Big Ten Football Preview Highlights Turnover and Expectations for Several Programs

Big Ten programs face varying levels of roster turnover heading into the 2026 season. Several teams bring in new head coaches while others work to build on prior results amid player departures.

A new head coach takes over a program that finished between fourth and 11th in SP+ seven times from 2016 to 2024. The team ended last season ranked 15th in SP+ after an earlier coaching change. Only seven of 35 players with over 200 snaps from last season return.

Replacements include transfers from other programs and players from the prior staff's previous team. The defense is expected to remain competitive with several returning starters and transfers at multiple positions. The offense projects lower based on limited returning production and prior offensive rankings.

The program enters its third year under the current head coach after a nine-win season in 2025. Quarterback retention followed an earlier departure and return during the offseason. Four losses came against top defenses last season, limiting scoring and efficiency in those games.

Returning linemen and added transfers aim to improve protection and skill positions this year. Defensive rankings improved sharply last season under a new coordinator. Multiple positions face turnover, requiring transfers to contribute immediately for continued strength.