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ESPN Predicts the Record of All 18 Big Ten Teams Ahead of 2026 College Football Season

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
- 2025 Record: 2-10 (0-9)
- 2025 Finish: 18th in the Big Ten
- Stadium: Ross–Ade Stadium
- Location: West Lafayette, Indiana
FPI Prediction: 4.3-7.7

ESPN SP+ Predictions
- Average Conference Wins: 2.0
- ESPN Chance at 11+ Wins: 0.0%
- ESPN Chance at 6+ Wins: 6.5%
Purdue is 0-18 in conference play over the last two seasons and this year's schedule has some winnable conference games, but hitting four wins may be a stretch.

Purdue did themselves no favors by scheduling Wake Forest and Notre Dame. They also have to play at Penn State, Iowa, and Indiana.

Week 1: vs. Indiana State
ESPN's FPI Predicts Win Totals for 2026 Big Ten Football Teams
Talking season has been kicked off and ESPN recently released their FPI metric that predicts a team's win-loss record. Here is where the Big Ten teams are predicted to finish.
1. Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State Buckeyes Team Profile
- Head Coach: Ryan Day (8th Season)
- Offensive Coordinator: Arthur Smith
- Defensive Coordinator: Matt Patricia
- 2025 Record: 12-2 (9-0)
- 2025 Finish: Lost in College Football Playoff Quarterfinal
- Stadium: Ohio Stadium
- Location: Columbus, Ohio
FPI Predicted Record: 10.2-2.4

ESPN SP+ Predictions
- Average Conference Wins: 7.5
- ESPN Chance at 11+ Wins: 41.4%
- ESPN Chance at 6+ Wins: 100%
The Ohio State Buckeyes are predicted to have the best record in the Big Ten. OSU's schedule features road trips to Texas, Indiana, and USC as well as home dates with Oregon and Michigan. Should that prediction hold, Ohio State will be heading to the College Football Playoff yet again.

Week 1: vs. Ball State
2. Oregon Ducks
Oregon Ducks Team Profile
- Head Coach: Dan Lanning (5th Season)
- Offensive Coordinator: Drew Mehringer
- Defensive Coordinator: Chris Hampton
- 2025 Record: 13–2 (8-1)
- 2025 Finish: Lost in College Football Playoff Semifinals
- Stadium: Autzen Stadium
- Location: Eugene, Oregon
FPI Prediction: 10.2-2.3

ESPN SP+ Predictions
- Average Conference Wins: 7.3
- ESPN Chance at 11+ Wins: 40%
- ESPN Chance at 6+ Wins: 100%
The only three losses for the Ducks the last two years have come to the eventual national champions. Oregon is primed for another run to the CFP, as they return Dante Moore and maybe the best defensive line in the country. Oregon does have to go to USC and Ohio State, and host Washington and Michigan.

Week 1: vs. Boise State
3. Indiana Hoosiers
Indiana Hoosiers Team Profile
- Head Coach: Curt Cignetti (3rd Season)
- Offensive Coordinator: Mike Shanahan
- Defensive Coordinator: Bryant Haines
- 2025 Record: 16-0
- 2025 Finish: College Football Playoff National Champions
- Stadium: Memorial Stadium
- Location: Bloomington, Indiana
FPI Prediction: 10.1-2.3

ESPN SP+ Predictions
- Average Conference Wins: 7.0
- ESPN Chance at 11+ Wins: 32.8%
- ESPN Chance at 6+ Wins: 99.9%
The defending national champions are going to be good again and 10 wins seems like the floor. The season will come down to when the Hoosiers play at Nebraska, Ohio State, at Michigan, and Minnesota. The Hoosiers also play USC at home and travel to Washington at the end of the season.

Week 1: vs. North Texas
4. 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
- 2025 Record: 7-6 (3-6)
- 2025 Finish: 12th in the Big Ten
- Stadium: Beaver Stadium
- Location: University Park, Pennsylvania
FPI Predictions: 9.0-3.2

ESPN SP+ Predictions
- Average Conference Wins: 6.2
- ESPN Chance at 11+ Wins: 13.6%
- ESPN Chance at 6+ Wins: 99.2%
Penn State brings in basically the entire Iowa State football team and coaching staff. A new start after a disastrous 2025 season could get help from a very favorable schedule.

The Nittany Lions miss Indiana, Ohio State, Oregon, and get USC at home. The Matt Campbell Era should get off to a quick start.

Week 1: vs. Marshall
5. USC Trojans
USC Trojans Team Profile
- Head Coach: Lincoln Riley (4th Season)
- Offensive Coordinator: Luke Huard
- Defensive Coordinator: Gary Patterson
- 2025 Record: 9-4 (7-2)
- 2025 Finish: 4th in the Big Ten
- Stadium: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
- Location: Los Angeles, California
FPI Prediction: 8.3-3.9

ESPN SP+ Predictions
- Average Conference Wins: 5.0
- ESPN Chance at 11+ Wins: 2.1%
- ESPN Chance at 6+ Wins: 95.7%
There is a steep drop off from the top three in the conference to the next tier. The Trojans are a dark horse contender for the College Football Playoff and the Big Ten title, but they will have to overshoot projections.

USC hosts Ohio State and Oregon, but have to come east three times after October 10. The Trojans do get two bye weeks since they play in Week 0.

Week 1: vs. Fresno State
6. Michigan Wolverines
Michigan Wolverines Team Profile
- Head Coach: Kyle Whittingham (1st Season)
- Offensive Coordinator: Jason Beck
- Defensive Coordinator: Jay Hill
- 2025 Record: 9-4 (7-2)
- 2025 Finish: 5th in the Big Ten
- Stadium: Michigan Stadium
- Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
FPI Prediction: 7.8-4.3

ESPN SP+ Predictions
- Average Conference Wins: 5.0
- ESPN Chance at 11+ Wins: 1.1%
- ESPN Chance at 6+ Wins: 92%
The Michigan Wolverines will be happy to get on the field and out of the media crosshairs for off the field scandals.

Michigan hosts Oklahoma in an early season non-conference game and host Indiana. However, they do have to go on the road to Oregon and Ohio State in November.

Week 1: vs. Western Michigan
7. Iowa Hawkeyes
Iowa Hawkeyes Team Profile
- Head Coach: Kirk Ferentz (27th Season)
- Offensive Coordinator: Tim Lester
- Defensive Coordinator: Phil Parker
- 2025 Record: 9-4 (6-3)
- 2025 Finish: 6th in the Big Ten
- Stadium: Kinnick Stadium
- Location: Iowa City, Iowa
FPI Prediction: 7.6-4.4

ESPN SP+ Predictions
- Average Conference Wins: 5.2
- ESPN Chance at 11+ Wins: 3.0%
- ESPN Chance at 6+ Wins: 96.3%
Iowa winning eight games is usually as good as gold. FPI has Iowa right around eight wins again. Iowa was seven points total away from knocking off Indiana and Oregon in 2025. This year, they host Ohio State, but have to travel to Washington, Michigan, and Illinois.

Week 1: vs. Northern Illinois
8. Washington Huskies
Washington Huskies Team Profile
- Head Coach: Jedd Fisch (3rd Season)
- Offensive Coordinator: N/A
- Defensive Coordinator: Ryan Walters
- 2025 Record: 9-4 (5-4)
- 2025 Finish: 7th in the Big Ten
- Stadium: Husky Stadium
- Location: Seattle, Washington
FPI Prediction: 7.0-5.0

ESPN SP+ Predictions
- Average Conference Wins: 5.0
- ESPN Chance at 11+ Wins: 2.2%
- ESPN Chance at 6+ Wins: 95.3%
Some have Washington as a Big Ten dark horse, but the national media is discounting the Demond Williams's situation where he tried to leave for a better offer and had the door shut in his face.

The Huskies lost a lot of offensive skill as well.

Washington misses Ohio State, but have to play at USC, at Oregon, and host Indiana. Trips east to Purdue, Nebraska, and Michigan State are not terrible.

Week 1: vs. Washington State
9. Nebraska Cornhuskers
Nebraska Cornhuskers Team Profile
- Head Coach: Matt Rhule (3rd Season)
- Offensive Coordinator: Dana Holgorsen
- Defensive Coordinator: Rob Aurich
- 2025 Record: 7-6 (4-5)
- 2025 Finish: 10th in the Big Ten
- Stadium: Memorial Stadium
- Location: Lincoln, Nebraska
FPI Prediction: 6.7-5.3

ESPN SP+ Predictions
- Average Conference Wins: 3.3
- ESPN Chance at 11+ Wins: 0.0%
- ESPN Chance at 6+ Wins: 65.1%
Last season was supposed to be the 'Rule of Rhule' Year 3, but the Huskers failed to break through. Now, they break in a new quarterback and have an unfriendly back half of the schedule.

Starting on October 10, Nebraska has games with Indiana, at Oregon, Washington, at Illinois, at Rutgers, Ohio State, and at Iowa. If the wins do not come early, it could be a long season.

Week 1: vs. Ohio
10. Illinois Fighting Illini
Illinois Fighting Illini Team Profile
- Head Coach: Bret Bielema (6th Season)
- Offensive Coordinator: Barry Lunney Jr.
- Defensive Coordinator: Bobby Hauck
- 2025 Record: 9-4 (5-4)
- 2025 Finish: 8th in the Big Ten
- Stadium: Gies Memorial Stadium
- Location: Champaign-Urbana, Illinois
FPI Prediction: 6.7-5.3

ESPN SP+ Predictions
- Average Conference Wins: 4.4
- ESPN Chance at 11+ Wins: 0.4%
- ESPN Chance at 6+ Wins: 84.9%
Illinois was tabbed as 2025's Indiana. That proved false, but the Illini still won nine games.

Illinois will have eight new starters on offense including starting quarterback Katin Houser.

The schedule is not terrible as they miss Indiana, USC, and Michigan. They do go to Ohio State and host Oregon.

Week 1: vs. UAB
11. Wisconsin Badgers
Wisconsin Badgers Team Profile
- Head Coach: Luke Fickell (3rd Season)
- Offensive Coordinator: Jeff Grimes
- Defensive Coordinator: Mike Tressel
- 2025 Record: 4-8 (2-7)
- 2025 Finish: 15th in the Big Ten
- Stadium: Camp Randall Stadium
- Location: Madison, Wisconsin
FPI Prediction: 6.5-5.5

ESPN SP+ Predictions
- Average Conference Wins: 3.5
- ESPN Chance at 11+ Wins: 0.0%
- ESPN Chance at 6+ Wins: 46.7%
Wisconsin put the money they save from firing head coach Luke Fickell into helping him build a roster. They bring in quarterback Colton Joseph to revive a dead offense.

The schedule is easier than 2025, but still features games against Notre Dame and USC and road trips to Penn State and Iowa.

Anything below this projection may mean the end of the Luke Fickell Era.

Week 1: vs. Notre Dame
12. Maryland Terrapins
Maryland Terrapins Team Profile
- Head Coach: Mike Locksley (8th Season)
- Offensive Coordinator: Clint Trickett
- Defensive Coordinator: Ted Monachino
- 2025 Record: 4-8 (1-8)
- 2025 Finish: 17th in the Big Ten
- Stadium: SECU Stadium
- Location: College Park, Maryland
FPI Prediction: 5.4-6.6

ESPN SP+ Predictions
- Average Conference Wins: 3.6
- ESPN Chance at 11+ Wins: 0.0%
- ESPN Chance at 6+ Wins: 58.2%
The hopes for the Maryland Terrapins are not high this season, despite having a good young quarterback and possibly the best defense in years.

If the Terrapins don't start 2-1, at minimum, there could be a coaching change. The schedule isn't as bas as it could be as they avoid Oregon and Indiana, but have to travel to Ohio State and USC.

Week 1: vs. Hampton
13. Minnesota Golden Gophers
Minnesota Golden Gophers Team Profile
- Head Coach: P. J. Fleck (10th Season)
- Offensive Coordinator: Greg Harbaugh Jr.
- Defensive Coordinator: Danny Collins
- 2025 Record: 8-5 (5-4)
- 2025 Finish: 9th in the Big Ten
- Stadium: Huntington Bank Stadium
- Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
FPI Prediction: 5.3-6.7

ESPN SP+ Predictions
- Average Conference Wins: 3.5
- ESPN Chance at 11+ Wins: 0.1%
- ESPN Chance at 6+ Wins: 64.3%
For a schedule that misses Oregon, Ohio State, and USC, 5.3 wins would be very disappointing. Minnesota has been consistent under PJ Fleck and a step back would be surprising with Drake Lindsey back.

Week 1: vs. Eastern Illinois
14. Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Team Profile
- Head Coach: Greg Schiano (17th Season)
- Offensive Coordinator: Kirk Ciarrocca
- Defensive Coordinator: Travis Johansen
- 2025 Record: 5-7 (2-7)
- 2025 Finish: 14th in the Big Ten
- Stadium: SHI Stadium
- Location: Piscataway, NJ
FPI Prediction: 5.1-6.9

ESPN SP+ Predictions
- Average Conference Wins: 2.9
- ESPN Chance at 11+ Wins: 0.0%
- ESPN Chance at 6+ Wins: 45.8%
Rutgers has two All-Americans on offense, but if Greg Schiano does not get the defense turned around it may not matter much.

The Scarlet Knights have a big game early with Boston College and get USC and Indiana at home. However, the back end of the schedule has four of the last seven on the road.

Week 1: vs. Massachusetts
15. UCLA Bruins
UCLA Bruins Team Profile
- Head Coach: Bob Chesney (1st Season)
- Offensive Coordinator: Dean Kennedy
- Defensive Coordinator: Colin Hitschler
- 2025 Record: 3-9 (3-6)
- 2025 Finish: 12th in the Big Ten
- Stadium: Rose Bowl
- Location: Pasadena, California
FPI Prediction: 5.1-6.9

ESPN SP+ Predictions
- Average Conference Wins: 3.9
- ESPN Chance at 11+ Wins: 0.1%
- ESPN Chance at 6+ Wins: 62%
The Bob Chessney Era could get off to a fast start, but early non-conference games against Cal and San Diego State loom large.

The Bruins avoid Indiana and Ohio State, but do have to travel to Oregon and Michigan.

Week 1: @ California
16. Northwestern Wildcats
Northwestern Wildcats Team Profile
- Head Coach: David Braun (3rd Season)
- Offensive Coordinator: Chip Kelly
- Defensive Coordinator: Tim McGarigle
- 2025 Record: 7-6 (4-5)
- 2025 Finish: 11th in the Big Ten
- Stadium: Ryan Field
- Location: Evanston, Illinois
FPI Prediction: 4.9-7.1

ESPN SP+ Predictions
- Average Conference Wins: 2.8
- ESPN Chance at 11+ Wins: 0.0%
- ESPN Chance at 6+ Wins: 44.5%
David Braun is 19-19 with Northwestern and the Wildcats open the new Ryan Field this season. However, the expectations aren't high despite hiring Chip Kelly and bringing in former Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles. Much of that is due to having to play at Indiana, at Oregon, and at Ohio State all while having a ridiculous Week 2 bye.

Week 1: vs. South Dakota State
17. Michigan State Spartans
Michigan State Spartans Team Profile
- Head Coach: Pat Fitzgerald (1st Season)
- Offensive Coordinator: Nick Sheridan
- Defensive Coordinator: Joe Rossi
- 2025 Record: 4-8 (1-8)
- 2025 Finish: 16th in the Big Ten
- Stadium: Spartan Stadium
- Location: East Lansing, Michigan
FPI Prdiction: 4.6-7.4

ESPN SP+ Predictions
- Average Conference Wins: 2.7
- ESPN Chance at 11+ Wins: 0.0%
- ESPN Chance at 6+ Wins: 22%
The Spartans brought former Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald back to the Big Ten. Is it just a program reset or the long-term answer?

The Spartans lost their starting quarterback and top receiver to the portal. A non-conference game against Notre Dame makes the hill much harder to climb as well.

Week 1: vs. Toledo
18. Purdue Boilermakers
Purdue Boilermakers Team Profile
- Head Coach: Barry Odom (2nd Season)
- Offensive Coordinator: Josh Henson
- Defensive Coordinator: Kevin Kane
- 2025 Record: 2-10 (0-9)
- 2025 Finish: 18th in the Big Ten
- Stadium: Ross–Ade Stadium
- Location: West Lafayette, Indiana
FPI Prediction: 4.3-7.7

ESPN SP+ Predictions
- Average Conference Wins: 2.0
- ESPN Chance at 11+ Wins: 0.0%
- ESPN Chance at 6+ Wins: 6.5%
Purdue is 0-18 in conference play over the last two seasons and this year's schedule has some winnable conference games, but hitting four wins may be a stretch.

Purdue did themselves no favors by scheduling Wake Forest and Notre Dame. They also have to play at Penn State, Iowa, and Indiana.

Week 1: vs. Indiana State
ESPN's FPI Predicts Win Totals for 2026 Big Ten Football Teams
Talking season has been kicked off and ESPN recently released their FPI metric that predicts a team's win-loss record. Here is where the Big Ten teams are predicted to finish.