Analyst Picks 18 Big Ten X-Factors Ahead of 2026 Season Opener

3 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · Aug 20

Week 0 starts next weekend, and an analyst has singled out one X-factor player for each of the Big Ten’s 18 teams before full conference action begins the following week.
Quarterback uncertainty drives several picks: Illinois transfer Katin Houser must replace Luke Altmyer, Iowa still lacks a clear answer after Mark Gronowski, and Wisconsin is banking on dual-threat newcomer Colton Joseph.
Transfers dominate the list elsewhere, with Indiana leaning on 749-yard rusher Turbo Richard, Oregon adding former Minnesota safety Koi Perich, and UCLA turning to 1,200-yard back Wayne Knight.
Injuries and roster turnover also shape the outlook, most notably at Maryland, where five-star edge Zion Elee is needed immediately after Zahir Mathis suffered a season-ending camp injury.
The selections underscore how the 2026 Big Ten race may hinge less on established stars than on newcomers and replacements handling expanded roles.