Top 10 Big Ten Football Games Impacting CFP Race in 2026

The Big Ten conference is gearing up for an exhilarating 2026 college football season. With West Coast powerhouses like Oregon and USC joining, fans can expect more marquee matchups all year long.

These additions crank up the competition and open the door for chaos as teams battle for a coveted College Football Playoff (CFP) spot. Let’s take a look at ten games that could tip the scales for the Big Ten’s CFP hopes, with a closer look at the matchups and what they mean.

Ohio State’s Non-Conference Test Against Texas

Of all the non-conference games this year, Ohio State’s trip to Texas is the one circled on every calendar. It’s a huge early-season test for both teams, and a win here could give either side a real boost toward the CFP.

Ohio State is staring down a brutal schedule, so nabbing a victory in Austin would give them a solid foundation. It feels like one of those games that could echo all season.

Implications for Texas

Texas isn’t getting a free ride either, not with the gauntlet that is the SEC. If they can take down Ohio State, that’s a statement—maybe even a season-defining one.

Oregon vs. USC: A Pac-12 Throwback

Oregon and USC meeting in the Big Ten? Feels like a blast from the Pac-12 past. Both teams have real playoff ambitions, but their schedules tell two different stories.

Oregon’s conference slate is actually on the lighter side, while USC is staring down Penn State, Ohio State, and Indiana. For USC, this game is almost a must-win, just to get some breathing room for what’s ahead.

USC’s Tough Road

Honestly, USC’s schedule is just nasty. Oregon is just the first hurdle—they’ll have to deal with Penn State and Indiana too.

Penn State vs. USC: A Midseason Litmus Test

Not long after battling Oregon, USC heads to Happy Valley to take on Penn State. With Matt Campbell stepping in as head coach, Penn State isn’t looking to rebuild—they want to win now.

It’s not out of the question that both teams could be undefeated when they meet. That would crank the stakes up even more.

New Leadership at Penn State

Campbell brings a different vibe to Penn State. This isn’t a total overhaul, but the USC matchup will show if they’re ready to hang with the big boys right away.

Ohio State vs. Indiana: The Midseason Showdown

Ohio State and Indiana have been right at the top of the Big Ten recently. Their midseason faceoff could be a turning point, especially for Ohio State with their killer schedule.

Indiana, meanwhile, gets their first real shot at defending their title against a heavyweight. The buildup for this one should be intense.

Title Defense for Indiana

This is Indiana’s first big test of the year. If they can pull off a win, it’s a huge step in their title defense.

Even if both teams stay in the hunt after, this game could be a big talking point for the CFP committee.

Michigan vs. Penn State: A Crucial Matchup

Michigan and Penn State games are always worth watching, and 2026 won’t be any different. Both are lurking around the CFP conversation, but Michigan’s rougher schedule means a win would matter just a bit more for them.

Michigan’s Tough Road

Michigan’s path is just brutal. Every win counts, and this one against Penn State could make or break their year.

Ohio State vs. USC: The Halloween Showdown

Ohio State and USC meet on Halloween, and it feels like a perfect storm. It’s their first Big Ten clash, and by now, both teams will have been through the wringer.

This could easily turn into a CFP elimination game. The stakes are sky-high.

Survival Mode

If either team is already sitting at two losses, this game is probably their last shot. For the winner, it might be the start of a late run.

Ohio State vs. Oregon: Another Classic

Early November brings Ohio State vs. Oregon—again. It’s their fourth meeting in five seasons, and these games always seem to deliver.

Ohio State will be running on fumes by this point, but Oregon needs this one just as much. Both teams have plenty to prove.

Oregon’s Lighter Schedule

Oregon’s schedule isn’t as punishing as Ohio State’s, but that means this win matters even more for them. If they want to make the CFP, they can’t let this one slip.

Michigan’s November Challenges

November is going to be rough for Michigan. They’ve got Oregon and Ohio State back-to-back, and that trip to Oregon is their first since 2003.

They’ll need to be sharp, because another loss before facing Ohio State could end their hopes. No pressure, right?

Oregon’s Battle-Tested Team

Oregon won’t be a pushover—they’ll have been through their own battles. This game will test both teams’ playoff dreams.

Indiana vs. USC: A Historic Matchup

Indiana and USC haven’t played since 1968. That alone makes this one feel special.

Indiana, as the defending champs, will be looking to impress the CFP committee. By this point, they’ll have already faced Michigan and Ohio State, so this game could be the final piece of their playoff puzzle.

Defending the Title

If Indiana’s taken care of business, this game might not change much for them. But a loss here? That could be the one that stings.

The Game: Michigan vs. Ohio State

The last game of the season—*The Game*—is always massive. Michigan and Ohio State both have brutal schedules, so it’s likely neither comes in undefeated.

Whoever wins could be headed to the CFP. The loser? Well, they might be watching from home.

A Storied Rivalry

This rivalry game has shaped the CFP race more than once in recent years. The 2026 matchup? It’s setting up to be just as intense, with both teams’ seasons maybe riding on the outcome.

The 2026 Big Ten season feels like it’s going to be wild. With Oregon and USC jumping in, suddenly the conference is loaded with big-time games.

Fans are in for a ride, honestly. Every week looks like it could shake up the playoff picture, and nobody’s got an easy path this year.