The Big Ten has officially taken center stage in college football. After three straight national championships-each claimed by a different program-the conference isn’t just deep, it’s dominant. And as we head into 2026, that dominance doesn’t look like it’s slowing down anytime soon.
What’s most impressive? It’s not just the perennial powerhouses like Michigan and Ohio State making noise.
Programs like Indiana are proving that in today’s Big Ten, anyone can rise up and make a run. That kind of parity is rare in college football, and it makes the conference must-watch week in and week out.
But let’s not forget: making the College Football Playoff isn’t just about talent and execution-it starts with the schedule. And in 2026, a few Big Ten teams have drawn slates that could quietly pave the way to a postseason push. These aren’t necessarily the teams you’d expect, but thanks to favorable matchups, all three have a legitimate shot at crashing the CFP party.
3. Illinois Fighting Illini
Bret Bielema’s squad had eyes on the Playoff in 2025, but 2026 might actually be the better shot. Why? The schedule is breaking their way.
Illinois gets a major break in non-conference play. Darian Mensah’s unexpected exit from Duke significantly lowers the threat level in that matchup, and with UAB and Southern Illinois rounding out the early-season slate, the Illini have a real shot to start 3-0.
In Big Ten play, Illinois will face some heavy hitters-Ohio State and Oregon are both on the schedule-but outside of those two, they’re likely to be favored in every other conference game. That’s a big deal in a league this competitive. If they can steal one of those marquee matchups and take care of business elsewhere, Illinois could find itself right in the thick of the Playoff conversation by November.
2. Iowa Hawkeyes
Don’t sleep on Iowa.
The Hawkeyes might have just caught a scheduling break at the perfect time. Matt Campbell’s departure from Iowa State gutted the Cyclones’ roster, making that annual in-state rivalry game a much more winnable affair. Add in Northern Illinois and UNI, and Iowa’s non-conference slate is as manageable as they come.
In Big Ten play, it’s a mixed bag. Yes, Michigan and Ohio State loom large, but outside of those two, the path is relatively clear.
Kirk Ferentz has built a program that thrives on consistency, physicality, and defense. If the Hawkeyes can split those two marquee games and avoid slip-ups elsewhere, a Playoff berth isn’t out of reach.
1. Penn State Nittany Lions
If there’s one team that looks primed to make an immediate splash in 2026, it’s Penn State.
Matt Campbell steps into the head coaching role with a schedule that sets him up for early success. The non-conference trio of Marshall, Temple, and Buffalo should allow the Nittany Lions to ease into the season with a 3-0 start-and maybe even iron out some early wrinkles before Big Ten play begins.
And here’s the kicker: Penn State avoids Ohio State, Oregon, and Indiana in conference play. That’s a massive advantage.
The biggest hurdles on the schedule? USC, Michigan, and Washington.
Tough, yes-but not insurmountable.
With a new coaching regime, a manageable schedule, and a roster that’s capable of making noise, Penn State has a real shot to jump into the Playoff mix. If Campbell can get his team to click early, the Nittany Lions could be this year’s breakout contender.
Bottom line: The Big Ten isn’t just the deepest conference in college football-it might also be the most unpredictable. And in a sport where the margins are razor-thin, schedule luck can make all the difference.
Illinois, Iowa, and Penn State all have favorable paths laid out in front of them. Now the question is: who’s going to take advantage?