The 2026 college football season is officially underway, and after a sneak peek with one Big Ten team in action during Week 0, fans can expect a full slate of games this weekend. Week 1 promises to be an exciting start for the Big Ten, with Penn State and several other teams ready to showcase their talents.
This season, Ohio State, Oregon, and defending national champion Indiana are widely regarded as the frontrunners in the Big Ten. Each of these teams will be playing at home against non-conference opponents this week, with Oregon facing the most challenging test as they host Boise State. Despite the competition, all three teams are anticipated to secure victories without significant difficulty.
Among the Big Ten teams, only UCLA will venture out for a true road game, as they take on former conference rival California. The weekend culminates with a highly anticipated matchup between Wisconsin and national title contender Notre Dame at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. This game is expected to draw considerable attention, particularly as many believe the Badgers may struggle against such a formidable opponent.
As the season kicks off, our staff has made their predictions for Week 1 matchups across the Big Ten. A detailed look at Penn State's game predictions, including final scores and standout players, will be shared later.
Week 1 Predictions
Kevin: Rutgers vs. UMass - Rutgers
Paul: Rutgers vs. UMass - Rutgers
Chris: Rutgers vs. UMass - Rutgers
Kevin: Minnesota vs. Eastern Illinois - Minnesota
Paul: Minnesota vs. Eastern Illinois - Minnesota
Chris: Minnesota vs. Eastern Illinois - Minnesota
Kevin: Illinois vs. UAB - Illinois
Paul: Illinois vs. UAB - Illinois
Chris: Illinois vs. UAB - Illinois
Kevin: Purdue vs. Indiana State - Purdue
Paul: Purdue vs. Indiana State - Purdue
Chris: Purdue vs. Indiana State - Purdue
Kevin: Michigan State vs. Toledo - Michigan State
Paul: Michigan State vs. Toledo - Toledo
Chris: Michigan State vs. Toledo - Michigan State
Kevin: USC vs. Fresno State - USC
Paul: USC vs. Fresno State - USC
Chris: USC vs. Fresno State - USC
Kevin: Indiana vs. North Texas - Indiana
Paul: Indiana vs. North Texas - Indiana
Chris: Indiana vs. North Texas - Indiana
Kevin: Nebraska vs. Ohio - Nebraska
Paul: Nebraska vs. Ohio - Nebraska
Chris: Nebraska vs. Ohio - Nebraska
Kevin: Ohio State vs. Ball State - Ohio State
Paul: Ohio State vs. Ball State - Ohio State
Chris: Ohio State vs. Ball State - Ohio State
Kevin: Oregon vs. Boise State - Oregon
Paul: Oregon vs. Boise State - Oregon
Chris: Oregon vs. Boise State - Oregon
Kevin: Iowa vs. Northern Illinois - Iowa
Paul: Iowa vs. Northern Illinois - Iowa
Chris: Iowa vs. Northern Illinois - Iowa
Kevin: Michigan vs. Western Michigan - Michigan
Paul: Michigan vs. Western Michigan - Michigan
Chris: Michigan vs. Western Michigan - Michigan
Kevin: Maryland vs. Hampton - Maryland
Paul: Maryland vs. Hampton - Maryland
Chris: Maryland vs. Hampton - Maryland
Kevin: Northwestern vs. South Dakota State - Northwestern
Paul: Northwestern vs. South Dakota State - Northwestern
Chris: Northwestern vs. South Dakota State - South Dakota State
Kevin: UCLA at California - UCLA
Paul: UCLA at California - California
Chris: UCLA at California - California
Kevin: Washington vs. Washington State - Washington
Paul: Washington vs. Washington State - Washington
Chris: Washington vs. Washington State - Washington
Kevin: Wisconsin vs. Notre Dame - Notre Dame
Paul: Wisconsin vs. Notre Dame - Notre Dame
Chris: Wisconsin vs. Notre Dame - Notre Dame
As the season unfolds, fans will be eager to see how these predictions hold up and which teams will rise to the occasion in this competitive conference.
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