Everything’s bigger in Big Ten country. Literally. There are 18 teams in the conference.
And when it comes to college football’s biggest stage, the Big Ten has been hard to beat. One of its schools has won the national championship in each of the last three seasons, while three Big Ten teams made last season’s College Football Playoff and two advanced to the semifinals.
But which Big Ten team reigns supreme heading into the 2026 college football season?
Dave Portnoy unveiled his Big Ten power rankings on “Big Noon Kickoff.”
10. UCLA Bruins
2025 Record: 3-9
Portnoy’s thoughts: “I was going to put Wisconin on here, but I’m going to be unbiased [and go with] UCLA and [Bob] Chensey at No. 10”
Win total odds: Over 6.5 (+110), Under 6.5 (-132)
Odds to win Big Ten: +17000 (12th)
9. Washington Huskies
2025 Record: 9-4
Portnoy’s thoughts: “I’m going with the Pac-12 invaders and Washington at No. 9.”
Win total odds: Over 7.5 (-170), Under 7.5 (+140)
Odds to win Big Ten: +2400 (seventh)
8. USC Trojans
2025 Record: 9-4
Portnoy’s thoughts: “We don’t like the soft schools at the bottom. The West coast. We don’t like the cold weather schools down there.”
Win total odds: Over 8.5 (+115), Under 8.5 (-136)
Odds to win Big Ten: +1500 (fourth)
7. Illinois Fighting Illini
2025 Record: 9-4
Portnoy’s thoughts: “I like Illinois at No. 7”
Win total odds: Over 7.5 (+134), Under 7.5 (-160)
Odds to win Big Ten: +14000 (10th)
6. Penn State Nittany Lions
2025 Record: 7-6
Portnoy’s thoughts: “Matt Campbell. It’s a new era there. They got rid of James Franklin.”
Win total odds: Over 8.5 (-166), Under 8.5 (+130)
Odds to win Big Ten: +2100 (sixth)
5. Iowa Hawkeyes
2025 Record: 9-4
Portnoy’s thoughts: “It doesn’t matter what year it is. You can pretty much put Iowa there [in the middle of the Big Ten]. They’re the same team every year.”
Win total odds: Over 7.5 (-140), Under 7.5 (+120)
Odds to win Big Ten: +5000 (eighth)
4. Oregon Ducks
2025 Record: 13-2
Portnoy’s thoughts: “A lot of people say they are the No. 1 team in the country. I respect them.”
Win total odds: Over 10.5 (+100), Under 10.5 (-120)
Odds to win Big Ten: +260 (third)
3. Ohio State Buckeyes
2025 Record: 12-2
Portnoy’s thoughts: “Every single person here could win 10 games if they coached Ohio State with their talent.”
Win total odds: Over 9.5 (-180), Under 9.5 (+150)
Odds to win Big Ten: +180 (first)
2. Michigan Wolverines
2025 Record: 9-4
Portnoy’s thoughts: “Michigan and Kylle Whittingham (met with boos from the Big Noon Kickoff crowd). They’re so stupid it’s unbelievable.”
Win total odds: Over 8.5 (+140), Under 8.5 (-180)
Odds to win Big Ten: +1600 (fifth)
1. Indiana Hoosiers
2025 Record: 16-0
Portnoy’s thoughts: “Hey Indiana, you’re No. 1. You are No. 1 until you’re beaten. Period.”
Win total odds: Over 10.5 (+105), Under 10.5 (-125)
Odds to win Big Ten: +255 (second)
Dave Portnoy Unveils Big Ten Power Rankings 👀
