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Big Ten Analysis
Big Ten power rankings
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Indiana is 5-0 in 2026, 2-0 in Big Ten play, with 221 points scored and 54 allowed (+167). Team skill rating 87, 2nd of 18 in the Big Ten.
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Nebraska is 5-0 in 2026, 2-0 in Big Ten play, with 218 points scored and 71 allowed (+147). Team skill rating 84, 9th of 18 in the Big Ten.
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UCLA is 4-0 in 2026, 2-0 in Big Ten play, with 179 points scored and 75 allowed (+104). Team skill rating 88, 1st of 18 in the Big Ten.
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USC is 5-1 in 2026, 2-1 in Big Ten play, with 224 points scored and 153 allowed (+71). Team skill rating 86, 6th of 18 in the Big Ten.
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Ohio State is 4-1 in 2026, 2-0 in Big Ten play, with 211 points scored and 63 allowed (+148). Team skill rating 87, 3rd of 18 in the Big Ten.
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Iowa is 4-1 in 2026, 1-1 in Big Ten play, with 145 points scored and 63 allowed (+82). Team skill rating 81, 15th of 18 in the Big Ten.
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Wisconsin is 4-1 in 2026, 2-0 in Big Ten play, with 158 points scored and 83 allowed (+75). Team skill rating 83, 12th of 18 in the Big Ten.
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Minnesota is 4-1 in 2026, 2-0 in Big Ten play, with 160 points scored and 90 allowed (+70). Team skill rating 85, 7th of 18 in the Big Ten.
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Oregon is 3-1 in 2026, 1-0 in Big Ten play, with 190 points scored and 93 allowed (+97). Team skill rating 87, 4th of 18 in the Big Ten.
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Northwestern is 3-1 in 2026, 1-1 in Big Ten play, with 132 points scored and 67 allowed (+65). Team skill rating 82, 14th of 18 in the Big Ten.
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Penn State is 3-2 in 2026, 0-2 in Big Ten play, with 160 points scored and 80 allowed (+80). Team skill rating 85, 8th of 18 in the Big Ten.
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Washington is 3-2 in 2026, 0-2 in Big Ten play, with 133 points scored and 92 allowed (+41). Team skill rating 87, 5th of 18 in the Big Ten.
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Michigan is 3-2 in 2026, 0-2 in Big Ten play, with 115 points scored and 79 allowed (+36). Team skill rating 83, 11th of 18 in the Big Ten.
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Illinois is 2-3 in 2026, 0-2 in Big Ten play, with 153 points scored and 130 allowed (+23). Team skill rating 83, 10th of 18 in the Big Ten.
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Maryland is 2-3 in 2026, 0-2 in Big Ten play, with 152 points scored and 151 allowed (+1). Team skill rating 82, 13th of 18 in the Big Ten.
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Purdue is 2-3 in 2026, 1-1 in Big Ten play, with 152 points scored and 175 allowed (-23). Team skill rating 78, 18th of 18 in the Big Ten.
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Michigan State is 2-3 in 2026, 0-2 in Big Ten play, with 91 points scored and 116 allowed (-25). Team skill rating 81, 16th of 18 in the Big Ten.
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Rutgers is 1-4 in 2026, 0-2 in Big Ten play, with 150 points scored and 161 allowed (-11). Team skill rating 80, 17th of 18 in the Big Ten.
How these rankings work
The order is computed, not hand-picked. Programs are sorted by 2026 win percentage, then by point differential per game, then by team skill rating. The team skill rating blends the skill-engine grades of each program's projected starters on offense, defense and special teams with its head coach rating. Before a game is played, the order is the team skill rating alone. For the official conference table, see the Big Ten standings.
All 18 Big Ten programs ordered by 2026 results and team skill rating, with the numbers behind each spot. Rebuilt from the latest data through the season.
About the author and reviewer
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Frequently asked questions
Who is ranked first in the Big Ten power rankings in 2026?
Indiana sits first, ordered by 2026 record, then point differential, then team skill rating.
How often are the Big Ten power rankings updated?
The order is rebuilt from the latest results and ratings on every site update through the season.