Uthinkuknowsports

Wisconsin averaged 12.8 PPG last year -- that is not a typo -- and still managed to win 4 games. With a new QB (Colton Joseph), RB (Abu Sama) and a dream Big Ten schedule, can the Badgers surprise this year?

Is Washington the team too few are talking about going into the 2026 season? Demond Williams is back at QB after attempting to transfer and the Huskies have 7 starters back on offense overall.

USC returns more starters than any other team in the country (15). Is this the year Lincoln Riley and the Trojans are a real contender to win the Big Ten?

UCLA was just 3-9 last year, but with Bob Chesney now at head coach the Bruins expect to be a lot more competitive in the Big Ten in 2026. Can Nico Iamaleava lead the Bruins back to a bowl game?

Rutgers has a new QB in Dylan Lonergan and returns some of its best offensive playmakers. USC, Indiana and Michigan also come to Rutgers for games this year. Could the Scarlet Knights surprise in the Big Ten?

Purdue has not won a Big Ten game the last two seasons. Will that change in 2026 with Ryan Browne back at quarterback and impact transfers coming in?

Penn State is basically an improved version of last year's Iowa State team. With Matt Campbell at QB, plenty of former Cyclones all over the field and new transfers on defense, can the Nittany Lions win 8 or more games in the Big Ten?

Many believe Oregon is the best team in the nation going into the 2026 college football season. QB Dante Moore is back and there are playmakers everywhere on this Ducks offense, plus 8 starters return on defense.

Ohio State returns QB Julian Sayin, WR Jeremiah Smith and its entire offensive line. But a schedule that features trips to Indiana, USC, Iowa and a home game against Oregon is very challenging. Will it derail the Buckeyes hopes of a national title? 

Northwestern has Michigan State transfer Aiden Chiles at quarterback, Chip Kelly at offensive coordinator and reinforcements on defense. Could the Wildcats surprise in the Big Ten despite a brutal Big Ten schedule?

Nebraska is 19-19 under Matt Rhule, and the Cornhuskers are coming off at 7-6 season. With Anthony Colandrea at quarterback and six starters back on defense, can Nebraska surprise and make a leap up the Big Ten standings?

East Carolina is going for its first back to back 9 win seasons in school history. Can the Pirates get it done with only three returning starters, including a new quarterback?

UTSA returns its star QB and has never had a losing record under head coach Jeff Traylor. Are the Roadrunners a title contender in the American in 2026?

In his first full year as the head coach at UAB, Alex Mortensen -- the son of former ESPN broadcaster Chris Mortensen -- hopes to get the Blazers back to a bowl game in the American. Is that a fair expectation?

Tulsa returns QB in Baylor Hayes and have six defenders back. Could the Hurricane have their first winning season since 2021?

Tulane went 11-3 last year and qualified for the College Football Playoff. With a new head coach, a new QB and just five returning starters back. is it fair to expect the Green Wave to win the American again?

Temple went 5-7 last season and will have a new quarterback (either Jaxon Smollk or Ajani Sheppard), a great tight end in Peter Clarke and a revamped defense. Will it be enough to get to a bowl game?

South Florida has a new head coach, a new QB and only three starters returning. However, the Bulls have reloaded with Power 4 guys on defense and brought in two QBs with Power 4 experience. Can they win the American in 2026?

The Rice Owls have not had a winning season in 12 years... could that change in 2026? Rice has options at QB, a running back in Quenton Jackson who should get 200+ carries and a rebuilt defense. Is it enough?

PJ Fleck is entering year 10 at Minnesota and may have one of his best rosters. Drake Lindsey is back at QB, as are other key offensive pieces. Anthony Smith will terrorize Big Ten quarterbacks on defense. Could the Gophers surprise?

New Michigan State head coach Pat Fitzgerald is hoping to turn around the Spartans the way he did Northwestern. But what are fair expectations for year one? #michiganstate #sparty #cfb #big10 #collegefootball

North Texas was thisclose to being in the College Football Playoff in 2025, coming up short in the American championship game. With 0 starters back, how will the Mean Green fare in 2026?

Navy is listed as the favorite in the American for many, but the Midshipmen must replace their key skill position players. Can the Midshipmen reload off of last year's 11 win season?

Kyle Whittingham is the new head coach at Michigan after three decades at Utah, and he's got a lot going for him in year one in Ann Arbor -- a returning QB in Bryce Underwood, experience back on the offensive line, and key transfers from Utah. Here are things to know for the Wolverines going into 2026.

The Memphis Tigers will look completely different in 2026 with only one returning starter. But with Charles Huff at head coach, many like the Tigers to be a contender in the American this year.