merriweather (EDGE), Jayden Montgomery (LB), Haylen Watson (DB)
Incoming Recruits: Carson Nielsen (OL), Julian Manson (LB), Kasen Thomas (LB), Colin Whitters (OL), Luke Brewer (TE)
Portal Additions: Emmanuel Olagabaju (DL, North Dakota), Lance Ingold (EDGE, Northern Illinois), Kahmari Brown (EDGE, Elon), Tyler Brown (S, James Madison), Cody Haddad (S, Ohio State), Tony Diaz (WR, Texas Rio Grande Valley)
Key Staff Notes: Iowa has no major coaching changes outside of one: Chris Polizzi joins the staff as special teams coordinator following LeVar Woods’ departure from the program.
#10 Nebraska Cornhuskers
After a disappointing finish to an otherwise strong 2025 campaign, head coach Matt Rhule looks to bounce back in Year 4. However, numerous questions surround the Cornhuskers’ roster heading into the 2026 season.
Key Returners: Elijah Pritchett (OL), Nyziah Hunter (WR), Justin Evans (OL), Cameron Lenhardt (EDGE), Vincent Shavers Jr. (LB), Andrew Marshall (CB)
Incoming Recruits: Danny Odem III (CB), Dylan Berymon (DL), Claude Mpouma (OL), Luke Sorensen (TE), Rex Waterman (OL)
Portal Additions: Anthony Colandrea (QB, UNLV), Brendan Black (OL, Iowa State), Anthony Jones (EDGE, UCLA), Owen Chambliss (LB, San Diego State), Tree Babalade (OL, South Carolina)
Key Staff Notes: Rhule enters 2026 with several staff changes. Rob Aurich joins the staff as defensive coordinator, while Brett Maher takes over as special teams coordinator.
