ESPN predicts the 2026 Big Ten football conference champion

With three straight National Champions coming out of the Big Ten, it's always intriguing to see who's projected to be at the top of the conference.

This year, ESPN Analytics sees a champion being crowned who hasn't won the conference since 2020.

Of the 18 teams, eight were given less than a one percent chance to win the Big Ten. From there, three were given a one percent chance, while four other schools were either at five percent or under.

As competitive as it's been, only three teams were given a fair shot to win it all. It should still be a fun race, but it's one ESPN believes will come down to Indiana, Oregon, or Ohio State.

Note: It's unclear how tiebreakers were determined for teams with the same odds of winning the conference.

2026 Preseason Chance to Win Big Ten via ESPN Analytics

College football

starts in 30 days‼️ According to ESPN Analytics, Ohio State is the favorite to win its first Big Ten Championship since 2020 👀 pic.twitter.com/33gLxFryao

— ESPN Insights (@ESPNInsights) July 30, 2026

1. Ohio State: 39%
2. Oregon: 24%
3. Indiana: 19%
4. USC: 5%
5. Penn State: 5%
6. Michigan: 4%https://badgerswire.usatoday.com/
7. Iowa: 2%
8. Washington: 1%
9. Nebraska: 1%
10. Wisconsin: 1%
11. Illinois: <1%
12. Maryland: <1%
13. UCLA: <1%
14. Michigan State: <1%
15. Rutgers: <1%
16. Northwestern: <1%
17. Minnesota: <1%
18. Purdue: <1%

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This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: ESPN predicts the 2026 Big Ten football conference champion