Big Ten Football 2026: In-Depth Team Previews and Analysis - CollegeNetWorth
CollegeNetWorth.com
Last updated: June 15, 2026
The 2026 Big Ten football season is anticipated to be highly engaging due to coaching changes and surprising team performances. This preview highlights key teams, including Illinois' sustained success, USC's ongoing adjustments, Purdue's recent highs and lows, and strategic shifts at Iowa, Minnesota, Rutgers, and Northwestern.
- Illinois has achieved its best two-season stretch since the late 1980s with a 19-7 overall record and 11-7 conference mark, exceeding expectations despite having the lowest average talent profile in the Big Ten over the past decade.
- USC's program has experienced significant flux, with numerous coaching and personnel changes since 2019, making its strategic evolution a constant storyline.
- Purdue reached the Big Ten title game under Jeff Brohm, marking their best conference performance in twenty years before his departure, initiating a new coaching transition.
- Iowa and USC both made substantial coordinator changes at the end of 2023, with Iowa firing offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz and USC parting ways with defensive coordinator Alex Grinch.
- Minnesota experimented with a more aggressive defensive strategy under new coordinator Collins during a challenging 2025 season marked by a difficult schedule and inconsistent defensive results.
- Rutgers saw an unexpected offensive explosion in 2025, driven by its passing and running games, which led to a defensive overhaul after its unit faltered.
- Northwestern has hired Kelly as offensive coordinator, bringing extensive experience, and is set to debut a new stadium in 2026, aiming for a fresh start with a staff connected to the new coordinator.
