The long, winding offseason for college football just hit another checkpoint—spring practice is in the books for all 138 teams. So, what now? It’s time to dig into the key takeaways and toss out some bold predictions for the 2026 season.
This spring felt especially interesting for the Big Ten, with Indiana, Oregon, and Ohio State all looking like legit national title threats. There are new coaches, fresh playbooks, and a sense that this conference could get wild. Athlon Sports’ Steven Lassan and Kyle Wood have been talking, and here’s what’s stuck with them after spring ball wrapped up.
Ohio State Poised for Big Ten Glory
Ohio State hasn’t actually won the Big Ten since 2020, but you’d never know it from the hype. The Buckeyes won the national title in 2024, and now, most folks expect them to snatch back the conference crown in 2026.
Ryan Day’s group has a tough schedule ahead, but with a high-powered offense and some tweaks from new defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, there’s a real shot at a huge year.
Key Factors for Ohio State
- Dynamic Offense: The Buckeyes’ attack is still one of the nation’s best.
- Defensive Adjustments: Patricia should patch up some of last year’s weak spots.
- Challenging Schedule: The path to the title isn’t exactly easy.
Jeremiah Smith: Leading the Nation in Receiving
Jeremiah Smith might just be the best pass-catcher in college football. He finished fourth in receiving the past two seasons, but this fall, he’s got a real chance to lead the nation and maybe even take down Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s school record.
His chemistry with quarterback Julian Sayin could be the secret sauce—if those two click, look out.
Smith’s Path to Success
- Top Pass-Catcher: Smith’s widely seen as the best in the country.
- Quarterback Synergy: His timing with Sayin has to be sharp.
- Record-Breaking Potential: He’s got a shot at the program’s top marks.
UCLA’s Resurgence Under Bob Chesney
Bob Chesney’s taking over at UCLA, and honestly, there’s real hope for a turnaround. The Bruins haven’t made a bowl in two years, but Chesney’s got a solid reputation from his days at James Madison.
With quarterback Nico Iamaleava sticking around and some key transfers jumping in, UCLA could finally get back in the postseason mix.
Factors Contributing to UCLA’s Bowl Game Prospects
- Experienced Coach: Chesney’s won before—maybe he does it again.
- Key Players Returning: Iamaleava and JMU transfer Wayne Knight are big.
- Favorable Schedule: They dodge Indiana and Ohio State this year.
Purdue’s Quest for a Big Ten Victory
Purdue hasn’t beaten a Big Ten team since 2023. That’s rough, but Coach Barry Odom’s got them working hard to break the streak in his second year.
The Boilermakers have a few winnable home games—Maryland, Wisconsin—and if things fall right, they could finally notch that elusive conference win.
Challenges and Opportunities for Purdue
- Coaching Progress: Odom’s second year should show some growth.
- Winnable Games: Matchups with Maryland and Wisconsin look promising.
- Ending the Streak: Snapping an 18-game skid is the goal.
Michigan’s Bryce Underwood: A Breakout Season
Bryce Underwood, Michigan’s quarterback, is under the microscope. His freshman year was bumpy, and the spring game didn’t exactly silence the doubters.
Still, with coordinator Jason Beck guiding him, there’s hope Underwood can flip the script and push the Wolverines toward a playoff run under new coach Kyle Whittingham.
Underwood’s Development
- High Expectations: He came in as a five-star recruit.
- Coaching Influence: Beck’s tasked with unlocking Underwood’s game.
- Playoff Contention: If he clicks, Michigan’s ceiling rises fast.
USC’s Ambitious Goal: 10-Plus Wins
USC wants that 10-win season, plain and simple. Coach Lincoln Riley’s got a lot riding on it, especially with a brutal schedule featuring Oregon, Ohio State, and Indiana.
Quarterback Jayden Maiava, a deep backfield, and some defensive upgrades from Gary Patterson give the Trojans a puncher’s chance. Will they finally break through?
Key Elements for USC’s Success
- Offensive Strength: Maiava leads an explosive group.
- Defensive Improvements: Patterson’s experience matters.
- Challenging Schedule: It’s a gauntlet, no way around it.
Maryland or Wisconsin: Bowl Game Aspirations
Maryland and Wisconsin are both chasing bowl eligibility after a rough 8-16 combined record last year. The good news? The schedules are kinder this time around.
Maryland’s got quarterback Malik Washington and some defensive standouts, while Wisconsin brings in Colton Joseph from Old Dominion to run a revamped offense. Neither team faces the conference’s top dogs, which helps.
Pathways to Bowl Eligibility
- Promising Talent: Washington’s got upside for Maryland.
- Offensive Upgrades: Wisconsin’s banking on Joseph at QB.
- Favorable Schedules: Both avoid the league’s heavyweights.
Josh Hoover: Limiting Turnovers
Josh Hoover, Indiana’s quarterback, is hoping to keep his interception total under 10 this season. He had turnover issues at TCU, but Indiana’s offense is supposed to be more forgiving.
Coach Cignetti has a knack for getting the best out of transfer QBs, so maybe Hoover cuts down the mistakes this year.
Hoover’s Turnover Reduction
- New Environment: Indiana’s offense should suit him better.
- Coaching Influence: Cignetti’s done this before with transfers.
- Turnover Reduction: Less than 10 picks is the goal.
Penn State’s Playoff Contention
Penn State’s got a new head coach—Matt Campbell—and a roster that’s seen over 35 transfers. That sounds like a rebuild, but the schedule actually gives them a chance to compete right away.
Games against USC, Michigan, and Washington loom large, but the Nittany Lions could be favored in most weeks. It’s a weird mix of transition and opportunity.
Factors for Penn State’s Success
- New Coach: Campbell brings fresh energy.
- Favorable Schedule: They skip Indiana, Oregon, and Ohio State.
- Key Matchups: USC, Michigan, and Washington are the big hurdles.
Rutgers’ All-American Aspirations
Rutgers might finally get a consensus All-American this year. Antwan Raymond at running back and wideout KJ Duff both made All-America lists last season, and they’re back for more.
Quarterback Dylan Lonergan, a Boston College transfer, could be the missing link if he settles into Kirk Ciarocca’s scheme.
Key Players for Rutgers
- Top Candidates: Raymond and Duff are the headliners.
- Quarterback Performance: Lonergan’s play could make all the difference.
- Coaching System: Ciarocca’s offense is QB-friendly.
Big Ten’s National Title Prospects
Once again, the Big Ten looks like it’ll have a real shot at the national title in 2026. Indiana, Ohio State, and Oregon all figure to start in the top 10, and the league’s depth is tough to ignore.
Could this be four straight national championships for the conference? It’s not out of the question. The Big Ten’s got the firepower to keep the streak alive.
Conference Strength
- Top Contenders: Indiana, Ohio State, and Oregon. These three are really setting the pace right now.
- National Title Streak: They’re gunning for a fourth straight championship. That’s a lot of pressure, but who’s betting against them?
- Depth and Talent: The Big Ten seems loaded from top to bottom. There’s just so much raw talent on display.
If you want to dig deeper or just see what the experts are saying about the 2026 season, check out the original article on Yahoo Sports.
- Schools Covered
- College Football Articles
- Men's College Basketball Articles
- Men's College Soccer Articles
- Women's College Basketball Articles
- Olympic Athlete Articles
- Men's College Baseball Articles
- College Sports Media Professionals Articles
- Hall of Fame Member Articles
- Former College Player Articles
- Game Previews
