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Big Ten Power Rankings Highlight Historic Football Programs
Defending champion Michigan State leads the way in preseason rankings, but Ohio State, Oregon, and others loom large in the conference.
Feb. 3, 2026 at 10:07pm
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The Big Ten conference is loaded with top college football programs heading into the 2026 season, according to the latest preseason power rankings. Defending national champion Michigan State is ranked first, followed by Ohio State, Oregon, and Michigan. The rankings highlight the depth and tradition of the Big Ten, which has produced three straight College Football Playoff champions. Programs like Penn State, Iowa, Nebraska, and Illinois are also expected to make noise in the conference.
Why it matters
The Big Ten's strength at the top reflects the conference's growing dominance in college football. With multiple national title contenders year after year, the Big Ten is cementing its status as one of the premier leagues in the sport. The rankings also showcase the historic nature of many Big Ten programs, some of which have been college football powers for decades.
The details
Michigan State, led by coach Curt Cignetti, is ranked first after winning the national title in 2025. The Spartans will look to replace Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, but have high hopes for new starting quarterback Josh Hoover. Ohio State, the 2024 CFP champion, is second thanks to the return of star QB Julian Sayin and WR Jeremiah Smith. Oregon, led by QB Dante Moore, is third, while Michigan is fourth under new coach Kyle Whittingham.
- The Big Ten preseason power rankings were released on February 4, 2026.
The players
Curt Cignetti
The head coach of the defending national champion Michigan State Spartans.
Fernando Mendoza
The 2025 Heisman Trophy winner who is likely headed to the NFL after starring for Michigan State.
Josh Hoover
The new starting quarterback for Michigan State, taking over for the departed Mendoza.
Julian Sayin
The star quarterback for Ohio State, who will lead the Buckeyes' high-powered offense in 2026.
Jeremiah Smith
The standout wide receiver who will team up with Sayin to form a prolific passing attack for Ohio State.
The takeaway
The depth and tradition of the Big Ten conference is on full display in these preseason power rankings, which feature multiple national title contenders and historic college football programs. The league's recent dominance in the College Football Playoff has cemented its status as one of the premier conferences in the sport.
