The 2026 college football season is right around the corner, and teams in the Big Ten are all vying to win the conference championship. Indiana is coming off a national championship and will be in a good position to win a consecutive Big Ten title. However, teams such as Ohio State and Oregon will be on their heels. Then there are other programs that could be dark-horse candidates to win the Big Ten crown.
Here are the current Big Ten Championship odds, courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook.
- 1. Ohio State: +185
- 2.Oregon: +270
- 3. Indiana: +290
- 4. USC: +1300
- 5. Michigan: +1600
- 6. Penn State: +1900
- 7. Washington: +3000
- 8. Iowa: +5000
- 9. Wisconsin: +10000
- 10. UCLA: +12500
- 11. Illinois: +12500
- 12. Minnesota: +12500
- 13.Nebraska: +17500
- 14. Maryland: +40000
- 15. Northwestern: +40000
- 16. Purdue: +40000
- 17.Rutgers: +40000
- 18.Michigan State: +40000
Despite losing 13-10 to Indiana in the Big Ten Championship Game last season, odds favor Ohio State (+185) more heavily than Indiana and Oregon. Ohio State is the favorite due in large part to returning key players such as quarterback Julian Sayin, receiver Jeremiah Smith, and running back Bo Jackson. Ohio State is just two years removed from winning a national title and could be poised to win it all again in 2026. Per FanDuel, Ohio State currently has the highest odds of winning the national championship at +550.
Ohio State’s schedule isn’t easy, including a three-game stretch with back-to-back road games against Indiana and USC and a home tilt versus Oregon. And the Michigan vs Ohio State game at Ohio Stadium won’t be a cakewalk for the Buckeyes, either. While Ohio State may have the most talent in the conference this season, they don’t have the easiest schedule, which could ultimately hurt their chances of playing for the Big Ten title.
The Runner-Up: Oregon (+270)Oregon’s only three losses in the last two seasons have been against eventual national champions in Ohio State and Indiana. Oregon head coach Dan Lanning has fielded impressive teams, but abysmal performances in the College Football Playoff have the Ducks playing second fiddle to Ohio State in Big Ten Championship odds.
A big reason why Oregon could wind up winning the Big Ten Championship could be quarterback Dante Moore. Moore had a great 2025, and some considered his not being a Heisman finalist an incorrect snub. Moore passed for 3,565 yards last season with 30 passing touchdowns, 10 interceptions and a 71.8% completion rate.
The Dark Horse: Penn State (+1900)Heading into the 2025 season, Penn State was one of the favorites to win the national championship. However, head coach James Franklin was fired in the middle of the season, and the Nittany Lions went 7-6. Now Matt Campbell is Penn State’s head coach and has brought with him a lot of talent from his previous post at Iowa State.
Penn State added 48 players via the transfer portal, including 24 Iowa State players. Penn State’s biggest addition is arguably quarterback Rocco Becht. Becht brings with him three years of starting experience at Iowa State, where he passed for 9,272 yards, 64 passing touchdowns, and 19 rushing touchdowns.
Penn State has the sixth-highest odds of winning the Big Ten at +1900.
Where Michigan Stands (+1600)Michigan won three Big Ten titles in a row from 2021 to 2023, but two years of Sherrone Moore as head coach had the program going in the wrong direction. Moore was fired this offseason, and Kyle Whittingham was hired as head coach. Whittingham brings with him stability, proven by his 21 seasons as Utah’s head coach. Whittingham had a 177-78 record at Utah, with wins in the Fiesta Bowl and Sugar Bowl.
Michigan brings back 2025 No. 1 overall recruit, quarterback Bryce Underwood, as well as key playmakers in running back Jordan Marshall and receiver Andrew Marsh. Michigan also added quality talent in the transfer portal. Edge rusher John Henry Daley and receiver JJ Buchanan are expected to be difference-makers, joining Michigan via Utah.
Michigan has the fifth-highest odds of winning the Big Ten. And while Michigan will be improved under Whittingham, they still have quite a challenging schedule. Michigan has road games versus Oregon and Ohio State, as well as challenging home matchups versus Oklahoma, Penn State and Indiana. If Michigan somehow makes the Big Ten title game, it’ll mean they’re exceeding outside expectations this season.
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