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0 Share Newsweek is a Trust Project member See more of our trusted coverage when you search. Prefer Newsweek on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search. No one will doubt the might of the Indiana Hoosiers this fall.
Under head coach Curt Cignetti, the Hoosiers have gone 27-2 in two seasons and won the Big Ten championship in 2025, the first time the program had done so since 1967.
The Big Ten has won the last three national championships with three different programs: Michigan, Ohio State , and Indiana. There's a good chance that the Big Ten will have another team make the national championship this season, but there could be a new program that wins the title.
Here are the three teams that can win the Big Ten championship in 2026.
More News: Three Teams That Can Win the Big 12
More News: Three Teams That Can Win the ACC Championship
Oregon might have the best overall roster in the country behind Texas. With Dante Moore returning, the Ducks have a potential No. 1 overall pick at quarterback. As usual, Oregon is stacked at receiver and in the backfield.
The Ducks have one of the better front sevens in the nation and added a potential game changer in the secondary with Minnesota transfer Koi Perich.
Oregon has the most talent assembled under head coach Dan Lanning, giving the Ducks their best chance to win their first national championship. Oregon has a challenging Big Ten schedule that includes USC, Ohio State, Michigan and Washington, but they should be the favorites to win the conference.
Indiana lost Fernando Mendoza, taken as the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Cignetti reloaded thanks to a gift from Mark Cuban. The Hoosiers will have TCU quarterback Nick Marsh under center, throwing to Michigan State transfer Nick Marsh.
Cignetti has proven to be one of the best coaches in the country, if not the best coach. Despite losing eight players to the NFL Draft in April, expect IU to remain in the Big Ten hunt and return to the CFP.
Ohio State has the best player in the country, wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. Running back Bo Jackson returns after rushing for 1,090 yards and six touchdowns as a freshman. The Buckeyes' chances to win the Big Ten and national championship will depend on how quarterback Julian Sayin develops, as he was more of a game manager last season.
Ohio State had seven defenders taken in this year's draft, with three going in the first 11 selections. That will be a lot of talent for defensive coordinator Matt Patricia to replace. Still, the addition of five projected transfer starters should keep the Buckeyes in contention for the Big Ten title.
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