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Big Ten reveals schedule for 2026 college football season
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Just over a week after closing the book on the 2025 college football season, the Big Ten has revealed the full schedule for 2026.
We are about 8 months out from the return of college football. Week 0 of the 2026 season is set to begin on Thursday, Aug. 27. In the B1G, only USC will be competing in Week 0. The Trojans’ season-opening opponent is labeled “to be announced” at this time.
All 18 teams are scheduled to play in Week 1, which begins on Thursday, Sept. 3. Minnesota vs. Eastern Illinois is among the first group of Week 1 games.
Four teams will begin conference play on Sept. 19. The league’s other 14 members will begin playing league opponents on Sept. 26.
One of the biggest days of the conference schedule will be Oct. 17 when Indiana hosts Ohio State. The Hoosiers and Buckeyes are the 2 most recent national champions. They also played for the Big Ten title in December.
The 2026 Big Ten Championship Game is set for Dec. 5 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
The full schedule, below, does not include kickoff times. The conference notes that some games will be moved to Fridays or other special dates (such as Labor Day).
A former Florida beat reporter, Andrew writes for the Saturday Tradition News Desk.