In the mega-expanded Big Ten, having an elite mind on the sidelines is the ultimate difference between contending for a national championship and scrambling for bowl eligibility. USA Today ran a comprehensive audit to rank every single Big Ten head coach heading into the 2026 season. From Curt Cignetti crowning an incredible national title run in Bloomington to top Ryan Day and Dan Lanning, to blockbuster moves like Kyle Whittingham taking over Michigan and Matt Campbell landing at Penn State, we break down the entire 18-team hierarchy. Check out our complete tactical breakdown to see where your favorite team's head coach lands entering 2026.

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Jayden Maiava is an 88-1 Heisman long shot, but wins over Ohio State, Indiana, and UCLA could boost his stock as USC navigates a brutal late-season schedule.

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Larry Fitzgerald and Jaxon Smith-Njigba compare Jeremiah Smith to elite receiver legends, while Ohio State&#039;s young pass catchers build momentum this season.

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Jeremiah Smith leads the Heisman race, but Trinidad Chambliss and Darian Mensah could surge as College Football&#039;s pivotal November games quickly approach.

2026-27 Heisman Race: Jeremiah Smith Leads Top Contenders

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View the profile of Illinois Fighting Illini OL Melvin Priestly on SportsGrid. Get the latest news, stats, player prop picks, related players, and more on SportsGrid.com.

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LATEST Melvin Priestly

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#58 · ILL · OL

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Melvin Priestly is a OL for the Illinois Fighting Illini in the NCAAF.

Illinois Fighting Illini

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Melvin Priestly

#58 · ILL · OL

HT/WT

6’3”, 305 lbs

Birthplace

St. Louis, MO, USA

Class

Senior

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