We're past the 2026 spring football season, which gives us a good opportunity to look at the outlook of the Big Ten for next season. Here are all 18 teams placed in five different tiers as we head into the summer.

Post spring Big Ten football power rankings

National title contenders

1. Ohio State

2. Oregon

3. Indiana

CFP darkhorses

4. USC

5. Washington

6. Michigan

Tough game for anyone

7. Iowa

8. Minnesota

9. Penn State

10. Illinois

Wildcards

11. UCLA

12. Nebraska

13. Wisconsin

Bowl… pic.twitter.com/0QZemNuS1J

— Tony Liebert (@TonyLiebert) May 5, 2026

Tier 1: National title contenders

1. Ohio State

2. Oregon

3. Indiana

These three programs will be national title contenders as long as they have their current head coaches. I give Ohio State and Oregon a slight edge based on having returning proven starters at quarterback, but Indiana might have the highest ceiling.…