Big Ten post-spring rankings: Fresh off 3 straight titles, league looks deeper than ever

Yes, the Big Ten currently rules the sport. Here’s how the conference ranks coming out of the spring:

1. Ohio State (12-2)

The most loaded offense in the country has the potential to be among the most potent in school history. This will be the last run for superstar receiver Jeremiah Smith and potentially third-year quarterback Julian Sayin, the preseason favorite for the Heisman Trophy.

2. Oregon (13-2)

The Ducks will hand new defensive coordinator Chris Hampton some major depth from front to back, with an experienced defensive front setting the pace for a unit that has a new leader in the secondary in former Minnesota safety Koi Perich.

3. Indiana (16-0)

Curt Cignetti has been able to maintain a high degree of staff continuity despite the Hoosiers’ rapid rise. He lost just one member of last year’s staff in co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Chandler Whitmer, who departed for the NFL. Whitmer is replaced by former UCLA assistant Tino Sunseri, who worked for Cignetti previously at James Madison (2021-23) and Indiana (2024).

4. USC (9-4)

This could be a breakout year for the Trojans and coach Lincoln Riley. One reason for optimism is the likely impact of the nation’s top recruiting class, which should produce immediate help at receiver and tight end.

5. Michigan (9-4)

The Kyle Whittingham era kicks off with Michigan hovering around the top of the Big Ten thanks to holdovers such as quarterback Bryce Underwood. He could flourish in a friendly scheme that yielded impressive results under Utah quarterbacks such as Cam Rising and Devon Dampier.

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6. Penn State (7-6)

The schedule is easy enough to put Penn State’s floor at eight wins in Matt Campbell’s debut. The Nittany Lions miss Ohio State, Oregon, Indiana and Iowa while drawing the Trojans at home.

7. Iowa (9-4)

Look out for Iowa if the offense can maintain last year’s production behind a new starting quarterback. Led by coordinator Tim Lester, the Hawkeyes averaged 29.3 points per game and topped at least 37 points four times in Big Ten play.

8. Washington (9-4)

Washington will need to hit the ground running to factor into the College Football Playoff mix. The Huskies close with a November slate of Penn State at home, Michigan State on the road, Indiana back at home and rival Oregon on the road.

9. Minnesota (8-5)

Minnesota hopes three transfers will help beef up a thin receiver group and goose sophomore quarterback Drake Lindsey’s development. The Gophers added Zion Steptoe (Tulsa), Noah Jennings (Cincinnati) and Perry Thompson (Auburn).

10. Illinois (9-4)

This is a younger team facing a tougher schedule behind a new quarterback in former East Carolina starter Katin Houser. Illinois has a higher floor than Nebraska but could take a slight step back to seven wins before rebounding in 2027.

11. UCLA (3-9)

UCLA will be better, sure, but don’t expect an Indiana-like leap under former James Madison coach Bob Chesney. The Bruins are experienced and have a strong starter under center in Nico Iamaleava.

12. Nebraska (7-6)

The Cornhuskers’ outlook runs the gamut from four to maybe nine wins. There’s reason to like how the offense will look with a more mobile passer in former UNLV quarterback Anthony Colandrea and a vastly improved front, but the season will come down to how Nebraska defends the run under new coordinator Rob Aurich.

13. Maryland (4-8)

And speaking of experience: Maryland brings back a boatload after another trying season. The returnees are headlined by the sophomore trio of quarterback Mailk Washington and defensive linemen Sidney Stewart and Zahir Mathis. While there isn’t a playoff berth in the Terrapins’ future, this could be one of the surprise teams in the Big Ten.

14. Wisconsin (4-8)

This sluggish rebuild continues with slightly more optimism than a year ago as coach Luke Fickell faces pressure to win now. The offense is in better shape thanks to the addition of Old Dominion quarterback transfer Colton Joseph, who brings intense athleticism to the position but must button up his accuracy in the intermediate game to get the most out of the Badgers’ scheme.

15. Northwestern (7-6)

There’s been a major offensive overhaul with the addition of Chip Kelly as coordinator and Michigan State transfer Aiden Chiles at quarterback. Where the Wildcats could see immediate improvement is in the red zone. Last year’s team ranked 129th nationally in scoring touchdowns on just 45.8% of its red-zone trips.

16. Michigan State (4-8)

Pat Fitzgerald brings a steady hand and some much-needed energy to a program that remained stuck in neutral under former coach Jonathan Smith. The key to 2026 will be an offensive line that has been rebuilt around North Dakota State transfer Trent Fraley, the reigning Rimington Award winner as the top center in the Championship Subdivision.

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17. Rutgers (5-7)

A distinct lack of depth minimizes Rutgers’ room for error and could really cost this team in the second half of the regular season. If they stay healthy, however, the Scarlet Knights could be dangerous offensively thanks to pieces such as running back Antwan Raymond and wide receiver KJ Duff. The defense is another story, even if the hire of former South Dakota coach Travis Johansen as coordinator should eventually pay dividends.

18. Purdue (2-10)

Purdue has the right coach in Barry Odom but will need at least another year to develop the personnel needed to rise out of the basement of the Big Ten. After failing to post a league win in each of the past two years, the Boilermakers will benefit from a home slate of Minnesota, Washington, Maryland and Wisconsin.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Big Ten rankings after college football spring practice 2026