Pac-12 Conference

Washington State Cougars

Washington State

Football

Big Ten

Washington State Cougars Football team

Washington State vs. Washington | Extended Highlights | Big Ten Football | 09/06/26

Box Score

Seattle, WA

Washington Huskies

Washington Huskies Football team

2026-09-06 | Football | Washington State Cougars vs Washington Huskies | #47818 | COMPLETE

Big Ten Conference

Washington

Washington State vs. Washington | Extended Highlights | Big Ten Football | 09/06/26 (g3ctWa_zwAo)

Washington State vs. Washington | Highlights | Big Ten Football | 09/06/26

Washington State vs. Washington | Highlights | Big Ten Football | 09/06/26 (V3PNDPbTixY)

East

Penn State Nittany Lions

Penn State

Penn State Nittany Lions Football team

Highlights & Analysis: Nittany Lions Roll Past Herd in Campbell's Debut | Penn State Football

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West

Nebraska Huskers

Nebraska

Nebraska Huskers Football team

Highlights & Analysis: Colandrea Shines in Huskers Debut | Nebraska Football

Highlights & Analysis: Colandrea Shines in Huskers Debut | Nebraska Football (cknB2E7vS4s)

Indiana Hoosiers

Indiana

Indiana Hoosiers Football team

Highlights & Analysis: Hoosiers Begin Championship Defense with Dominant Win | Indiana Football

Highlights & Analysis: Hoosiers Begin Championship Defense with Dominant Win | Indiana Football (2N71MLBbKEU)

Washington’s CFP Hopes Hinge on Demond Williams | Washington Football

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Hoosier’s Week Two Checklist: Tackling, Run Game, Health | Indiana Football

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Penn State’s Downfield Pass Game Arrives | Penn State Football

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Iowa Hawkeyes

Iowa

Iowa Hawkeyes Football team

Cy-Hawk Rivalry: Advantage Hawkeyes | Iowa Football

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Washington Football

Recruit and Develop https://t.co/TS25JeZquz

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Nebraska Football

Relive the Sights &amp; Sounds of the Huskers 49-21 victory over the Ohio Bobcats 📽️🍿 https://t.co/zhX4KuSATV

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Northwestern Football

Northwestern

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Michigan State Football

Michigan State

SPARTANS! WHAT IS YOUR PROFESSION?! https://t.co/UMZj5HoUxw

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USC Football

Southern California

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Minnesota Football

Minnesota

The first ROW chant was ELITE 🚣🏽‍♀️

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Appearance No. 69 coming Saturday. https://t.co/zVIVYC1Ljt

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Alum Spotlight with last weekend’s Honorary Captain, Austin Carr 🎓🗣️

Hear from the 2016 Big Ten Receiver of the Year and @biletnikoffawrd finalist on his favorite Wildcat memory. https://t.co/qpC6tQjQGl

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Maryland Football

Maryland

9️⃣4️⃣ yards to the house.

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<div class="payload-richtext">Big Ten football delivered blowouts, shutouts, and intense late-game survivals in its return over opening weekend. From highlight-reel plays to suffocating defenses, Week 1 set the stage for the rest of the 2026 football season. <h2>Oregon Defeats Boise State in Autzen Thriller </h2>While the Ducks admitted there were lessons to be learned from week one, No. 2 Oregon secured one of the weekend's most exciting victories, surviving a fierce 34-27 battle against Mountain West Champion Boise State to open the season in front of a rocking Autzen Stadium crowd. Led by quarterback Dante Moore’s 378 passing yards and three touchdowns — including <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Dc9He5SlBMf/?img_index=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 the 62-yard winner
 </a> to Dakorien Moore — the Ducks offense outscored Boise State 20-10 in the second half to take control. Three Oregon targets had over 70 receiving yards. Jeremiah McClellan and Moore had 150 and 93, respectively, with a score apiece, while Evan Stewart tallied a game-high eight receptions in his first game back after missing all of last season. <a href="https://goducks.com/news/2026/9/5/football-ducks-see-lessons-to-be-learned-from-opening-win" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 Read Oregon’s full recap
 </a>. <h2>Four for Four: Newcomers Sweep Opening Weekend </h2>New chapters began for four Big Ten programs this weekend, and every single new head coach passed their debut test. All four leaders — Michigan State’s Pat Fitzgerald, Penn State’s Matt Campbell, Michigan’s Kyle Whittingham and UCLA’s Bob Chesney — secured victories to open their tenures at their new schools. After Fitzgerald’s Spartans beat Toledo in East Lansing Friday night, Campbell’s Penn State dominated Marshall, defeating the Thundering Herd 45-0 behind Rocco Becht’s 271 passing yards and four touchdowns. Out west, Chesney’s Bruins had six rushing touchdowns in a 45-24 win over Cal. The most dramatic of the four wins came in Ann Arbor, where Kyle Whittingham’s first Michigan win was one to remember. <a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2Fbigten%2Fstatus%2F2096460445213217097&data=05%7C02%7Csabello%40bigten.org%7C16309c37e5f14844d87c08df0cc651c6%7C5c35f07cce5e4fa582baa44898424550%7C1%7C0%7C639243718064417563%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=G%2FAVKUqcgWJOfJ2HSymn4ZstqNKK5KqFmln9kRGfSEY%3D&reserved=0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 After replay review
 </a> put one second back on the clock, <a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2FB1Gfootball%2Fstatus%2F2096437294504759321&data=05%7C02%7Csabello%40bigten.org%7C16309c37e5f14844d87c08df0cc651c6%7C5c35f07cce5e4fa582baa44898424550%7C1%7C0%7C639243718064439143%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=POsyZFPfwAtr1%2FmU5AlHE1OOLQmK8YE%2F2VR9yq6eHcs%3D&reserved=0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 Bryce Underwood threw up a Hail Mary
 </a> which was caught by JJ Buchanan as time expired to give the Wolverines a 13-12 win over Western Michigan.  <h2>The Apple Cup </h2>The Boeing Apple Cup will reside in Seattle after No. 17 Washington defeated long-time rival Washington State 24-10 on Sunday. It took every unit to clinch the victory; Tyler Robles kicked a 48-yard field goal, Demond Williams Jr. threw a touchdown pass and scored with his legs, all while the Husky defense forced three turnovers on the day. The Purple and Gold have now won four of the last five meetings with the Cougars. <h2>Standing Tall: Contenders Handle Business </h2>Elsewhere, ranked conference teams picked up right where they left off.  <ul style="text-align: left;" class="list-bullet"><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="1"
 >Defending national champion and No. 6 Indiana extended its winning streak to 17 games with a dominant 52-16 victory over North Texas in front of a sold-out crowd in Bloomington. Quarterback Josh Hoover shined in his Hoosier debut, throwing for 231 yards and four touchdowns, including a <a href="https://x.com/bigten/status/2096273997038026858" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 spectacular one-handed touchdown grab
 </a> from Nick Marsh. </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="2"
 >No. 1 Ohio State kicked off the season with a 56-3 win over Ball State. Quarterback Julian Sayin and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith put on an absolute clinic in the first half. For the game, Sayin threw for 320 yards and three touchdowns, while Smith brought in eight catches for 151 yards and two scores — highlighted by a <a href="https://x.com/B1Gfootball/status/2096291072955527608" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 spectacular 48-yard helmet catch
 </a>. </li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="3"
 >Kirk Ferentz’s 28th season at Iowa got off to a hot start, with the Hawkeyes’ defense allowing just 120 total yards against NIU at Kinnick Stadium, forcing two turnovers and pitching a 40-point shutout.  </li></ul>Up next: Week 2 action packed with benchmark battles. We’ll break down all the top matchups in our full preview this Friday — in the meantime, view the complete schedule <a href="https://www.google.com/goto?url=CAESVwHrOzAVgA8DNimwMQ47AlsiXKlSIX2iOyjtdXhSmN7qYiOZVhH_yPAzNYAmThwyo1uEifc9-9zVCuvCe80MELriYRYARVUDjXuwY-sD0nCLE4vwwM80bw" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 here
 </a>. </div>

Oregon football runs in for a touchdown

B1G_News_Feed_Logo.svg

Oregon

Michigan

Wild Finishes and Shutouts: Football's Back in Business

<div class="payload-richtext">ROSEMONT, Ill. – Following Week 1 contests, the Big Ten Conference Football Players of the Week were announced Monday. Below are this week’s honorees:  Offensive Player of the Week Jayden Maiava, USC QB – R-Sr. – Palolo, Hawaii – Liberty • Went 23-of-25 for 349 yards and three touchdowns in USC’s 39-0 shutout of Fresno State • His 92.0 percent completion rate is the highest single-game completion percentage by a Trojan quarterback since at least 1995 (minimum 25 attempts) • Finished against San Jose State going 25-of-29 for 286 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Also had one TD on the ground • Ranks second among USC quarterbacks in the last 30 seasons with the most career games with 200+ passing yards, one passing TD and one rushing TD • Has thrown no interceptions and only six incompletions through two games • Last USC Offensive Player of the Week: Jayden Maiava (Sept. 1, 2025) Co-Defensive Player of the Week Caleb Bacon, Penn State DE – R-Sr. – Lake Mills, Iowa – Lake Mills • Recorded six tackles, all in the first half of a 45-0 win over Marshall • Tied his career high with three tackles for loss • Had a pair of solo tackles for loss on back-to-back plays and had a solo sack • Last Penn State Defensive Player of the Week: Dani Dennis-Sutton (Nov. 17, 2025) Co-Defensive Player of the Week Ta’Shawn James, UCLA DB – Sr. – Oklahoma City, Okla. – Carl Albert • Secured a pair of critical interceptions that helped break a 24-24 draw as UCLA outscored California 21-0 in the fourth quarter • Earned the first two picks of his career in his Bruin debut • Added eight tackles, the third-most on the squad and most among the secondary • Last UCLA Defensive Player of the Week: Carson Schwesinger (Nov. 11, 2024) Special Teams Player of the Week Javon Tracy, Minnesota WR – 5th-Yr. – Indianapolis, Ind. – Decatur Central • Became the first Gopher ever and fourth player in Big Ten history to score two punt return touchdowns in a game • First to accomplish the feat in his first career game returning punts • Set a school record with 167 yards on four returns against Eastern Illinois • Brought back his first return 87 yards, the second-longest in program history, for a touchdown and added a 69-yard return score in the third quarter • Last Minnesota Special Teams Player of the Week: Dragan Kesich (Nov. 4, 2024) Freshman of the Week Jamal Rule, Nebraska RB – Fr. – Salisbury, N.C. – Charlotte Christian • Accounted for 169 all-purpose yards and three touchdowns in his collegiate debut versus Ohio • Had 122 rushing yards, marking the first time a true freshman Husker running back topped the century mark in a season opener in 22 seasons • Tallied two rushing touchdowns and scored on a 24-yard pass reception • Became just the sixth Big Ten freshman since 1995 to have two rushing touchdowns and one receiving touchdown in a game and the first since 2021 • Last Nebraska Freshman of the Week: TJ Lateef (Nov. 10, 2025) 2026 Big Ten Football Players of the Week Sept. 7 O: Jayden Maiava, QB, R-Sr., USC Co-D: Caleb Bacon, DE, R-Sr., PSU Co-D: Ta’Shawn James, DB, Sr., UCLA ST: Javon Tracy, WR, 5th-Yr., MINN F: Jamal Rule, RB, Fr., NEB</div>

FB 09.07.26.jpg

UCLA

2026 USC, Penn State, UCLA, Minnesota and Nebraska Earn Weekly Football Honors

2026 FB Availability Reports

<div class="payload-richtext">Week 1 of college football season is officially here, and Minnesota and Illinois opened their seasons with Thursday night home victories. <h2>Ground Game Powers Gophers to Blowout Victory </h2>In Minneapolis, the Golden Gophers jumpstarted the season with a dominant win over Eastern Illinois, defeating the Panthers 59-7. Senior Darius Taylor ran for three first-half touchdowns, while Javon Tracy set the program record by returning two punts for touchdowns. Check them both out right <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Dc2YVecEfig/?img_index=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 here
 </a>. Junior quarterback Drake Lindsey completed 19 of 24 passes for 264 yards and a score in Minnesota’s blowout win. Read the full recap <a href="https://gophersports.com/news/2026/9/3/football-tracy-taylor-lead-gophers-to-59-7-season-opening-win" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 here.
 </a> <h2>Houser’s Huge Orange and Blue Debut </h2>Closing out the evening in Champaign, Illinois secured a 42-23 win over UAB, marking the program's sixth consecutive season-opening victory. Transfer quarterback Katin Houser was lights out in his Fighting Illini debut, completing 13 of 17 passes for 182 yards and three touchdowns while also adding a score on the ground. One of the touchdowns came at the buzzer with Hauser hauling a <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Dc2YEXSlC1u/?img_index=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 Hail Mary lob to Ty Robinson to end the first half.
 </a> Senior wide receiver Collin Dixon had six catches for 70 yards and two touchdowns (a career-high), while running back Ca'Lil Valentine had 88 yards and a score of his own. Read the complete recap <a href="https://fightingillini.com/news/2026/9/3/football-fighting-illini-secure-season-opening-win-over-uab" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 here.
 </a> <h2>Week One Continues </h2>The remaining 15 programs take the field starting with No. 14 USC, Michigan State, and Purdue on Friday night. We took a peek at some of this weekend’s matchups. No. 2 Oregon opens the season at Autzen Stadium against reigning Mountain West Champion Boise State. The Ducks return stars on both sides of the ball, headlined by QB Dante Moore. Tune in to watch the Ducks on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS. No. 17 Washington welcomes in-state rival Washington State to Husky Stadium for the Apple Cup. With bragging rights and early-season momentum on the line, the Huskies look to defend home turf against a spoiler-minded Cougars squad. Watch the Pacific Northwest clash at 4:00 p.m. ET on NBC on Sunday. For the first time in 10 years, college football returns to the iconic Lambeau Field when Wisconsin faces No. 4 Notre Dame in the Shamrock Series. Last time the Badgers played in Green Bay, they upset No. 5 LSU 16-14. Watch the Badgers face the Irish at Lambeau on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC.  Defending CFP Champion No. 6 Indiana also kicks off tomorrow against North Texas. Check out everyone's opening matchups and the viewing information on <a href="https://www.google.com/goto?url=CAESVwHrOzAVFxBwJFpamtWlcc-7lrdkzihnLYVhVs4lrHH4l6RXWpI_A8qFEPeMOU3SsWyO7ONX1bc7fHv1zM15Bph-U-tFhDKha3w8kU2z756GFajPYjyu-w" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 the Big Ten football schedule.
 </a>  Photo from <a href="https://gophersports.com/news/2026/9/3/football-tracy-taylor-lead-gophers-to-59-7-season-opening-win" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 gophersports.com
 </a>. </div>

Javon Tracy scores a touchdown for Minnesota

Illinois

Punt Return Touchdowns, Hail Mary Highlight Football’s Week 1 Openers

<div class="payload-richtext"><a href="https://img.boostsport.ai/boost-cms/2026%20FB%20Week%201%20Release.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 BIG TEN FOOTBALL RELEASE - WEEK 1
 </a> | <a href="https://bigten.org/fb/standings/2026/">
 STANDINGS
 </a> | <a href="https://bigten.org/fb/schedule/">
 SCHEDULE
 </a> | <a href="https://bigten.org/abbott/">
 WE GIVE BLOOD DRIVE
 </a> • All 18 teams are set to take the field this week, highlighted by Sunday night’s 7:30 p.m. ET meeting on NBC between Wisconsin and No. 4 Notre Dame at Lambeau Field. The Badgers are returning to Lambeau Field for the first time since 2016 when they upset No. 5 LSU to start their campaign.• USC opened the Big Ten’s slate in Week 0 with a 42-26 victory over San Jose State. The Trojans produced 505 yards of total offense, including 341 passing and 164 rushing.• The Big Ten’s four new head coaches are gearing up to hit the sidelines for the first time this season. Pat Fitzgerald will lead Michigan State against Toledo at 8 p.m. ET Friday on FS1. Saturday will feature Penn State’s Matt Campbell versus Marshall (3:30 p.m. ET, FS1), Michigan’s Kyle Whittingham against Western Michigan (7:30 p.m. ET, NBC) and Bob Chesney’s Bruins visiting Cal (10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN).• When Rutgers hosts UMass on Thursday at 6 p.m. ET on Big Ten Network, head coach Greg Schiano will be seeking the 100th victory of his career. Schiano would be the eighth current Big Ten head coach to surpass the 100-win threshold.• The 2026 Discover Big Ten Championship Game will be held on Saturday, December 5, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis and will be broadcast by FOX. The winner will represent the conference as the Automatic Qualifier (AQ) to the College Football Playoff. • Abbott and the Big Ten Conference kicked off Season 3 of the We Give Blood drive on August 26. Donations are tracked in real-time until December 4. The school with the most donations at the end will be announced on December 5 at the 2026 Discover Big Ten Championship Game. Every donation can help save up to three lives — and someone in the U.S. needs blood every two seconds. The leaderboard can be found on page 6.• The 2026 AP Preseason Poll features eight Big Ten teams in No. 1 Ohio State, No. 2 Oregon, No. 6 Indiana, No. T14 USC, No. 16 Michigan, No. 17 Washington, No. 18 Penn State and No. 22 Iowa, while Illinois and Minnesota received votes.• Indiana captured its first national title last season with a 27-21 victory over Miami (Fla.) in the 2026 College Football Playoff at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Fla. The Hoosiers capped off the season as the only team in college football history to go 16-0.• The Big Ten has claimed three consecutive College Football Playoff championships by three different universities (Indiana 2026, Ohio State 2025, Michigan 2024).• With national championships in football and men’s and women’s basketball, the Big Ten became the second conference to sweep football and basketball national titles since 1981-82. The Big Ten is the only conference to achieve the feat with three different schools.</div>

ILL FB 1.jpg

2026 Week 1 Football Release

Indiana raises the football on the Big Ten Football Championship trophy

18 Teams, 5 Questions: The Ultimate Football Season Preview

<div class="payload-richtext">ROSEMONT, Ill. – The Big Ten on Tuesday announced expanded access to the football replay review process for select games during the 2026 season.Beginning September 4, Friday broadcasts of conference home games will have access to live audio between the game referee and replay official during reviews, as well as a view inside the state-of-the-art Big Ten Replay Center.The new broadcast enhancements will debut this Friday with three Big Ten games. A complete schedule is below.Big Ten Broadcasts With Enhanced Replay Access Friday, September 4 – Purdue vs. Indiana State (BTN) Friday, September 4 – Michigan State vs. Toledo (FS1) Friday, September 4 – USC vs. Fresno State (FOX) Friday, September 18 – Oregon vs. Portland State (BTN) Friday, September 25 – Rutgers vs. Howard (BTN) Friday, September 25 – Indiana vs. Northwestern (FOX) Friday, October 2 – Northwestern vs. Penn State (FOX) Friday, October 9 – Washington vs. Iowa (TBD) Friday, October 16 – Purdue vs. Washington (FOX) Friday, November 6 – Illinois vs. Nebraska (FOX) Friday, November 13 – UCLA vs. Illinois (FOX) Friday, November 20 – Michigan State vs. Oregon (FOX) Friday, November 27 – Iowa vs. Nebraska (CBS) Friday, November 27 – Wisconsin vs. Minnesota (FOX)</div>

B1G Replay Center.jpeg

2026 Friday Football Enhanced Replay Access 

<div class="payload-richtext">College football season is officially underway with Week 0 this past Saturday. No. 14 USC, the lone Big Ten team playing, defeated San Jose State in Los Angeles behind three touchdowns from quarterback Jayden Maiava and strong performances on both sides of the ball. The Trojans’ Week 0 win has set the slate for the 2026 Big Ten season, with three more teams starting their campaigns this Thursday night. <h2>Maiava, New Options Jumpstart Trojans’ 2026 </h2>USC kicked off the Big Ten football season with a high-scoring 42-26 win over San Jose State at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Quarterback Jayden Maiava started off the campaign on a high note, completing 25-of-29 passes for 286 yards and two touchdowns, while also adding a score on the ground. Freshman wideout Trent Mosley made an explosive debut, catching seven passes for 118 yards and a touchdown. Maiava hit 10 different targets while cruising to the win, showing promise for a Trojan offense that lost star receivers Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane to the NFL. On the other side of the ball, Gary Patterson’s Trojan defense gave up just three points in the first three quarters. While late scores softened the final 42-26 margin, the first-team unit set a dominant, physical tone to open the season. <a href="https://x.com/B1Gfootball/status/2093810601461977425" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 Check out Mosley’s first career touchdown,
 </a> and <a href="https://usctrojans.com/news/2026/8/29/usc-trojans-football-game-recap-associated-press-ap-san-jose-state-spartants-jayden-maiava-trent-mosley-luke-wafle" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 read the full recap
 </a>. <h2>Thursday Night Previews </h2>This week, the remaining 17 Big Ten teams begin their seasons, including three games on Thursday night before more games on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Before the action begins, dive deep into the top storylines, quarterback battles, and title contenders in our <a href="https://bigten.org/fb/article/60263/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 2026 Big Ten Season Plotlines & Preview.
 </a> <h3>Rutgers vs. UMass (6:00 p.m. ET on Big Ten Network) </h3>Greg Schiano’s Scarlet Knights kick off Week 1 under the lights at SHI Stadium against UMass. Rutgers returns elite playmakers in wideout KJ Duff and running back Antwan Raymond, who are both coming off top-15 national finishes in receiving and rushing yards, respectively. But with new quarterback Dylan Lonergan at the helm, the Scarlet Knights’ signal-caller will be the primary storyline to watch against the Minutemen.  <h3>Minnesota vs. Eastern Illinois (8:00 p.m. ET on Peacock) </h3>Minnesota hosts EIU at Huntington Bank Stadium looking to jumpstart a successful campaign in P.J. Fleck’s 10th season with the Golden Gophers. With NFL Draft prospect Drake Lindsey leading the Golden Gophers' revamped air attack, along with running back Darius Taylor returning for his senior season, Minnesota looks to set an aggressive offensive tone early.  <h3>Illinois vs. UAB (9:00 p.m. ET on Big Ten Network) </h3>Bret Bielema’s squad faces a run-first UAB offense under the lights at Gies Memorial Stadium. After 10-3 and 9-4 seasons that both ended in bowl game wins, Illinois will look to add on with East Carolina transfer Katin Houser at the helm, backed by dynamic running back Ca’Lil Valentine and wide receiver Hudson Clement. <h2>Get Ready</h2>The three Thursday night matchups will set the stage for a jam-packed opening weekend, which includes No. 6 Indiana opening its title defense against North Texas and No. 2 Oregon hosting the defending Mountain West Champion Boise State. Check out the complete Week 1 football schedule for the Big Ten <a href="https://bigten.org/fb/schedule/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 here
 </a>. </div>

Jayden Maiava throws for USC football

USC Gets Week 0 Win, Three Big Ten Teams Open on Thursday

<div class="payload-richtext">ROSEMONT, Ill. — The Big Ten Conference on Friday announced updates to the Football Availability Reporting Process for the upcoming 2026 season. Beginning this year, schools will submit four availability reports per week, beginning three days before a contest and concluding with a gameday report. Institutions will submit reports by 8pm ET/7pm CT/5pm PT three days (e.g., on Wednesday for a Saturday game), two days, and one day before scheduled kickoff. A final gameday submission will be due two hours before kickoff. Midweek status designations will identify student-athletes as Probable, Questionable, Doubtful, Out or Out (1st Half). Gameday availability reports will include three categories: Game Time Decision, Out, and Out (1st Half) on gameday. Student-athletes not listed on a report are considered Available.Due to travel party limitations, visiting teams will indicate the availability status of players who either a) were part of the travel squad, or b)were not part of the travel squad but are (or have been) included in the two-deep on offense, defense, or special teams or otherwise regularly participate in games.This policy will apply to all competition against conference opponents only, with the first reports of the Big Ten season due in advance of the USC at Rutgers and Purdue at UCLA games on Sept. 19. All availability reports will be published on BigTen.org. The 2026 campaign gets underway this weekend when USC hosts San Jose State at 3pm ET/2pm CT/12pm PT on NBC. The Big Ten enters the season having won each of the last three College Football Playoff National Championships, with three schools ranked in the Top-6 of the preseason AP poll and eight teams ranked among the Top-22.</div>

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Big Ten Announces Changes To Football Availability Reporting Process

<div class="payload-richtext">College football Week 0 is officially here, and on Saturday in Los Angeles, USC kicks off its season hosting San Jose State at 3 p.m. ET on NBC. The Trojans are the lone Big Ten team to play this week and have an opportunity to set the scene for a campaign with high expectations. Lincoln Riley’s Trojans enter the 2026 season looking to make the College Football Playoff for the first time in program history, and the team has all the ammunition to do so. USC <a href="https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/college-football-returning-production-2026-returning-starters-fbs/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 returns an FBS-high 15 starters
 </a> across both sides of the ball, including quarterback Jayden Maiava, who steps back into the spotlight following a breakout campaign where he ranked fourth nationally with 3,711 passing yards, along with 24 passing touchdowns, 6 rushing scores and a nation-leading 91.2 QBR. Alongside Maiava, the Trojans have running backs Waymond Jordan and King Miller back in Los Angeles. On defense, the trio of Kameryn Crawford, Desman Stephens II, and Braylan Shelby creates a formidable core for new defensive coordinator Gary Patterson to build around. During his tenure at TCU, Patterson's defenses led the nation in total defense five separate times — including three consecutive seasons from 2008 to 2010. With veterans returning at all three levels, the Trojan defense is primed to take a major step forward. Ranked No. 14 in the AP Top 25, the Trojans will certainly have their chance to prove their mettle against the country's elite this fall, with home tests against Oregon, Washington, and Ohio State alongside road trips to Penn State and Indiana. But the path to a special season begins Saturday afternoon in L.A., giving Riley and his squad their first official platform to showcase that potential. Before kickoff, catch up on every major plotline, team transformation, and key storyline across the conference in our <a href="https://bigten.org/fb/article/60263/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 2026 Big Ten storylines preview.
 </a> </div>

Jayden Maiava throws a pass for USC

Setting the Tone in LA: USC Opens Season Against San Jose State in Week 0

<div class="payload-richtext"><a href="https://img.boostsport.ai/boost-cms/2026%20FB%20Week%200%20Release.pdf">
 BIG TEN FOOTBALL RELEASE - WEEK 0
 </a> | <a href="https://bigten.org/fb/standings/2026/">
 STANDINGS
 </a> | <a href="https://bigten.org/fb/schedule/">
 SCHEDULE
 </a> | <a href="https://bigten.org/abbott/">
 WE GIVE BLOOD DRIVE
 </a> • The 130th season of Big Ten football will commence this week, as USC kicks off the season on Saturday. The Trojans welcome San Jose State to Los Angeles at 3 p.m. ET on NBC.• <a href="https://youtu.be/_CYUJRZxxSg">
 Take a look inside fall camp
 </a> around the Big Ten.• The 2026 Discover Big Ten Championship Game will be held on Saturday, December 5, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis and will be broadcast by FOX. The winner will represent the conference as the Automatic Qualifier (AQ) to the College Football Playoff.  • The Big Ten welcomes four new head coaches to the sidelines for the 2026 campaign in Michigan’s Kyle Whittingham, Michigan State’s Pat Fitzgerald, Penn State’s Matt Campbell and UCLA’s Bob Chesney. The Big Ten’s 18 head football coaches combine for 202 seasons of head coaching experience and more than 1,500 wins.• Abbott and the Big Ten Conference kicked off Season 3 of the We Give Blood drive on August 26. Donations are tracked in real-time until December 4. The school with the most donations at the end will be announced on December 5 at the 2026 Discover Big Ten Championship Game. Every donation can help save up to three lives — and someone in the U.S. needs blood every two seconds.• Indiana captured its first national title last season with a 27-21 victory over Miami (Fla.) in the 2026 College Football Playoff at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Fla. The Hoosiers capped off the season as the only team in college football history to go 16-0.• The Big Ten opens the 2026 season having claimed three consecutive College Football Playoff championships by three different universities (Indiana 2026, Ohio State 2025, Michigan 2024).• With national championships in football and men’s and women’s basketball, the Big Ten became the second conference to sweep football and basketball national titles since 1981-82. The Big Ten is the only conference to achieve the feat with three different schools. • The Big Ten finished last season with six teams ranked in the AP Top 25, the second-most of any conference, including three teams ranked in the top five. The 2026 AP Preseason Poll features eight Big Ten teams in No. 1 Ohio State, No. 2 Oregon, No. 6 Indiana, No. T14 USC, No. 16 Michigan, No. 17 Washington, No. 18 Penn State and No. 22 Iowa, while Illinois and Minnesota received votes. • A trio of Big Ten teams have had the highest win percentages in the FBS the last two seasons -- Indiana (27-2, .931), Oregon (26-3, .897) and Ohio State (26-4, .867). • Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza was the No. 1 overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft. Mendoza was the first Hoosier selected at No. 1 since Corby Davis (1938), first Big Ten player to go No. 1 since Jake Long (2008) and first Big Ten quarterback picked No. 1 since Jeff George (1990). The Big Ten had 68 players taken in the NFL Draft, including three in the top five -- Mendoza, Ohio State’s Carnell Tate (No. 4) and Arvell Reese (No. 5) -- and a conference-leading 10 picks in the first round.• The 2025 Discover Big Ten Championship Game between Indiana and Ohio State set an attendance record with 68,214 fans inside Lucas Oil Stadium. The game was broadcast on FOX and was the most-watched football conference championship game of any conference or network with 18.33 million viewers.• The Big Ten featured schools in eight of the 10 most-watched college football games during the 2025 season. </div>

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2026 Week 0 Football Release

Indiana Football CFP trophy raise 8-26-26

Football's 10 Biggest Storylines Heading into the 2026 Season 

<div class="payload-richtext">“The Big Ten Conference announced Tuesday the unanimous adoption of a conference rule to prohibit football players who have signed a professional contract, were on a professional roster at any point or declared for the NFL Draft as an underclassman without withdrawing, from maintaining eligibility for athletic competition at a conference institution.“The conference continues to evaluate potential rules restricting professional athletes in other sports from conference competition.”</div>

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Statement On NFL Student-Athlete Eligibility

<div class="payload-richtext">As attention turns to the 2026 college football season, Big Ten student-athletes have earned national recognition on various preseason award watch lists. Below is a list of featured student-athletes.Bednarik Award Matthew Bailey, Illinois Rolijah Hardy, Indiana Isaiah Jones, Indiana Tyrique Tucker, Indiana Zach Lutmer, Iowa Daniel Wingate, Maryland Jyaire Hall, Michigan John Henry Daley, Michigan Jordan Hall, Michigan State Anthony Smith, Minnesota Robert Fitzgerald, Northwestern Kenyatta Jackson, Ohio State Earl Little Jr., Ohio State Brandon Finney Jr., Oregon Matayo Uiagalelei, Oregon A’Mauri Washington, Oregon Jeremiah Cooper, Penn State Jontez Williams, USC Mason Posa, Wisconsin Davey O’Brien Award Josh Hoover, Indiana Julian Sayin, Ohio State Dante Moore, Oregon Rocco Becht, Penn State Jayden Maiava, USC Demond Williams Jr., WashingtonDoak Walker Award Ca’Lil Valentine, Illinois Khobie Martin, Indiana Turbo Richard, Indiana Kamari Moulton, Iowa DeJuan Williams, Maryland Cam Edwards, Michigan State Bo Jackson, Ohio State Jordon Davison, Oregon Carson Hansen, Penn State James Peoples, Penn State Fame Ijeboi, Purdue Wayne Knight, UCLA Biletnikoff Award Jayshon Platt, Illinois Charlie Becker, Indiana Griffin Wilde, Northwestern Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State Iverson Hooks, Oregon Jamari Johnson, Oregon KJ Duff, Rutgers Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Amare Ferrell, Indiana Jyaire Hill, Michigan Earl Little Jr., Ohio State Brandon Finney Jr., Oregon Koi Perich, Oregon John Mackey Award DJ Vonnahme, Iowa Dorian Flemming, Maryland JJ Buchanan, Michigan Luke Lindenmeyer, Nebraska Hunter Welcing, Ohio State Jamari Johnson, Oregon Benjamin Brahmer, Penn State Gabe Burkle, Penn State Decker DeGraaf, Washington Butkus Award Rolijah Hardy, Indiana Isaiah Jones, Indiana Jayden Montgomery, Iowa Daniel Wingate, Maryland Troy Bowles, Michigan Jordan Hall, Michigan State Maverick Baranowski, Minnesota Owen Chambliss, Nebraska Kooper Ebel, Penn State Sammy Omosigho, UCLA Xe’ree Alexander, Washington Mason Posa, Wisconsin Ray Guy Award Bryce McFerson, Maryland Hunter Green, Washington Bronko Nagurski Trophy Amare Ferrell, Indiana Rolijah Hardy, Indiana Isaiah Jones, Indiana Zach Lutmer, Iowa John Henry Daley, Michigan Kenyatta Jackson Jr., Ohio State Jaylen McClain, Ohio State Brandon Finney Jr., Oregon Koi Perich, Oregon Outland Trophy Carter Smith, Indiana Trevor Lauck, Iowa Kade Pieper, Iowa Andrew Sprague, Michigan Ben Murawski, Michigan State Greg Johnson, Minnesota Carson Hinzman, Ohio State Luke Montgomery, Ohio State Austin Siereveld, Ohio State Bear Alexander, Oregon Iapani Laloulu, Oregon A’Mauri Washington, Oregon Alani Noa, USC Lou Groza Award Nico Radicic, Indiana Eli Ozock, Iowa Sean O’Haire, Maryland Trey Butkowski, Michigan Jackson Kleather, Northwestern Connor Hawkins, Ohio State Ryan Barker, Penn State Ryon Sayeri, USC Tyler Robles, Washington Paul Hornung Award Andrew Marsh, Michigan Jacory Barney Jr., Nebraska Brandon Inniss, Ohio State Koi Perich, Oregon Wayne Knight, UCLA Rimington Trophy Jake Renfro, Illinois Bray Lynch, Indiana Kade Pieper, Iowa Mihael Hershey, Maryland Jake Guarnera, Michigan Ashton Beers, Minnesota Justin Evans, Nebraska Jake Carsello, Northwestern Carson Hinzman, Ohio State Iapani Laloulu, Oregon Brock Riker, Penn State Kilian O’Connor, USC Landen Hatchett, Washington Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Brendon Henderson, Illinois Charlie Becker, Indiana Jayden Montgomery, Iowa Malik Washington, Maryland Jordan Marshall, Michigan Jordan Hall, Michigan State Anthony Smith, Minnesota Donovan Jones, Nebraska John Fussell, Northwestern Jaylen McClain, Ohio State Dante Moore, Oregon Cooper Cousins, Penn State CJ Madden, Purdue Michael O’Connor, Rutgers Halakilangi Muagututi’a, UCLA Jayden Maiava, USC Landen Hatchett, Washington Chris Brooks Jr., Wisconsin Walter Camp Award Charlie Becker, Indiana Tyrique Tucker, Indiana Bryce Underwood, Michigan Anthony Smith, Minnesota Julian Sayin, Ohio State Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State Dante Moore, Oregon KJ Duff, Rutgers Jayden Maiava, USCMaxwell Award Josh Hoover, Indiana Jordan Marshall, Michigan Bryce Underwood, Michigan Cam Edwards, Michigan State Darius Taylor, Minnesota Anthony Colandrea, Nebraska Caleb Komolafe, Northwestern Bo Jackson, Ohio State Julian Sayin, Ohio State Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State Rocco Becht, Penn State Antwan Raymond, Rutgers Nico Iamaleava, UCLA Waymond Jordan, USC Jayden Maiava, USC Demond Williams, Washington Players listed on three-or-more Watch Lists heading into the 2026 season:4 Lists<ul class="list-bullet"><li
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 >Jayden Maiava, USC — Davey O'Brien, Wuerffel, Walter Camp, Maxwell</li></ul>3 Lists<ul class="list-bullet"><li
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 >Rolijah Hardy, Indiana — Bednarik, Butkus, Nagurski</li><li
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 >Isaiah Jones, Indiana — Bednarik, Butkus, Nagurski</li><li
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 >Charlie Becker, Indiana — Biletnikoff, Wuerffel, Walter Camp</li><li
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 >Jordan Hall, Michigan State — Bednarik, Butkus, Wuerffel</li><li
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 >Anthony Smith, Minnesota — Bednarik, Wuerffel, Walter Camp</li><li
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 >Julian Sayin, Ohio State — Davey O'Brien, Walter Camp, Maxwell</li><li
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 >Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State — Biletnikoff, Walter Camp, Maxwell</li><li
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 >Brandon Finney Jr., Oregon — Bednarik, Thorpe, Nagurski</li><li
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 >Dante Moore, Oregon — Davey O'Brien, Wuerffel, Walter Camp</li><li
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 >Koi Perich, Oregon — Thorpe, Nagurski, Hornung</li></ul></div>

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2026 Big Ten Football Preseason National Awards Watch Lists

<div class="payload-richtext">The road to the national championship runs squarely through the Big Ten, which flooded the 2026 Preseason AP Top 25 Poll with eight teams — capped by a 1-2 punch in Ohio State and Oregon at the very top. Not far behind the Buckeyes and Ducks are the Indiana Hoosiers, who come in at No. 6, fresh off their historic title run.  Beyond the top-10 heavyweights, the Big Ten dominates the middle of the rankings with a four-team block spanning spots 14 through 18. USC (No. 14) leads that pack, followed in rapid succession by Michigan (No. 16), Washington (No. 17), and Penn State (No. 18). Iowa (No. 22) completes the conference fleet, giving the Big Ten deep representation from the top spot all the way down the ballot. Here is a closer look at each ranked Big Ten team, their official AP ranking, and what to watch for entering the 2026 campaign. <h2>No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes (40 first-place votes) </h2>Claiming the top spot in the poll with 40 first-place votes, the Buckeyes enter the season as one of the national championship favorites, aiming to become the first preseason AP No. 1 team to go wire-to-wire and win it all since Alabama in 2017. With 2025 Heisman finalist quarterback Julian Sayin and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith — widely considered the best player in college football — returning, Ohio State is looking to win its 10th national championship and second in three years. The Buckeyes, one of three Big Ten sports teams to be ranked preseason No. 1 this fall alongside Nebraska Volleyball and Washington Men’s Soccer, will have to deal with key losses on both sides of the ball, but Coach Ryan Day’s recruiting has left the program primed to reload rather than rebuild. Behind a veteran offensive line and a deep defense featuring playmakers at all three levels, the Buckeyes have every piece in place to handle a high-stakes schedule and claim college football’s ultimate prize. <h2>No. 2 Oregon Ducks (14 first-place votes) </h2>Holding down the highest preseason ranking in program history, Dan Lanning’s squad has strong continuity on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Dante Moore returns to command an explosive attack loaded with skill talent — highlighted by wide receivers Dakorien Moore, Evan Stewart, and Jeremiah McClellan along with sophomore running backs Jordon Davison and Dierre Hill Jr. On defense, proven disruptors Matayo Uiagalelei, A'Mauri Washington, and Teitum Tuioti anchor a physical front. Behind them, a secondary stacked with talent is headlined by a pair of preseason All-Americans in Minnesota safety transfer Koi Perich and returning standout Brandon Finney Jr. Packed with complete depth across the board, Oregon has every tool needed to capture a second Big Ten crown and hunt for its first national title. Oregon has three total losses since joining the Big Ten, all to the eventual national champions in Ohio State in 2024 and Indiana in 2025-26. But, with arguably Lanning’s best roster ever and one of the best signal-callers in the country, this could be the season the Ducks finally reach the mountaintop. <h2>No. 6 Indiana Hoosiers (eight first-place votes) </h2>After a 16-0 season where Indiana won its first outright Big Ten title since 1945 and first ever national championship, completing one of the best stories in college football history, the Hoosiers are right back in the fold again in 2026. Curt Cignetti’s squad enters the fall holding the highest preseason ranking in school history at No. 6, even garnering eight first-place votes. While the Hoosiers lost key contributors from last year’s title run, including Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza and wide receivers Elijah Sarratt and Omar Cooper Jr., Cignetti reloaded swiftly through the portal — headlined by TCU transfer quarterback Josh Hoover, who steps under center to trigger an explosive passing attack alongside wideouts Charlie Becker and Nick Marsh. Behind one of the Big Ten's elite offensive lines and defensive coordinator Bryant Haines’ disciplined unit, Cignetti’s retooled roster is primed to make more history. <h2>No. 14 USC Trojans </h2>Tied with BYU at No. 14, Lincoln Riley’s Trojans lead another wave of Big Ten contenders with eyes set firmly on a playoff berth. Quarterback Jayden Maiava highlights an FBS-high 15 returning starters on both sides of the ball; No. 14 will command an offense that should have no trouble putting up points, flanked by an upgraded offensive line and a retooled corps of perimeter weapons. The real key to USC’s championship ceiling lies on the defensive side of the ball, where former TCU head coach Gary Patterson takes over as defensive coordinator. While at TCU, Patterson’s teams led the nation in total defense five times. If this translates to Los Angeles, the Trojans have the muscle to make noise in the Big Ten and navigate a grueling slate. <h2>No. 16 Michigan Wolverines </h2>The Wolverines begin a new era with one of college football’s most decorated leaders at the helm as Kyle Whittingham takes the reins in Ann Arbor. Across 21 seasons at Utah, Whittingham established himself as a premier program builder — <a href="https://mgoblue.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/kyle-whittingham/6875" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 amassing 177 career wins
 </a>, three conference championships (including back-to-back Pac-12 titles in 2021 and 2022), an undefeated 13-0 Sugar Bowl season in 2008, and three National Coach of the Year awards.  Whittingham inherits a physical roster, featuring a battle-tested line and a defense that ranks among the most talented in the conference. The engine of the offense will be sophomore quarterback Bryce Underwood, running back Jordan Marshall and wide receiver Andrew Marsh, giving Whittingham some offensive foundations in his first season in Ann Arbor. <h2>No. 17 Washington Huskies </h2>Entering year three under head coach Jedd Fisch, Washington continues its steady climb up the Big Ten hierarchy following a promising 9-4 campaign. The Huskies are led by dynamic returning quarterback Demond Williams Jr., whose dual-threat playmaking ability makes Washington’s high-octane offense one of the most dangerous units to gameplan against in the country. Defensively, coordinator Ryan Walters welcomes back a deep linebacker corps spearheaded by Xe'ree Alexander and a healthy Jacob Manu, alongside top tackler Alex McLaughlin in the secondary. With major home tests against Iowa, Penn State, and Indiana, Fisch’s battle-tested squad is primed to turn heads and establish itself as a legitimate conference title contender. <h2>No. 18 Penn State Nittany Lions </h2>After 12 seasons of James Franklin at the helm, former Iowa State coach Matt Campbell takes over in Happy Valley hoping to put Penn State back in national championship contention. Campbell brought 24 transfers from his 2025 Cyclones team to the Big Ten, highlighted by signal-caller Rocco Becht and running back Carson Hansen. The transfer-laden Nittany Lions face a slate with massive hurdles this season. A crucial stretch featuring marquee games against USC, Michigan, and Washington will decide the Nittany Lions' season. If Penn State can rise to the occasion in those signature contests under Campbell, they’ll have a golden opportunity to reach the 12-team playoff for the second time.  <h2>No. 22 Iowa Hawkeyes </h2>Rounding out the Big Ten’s eight ranked teams, Kirk Ferentz’s Hawkeyes enter 2026 with their trademark formula intact: suffocating defense, elite special teams, and a methodical ground attack. Iowa’s defense remains one of the premier units in the country, returning key starters across the front seven and secondary that routinely frustrate opposing coordinators. Ferentz, already the Big Ten’s winningest coach of all time, returns a veteran core tailored to Iowa's physical style. The defense is anchored by versatile defensive back Zach Lutmer, veteran corner Deshaun Lee, and linebacker Jayden Montgomery commanding the front seven. Offensively, running back Kamari Moulton takes over the backfield behind a reloaded line led by Kade Pieper and Trevor Lauck, while tight ends DJ Vonnahme and Addison Ostrenga offer reliable targets for whichever quarterback wins the summer competition between Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski. <h2>Kickoff Coming Up Next</h2>Having claimed each of the last three national titles, the conference enters 2026 as a huge threat again. But the league's stranglehold on the sport extends far beyond its top eight; programs like Nebraska, Wisconsin, and Illinois all received votes just outside the AP Top 25, giving the Big Ten a slew of teams capable of making noise this fall. From top-ranked national title favorites to dangerous unranked dark horses, every single week in the Big Ten will carry massive 12-team playoff implications.  </div>

Ryan Day speaks at Big Ten Football Media Days presented by Discover

Eight Big Ten Football Teams Headline 2026 Preseason AP Top 25 Poll 

<div class="payload-richtext">Earning a gold jacket and a bronze bust in Canton, Ohio, is the ultimate honor in professional football. Leading the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026 are two Big Ten school legends who redefined their positions: former Purdue quarterback Drew Brees and Nebraska running back Roger Craig. Long before punching their tickets to Canton in August, both stars built legacies that transformed the sport. Brees captivated West Lafayette as a Big Ten Champion before embarking on a 20-year NFL career where he amassed 13 Pro Bowl selections, over 80,000 passing yards, and a Super Bowl trophy with the New Orleans Saints. Alongside him stands Craig, the Husker powerhouse who revolutionized the modern running back position as a cornerstone of San Francisco’s 1980s dynasty — capturing three Super Bowl rings, earning 1988 NFL Offensive Player of the Year honors, and becoming the first player in league history to post 1,000 rushing and 1,000 receiving yards in a single season.  From college football Saturdays to Canton’s sacred grounds, Brees and Craig now stand among the game’s immortal icons. Their enshrinement is only part of a legendary Class of 2026: joined by wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, linebacker Luke Kuechly, and clutch kicker Adam Vinatieri, all five inductees have officially cemented their enduring legacies in pro football history. <h2>Drew Brees: From Purdue Star (1997–2000) to NFL Legend (2001–2020) </h2>Before he became one of the NFL’s all-time passing leaders, Brees put Joe Tiller’s “Basketball on Grass” offense on the map in West Lafayette. He departed Purdue holding virtually every major passing record in school and conference history, racking up 11,792 passing yards and 90 passing touchdowns. In 2000, Brees won the Maxwell Award as college football's most outstanding player, claimed Big Ten MVP honors, and guided Purdue to its first Rose Bowl berth in 34 years.  Drafted 32nd overall in 2001, Brees spent 20 seasons becoming one of the best quarterbacks the NFL has ever seen. He retired after the 2020 season ranking second in league history in career passing yards (80,358) and touchdown passes (571), only falling behind fellow Big Ten legend Tom Brady. A 13-time Pro Bowler and two-time NFL Offensive Player of the Year, Brees topped 5,000 passing yards in a season five times — a feat no other quarterback in league history has accomplished more than twice.  Brees' crown jewel came in February 2010, when he earned MVP honors in Super Bowl XLIV after leading the Saints to their first championship in franchise history over the Indianapolis Colts. Today, Brees still stands as one of the most prolific quarterbacks in Big Ten history. He led Purdue to a Big Ten Championship and a Rose Bowl berth while setting 13 conference records. Upon leaving West Lafayette, he held the Big Ten career records for passing yards (11,792), completions (1,026) and passing touchdowns (90), and he still ranks among the top passing leaders in conference history. <h2>Roger Craig: From Nebraska Powerhouse (1979–1982) to 3-Time Super Bowl Champion (1983–1993) </h2>Craig became the centerpiece of legendary coach Tom Osborne’s run scheme from 1979 to 1982. Over four seasons, he amassed over 2,400 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns in Lincoln, earning All-Big Eight (now Big 12) honors in 1981 after posting a 1,060-yard season. Craig carried that dominance directly to the pros. Selected in the second round of the 1983 draft by San Francisco, he quickly emerged as the ultimate dual-threat weapon in Bill Walsh’s West Coast Offense. Across 11 NFL seasons, Craig amassed 8,189 rushing yards, 4,911 receiving yards, and 73 total touchdowns. In 1985, Craig made NFL history by becoming the first player to record 1,000 rushing yards and 1,000 receiving yards in the same season (a club joined only by Marshall Faulk and Christian McCaffrey). A four-time Pro Bowler and member of the NFL’s 1980s All-Decade Team, Craig won three Super Bowl titles with San Francisco and was named the 1988 AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year after leading the league with 2,036 scrimmage yards (tied Eric Dickerson). Decades after transforming their positions on Big Ten Saturdays, Brees and Craig have reached the apex of football immortality. Whether through Brees' prolific passing that elevated Purdue and New Orleans or Craig's versatility that powered Nebraska and the 49ers dynasty, both legends set new standards for excellence. As their bronze busts take their permanent place in Canton alongside the rest of the Class of 2026, their journeys stand as a testament to the enduring impact of Big Ten greatness on the highest stage of the game. </div>

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Wild Finishes and Shutouts: Football's Back in Business

USC, Penn State, UCLA, Minnesota and Nebraska Earn Weekly Football Honors

2026 Football Availability Reports