Key 2026 Big Ten Games Shaping College Football Playoff Race

The 2026 Big Ten football schedule is out, and wow, it’s loaded with high-stakes matchups. These games are going to shape the race for the College Football Playoff (CFP).

The Big Ten’s been on a tear lately, grabbing each of the last three national championships. This season feels like it’s setting up for another wild ride.

Let’s dig into the 10 most important games of the 2026 Big Ten season. We’ll look at the key dates, the rivalries, and just how much these games could shake up the CFP race.

Key Matchups to Watch

The Big Ten’s a real powerhouse these days. Seven teams made CBS Sports’ way-too-early top 25 rankings.

Indiana, Michigan, Ohio State, and Oregon all cracked the top 10. Penn State, USC, and Washington are in there too, with Iowa hanging around the conversation.

With so many heavyweights, any clash between these teams could have big playoff stakes. It’s a gauntlet, honestly.

Ohio State vs. Oregon – November 7 (Week 10)

This could be a top-five showdown that tips the scales in the Big Ten Championship race—and maybe even for a CFP first-round bye.

Ohio State and Oregon split their two games in 2024. The Ducks won in Eugene, but the Buckeyes got revenge in the CFP quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl and went on to win it all.

Feels like both teams have a lot to prove here.

Indiana vs. Ohio State – October 17 (Week 7)

Here’s a rematch of the 2025 Big Ten Championship Game. It’s the third meeting between Curt Cignetti and Ryan Day, but the first time they’re facing off in Bloomington.

Indiana’s 16-0 at home since 2024. Can they keep that streak alive against a loaded Buckeyes squad?

Michigan vs. Ohio State – November 28 (Week 13)

“The Game” always matters, but lately, it’s been huge for playoff hopes. Since 2017, at least one of these teams has been fighting for a Big Ten title or a CFP spot every year.

Kyle Whittingham’s running things in Ann Arbor now. Ryan Day won their only coaching matchup back in the 2021 Rose Bowl.

This one’s got top-10 vibes again. Wouldn’t want to miss it.

Oregon vs. Michigan – November 14 (Week 11)

If Michigan wants to stay among the Big Ten elite, they’ve got to survive Autzen Stadium. That’s never easy.

Oregon rolled into Ann Arbor two years ago and dominated. Michigan hasn’t beaten the Ducks since 1973—three straight losses.

USC vs. Ohio State – October 31 (Week 9)

This one’s a classic helmet game. For the first time as Big Ten foes—and the first meeting since 2017—Ohio State heads to LA to face USC.

The Trojans have a brutal schedule next season, but at least they get the Buckeyes at home in the Coliseum. Historically, Ohio State’s just 1-4 against USC, with their lone win in the 2017 Cotton Bowl.

USC vs. Oregon – September 26 (Week 4)

Old Pac-12 vibes here. Oregon had no trouble scoring on USC last season, winning 42-27 in Eugene.

It’ll be up to new USC defensive coordinator Gary Patterson to figure out how to slow down Oregon’s attack. Otherwise, it could be another long day for the Trojans in LA.

Michigan vs. Indiana – October 24 (Week 8)

This is probably the toughest road game for the reigning champs in 2026. Curt Cignetti’s been knocking down walls at Indiana, and now he’s got his eyes on Ann Arbor.

The Hoosiers haven’t won at Michigan since 1967. That’s 22 straight losses, but hey, streaks are made to be broken, right?

Indiana vs. USC – November 14 (Week 11)

No one saw this one coming a couple years ago. Indiana’s rise has been wild, and now they’re facing USC for the first time in 44 years.

The Hoosiers are 0-4 all-time against USC. Maybe this is the year something changes?

Penn State vs. USC – October 10 (Week 6)

Penn State and new coach Matt Campbell have a pretty friendly schedule, at least on paper. The Nittany Lions only face three ranked Big Ten teams in the early top 25.

A win over USC in Happy Valley would be a big step toward the postseason. Feels like a must-watch if you’re keeping an eye on the CFP picture.

Iowa vs. Washington – October 10 (Week 6)

Iowa and Washington head into 2026 as under-the-radar CFP contenders in the Big Ten. Both teams have the headache of five conference road games on their plates.

This matchup is huge. Whoever comes out on top gets a little more breathing room in the postseason race as the league schedule grinds on.

Want a closer look at the full 2026 Big Ten football schedule? Check out the 10 most important games that could shake up the CFP race over at CBS Sports.