Big Ten Schedule Insights: USC Faces Challenging Path Forward
The Big Ten Conference has officially unveiled its schedule for the 2026 season. Following Indiana’s shocking national championship victory, teams are gearing up for what promises to be a thrilling campaign filled with marquee matchups.
USC’s Challenging Path Ahead
Lincoln Riley’s USC Trojans are facing a daunting schedule in 2026. The Trojans will encounter heavyweights like Oregon, Indiana, and Ohio State. Each of these games presents unique challenges. Oregon visits LA a week after facing an FCS opponent, giving them added rest. Meanwhile, USC will contend with fatigue from a long 5,400-mile round trip to Rutgers in Week 3. Both Indiana and Ohio State will also have bye weeks before playing USC, providing them extra preparation time. The Trojans will additionally face Wisconsin and Penn State away, while hosting Washington. Riley’s position could become precarious if USC struggles this season.
Ohio State’s Competitive Schedule
Ohio State, coming off a strong previous season, will have a significantly tougher slate in 2026. Previously afforded a relatively easy schedule, they will now face formidable opponents such as Indiana, Oregon, and Michigan. They also have challenging games against Iowa, Illinois, and USC, along with a tough road encounter at Texas in Week 2. If Ohio State makes it to the Big Ten title, they will have definitely earned it.
Michigan’s Tough Finish
Michigan is entering a new era under Kyle Whittingham, but the end of their schedule presents major hurdles. A home game against Indiana on October 17 will be a key matchup early in the season. However, their final three games could be crucial for playoff aspirations. A road trip to Oregon on November 14, followed by a home game against UCLA and a rivalry clash at Ohio State, will test the Wolverines. With multiple opponents ranked in the AP top 17 last season, every game will count.
Future Matchup for Northwestern’s Fitzgerald
Pat Fitzgerald will face his former team, Northwestern, in his new role at Michigan State. After resolving a $130 million wrongful termination lawsuit, Fitzgerald was appointed the Spartans’ head coach. The game on November 7 marks a significant return for Fitzgerald. New Northwestern quarterback Aidan Chiles will also return to East Lansing after transferring from Michigan State, adding intrigue to this matchup.
Nebraska’s Upcoming Challenges
Nebraska’s 2026 schedule is set to be particularly demanding for head coach Matt Rhule. After a missed opportunity in 2025, when they avoided facing top teams, their upcoming schedule includes Oregon, Ohio State, and Indiana. The Cornhuskers’ most difficult stretch will be when Indiana visits Memorial Stadium on October 10, followed by a challenging away game at Oregon a week later. Additionally, facing Ohio State at home in November will be pivotal, as three of their final four games will be on the road.
Penn State’s Favorable Outlook
Matt Campbell’s entrance at Penn State brings questions regarding the transition from Iowa State to the Big Ten. Luckily, the Nittany Lions have a more favorable schedule in 2026. They will not face Indiana, Oregon, or Ohio State, and their opponents include several teams that finished in the conference’s bottom half last season. Although back-to-back games against USC and Michigan pose challenges, playing USC at home gives Penn State a potential edge. Campbell’s first year could see the Nittany Lions clinching nine victories, despite transitioning players.
