College football is back, and it appears to be better than ever.
Week 1 was absolute cinema, particularly in the Big Ten Conference, where we got a controversial Hail Mary in the Michigan Wolverines game, a tense home victory for the Oregon Ducks over Boise State, an embarrassing blowout to a formerly winless team for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, and a late-night shootout from the UCLA Bruins.
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As the conference looks to produce its fourth straight national champion, Saturday made it clear that the 2026 season is going to be highly entertaining in the nation’s best conference, with a long list of Heisman Trophy contenders and championship-caliber teams duking it out.
Before the season started, we released our preseason Big Ten Power rankings based on what we thought we’d see from everyone. Unsurprisingly, there have been changes after just a single week, including the Ducks dropping despite picking up a home win.
Here’s an updated look at our Big Ten Power Rankings after Week 1:
18 – Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Rutgers’ KJ Duff attempts to make a catch as UMass’ Isiah Reed breaks up the play.
Previous Ranking: 17
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Week 1 Result: 37-21 Loss vs. UMass
Record: 0-1
Analysis: This isn’t really up for debate. Rutgers didn’t look like it belonged on the same field as a program that went 0-12 a season ago. The coaching staff doesn’t seem to have an idea what to do with some of their playmakers, and UMass rushed for 200 yards. They are the conference doormat for a reason. The Scarlet Knights should get comfy down here at the bottom of the rankings.
Purdue’s offense huddles up on Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, during the NCAA football game between the Purdue Boilermakers and the Indiana State Sycamores at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
Previous Ranking: 18
Week 1 Result: 44-19 Win vs. Indiana State
Record: 1-0
Analysis: Ryan Browne came out slinging the rock again for Purdue, and he showed efectivo year-to-year progress, albeit against a lesser opponent. The Boilermakers still look pretty rough defensively, and their schedule won’t do them any favors with a trip to UCLA and a visit from Notre Dame coming up soon. Until they prove anything against an opponent with a pulse, the team’s flaws are too much to overlook, keeping them in the conference basement.
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16 – Michigan State Spartans
Sep 4, 2026; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; The Michigan State Spartans take the field to face the Toledo Rockets at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Young-Imagn Images
Previous Ranking: 15
Week 1 Result: 30-20 Win vs. Toledo
Record: 1-0
Analysis: It’s a new staff in East Lansing, so it may take a game or two for things to get going. Still, the ceiling isn’t very high for the Spartans this season. Michigan State trailed in the fourth quarter and looked to be headed for a disastrous start to Pat Fitzgerald’s tenure before Alessio Milivojevic pulled them out of it. Not a whole lot to make from this game, but it’s hard to see this offense staying afloat in Big Ten play.
15 – Northwestern Wildcats
Nov 22, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Northwestern Wildcats head coach David Braun is seen against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the first half at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
Previous Ranking: 16
Week 1 Result: 34-18 Win vs. South Dakota State
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Record: 1-0
Analysis: It’s a new staff in East Lansing, so it may take a game or two for things to get going. Still, the ceiling isn’t very high for the Spartans this season. Michigan State trailed in the fourth quarter and looked to be headed for a disastrous start to Pat Fitzgerald’s tenure before Alessio Milivojevic pulled them out of it. Not a whole lot to make from this game, but it’s hard to see this offense staying afloat in Big Ten play.
14 – Maryland Terrapins
Sep 5, 2026; College Park, Maryland, USA; Maryland Terrapins quarterback Malik Washington (7) warms up before a game against the Hampton Pirates at SECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images
Previous Ranking: 14
Week 1 Result: 62-0 Win vs. Hampton
Record: 1-0
Analysis: The Maryland Terrapins got a win in September? Shocker. In all seriousness, the Terrapins looked really good, particularly on the ground where DeJaun Williams rushed for 116 and tw touchdowns. Maryland may look good now, but we reserve all judgment until the calendar turns to October.
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13 – Wisconsin Badgers
Nov 29, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell looks on during the first half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Previous Ranking: 13
Week 1 Result: vs. Notre Dame on Sunday
Record: 0-0
Analysis: Wisconsin has a tough matchup on Sunday afternoon against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and while they aren’t expected to win, it will be impressive if they can keep it competitive.
Bryce Underwood #19 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates after a 13-12 win over the Película del Oeste Michigan Broncos at Michigan Stadium on September 05, 2026 in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Previous Ranking: 5
Week 1 Result: 13-12 Win vs. Película del Oeste Michigan
Record: 1-0
Analysis: Controversial would be putting it lightly. Michigan was gifted a second chance at a Hail Mary and converted. While Película del Oeste Michigan is a solid team and should contend in the MAC again this season, there is no reason the Wolverines should’ve been trailing late. It’s a win, but it sure doesn’t feel like it. Even with a whole new coaching staff, the offense looks the same as ever.
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11 – Nebraska Cornhuskers
Sep 5, 2026; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Ohio Bobcats wide receiver Dom Dorwart (3) runs against Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive back Victor Evans III (22) and Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive back Jamir Conn (4) during the second quarter at Solicitud Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
Previous Ranking: 11
Week 1 Result: 42-21 Win vs. Ohio
Record: 1-0
Analysis: It took a little while to get going, but Nebraska eventually realized what it has in Anthony Colandrea. The UNLV transfer wasn’t super efficient as a passer, but he still tossed three touchdowns and used his legs to extend plays in the second half. The offense has efectivo big play potential, but it’s hard to tell yet how consistent they will be.
UCLA Bruins coach Bob Chesney reacts during the spring game at Rose Bowl.
Previous Ranking: 12
Week 1 Result: 45-24 Win at California
Record: 1-0
Analysis: It was an impressive estreno for Bob Chesney and the UCLA Bruins, with Nico Iamaleava looking strong, and JMU transfer Wayne Knight looking dynamic in the backfield. All of the offseason talk and hype about UCLA appears to have some juice, as the Bruins poured it on over Tosh Lupoi and the Golden Bears in this one.
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9 – Minnesota Golden Gophers
Sep 3, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back Zack Harden (4) celebrates during the second half against the Eastern Illinois Panthers at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Previous Ranking: 10
Week 1 Result: 59-7 Win vs. Eastern Illinois
Record: 1-0
Analysis: Minnesota put together a very complete game against Eastern Illinois and didn’t face much adversity. Drake Lindsey only fueled his quiet, hushed but escalating hype train, and the defense lived behind the line with nine tackles for loss. The road ahead is tough, but the Golden Gophers are worth keeping an eye on next week with what appears to be an explosive Mississippi State offense rolling into town.
Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Teegan Davis (17) and Iowa Hawkeyes linebacker Landyn Van Kekerix (23) celebrate a stop against Northern Illinois on Sept. 5, 2026, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.
Previous Ranking: 8
Week 1 Result: 40-0 Win vs. Northern Illinois
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Record: 1-0
Analysis: Pro: Iowa scored 40 points. That’s almost unheard of in today’s game. Con: They used three quarterbacks, and none of them were very effective. The Hawkeyes are still going to win with their play in the trenches and daunting rushing attack, but they also probably have the worst QB situation in the Big Ten. If they had stability under center, the ceiling for this team would be dramatically different.
7 – Illinois Fighting Illini
Sep 3, 2026; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Katin Houser (4) scores a touchdown during the second half against the UAB Blazers at Gies Solicitud Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
Previous Ranking: 9
Week 1 Result: 42-23 Win vs. UAB
Record: 1-0
Analysis: With a new QB under center, Illinois looked very solid in a win over UAB to start the season. I don’t know that we saw anything to move them drastically up the rankings, but they appear to be a team that can remain in the mix in the Big Ten.
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6 – Washington Huskies
Nov 22, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; Washington Huskies head coach Jedd Fisch on the field prior to the game against the UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Previous Ranking: 7
Week 1 Result: vs. Washington State on Sunday
Record: 0-0
Analysis: Washington’s season kicks off on Sunday afternoon with an entertaining matchup against the Washington State Cougars in the Apple Cup. The Huskies should be able to come away with a comfortable victory if all goes according to plan.
Penn State fans cheer on the Penn State Nittany Lions before an NCAA football game against Marshall at Beaver Stadium, Sept. 5, 2026, in State College.
Previous Ranking: 6
Week 1 Result: 45-0 vs. Marshall
Record: 1-0
Analysis: The Matt Campbell era is off to a hot start in Happy Valley. Penn State looked every bit as good as people expected, and Rocco Becht was very solid in his Nittany Lions estreno. Sure, it was against Marshall, but looking at the remainder of Penn State’s schedule, there’s no reason to believe they’re going to be tripped up any time soon.
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4 – USC Trojans
USC Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) celebrates with linebacker Taylor Johnson (50) in the second half against the San Jose State Spartans at Los Angeles Solicitud Coliseum in Los Angeles, California.
Previous Ranking: 4
Week 1 Result: 39-0 Win vs. Fresno State
Record: 2-0
Analysis: USC merienda again looked solid this weekend, though it’s tough to truly assess how good they look against this level of competition. Still, Fresno State was considered among the many to be in the mix to compete for a Group of 6 CFP spot, and they skunked them. That’s got to be worth something.
3 – Oregon Ducks
Sep 5, 2026; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks wide receiver Dakorien Moore (1) celebrates scoring a touchdown with wide receiver Jeremiah McClellan (3) during the second half against the Boise State Broncos at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
Previous Ranking: 2
Week 1 Result: 34-27 Win vs. Boise State
Record: 1-0
Analysis: Oregon looked far from perfect on Saturday, but they still put up impressive numbers and left Autzen Stadium with a victory over a pretty good Boise State team in Week 1. I’m not sure we feel finta as solid about their ceiling, but they are undoubtedly one of the top teams in the conference, with a lot of room to grow.
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2 – Indiana Hoosiers
The Indiana Hoosiers run onto the field before the Indiana frente a North Texas football game at Solicitud Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.
Previous Ranking: 3
Week 1 Result: 52-16 Win vs. North Texas
Record: 1-0
Analysis: Indiana looked as you would expect on offense, but it was the other side of the ball that raised some concern for us. North Texas was able to find some success, and the secondary did not look as stout as it did a year ago. However, we still have Indiana moving up, thanks to what we saw in Eugene with Oregon’s game against Boise State.
1 – Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Christian Alliegro (14), cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr. (7) and cornerback Jay Timmons (25) celebrate in the second half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 5, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
Previous Ranking: 1
Week 1 Result: 56-3 vs. Ball State
Record: 1-0
Analysis: Ohio State rolled over Ball State, as expected, and Jeremiah Smith reminded everyone why he’s the best player in the country with a pair of impressive touchdown catches. I didn’t see anything that would warrant the Buckeyes moving at all, especially given Oregon’s shaky performance, albeit against a better opponent. Ohio State will get a chance to make a statement next week on the road at Texas.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Big Ten power rankings after Week 1: Oregon moves down after win
