Coach Griff’s Big Ten Power Rankings: Statement Wins, Major Shakeups and a New Look at the Conference
October 26, 2026 | By Coach Shannon Griffith | Hoosier Football Tailgate
Northwestern climbs into the top four, Wisconsin and Minnesota make major moves, and Indiana holds its position behind Ohio State as the Big Ten championship race intensifies.
The Big Ten football landscape continues to evolve, and Week 9 provided another reminder that what we thought we knew about certain teams can change in the span of 60 minutes.
Wisconsin dismantled USC. Minnesota knocked off Iowa. Illinois handled Oregon. Northwestern continued to build an impressive résumé, while Indiana went into Michigan Stadium and emerged with a hard-fought 13–6 overtime victory.
Those results have produced considerable movement in this week’s Coach Griff’s Big Ten Power Rankings.
But there is an important distinction between power rankings and conference standings.
The standings tell us who has won and lost. Power rankings are designed to evaluate which teams are playing the best football, the quality of their competition, their strengths and weaknesses, and how they compare against the rest of the conference.
A team’s record is important, but it is not the only determining factor.
We evaluate strength of schedule, head-to-head results, performance against quality competition, offensive and defensive efficiency, roster talent, consistency and what the film tells us.
And this week, the film and results have given us plenty to discuss.
Coach Griff’s Big Ten Power Rankings — October 26, 2026
Movement reflects changes from our October 20 rankings.
The Contenders: Nos. 1–4
1. Ohio State Buckeyes (6–1, 4–0 Big Ten)
Previous Ranking: No. 1 | No Change
Ohio State maintains the top position, and the reasoning is straightforward.
The Buckeyes own a head-to-head victory over Indiana, defeating the Hoosiers 19–15 in Bloomington. That result carries significant weight when evaluating the top two teams.
Ohio State has demonstrated the ability to win against quality competition, even when the offense is not operating at peak efficiency.
Defensively, the Buckeyes possess the talent and physicality to create problems for virtually every opponent in the conference.
Their defensive front can affect the quarterback without requiring excessive pressure packages, allowing the secondary to maintain coverage integrity.
Ohio State’s offensive personnel also presents matchup challenges, particularly with quarterback Julian Sayin and receiver Jeremiah Smith.
Coach Griff’s Evaluation: Until another Big Ten team demonstrates it can beat Ohio State, the Buckeyes deserve the top position. They have earned it on the field.
2. Indiana Hoosiers (7–1, 4–1 Big Ten)
Previous Ranking: No. 2 | No Change
Indiana’s 13–6 overtime victory at Michigan was not particularly attractive from an offensive standpoint.
But football games are not judged on style points.
The Hoosiers went into Michigan Stadium, played outstanding defense and found a way to win a difficult conference road game.
That matters.
However, the offensive performance raises legitimate questions.
Indiana continues to struggle with consistency in the running game, offensive line execution and generating touchdowns when opportunities present themselves.
The Hoosiers have demonstrated that their defense can keep them competitive against high-level opponents. The next step is finding greater offensive efficiency, particularly in the red zone.
Why Indiana Remains Ahead of UCLA
Some will argue that undefeated UCLA deserves the second position.
That argument has merit, but it overlooks a critical component of evaluating teams: strength of schedule.
Indiana has already faced Ohio State, Northwestern, Nebraska and Michigan in conference play.
That collection of opponents presents significant challenges in terms of defensive personnel, offensive systems, physicality and overall competition.
Indiana’s lone defeat came against Ohio State, while the Hoosiers own victories over Northwestern, Nebraska and Michigan.
UCLA deserves recognition for remaining undefeated, but the quality of competition must be part of the discussion.
Power rankings should not automatically reward an unbeaten record without evaluating the opponents responsible for producing that record.
Coach Griff’s Evaluation: Indiana has faced a demanding Big Ten schedule and continues to demonstrate the ability to win in different ways. The Hoosiers remain No. 2, but offensive improvement is essential if they intend to compete for a conference championship.
3. UCLA Bruins (7–0, 5–0 Big Ten)
Previous Ranking: No. 3 | No Change
The Bruins are the Big Ten’s lone undefeated team, and that accomplishment deserves considerable respect.
UCLA has demonstrated consistency, discipline and the ability to control games.
Its victory over Wisconsin is especially significant given what the Badgers accomplished against USC this past weekend.
However, the question remains whether UCLA has faced the same overall level of conference competition as Indiana.
That is not a criticism of the Bruins. Teams can only play the opponents on their schedule.
But evaluating team strength requires more than counting victories.
Coach Griff’s Evaluation: UCLA belongs among the conference’s elite. The Bruins are a legitimate championship contender, and continued success against stronger competition could justify moving them higher.
4. Northwestern Wildcats (6–1, 3–1 Big Ten)
Previous Ranking: No. 7 | Up 3
Northwestern might be one of the most underappreciated teams in college football.
The Wildcats’ only loss came against Indiana, and they continue to demonstrate that they are a disciplined, physical and well-coached football team.
Their 42–14 victory over Rutgers was another convincing performance.
Northwestern has developed the type of identity that makes a team difficult to play against.
It does not need to overwhelm opponents with explosive offensive talent. Instead, it relies on execution, complementary football and limiting mistakes.
The Wildcats have earned their place in the top four.
Coach Griff’s Evaluation: Northwestern is no longer a pleasant surprise. It is a legitimate contender that deserves national recognition.
The Rising Challengers: Nos. 5–9
5. Wisconsin Badgers (5–2, 3–1 Big Ten)
Previous Ranking: No. 12 | Up 7
Nobody made a bigger statement this weekend than Wisconsin.
The Badgers defeated USC 24–7 in a performance that demonstrated physical superiority and defensive discipline.
This was not a narrow victory decided by a late turnover or fortunate bounce.
Wisconsin controlled the game and prevented USC from establishing offensive rhythm.
The Badgers’ two losses came against Notre Dame and UCLA, making their overall résumé more respectable than their previous ranking suggested.
Wisconsin’s ability to dictate the physical nature of a game is becoming its defining characteristic.
Coach Griff’s Evaluation: Wisconsin has earned a substantial promotion. If the Badgers continue playing this brand of football, they will be a difficult opponent for anyone remaining on their schedule.
6. Minnesota Golden Gophers (5–2, 3–1 Big Ten)
Previous Ranking: No. 13 | Up 7
Minnesota’s 13–10 victory over Iowa was one of the weekend’s most significant results.
The Gophers defeated a team previously ranked fourth in our power rankings, and that victory deserves recognition.
Minnesota has developed a formula centered on defensive discipline, situational execution and finding ways to win close games.
The offense may not produce overwhelming statistical totals, but the Gophers have demonstrated an ability to compete in physical, low-scoring contests.
That style can be particularly effective in the Big Ten.
Coach Griff’s Evaluation: Minnesota has earned its position in the top six. The next challenge is demonstrating that this performance can be sustained against additional quality opponents.
7. Iowa Hawkeyes (5–2, 2–2 Big Ten)
Previous Ranking: No. 4 | Down 3
Iowa drops three positions following its 13–10 defeat at Minnesota.
However, the Hawkeyes remain ahead of Nebraska because of the overall quality of their résumé and their defensive consistency.
Iowa has demonstrated that it can compete with quality conference opponents, even when the offense struggles to generate points.
The concern remains offensive production.
When the defense is consistently required to carry the team, the margin for error becomes extremely small.
That was evident against Minnesota.
Coach Griff’s Evaluation: Iowa remains a dangerous opponent, particularly because of its defense. But offensive limitations prevent the Hawkeyes from remaining in the top five.
8. Nebraska Cornhuskers (5–2, 2–2 Big Ten)
Previous Ranking: No. 8 | No Change
Nebraska was idle this past weekend, but its position deserves careful evaluation.
The Cornhuskers have been competitive against strong opponents, including Indiana and Oregon.
Their ability to challenge quality teams suggests that Nebraska is better than its conference record might indicate.
However, close losses cannot carry the same weight as quality victories.
Nebraska must begin converting competitive performances into meaningful wins.
Coach Griff’s Evaluation: The Cornhuskers have the personnel and coaching to challenge teams ranked above them. Their next step is proving they can finish those games.
9. USC Trojans (6–2, 3–2 Big Ten)
Previous Ranking: No. 5 | Down 4
USC’s 24–7 loss at Wisconsin raises serious questions.
The Trojans entered the weekend with an opportunity to strengthen their position among the conference’s top teams.
Instead, Wisconsin controlled the game and limited USC to seven points.
For a program built around offensive production and explosive playmaking, that result is concerning.
The Trojans must demonstrate they can handle physical opponents that control the line of scrimmage and prevent the offense from finding rhythm.
Coach Griff’s Evaluation: USC has enough talent to recover, but the Wisconsin performance exposed weaknesses that future opponents will undoubtedly attempt to exploit.
The Middle of the Conference: Nos. 10–14
10. Illinois Fighting Illini (4–3, 2–2 Big Ten)
Previous Ranking: No. 11 | Up 1
Illinois earns a promotion following its 21–10 victory over Oregon.
The Fighting Illini demonstrated defensive discipline and the ability to control a talented opponent.
That victory deserves considerable weight because Oregon entered the game ranked substantially higher in our conference evaluation.
Illinois has been inconsistent throughout the season, but its performance against Oregon demonstrates what the team is capable of when it executes effectively.
The earlier loss to Purdue remains a concern.
Coach Griff’s Evaluation: Illinois moves ahead of Michigan because of its recent quality victory. The challenge is establishing week-to-week consistency.
11. Michigan Wolverines (4–3, 1–3 Big Ten)
Previous Ranking: No. 9 | Down 2
Michigan’s 13–6 overtime loss to Indiana demonstrated both the strengths and limitations of the Wolverines.
Defensively, Michigan played well enough to win.
The Wolverines limited Indiana’s offensive production and forced the Hoosiers to operate in a low-scoring game.
But the offense could not capitalize.
Scoring six points in regulation places enormous pressure on the defense, particularly against a quality opponent.
Michigan has the personnel to compete with strong teams, but its conference record reflects the difficulty of consistently producing enough offense to win.
Coach Griff’s Evaluation: Michigan is capable of playing outstanding defense. Until the offensive production improves, however, the Wolverines remain outside the top ten.
12. Oregon Ducks (4–3, 2–2 Big Ten)
Previous Ranking: No. 6 | Down 6
Oregon experiences the largest decline in this week’s rankings.
The Ducks’ 21–10 loss to Illinois raises legitimate questions about their consistency.
Oregon has demonstrated the ability to compete against strong opponents, including its victory over Nebraska.
However, the Illinois performance represents a significant setback.
The Ducks must establish a more reliable offensive identity and demonstrate that they can handle physical conference opponents on a consistent basis.
Coach Griff’s Evaluation: Oregon has the talent to be better than No. 12, but power rankings must reflect performance rather than potential.
13. Purdue Boilermakers (3–4, 2–2 Big Ten)
Previous Ranking: No. 10 | Down 3
Purdue was idle this weekend and drops three positions because of the significant movement above it.
The Boilermakers have shown improvement and own a noteworthy victory over Illinois.
However, the overall body of work remains inconsistent.
Purdue must demonstrate that it can compete effectively against the upper half of the conference.
Coach Griff’s Evaluation: There are encouraging signs, but Purdue needs additional quality victories before moving higher.
14. Washington Huskies (4–3, 1–3 Big Ten)
Previous Ranking: No. 14 | No Change
Washington remains at No. 14.
The Huskies have enough talent to compete against quality opponents, but their conference record reflects difficulties in maintaining consistent execution.
Washington must become more reliable in critical situations and establish a stronger identity on both sides of the football.
Coach Griff’s Evaluation: The Huskies have potential, but they need results against conference competition to justify a promotion.
Searching for Answers: Nos. 15–18
15. Penn State Nittany Lions (3–4, 0–4 Big Ten)
Previous Ranking: No. 15 | No Change
Penn State’s winless conference record is one of the season’s most disappointing developments.
The Nittany Lions have traditionally been among the Big Ten’s most competitive programs, but the current results do not reflect that standard.
Talent alone cannot overcome inconsistent execution, and Penn State must find ways to improve in critical situations.
Coach Griff’s Evaluation: Penn State’s program reputation cannot influence its ranking. The results must determine its position.
16. Rutgers Scarlet Knights (2–5, 1–3 Big Ten)
Previous Ranking: No. 16 | No Change
Rutgers suffered another difficult defeat, falling 42–14 to Northwestern.
The Scarlet Knights have struggled to establish consistency on both sides of the football.
Defensive breakdowns and difficulty sustaining offensive drives have made it challenging to compete against the conference’s stronger teams.
Coach Griff’s Evaluation: Rutgers needs significant improvement in execution and consistency to move up the rankings.
17. Michigan State Spartans (2–6, 0–5 Big Ten)
Previous Ranking: No. 17 | No Change
Michigan State’s 28–10 loss to UCLA continued a difficult conference season.
The Spartans have struggled to establish the physical and consistent identity required to compete successfully in the Big Ten.
The remaining schedule provides an opportunity to develop younger players and establish a foundation for the future.
Coach Griff’s Evaluation: Michigan State must improve its overall execution before it can begin climbing the conference hierarchy.
18. Maryland Terrapins (2–5, 0–4 Big Ten)
Previous Ranking: No. 18 | No Change
Maryland remains at the bottom of our rankings.
The Terrapins have struggled throughout conference play, and their record reflects difficulties in multiple phases of the game.
The challenge now is establishing consistency, improving fundamentals and building momentum for the remainder of the season.
Coach Griff’s Evaluation: Maryland needs tangible improvement against conference opponents before its position can change.
Coach Griff’s Five Things That Matter
1. Northwestern deserves more national respect
A 6–1 record with the only defeat coming against Indiana should not be dismissed.
The Wildcats have demonstrated discipline, consistency and an ability to win games in different ways.
They belong in the conversation among the Big Ten’s best teams.
2. Wisconsin and Minnesota have changed the middle of the conference
Both programs earned significant victories and demonstrated that the Big Ten remains one of the most competitive conferences in college football.
Their promotions were not based on reputation. They were earned on the field.
3. Indiana’s defense is championship-caliber, but the offense must improve
The Hoosiers continue to demonstrate outstanding defensive performance.
However, the offensive struggles against Ohio State and Michigan cannot be ignored.
Indiana must improve its running game, red-zone efficiency and overall offensive consistency if it intends to challenge for the conference championship.
4. Strength of schedule matters
An undefeated record is impressive, but evaluating teams requires examining the quality of the opponents they have faced.
That is why Indiana remains ahead of UCLA in our rankings.
The Hoosiers have faced a demanding conference schedule and have demonstrated their ability to compete against high-quality opponents.
UCLA deserves recognition for its unbeaten season, but the comparison must involve more than wins and losses.
5. The Big Ten is deeper than the national conversation suggests
Northwestern, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska and Illinois have demonstrated that the conference possesses considerable competitive depth.
That matters when evaluating teams nationally and discussing potential College Football Playoff candidates.
A conference loss against a quality opponent should not automatically be treated as evidence that a team is substantially weaker.
The opponent, game circumstances and overall performance must be considered.
Coach Griff’s Final Word: Earn It on the Field
The most important principle behind these rankings is simple:
Reputation does not win football games. Performance does.
We are not ranking helmets, historical accomplishments, recruiting classes or preseason expectations.
We are evaluating the football teams competing in the Big Ten during the 2026 season.
Ohio State remains at No. 1 because of what it has accomplished, including its victory over Indiana.
Indiana stays at No. 2 because of its demanding conference schedule, quality victories and ability to win against different styles of opponents.
UCLA deserves recognition for remaining undefeated.
Northwestern has earned its promotion into the top four.
Wisconsin and Minnesota made major statements.
And teams such as USC and Oregon must respond after disappointing performances.
The coming weeks will provide additional opportunities to separate contenders from pretenders.
Until then, the rankings will continue to reflect what happens between the lines.
Fast. Physical. Relentless.
Coach Shannon Griffith is a former college football head coach with 28 years of collegiate coaching experience, a former NCAA Division III national ranking committee member, and host of Hoosier Football Tailgate.
Follow Coach Griff’s football analysis, Big Ten coverage and weekly power rankings at HoosierTailgate.com.
