The Big Ten Conference is, let’s be honest, running the show in college sports right now. Three straight football national titles, plus dominance in both men’s and women’s basketball? That’s not subtle.
As we look ahead to the 2026 media days in Chicago, the spotlight’s on 18 programs. They’re not just clinging to dynasties but also trying to keep pace with all the changes sweeping through college athletics.
Big money is getting tossed into rosters and coaching hires. The Big Ten’s setting a pretty relentless pace, and you can see other conferences scrambling to keep up.
Let’s get into the burning questions facing each team as the new season creeps up.
Illinois: Can Katin Houser Sustain the Illini’s QB Production?
Illinois is at a bit of a crossroads after losing record-breaking quarterback Luke Altmyer. Katin Houser, who transferred in from East Carolina, is the guy expected to fill those shoes.
Houser isn’t much of a runner compared to Altmyer, but he’s got a strong backfield behind him. Still, with four new starters on the offensive line, Bret Bielema will be pressed for answers about where this team is headed.
Indiana: Did the Hoosiers Reload for Another CFP Push?
Indiana pulled off the impossible last season, grabbing a national title as the first 16-0 team in major college football. Now, everyone’s wondering if Curt Cignetti can keep the magic going.
TCU’s Josh Hoover, one of the most productive QBs around, joins the mix, along with receiver Nick Marsh. But Hoover’s turnover issues? Yeah, those could be a real headache.
Iowa: Is the Defense Due for a Slide?
Iowa’s defense is in rebuild mode after losing seven of its eight All-Big Ten players. At least Phil Parker is still calling the shots, and Kirk Ferentz tends to squeeze every drop out of his roster.
The quarterback spot is still up in the air, with Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski battling it out. Not exactly a stress-free summer in Iowa City.
Maryland: Can Malik Washington’s Leap and a Retooled Offense Save Mike Locksley?
Mike Locksley’s seat is getting warm after back-to-back 4-8 seasons. Quarterback Malik Washington decided to stick around, thanks in part to some NIL cash, so there’s a glimmer of hope.
New OC Clint Trickett brings some fresh ideas, but the defense, especially against the run, needs a serious overhaul. It’s not just about offense anymore.
Michigan: Can Kyle Whittingham Lift the Wolverines into Contender Status?
Michigan’s offseason was a mess, but bringing in Kyle Whittingham as head coach adds some much-needed stability. Offensive coordinator Jason Beck is here to help quarterback Bryce Underwood hit that next level.
Whittingham’s track record at Utah is impressive, and with Michigan’s talent, maybe this is the year they jump back into the national conversation.
Michigan State: Can Pat Fitzgerald Rebuild the Trenches and Make the Spartans Relevant?
After the Mel Tucker era fizzled, Michigan State handed the keys to Pat Fitzgerald. He’s known for grit and adaptability, but the NIL era is a whole new beast.
Rebuilding a proud program takes time, and it’s not clear how patient the fanbase will be. There’s a lot riding on Fitzgerald’s approach.
Minnesota: Can P.J. Fleck Keep It Up Against a More Difficult Schedule?
P.J. Fleck has been Mr. Consistency, steering Minnesota to eight-win seasons. This year, though, the schedule’s a bear.
Trips to Indiana, Penn State, and Washington, plus a home date with Michigan? That’s rough. New receivers have to step up, and the defense needs to fill the void left by Koi Perch.
Nebraska: Can Matt Rhule Finally Turn the Corner in Year 4 Amid a QB Reset?
Matt Rhule’s 19-19 record after three years isn’t quite what Nebraska fans had in mind. Emmett Johnson’s off to the NFL, and five-star QB Dylan Raiola is now at Oregon.
Rhule’s facing a reset, and the pressure’s building. It’s a big year for his program, no way around it.
Northwestern: Can Chip Kelly Spark the Offense?
Northwestern’s offense has been stuck in neutral, but Chip Kelly’s arrival changes things. The quarterback battle between Aidan Chiles and Nicco Marchiol is one to watch.
Production should improve, but the offensive line is still a big question. There’s hope, but also plenty of uncertainty.
Ohio State: Can Yet Another New Defense Keep the Buckeyes on Top?
Ohio State bounced back nicely last season, even after overhauling its defense. Julian Sayin at QB and Jeremiah Smith at receiver give the offense a solid foundation.
Matt Patricia has a tough job ahead, though, after losing eight starters from a defense that ranked No. 1 in the country. Buckeyes fans won’t settle for anything less than dominance.
Oregon: How Will Two New Coordinators Affect Title Hopes?
Oregon’s loaded, but losing both coordinators isn’t ideal. Drew Mehringer steps in as OC, Chris Hampton as DC—continuity is the hope.
With Dante Moore at quarterback and a stacked offense, this might be Dan Lanning’s best shot yet. Still, two new coordinators? That’s a lot to juggle.
Penn State: Can Matt Campbell Win at a Larger School with a Familiar Roster?
Matt Campbell brought a bunch of Iowa State stars with him to Penn State, including QB Rocco Becht. Expectations are high, but let’s be real—year one is probably going to be a transition.
The fanbase is watching closely. How they handle Campbell’s approach could shape the whole season.
Purdue: What’s the Three-Year Plan?
Barry Odom’s first year at Purdue ended with just two wins. He brought in 52 new transfers this offseason, which is a wild number.
That kind of roster churn makes you wonder about consistency. Odom’s long-term vision will be under the microscope.
Rutgers: How Can Rutgers Stop the Bleeding?
Rutgers keeps losing key guys to the transfer portal, especially on defense. Greg Schiano went the FCS route for help, bringing in South Dakota head coach Travis Johansen as DC.
The challenge is improving on the field and in NIL battles. Rutgers has to find a way to stop the exodus.
UCLA: Can Bob Chesney Mimic the Indiana Blueprint?
Bob Chesney, who replaced Curt Cignetti at James Madison, is trying to turn UCLA around. He brought 10 transfers from JMU, including quarterback Nico Iamaleava.
Last season was brutal, but skipping Ohio State and Indiana this year could help. It’s a steep climb, but maybe there’s a path forward.
USC: Is This the Season Lincoln Riley Reaches the CFP?
USC returns more starters than anyone, with nine back on offense. Jayden Maiava at quarterback and a solid O-line give Riley a strong base.
Gary Patterson is out of retirement to run the defense, which has been USC’s weak spot. Year 3 for Lincoln Riley comes with massive expectations.
Washington: Can the Huskies Convert Demond Williams’ Return into a CFP Push?
Demond Williams is back at Washington after a brief portal adventure, and that’s a big deal. Ten starters return, and the schedule looks manageable.
How Williams’ teammates react to his return could make all the difference. This might be Washington’s window—if everything clicks.
Wisconsin: Can Luke Fickell Save His Job?
Luke Fickell is on the hottest seat in America after Wisconsin’s 4-8 season. With just three defensive starters coming back and a new quarterback, Colton Joseph, the pressure is on.
The schedule doesn’t look too bad this year. Still, if they end up with another losing season, things could get ugly for the program.
As the Big Ten heads toward its 2026 media days, every program seems to have its own set of headaches. NIL, the transfer portal—honestly, it’s all a bit much sometimes, isn’t it?
For more in-depth analysis and updates, check out the full article.
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