Preseason Big Ten Football Poll released by Cleveland.com
The 2026 Big Ten football season is nearly here. With the conference opting not to release its own official ranking, the poll provided by cleveland.com serves as the primary benchmark for the 18 teams heading into the fall. Ohio State claims the top spot, earning the most support to capture the conference title this year.
The Buckeyes sit at number one after an undefeated 2025 regular season, followed by Oregon in the second position. The reigning national champion, Indiana, holds the third spot as the team looks to maintain momentum despite changes at the quarterback position. USC and Michigan round out the top five, with Michigan entering a new era under head coach Kyle Whittingham.
Mid-tier expectations remain high for teams like Penn State and Washington, both of which are adjusting to new coaching leadership or key personnel shifts. Further down the list, programs such as Illinois and Minnesota aim to prove their consistency, while others face pressure to turn around recent performance trends. The poll reflects the current sentiment of voters as teams prepare for their first kickoffs.
Every program now knows its standing in the eyes of the media. For teams like Ohio State, the goal is clear as they target a national title. For those at the bottom of the list, the season represents a chance to exceed low expectations and disrupt the projected conference order. The countdown to the season opener continues as programs finalize their rosters and coaching strategies.