Big Ten Season Predictions

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After three straight National Championships, the Big Ten enters 2026 as the clear power conference in the country. With high returning production, teams loaded with talent, and high expectations, how the pecking order shakes out will be watched by the entire nation. So, enjoy The Victors' Desk's season predictions with a Midwestern potluck twist.

Grandma Jones' Apple Pie

The elite of the bunch

#1 Indiana

Listen, everyone loves a good apple pie. But what happens when you're expecting something just "good" and end up with the best thing you've ever had in your life? That's exactly how Indiana fans felt last season after hoisting their first championship in ...checks notes... Ever? Although they may fall short of taking it all again this season, we have them once again topping the Big Ten.

#2 Oregon

It's a surprise to few that in just year three of being part of the conference that Oregon is regularly competing for titles. Also unsurprising to most is the fact that they have yet to actually win said title. Is this the year for the Ducks? Possibly. But that's all dependent on if the recent recruiting classes are as sweet as they were promised to be.

#3 Ohio State

For every person that likes apple pie, there's another who loves to shovel nuts into their mouth. Perhaps if this were the south, we would have gone with pecan pie (except, unlike pecans, buckeyes actually are nuts.) Anyways, we have OSU coming in third, two years after a national championship that saved Ryan Day's career, for however long that will be.

Green Bean Casserole

The coin flips

#4 Michigan

We all know how green bean casserole can be. It can either be one of the best dishes at the get together or it can really, really, suck. A lot of the teams in this section, including the Wolverines, seem to fit this description. Will they surprise everyone, or will they be a plate turned upside down in the trash? Who knows. For Michigan, we expect them to be relatively decent, coming in at #4 with serious concerns over QB 'talent to results' translation and a new coaching staff.

#5 USC

The talent is clearly there for the Trojans, although it has been frequently. The biggest issue for Lincoln Riley and Co. thus far has been putting all of the pieces together. Most see them as a 9- or 10-win team, although it's possible for them to be a sneaky pick to make the playoffs.

#6 Penn State

We won't lie - we're staring at the Nittany Lions right now and debating whether taking a piece is worth the risk. While Matt Campbell is arguably a better coach than James Franklin, it still takes time to build something in a new system and with roster turnover. Perhaps it's a gem hidden in grease?

The Slightly Dry Smoked Pork

I mean... It's edible

#7 Iowa

It seems as if the Hawkeyes find themselves in a tier of this magnitude every year. They're just going to be... decent. But Iowa is always one of the best coached teams in college football and has one of the best traditions in all of the sport (The Wave). The biggest question for Iowa is... "Are you having the smoked pork or the smoked hawk?"

#8 Washington

The Huskies are perhaps the most set in stone of all of the teams on this list. It doesn't feel as if this team has the star-power to climb much higher, but they also have enough returning production to stay in the top 10. But, if someone will eat the overcooked meat, it's probably the dogs.

#9 Illinois

Coming off of a respectable recent stretch, the Illini have some momentum behind them to truly overperform. Like Iowa, they're always a tough team that can surprise a lot of people, like almost myself in 2022 until Jake Moody saved the day in Ann Arbor. Now, if this were a Chicago dog competition instead of a football conference, Illinois may be a lot further up than middle of the pack already.

#10 Minnesota

I've learned many things while being a college football fan over the years and one of them is that Minnesota will always be the most "mid" mid team in the entire country. They've had some good years, but the last time I checked Mohamed Ibrahim is coaching on the sidelines and can't suit up. Is there room for Minnesota to move up? No, no there is not.

Watery Instant Mashed Potatoes

Is it really that hard to just blend some potatoes?

#11 Nebraska

Is Trae Taylor in Lincoln yet? No? Then Matt Rhule will barely be above .500.

Next.

#12 Wisconsin

I'm old enough to remember when the Badgers were competing for Big Ten titles and were even in discussion for having a shot at it all. Now, they're just a used-to-be buried in a conference full of more prestigious names. Like most poor, unseasoned dishes your cousins bring, it's best just to be polite about it like a good Midwesterner.

#13 UCLA

It was a really fun time watching the Bruins go on a run last season after letting their coach go, especially that game against Penn State. But in 2026, UCLA reminds us more of that aunt who used to go all-out but now just relies on a box.

#14 Northwestern

I am always scared to place the Wildcats anywhere on a rankings scale. They're either fighting for a single win or playing Ohio State in the championship game for a title. There really just is no predicting the wildcats. So, for now, they're nothing of note.

An Upside-Down Plate in the Trash Can

#15 Maryland

Not having the brother of an NFL QB bench warmer is definitely going to put a damper on things.

#16 Michigan State

There's only room for one team named after ancient warriors in this conference and somehow it went to the guys from Turkey. Congrats USC.

#17 Rutgers

Remember that time the Scarlet Knights were almost decent? Good times, good times.

#18 Purdue

I'm so sorry for you