Big Ten Announces 2026 Football Media Days Schedule

USC, Illinois, Iowa, Penn State, Rutgers, and Wisconsin to take the podium on the first day.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 11:18pm

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A cubist, geometric painting featuring overlapping planes of cardinal red, gold, navy blue, and forest green, conceptually representing the energy and anticipation of a college football media event.The annual Big Ten Football Media Days event provides a platform for coaches and players to preview the upcoming season and generate early excitement.Indianapolis Today

The Big Ten Conference has announced the location and schedule for its 2026 Football Media Days, which will be held in Chicago from July 28-30. USC is set to be one of the six teams taking the podium on the first day of the event, alongside Illinois, Iowa, Penn State, Rutgers, and Wisconsin.

Why it matters

The Big Ten Football Media Days are an important annual event that kicks off the upcoming college football season, providing a platform for coaches and players to address the media and fans. USC's participation is significant as they look to build momentum heading into the 2026 season.

The details

This year's Big Ten Media Days will mark the third different city in three years for the Trojans, following Indianapolis in 2024 and Las Vegas last year. USC is expected to be represented by head coach Lincoln Riley and several players, including quarterback Jayden Maiava. The Trojans will open their 2026 season on August 29 against San Jose State, so the early Media Days schedule will allow them to properly prepare for the upcoming campaign.

  • The 2026 Big Ten Football Media Days will be held from July 28-30 in Chicago.
  • USC is scheduled to take the podium on the first day, Monday, July 28.

The players

Lincoln Riley

The head coach of the USC Trojans football team.

Jayden Maiava

The starting quarterback for the USC Trojans football team.

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What’s next

The specific attendees for the 2026 Big Ten Football Media Days will be announced at a later date.

The takeaway

The 2026 Big Ten Football Media Days will provide an early platform for USC to generate excitement and build momentum ahead of the upcoming season, as the Trojans look to continue their success under head coach Lincoln Riley.