Everyone in the Big Ten and elsewhere is chasing Indiana.
Fresh off its first 16-0 season in modern history, the defending national champions are revitalized by newcomers such as former TCU quarterback Josh Hoover and former Michigan State receiver Nick Marsh.
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Picking to play Indiana might not be the wisest thing to do. However, the Hoosiers finished third in our spring Big Ten rankings, behind Ohio State and Oregon, although the Hoosiers remain one of the elite teams in the bowl subdivision.
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All three should start the year in the top five nationally, highlighting the strength of a Big Ten team that has won three straight championships. Last season, the Big Ten went 11-5 in the playoffs while the SEC went just 4-10, which even eroded the SEC’s overall depth advantage.
Yes, the Big Ten currently dominates the sport. Here are the spring meeting rankings:
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1. Ohio State University (12-2)
The worst offense in the country has the potential to be one of the most potent in school history. This will be the final campaign for superstar receiver Jeremiah Smith and potential third-year quarterback Julian Saine, the preseason Heisman Trophy favorite.
2. Oregon State (13-2)
The Ducks will provide new defensive coordinator Chris Hampton with depth front-to-back and a veteran defensive front that will provide the foundation for a new leader in the secondary in former Minnesota safety Coy Perich.
3. Indiana (16-0)
Despite the Indians’ meteoric rise, Kurt Sinetti was able to maintain a high level of personnel continuity. He lost only one co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach last year, Chandler Whitmer, to the NFL. Whitmer is replaced by former UCLA assistant Tino Sunseri, who previously worked for Cignetti at James Madison (2021-23) and Indiana (2024).
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4. University of Southern California (9-4)
This could be a breakout year for the Trojans and coach Lincoln Riley. One reason for optimism is the possible impact of the nation’s top recruiting class, which should immediately help receivers and tight ends.
The Kyle Whittingham era has begun, and Michigan State is lingering in the Big Ten Conference with veterans such as quarterback Bryce Underwood. He could thrive in a friendly program with impressive results under Utah quarterbacks like Cam Rising and Devin Dampier.
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The schedule is simple and Penn State is coming off eight wins in Matt Campbell’s debut. The Nittany Lions are tied with the Trojans at home and miss out on Ohio State, Oregon State, Indiana and Iowa State.
7. Iowa State (9-4)
Watch to see if Iowa’s offense can maintain last year’s performance with a new starting quarterback. Led by coordinator Tim Lester, the Hawkeyes are averaging 29.3 points per game and have scored at least 37 points four times in Big Ten play.
8. Washington (9-4)
Washington needs to be at full strength to make the College Football Playoff roster. The Huskies will play Penn State at home and on the road against Michigan State, Indiana State at home and Oregon State on the road in November.
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9. Minnesota (8-5)
Minnesota is hoping three transfers can help bolster a weak receiver corps and facilitate the development of second-year quarterback Derek Lindsay. The Gophers added Zion Steptoe (Tulsa), Noah Jennings (Cincinnati) and Perry Thompson (Auburn).
This is a young team facing a tougher schedule with a new quarterback in former East Carolina starter Katin Houser. Illinois is ranked higher than Nebraska but could slip back slightly to seven wins before bouncing back in 2027.
11. UCLA (3-9)
Sure, UCLA will be better, but don’t expect the kind of leap Indiana made under former James Madison coach Bob Chesney. The Bruins are experienced and have a strong starting lineup under center Nico Iamaleava.
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12. Nebraska (7-6)
The Cornhuskers’ prospects range from four wins to nine wins. There’s reason to like the offense with a more mobile passer and a much-improved front in former University of Nebraska at Las Vegas quarterback Anthony Colandrea, but the season will depend on how well Nebraska defends the run under new coordinator Rob Aurich.
Speaking of experience: Maryland brings back a boatload after another rough season. The returning players feature a trio of sophomore quarterbacks Melk Washington and defensive linemen Sidney Stewart and Zahir Mathis. While the Terrapins don’t have a playoff spot in their future, this could be one of the surprise teams in the Big Ten.
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With the pressure now on coach Luke Fickell to win, the slow rebuild continues, but with slightly more optimism than a year ago. The offense is in better shape with the addition of Old Dominion quarterback transfer Colton Joseph, who brings strong athleticism to the position but will have to improve his accuracy in the middle game to take full advantage of the Badgers’ scheme.
15. Northwest (7-6)
The team made significant changes to the offense with Chip Kelly as coordinator and Michigan State transfer Aiden Chiles at quarterback. Where the Wildcats can immediately see improvement is in the red zone. Last year’s team scored a touchdown in the red zone just 45.8 percent of the time, ranking 129th nationally.
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16. Michigan State (4-8)
Pat Fitzgerald brings a steady hand and some much-needed energy to a program that has been in the middle of nowhere under former coach Jonathan Smith. The key in 2026 will be a rebuilt offensive line around North Dakota State transfer Trent Fraley, the reigning Remington Award winner as the top center in the Championship Division.
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17. Rutgers (5-7)
A distinct lack of depth will minimize Rutgers’ room for error and could really cost this team in the second half of the regular season. However, if the Scarlet Knights stay healthy, their offense could be dangerous thanks to players like running back Antwan Raymond and wide receiver KJ Duff. Defense is another story, even if hiring former South Dakota State coach Travis Johnson as coordinator should ultimately pay dividends.
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Purdue has the right coach in Barry Odom, but it will take at least another year to develop the personnel needed to rise from the basement of the Big Ten Conference. The Boilermakers will benefit from having Minnesota, Washington State, Maryland and Wisconsin on their home slate after falling short of a league win the past two years.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2026 College Football Top Ten Rankings After Spring Training