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Big Ten 2026: Key Games for CFP Race
28 Jan
Summary
- Big Ten teams dominate recent national championships.
- Seven Big Ten teams ranked in early top 25.
- Key matchups could decide CFP bids and conference title.
The Big Ten has released its full 2026 football schedule, setting the stage for crucial conference matchups that will influence the College Football Playoff race and positioning. The conference has recently dominated college football, winning the last three national championships.
Seven Big Ten teams are featured in the early top 25, highlighting the conference's depth. Highly anticipated games include Oregon at Ohio State on November 7th, a potential top-five clash that could impact the Big Ten Championship and CFP byes. Michigan at Ohio State on November 28th is another pivotal rivalry game with significant playoff implications.
Other key matchups to watch include Ohio State at Indiana on October 17th, a rematch of the 2025 Big Ten Championship Game. Michigan will face Oregon on November 14th, testing the Wolverines' top-tier status in a hostile environment. USC will also face tough tests against Ohio State on October 31st and Oregon on September 26th, both potential playoff-shaping contests.
The schedule also features significant games for Penn State, which faces fewer ranked opponents, and Iowa against Washington, a critical matchup for two sleeper CFP contenders. These games underscore the intense competition within the Big Ten for postseason berths.
