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ESPN Predicts Big Ten Order of Finish Ahead of College Football Week 3

John Canady

Host · Writer

18) Purdue Boilermakers
Purdue Boilermakers Team Profile
- Head Coach: Barry Odom (2nd Season)
- Offensive Coordinator: Josh Henson
- Defensive Coordinator: Kevin Kane
- 2026 Record: 1-1 (0-0)
- Location: West Lafayette, Indiana
- Stadium: Ross–Ade Stadium
- Last League Title: 2000 (co)
ESPN FPI Predictions
- Projected W-L: 3.9-8.1
- Win Conference %: 0.0
Purdue enters the season with the lowest conference projection in the Big Ten, highlighting the size of the rebuild ahead. Barry Odom inherits a program looking for a fresh start after a disappointing campaign, and patience may be required as the Boilermakers reshape the roster. Pulling off a few conference upsets would be a positive step in Year 1.

Key additions
- LB Elo Modozie
- RB Fame Ijeboi
- WR Xavier Townsend
Key departures
- RB Devin Mockobee
- LB Mani Powell
- DT Jamarrion Harkless
Top incoming recruits
- DT Josiah Hope
- DB Jett Goldsberry
- RB Izaiah Wright
1) Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State Buckeyes Team Profile
- Head Coach: Ryan Day (8th Season)
- Offensive Coordinator: Arthur Smith
- Defensive Coordinator: Matt Patricia
- 2026 Record: 1-1 (0-0)
- Stadium: Ohio Stadium
- Last League Title: 2020
ESPN FPI Predictions
- Projected W-L: 10.1-2.5
- Win Conference %: 49.1
Ohio State again enters the season as the team to beat in the Big Ten, and ESPN's projections reflect that. Despite losing plenty of NFL talent, the Buckeyes have recruited at an elite level under Ryan Day and remain loaded with playmakers on both sides of the ball. Anything short of another College Football Playoff appearance would likely be viewed as a disappointment in Columbus.

Key additions
- DT James Smith
- DE Qua Russaw
- DB Earl Little Jr.
Key departures
- S Caleb Downs
- LB Arvell Reese
- WR Carnell Tate
Top incoming recruits
- WR Chris Henry Jr.
- OLB Cincere Johnson
- CB Jay Timmons
2) Indiana Hoosiers
Indiana Hoosiers Team Profile
- Head Coach: Curt Cignetti (3rd Season)
- Offensive Coordinator: Mike Shanahan
- Defensive Coordinator: Bryant Haines
- 2026 Record: 2-0 (0-0)
- Location: Bloomington, Indiana
- Stadium: Memorial Stadium
- Last League Title: 2025
ESPN FPI Predictions
- Projected W-L: 10.5-1.9
- Win Conference %: 25.4
After last season's breakthrough, ESPN believes Indiana is more than capable of proving it wasn't a one-year wonder. Curt Cignetti has transformed expectations in Bloomington, and another seven-win conference campaign would further cement the Hoosiers as a legitimate Big Ten contender. A return to the College Football Playoff conversation isn't out of the question.

Key additions
- QB Josh Hoover
- WR Nick Marsh
- DL Tobi Osunsanmi
Key departures
- QB Fernando Mendoza
- CB D'Angelo Ponds
- WR Omar Cooper Jr.
Top incoming recruits
- DT Gabe Hill
- DT Cameron McHaney
- DE Kevontay Hugan
3) Penn State Nittany Lions
Penn State Nittany Lions Team Profile
- Head Coach: Matt Campbell (1st Season)
- Offensive Coordinator: Taylor Mouser
- Defensive Coordinator: D'Anton Lynn
- 2026 Record: 2-0 (0-0)
- Location: University Park, Pennsylvania
- Stadium: Beaver Stadium
- Last League Title: 2016
ESPN FPI Predictions
- Projected W-L: 9.9-2.4
- Win Conference %: 7.8
Penn State remains one of the conference's most consistent programs, even if ESPN projects the Nittany Lions a step behind the top three favorites. Matt Campbell looks to keep the Nittany Lions in national contention, but breaking through against the league's elite remains the biggest hurdle. Another double-digit win season is well within reach.

Key additions
- QB Rocco Becht
- RB Carson Hansen
- S Marcus Neal Jr.
Key departures
- OL Olaivavega Ioane
- RB Nicholas Singleton
- RB Kaytron Allen
Top incoming recruits
- DE Elijah Reeder
- QB Peyton Falzone
- DE Jackson Ford
4) Oregon Ducks
Oregon Ducks Team Profile
- Head Coach: Dan Lanning (5th Season)
- Offensive Coordinator: Drew Mehringer
- Defensive Coordinator: Chris Hampton
- 2026 Record: 1-1 (0-0)
- Location: Eugene, Oregon
- Stadium: Autzen Stadium
- Last League Title: 2024
ESPN FPI Predictions
- Projected W-L: 7.8-4.3
- Win Conference %: 5.2
Oregon has quickly established itself as one of the Big Ten's premier programs, making a conference title push in just its second season in the league. Dan Lanning has built one of the nation's deepest rosters, and the Ducks have the talent to challenge Ohio State for the top spot. ESPN clearly expects Oregon to remain firmly in the national championship conversation.

Key additions
- S Koi Perich
- QB Dylan Raiola
- OL Michael Bennett
Key departures
- TE Kenyon Sadiq
- S Dillon Thieneman
- LB Bryce Boettcher
Top incoming recruits
- OT Immanuel Iheanacho
- TE Kendre Harrison
- S Jett Washington
5) USC Trojans
USC Trojans Team Profile
- Head Coach: Lincoln Riley (4th Season)
- Offensive Coordinator: Luke Huard
- Defensive Coordinator: Gary Patterson
- 2026 Record: 3-0 (0-0)
- Location: Los Angeles, California
- Stadium: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
- Last League Title: 2017 (Pac-12)
ESPN FPI Predictions
- Projected W-L: 8.6-3.5
- Win Conference %: 4.5
USC appears to be trending in the right direction after an up-and-down introduction to the Big Ten. Lincoln Riley has worked to build a more balanced roster, and the Trojans have enough offensive firepower to challenge several of the conference's top teams. Reaching double-digit wins would require outperforming ESPN's projections.

Key additions
- WR Terrell Anderson
- CB Jontez Williams
- DE Zuriah Fisher
Key departures
- WR Makai Lemon
- WR Ja'Kobi Lane
- S Kamari Ramsey
Top incoming recruits
- OT Keenyi Pepe
- DE Luke Wafle
- TE Mark Bowman
6) Nebraska Cornhuskers
Nebraska Cornhuskers Team Profile
- Head Coach: Matt Rhule (3rd Season)
- Offensive Coordinator: Dana Holgorsen
- Defensive Coordinator: Rob Aurich
- 2026 Record: 2-0 (0-0)
- Location: Lincoln, Nebraska
- Stadium: Memorial Stadium
- Last League Title: 1999 (Big 12)
ESPN FPI Predictions
- Projected W-L: 8.3-3.8
- Win Conference %: 3.0
Nebraska has shown signs of progress under Matt Rhule, but turning that momentum into wins remains the next step. Expectations continue to rise in Lincoln, especially with a talented young core in place. ESPN believes the Cornhuskers will be competitive, though they'll need to outperform projections to emerge as a surprise contender.

Key additions
- QB Anthony Colandrea
- OL Paul Mubenga
- LB Owen Chambliss
Key departures
- RB Emmett Johnson
- QB Dylan Raiola
- DB DeShon Singleton
Top incoming recruits
- CB Danny Odem
- RB Jamal Rule
- OT Claude Mpouma
7) Michigan Wolverines
Michigan Wolverines Team Profile
- Head Coach: Kyle Whittingham (1st Season)
- Offensive Coordinator: Jason Beck
- Defensive Coordinator: Jay Hill
- 2026 Record: 2-0 (0-0)
- Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Stadium: Michigan Stadium
- Last League Title: 2023
ESPN FPI Predictions
- Projected W-L: 8.2-3.9
- Win Conference %: 2.7
Michigan finds itself in unfamiliar territory after several seasons among college football's elite. Kyle Whittingham faces the challenge of keeping the Wolverines in the Big Ten race after significant roster turnover and a difficult schedule. Even so, Michigan has enough talent to exceed expectations if things click early.

Key additions
- DE John Henry Daley
- CB Smith Snowden
- WR JJ Buchanan
Key departures
- Edge Derrick Moore
- LB Jaishawn Barham
- LB Jimmy Rolder
Top incoming recruits
- DE Carter Meadows
- RB Savion Hiter
- WR Salesi Moa
8) Iowa Hawkeyes
Iowa Hawkeyes Team Profile
- Head Coach: Kirk Ferentz (27th Season)
- Offensive Coordinator: Tim Lester
- Defensive Coordinator: Phil Parker
- 2026 Record: 2-0 (0-0)
- Location: Iowa City, Iowa
- Stadium: Kinnick Stadium
- Last League Title: 2004 (co)
ESPN FPI Predictions
- Projected W-L: 7.8-4.2
- Win Conference %: 1.0
Iowa again projects as one of the Big Ten's toughest outs thanks to its physical brand of football and consistently strong defense. Kirk Ferentz has made a career out of maximizing his roster, and the Hawkeyes are expected to stay firmly in the upper half of the conference standings. If the offense takes another step forward, Iowa could outperform these projections.

Key additions
- RB L.J. Phillips Jr.
- DL Kahmari Brown
- DB Tyler Brown
Key departures
- OL Logan Jones
- OL Gennings Dunker
- S Koen Entringer
Top incoming recruits
- QB Tradon Bessinger
- OT Carson Nielsen
- CB Darion Jones
9) UCLA Bruins
UCLA Bruins Team Profile
- Head Coach: Bob Chesney (1st Season)
- Offensive Coordinator: Dean Kennedy
- Defensive Coordinator: Colin Hitschler
- 2026 Record: 2-0 (0-0)
- Location: Pasadena, California
- Stadium: Rose Bowl
- Last League Title: 1998 (Pac-10)
ESPN FPI Predictions
- Projected W-L: 7.4-4.6
- Win Conference %: 0.5
UCLA still has plenty to prove after making the move to the Big Ten, but the Bruins hope to be headed in the right direction under Bob Chesney. Competing week after week in one of the nation's deepest conferences won't be easy, though reaching bowl eligibility remains a realistic goal. A few close wins could quickly change the outlook.

Key additions
- DL Sahir West
- RB Wayne Knight
- S Tao Johnson
Key departures
- DL Gary Smith III
- OL Garrett DiGiorgio
- WR Kwazi Gilmer
Top incoming recruits
- TE Camden Jensen
- WR Kenneth Moore
- OT Quinn Buckey
10) Michigan State Spartans
Michigan State Spartans Team Profile
- Head Coach: Pat Fitzgerald (1st Season)
- Offensive Coordinator: Nick Sheridan
- Defensive Coordinator: Joe Rossi
- 2026 Record: 2-0 (0-0)
- Location: East Lansing, Michigan
- Stadium: Spartan Stadium
- Last League Title: 2015
ESPN FPI Predictions
- Projected W-L: 6.0-6.1
- Win Conference %: 0.3
Michigan State is still working to regain its footing under Jonathan Smith after several turbulent seasons. The Spartans have added talent through recruiting and the transfer portal, but translating that into conference wins won't be easy. ESPN expects another rebuilding year as the roster continues to develop.

Key additions
- RB Cam Edwards
- OT Ben Murawski
- CB Tre Bell
Key departures
- WR Nick Marsh
- OL Matt Gulbin
- QB Aidan Chiles
Top incoming recruits
- QB Kayd Coffman
- WR Samson Gash
- OT Collin Campbell
11) Maryland Terrapins
Maryland Terrapins Team Profile
- Head Coach: Mike Locksley (8th Season)
- Offensive Coordinator: Clint Trickett
- Defensive Coordinator: Ted Monachino
- 2026 Record: 2-0 (0-0)
- Location: College Park, Maryland
- Stadium: SECU Stadium
- Last League Title: 2001 (ACC)
ESPN FPI Predictions
- Projected W-L: 6.3-5.7
- Win Conference %: 0.2
Maryland enters a new era following the departure of longtime head coach Mike Locksley, making this one of the more intriguing teams to watch in the conference. The Terrapins have enough talent to stay competitive, but consistency will be key as they adjust under new leadership. ESPN sees bowl eligibility as a realistic possibility.

Key additions
- WR Na'eem Abdul-Rahim Gladding
- WR Chris Durr Jr.
- CB Amari Jackson
Key departures
- DB Jalen Huskey
- OL Alan Herron
- DL Cam Rice
Top incoming recruits
- DE Zion Elee
- DT JaMarcus Whyce
- S Darrell Carey
12) Washington Huskies
Washington Huskies Team Profile
- Head Coach: Jedd Fisch (3rd Season)
- Offensive Coordinator: N/A
- Defensive Coordinator: Ryan Walters
- 2025 Record: 2-0 (0-0)
- Location: Seattle, Washington
- Stadium: Husky Stadium
- Last League Title: 2023 (Pac-12)
ESPN FPI Predictions
- Projected W-L: 6.3-5.7
- Win Conference %: 0.2
Washington enters the season looking to build on the foundation established during its first year under Jedd Fisch. The Huskies have talent across the roster, but consistency will determine whether they can climb higher in the conference standings. ESPN expects them to be competitive, though not quite among the Big Ten's top tier.

Key additions
- RB Jayden Limar
- OL Kolt Dieterich
- CB Emmanuel Karnley
Key departures
- WR Denzel Boston
- RB Jonah Coleman
- CB Ephesians Prysock
Top incoming recruits
- OT Kodi Greene
- RB Brian Bonner Jr.
- CB Rahsjon Duncan
13) Illinois Fighting Illini
Illinois Fighting Illini Team Profile
- Head Coach: Bret Bielema (6th Season)
- Offensive Coordinator: Barry Lunney Jr.
- Defensive Coordinator: Bobby Hauck
- 2026 Record: 1-1 (0-0)
- Location: Champaign-Urbana, Illinois
- Stadium: Gies Memorial Stadium
- Last League Title: 2001
ESPN FPI Predictions
- Projected W-L: 5.4-6.6
- Win Conference %: 0.2
Illinois continues to trend upward under Bret Bielema, and another winning season appears well within reach. The Illini have developed into one of the conference's more physical teams, giving them a chance to pull off a few upsets throughout the season. ESPN views them as a solid middle-of-the-pack contender.

Key additions
- QB Katin Houser
- OL Christian Martin
- WR Alex Perry
Key departures
- QB Luke Altmyer
- OLB Gabe Jacas
- OL J.C. Davis
Top incoming recruits
- OT Micah Smith
- ATH Nasir Rankin
- CB Nick Hankins
14) Wisconsin Badgers
Wisconsin Badgers Team Profile
- Head Coach: Luke Fickell (3rd Season)
- Offensive Coordinator: Jeff Grimes
- Defensive Coordinator: Mike Tressel
- 2026 Record: 1-1 (0-0)
- Location: Madison, Wisconsin
- Stadium: Camp Randall Stadium
- Last League Title: 2012
ESPN FPI Predictions
- Projected W-L: 5.7-6.3
- Win Conference %: 0.1
Wisconsin is still searching for the breakthrough many expected after Luke Fickell took over the program. The Badgers have shown flashes but haven't consistently played to their talent level, making this a pivotal season for the coaching staff. ESPN's projections suggest another uphill battle in the crowded Big Ten race.

Key additions
- QB Colton Joseph
- RB Abu Sama III
- S Marvin Burks Jr.
Key departures
- WR Vinny Anthony II
- OLB Mason Reiger
- OL Joe Brunner
Top incoming recruits
- TE Jack Sievers
- WR Keeyshawn Tabuteau
- OT Brady Bekkenhuis
15) Northwestern Wildcats
Northwestern Wildcats Team Profile
- Head Coach: David Braun (3rd Season)
- Offensive Coordinator: Chip Kelly
- Defensive Coordinator: Tim McGarigle
- 2026 Record: 1-0 (0-0)
- Location: Evanston, Illinois
- Stadium: Ryan Field
- Last League Title: 2000 (co)
ESPN FPI Predictions
- Projected W-L: 5.5-6.5
- Win Conference %: 0.0
Northwestern continues its rebuild after navigating several difficult seasons both on and off the field. David Braun has earned respect for keeping the Wildcats competitive, but depth remains a concern against the conference's top programs. ESPN projects another challenging season, though Northwestern has proven capable of exceeding expectations before.

Key additions
- QB Aidan Chiles
- LB Kobie McKinzie
- TE Luke Dehnicke
Key departures
- OL Caleb Tiernan
- LB Mac Uihlein
- OL Evan Beerntsen
Top incoming recruits
- WR Jaden McDuffie
- OT Jack Fuchs
- OG Owen Fors
16) Minnesota Golden Gophers
Minnesota Golden Gophers Team Profile
- Head Coach: P. J. Fleck (10th Season)
- Offensive Coordinator: Greg Harbaugh Jr.
- Defensive Coordinator: Danny Collins
- 2026 Record: 1-1 (0-0)
- Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Stadium: Huntington Bank Stadium
- Last League Title: 1967 (co)
ESPN FPI Predictions
- Projected W-L: 4.3-7.7
- Win Conference %: 0.0
Minnesota has become one of the Big Ten's steadiest programs under P.J. Fleck, even if the Golden Gophers aren't projected near the top of the standings. Their physical style and disciplined approach make them a difficult matchup every week. Reaching six wins again feels like a reasonable expectation.

Key additions
- WR Perry Thompson
- DL TJ Bush Jr.
- CB Aydan West
Key departures
- S Koi Perich
- DL Deven Eastern
- LB Devon Williams
Top incoming recruits
- DE Howie Johnson
- TE Roman Voss
- OT Andrew Trout
17) Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Team Profile
- Head Coach: Greg Schiano (17th Season)
- Offensive Coordinator: Kirk Ciarrocca
- Defensive Coordinator: Travis Johansen
- 2026 Record: 0-2 (0-0)
- Location: Piscataway, NJ
- Stadium: SHI Stadium
- Last League Title: 2012 (Big East)
ESPN FPI Predictions
- Projected W-L: 2.1-9.9
- Win Conference %: 0.0
Rutgers has become a much tougher program under Greg Schiano, but climbing the Big Ten standings remains difficult. The Scarlet Knights have built a physical identity that allows them to compete every week, even against more talented opponents. Bowl eligibility will again be the primary goal.

Key additions
- QB Dylan Lonergan
- CB Kevyn Humes
- LB Ty Morris
Key departures
- QB Athan Kaliakmanis
- WR Ian Strong
- CB Bo Mascoe
Top incoming recruits
- WR Dyzier Carter
- WR Elias Coke
- S Messiah Tilson
18) Purdue Boilermakers
Purdue Boilermakers Team Profile
- Head Coach: Barry Odom (2nd Season)
- Offensive Coordinator: Josh Henson
- Defensive Coordinator: Kevin Kane
- 2026 Record: 1-1 (0-0)
- Location: West Lafayette, Indiana
- Stadium: Ross–Ade Stadium
- Last League Title: 2000 (co)
ESPN FPI Predictions
- Projected W-L: 3.9-8.1
- Win Conference %: 0.0
Purdue enters the season with the lowest conference projection in the Big Ten, highlighting the size of the rebuild ahead. Barry Odom inherits a program looking for a fresh start after a disappointing campaign, and patience may be required as the Boilermakers reshape the roster. Pulling off a few conference upsets would be a positive step in Year 1.

Key additions
- LB Elo Modozie
- RB Fame Ijeboi
- WR Xavier Townsend
Key departures
- RB Devin Mockobee
- LB Mani Powell
- DT Jamarrion Harkless
Top incoming recruits
- DT Josiah Hope
- DB Jett Goldsberry
- RB Izaiah Wright
1) Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State Buckeyes Team Profile
- Head Coach: Ryan Day (8th Season)
- Offensive Coordinator: Arthur Smith
- Defensive Coordinator: Matt Patricia
- 2026 Record: 1-1 (0-0)
- Stadium: Ohio Stadium
- Last League Title: 2020
ESPN FPI Predictions
- Projected W-L: 10.1-2.5
- Win Conference %: 49.1
Ohio State again enters the season as the team to beat in the Big Ten, and ESPN's projections reflect that. Despite losing plenty of NFL talent, the Buckeyes have recruited at an elite level under Ryan Day and remain loaded with playmakers on both sides of the ball. Anything short of another College Football Playoff appearance would likely be viewed as a disappointment in Columbus.

Key additions
- DT James Smith
- DE Qua Russaw
- DB Earl Little Jr.
Key departures
- S Caleb Downs
- LB Arvell Reese
- WR Carnell Tate
Top incoming recruits
- WR Chris Henry Jr.
- OLB Cincere Johnson
- CB Jay Timmons