You Won't Believe Which Historic College Football Powerhouse Just Crashed the Big Ten Rankings!

The Big Ten Conference is establishing itself as a powerhouse in college football, boasting a lineup of teams that are generating significant buzz as we approach the 2026 season. With three consecutive College Football Playoff (CFP) championships under its belt, the Big Ten faces intriguing questions about its elite tiers, as recent preseason rankings indicate a landscape filled with both expectation and uncertainty.

In analyzing the conference's heavyweights, CBS Sports and analyst Will Backus have laid out a challenging task: discerning the most formidable contenders among the 18-member league. While traditional programs like Penn State, Iowa, Nebraska, and Illinois are expected to make substantial contributions, the spotlight remains firmly on the league’s standout teams.

The Big Ten's Heavyweights

The defending champions are set to lead the pack, as Backus has ranked them at the top of the Big Ten entering the upcoming season. Coach Curt Cignetti's squad is generating optimism, even with the departure of their Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, who is expected to make his mark in the NFL. Stepping into the spotlight will be former TCU quarterback Josh Hoover, alongside Michigan State transfer Nick Marsh, who is anticipated to be a standout receiver.

Ohio State, the 2024 CFP champion, has earned the second spot in the rankings. The Buckeyes are poised for a high-octane season, bolstered by the return of their dynamic offensive duo: quarterback Julian Sayin and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. While the offense looks formidable, the key question for Ohio State will be the effectiveness of their defense, which showed promise during Matt Patricia's inaugural season as defensive coordinator in Columbus.

The return of QB Dante Moore has Oregon ranked third in Jim Backus's Big Ten Power Rankings. | Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Oregon, often seen as the league's perennial bridesmaid, has landed the third position in Backus’s rankings. The Ducks are riding a wave of momentum with the return of standout quarterback Dante Moore for another season. Adding to their arsenal is safety Koi Perich, who transfers from Minnesota, alongside the innovative offensive strategies of head coach Dan Lanning, recognized as one of the brightest minds in football.

On the other hand, Michigan, which enjoyed a prime position in college football just three seasons ago, is facing a significant transition. With Sherrone Moore no longer at the helm, the program is under new leadership with Kyle Whittingham, formerly of Utah. Quarterback Bryce Underwood will need to elevate his performance in his second season to propel the Wolverines back into serious contention.

The Broader Big Ten Landscape

The middle tier of the Big Ten presents a complex narrative. USC, led by head coach Lincoln Riley, is both a contender and potentially facing scrutiny over coaching performance. The Trojans boast the nation's top-ranked freshman recruiting class, which could help propel them forward. Meanwhile, Penn State looks to reset under the guidance of former Iowa State coach Matt Campbell, seeking to reestablish its competitive edge.

At the lower end of Backus's rankings, some surprises are emerging. Illinois, under Bret Bielema, finds itself in an unexpected 11th place, raising eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. Wisconsin, ranked 15th, might indicate a challenging period for coach Luke Fickell, who could be facing pressure to improve the team's fortunes swiftly.

Jim Backus's Preseason Big Ten Power Rankings raise questions about Coach Luke Fickell and Wisconsin. | Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

As the Big Ten gears up for another exciting season, all eyes will be on its top-tier teams and the emerging narratives that will shape the conference's identity. Each game will carry weight as these programs vie not just for conference titles, but for a chance at national glory—an aspiration that seems well within reach for several teams in this competitive landscape.