Big Ten Football 2026 Predictions
Backdoor Cover’s model projects Ohio State to win the Big Ten in 2026, at 49% to take the league.
The model's projected Big Ten champion is Ohio State (49% to win the league). Projected College Football Playoff team(s): Penn State, Ohio State, Oregon.
Projected standings & title odds
▲/▼ next to the title odds = change (in points) vs. our preseason projection.
| # | Team | Proj. record | Win conf. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Penn State | 11-1 | 20% ▲20 |
| 2 | Ohio State | 11-1 | 49% |
| 3 | Oregon | 10-2 | 22% ▼22 |
| 4 | Indiana | 10-2 | 7% |
| 5 | Iowa | 9-3 | 2% |
| 6 | USC | 8-4 | 0% |
| 7 | Maryland | 7-5 | 0% |
| 8 | Minnesota | 7-5 | 0% |
| 9 | UCLA | 7-5 | 0% |
| 10 | Nebraska | 7-5 | 0% |
| 11 | Washington | 7-5 | 0% |
| 12 | Michigan | 6-6 | 0% |
| 13 | Illinois | 6-6 | 0% |
| 14 | Northwestern | 6-6 | 0% |
| 15 | Rutgers | 4-8 | 0% |
| 16 | Purdue | 4-8 | 0% |
| 17 | Michigan State | 4-8 | 0% |
| 18 | Wisconsin | 3-9 | 0% |
What subscribers get
Everything above is the free model. Subscribers get the full picture — and the picks we actually bet.
New members’ first week is 99¢ — and the first losing week’s on us. 2026 picks verified on Juice Reel.
Projections are model output for informational and entertainment purposes only. Not betting advice. You must be 21 or older, or the legal age where you are. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
© 2026 Backdoor Cover LLC