It’s almost that time again. The fall is right around the corner, and college football fans are waiting in anticipation for Saturday to mean gameday. With week zero less than a month away, now is a good time to look at the best and most impactful Big Ten games in the 2026 season.
5. USC @ Penn State
Oct. 10
The Big Ten is very top-heavy, but this game could decide who is the best outside of the big three.
The Trojans are led by senior quarterback Jayden Maiava, who could be a dark horse for the Heisman trophy. If he wants to have a chance at that award, he needs to have a big game here.
Penn State is led by its new head coach Matt Campbell and his crop of players who joined him from Iowa State. A favorable schedule in his first season gives Campbell the chance to make a good first impression, and winning this game would go a long way.
This could also be Penn State’s White Out game. A good quarterback battle is also on the table here.
Sep. 26
Sticking with USC, this game carries just as much weight for their playoff hopes as their matchup with Penn State. Fortunately, this game is at home.
Oregon has big expectations for this season. On paper, they may be the most talented team in the nation. They returned tons of guys from last season, along with another top recruiting class.
I could go on and on and on about the Ducks. If they want 2026 to go as planned, they need to win this game.
This is the first Big Ten game for each of these teams, and they’ll each look to set the tone for their season in this September showdown.
Oct. 24
The reigning national champions look completely different from last season, losing lots of guys to the draft. Curt Cignetti relied heavily on the portal once again, so that means there is uncertainty. However, it would be foolish to doubt him.
Michigan’s season relies heavily on the development of quarterback Bryce Underwood. New offensive coordinator Jason Beck, who came over with Kyle Whittingham, needs to work some magic on the former top recruit. If they want to win this game, Underwood needs to be great.
This game isn’t necessarily a must-win for either side, but it would be a huge resume builder for each of them.
2. Oregon @ Ohio State
Nov. 7
This is obviously a huge game. Conference championship implications, playoff implications and more are always on the table when these squads face off.
Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith are the headliners of another stacked Buckeyes roster. Their defense will rely heavily on new faces, but it’s Ohio State, so we know the talent is there.
This game could also go a long way in deciding the Heisman race. Sayin and Dante Moore are both early contenders for the award, and this game will matter for the voters.
1. Ohio State @ Indiana
Oct. 17
Not much explanation is needed for this one.
Big Ten Championship rematch in Bloomington. The atmosphere is going to be unreal, and this game will be must-see TV. No doubt this game carries big implications.
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