Wisconsin averaged 12.8 PPG last year -- that is not a typo -- and still managed to win 4 games. With a new QB (Colton Joseph), RB (Abu Sama) and a dream Big Ten schedule, can the Badgers surprise this year?

Is Washington the team too few are talking about going into the 2026 season? Demond Williams is back at QB after attempting to transfer and the Huskies have 7 starters back on offense overall.

USC returns more starters than any other team in the country (15). Is this the year Lincoln Riley and the Trojans are a real contender to win the Big Ten?

UCLA was just 3-9 last year, but with Bob Chesney now at head coach the Bruins expect to be a lot more competitive in the Big Ten in 2026. Can Nico Iamaleava lead the Bruins back to a bowl game?

Rutgers has a new QB in Dylan Lonergan and returns some of its best offensive playmakers. USC, Indiana and Michigan also come to Rutgers for games this year. Could the Scarlet Knights surprise in the Big Ten?

Purdue has not won a Big Ten game the last two seasons. Will that change in 2026 with Ryan Browne back at quarterback and impact transfers coming in?

Penn State is basically an improved version of last year's Iowa State team. With Matt Campbell at QB, plenty of former Cyclones all over the field and new transfers on defense, can the Nittany Lions win 8 or more games in the Big Ten?

Many believe Oregon is the best team in the nation going into the 2026 college football season. QB Dante Moore is back and there are playmakers everywhere on this Ducks offense, plus 8 starters return on defense.

Ohio State returns QB Julian Sayin, WR Jeremiah Smith and its entire offensive line. But a schedule that features trips to Indiana, USC, Iowa and a home game against Oregon is very challenging. Will it derail the Buckeyes hopes of a national title? 

Northwestern has Michigan State transfer Aiden Chiles at quarterback, Chip Kelly at offensive coordinator and reinforcements on defense. Could the Wildcats surprise in the Big Ten despite a brutal Big Ten schedule?