The Big Ten conference is shaking things up with its latest coaching hires. Unlike the SEC, which went for rising stars from The American, the Big Ten’s snagged coaches who’ve already proved themselves.
Let’s look at what’s ahead for the four new head coaches joining the Big Ten in 2026. Each brings their own style, a hefty résumé, and, honestly, some big expectations.
Kyle Whittingham at Michigan: A Season of Redemption
Kyle Whittingham comes to Michigan after 22 years at Utah, where he racked up a 177-88 record. That’s a lot of wins, and he’s known for keeping his teams steady year after year.
Now, he’s got to do more than just win games. Michigan’s reputation took some hits under previous coaches, and Whittingham’s going to be asked to clean things up off the field, too.
Off-Field Redemption
The scandals during the Harbaugh and Moore years left fans and alumni pretty frustrated. Whittingham’s got that calm, respected vibe—maybe that’s exactly what Michigan needs right now.
If he can keep the headlines positive for one season, that alone might feel like a win. No drama, just football—sounds nice, right?
On-Field Performance
On the field, Whittingham inherits seven returning starters on offense. Defense, though? Only three starters are back, so that side’s a bit of a question mark.
Quarterback Bryce Underwood had his ups and downs as a freshman. Offensive coordinator Jason Beck, who made the move from Utah, will be key in helping Underwood take the next step.
Michigan’s schedule isn’t doing them any favors—Oklahoma, Iowa, Penn State, Indiana, Oregon, Ohio State. That’s a gauntlet.
If Whittingham can get to nine wins and show real progress, especially against Ohio State, people will call it a good first year.
Matt Campbell at Penn State: Building a New Era
Matt Campbell arrives with a 107-70 record after stints at Toledo and Iowa State. He’s built a reputation for finding hidden talent and developing players who weren’t on anyone’s radar.
Penn State’s hoping he can bring that magic to Happy Valley and get them back in the national conversation.
Overcoming Franklin’s Legacy
Campbell steps in for James Franklin, who was let go last October. Franklin could never quite get over the hump against top teams, and that stuck with fans.
Campbell’s first schedule is actually pretty manageable—no Ohio State, Oregon, or Indiana. But games against USC, Michigan, and Washington will be real measuring sticks.
Quarterback Recruiting
The quarterback spot is still a bit of a puzzle. Penn State signed Peyton Falzone, but Campbell needs to find someone who can really take over after Rocco Becht, the Iowa State transfer.
Landing a top-tier quarterback will say a lot about where Campbell’s taking this program.
Bob Chesney at UCLA: Lightning in a Bottle?
Bob Chesney has quietly built a strong career, going 132-52 over 16 years at James Madison, Holy Cross, and Assumption. Now he’s at UCLA, and there’s a sense he could be the right guy to turn things around.
He’s got a reputation for building programs from the ground up, and UCLA could use some of that spark.
Program Building
Chesney isn’t wasting any time—he’s brought in 41 new players through the transfer portal. Ten of them followed him from James Madison, so there’s already some built-in chemistry.
Guys like edge rusher Sahir West and running back Wayne Knight are expected to be impact players. The hope is they can help flip the script for a program that’s struggled in conference games.
Recruiting Success
Recruiting’s been a bright spot for UCLA lately. They’ve got 21 verbal commitments, including six blue-chippers, and sit at No. 11 nationally for 2027.
But we all know those pledges don’t mean much until they sign. Chesney’s challenge is turning those maybes into yeses.
Pat Fitzgerald at Michigan State: Rebuilding the Spartans
Pat Fitzgerald comes in with a 110-101 record from 17 years at Northwestern. Michigan State’s been through the wringer lately, and Fitzgerald’s got a lot of work ahead.
The program’s fallen off, and the rebuild isn’t going to be quick or easy.
Talent Retention
Fitzgerald’s first order of business? Keep the talent that’s already there. Michigan State’s only had four NFL Draft picks in the last three years, which is, frankly, not enough for a Big Ten school.
He’ll need to convince players to stay and keep others from jumping into the transfer portal. That’s easier said than done these days, but it’s the foundation for any real turnaround.
Competitive Spirit
Fitzgerald’s first big job? He needs to shape the Spartans into a group that can actually compete. If he can pull that off and hang onto some key players for the next few seasons, that’s the real foundation for turning things around long-term.
The rebuild won’t happen overnight—everyone knows it’s going to take a few years. Still, any early signs that they’re headed in the right direction will get plenty of attention.
The Big Ten’s latest coaching hires bring a wild mix of experience, fresh strategy, and, honestly, some sky-high expectations. Each coach walks into a different set of problems, but their resumes at least give fans something to hang their hats on. For a deeper dive into all these coaching moves, check out Fox Sports.
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