Indiana Picked to Repeat as 2026 Big Ten Champion Over Oregon
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Aug 20
Indiana Picked to Repeat as 2026 Big Ten Champion Over Oregon
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Aug 20
Summary
Indiana was projected to win the 2026 Big Ten title over Oregon, with Ohio State and USC joining them as the analyst’s four predicted playoff teams.
Five of six possible matchups among Indiana, Oregon, Ohio State and USC are on the schedule, setting up a tighter race than in the past two seasons when top contenders rarely met.
Indiana’s edge rests on expected dominance up front and TCU transfer quarterback Josh Hoover, while Oregon’s Dante Moore and Ohio State’s Julian Sayin headline a conference loaded with top quarterbacks.
Ohio State was forecast to lose twice against a brutal schedule, and USC was picked to finally reach the playoff behind veteran quarterback Jayden Maiava and new defensive coordinator Gary Patterson.
Fourteen Big Ten teams were predicted to reach bowl eligibility, which would set a conference record and underscore the league’s depth beyond its title favorites.