Big Ten Conference Announces 2026 Football Schedule

ROSEMONT, Ill. - The Big Ten Conference unveiled its 2026 football schedule on Tuesday during a special edition of B1G Live with Dave Revsine and Anthony Herron on the Big Ten Network.

The conference will enter the 2026 campaign on the strength of three consecutive College Football Playoff Championships, most recently Indiana’s first-ever title to conclude a historic 16-0 season last week in Miami. The Big Ten kicks off conference play on Saturday, September 19, with two games, while the remaining 14 teams begin their league schedules on Saturday, September 26.

The schedule is highlighted by an October 17 matchup between the last two College Football Playoff champions – and a rematch of the 2025 Discover Big Ten Championship Game - as Indiana welcomes Ohio State to Bloomington. Four head coaches will make their debut in conference games when Bob Chesney and UCLA welcome Purdue on Sept. 19, while Michigan’s Kyle Whittingham (vs. Iowa), Michigan State’s Pat Fitzgerald (vs. Nebraska) and Penn State’s Matt Campbell (vs. Wisconsin) open play on Sept. 26.

All roads lead to Indianapolis where the 2026 season will conclude with the Discover Big Ten Football Championship Game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday, December 5.

As in previous seasons, select Saturday games during the 2026 season may be shifted in coordination with the Big Ten’s television partners. Games may be moved to Fridays or other special dates, including Labor Day Sunday and Black Friday, to fit national broadcast schedules. Additional details regarding kickoff times and television designations will be announced at a later date.

Football season in the conference will kick off at the 2026 Big Ten Football Media Days presented by Discover from July 28-30 at Hilton Chicago on Michigan Avenue overlooking Grant Park and Lake Michigan. Information on school schedules and student-athlete attendees will be distributed in the coming months.