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San Jose State

Football

Big Ten

San Jose St. Spartans Football team

San Jose State vs. USC | Extended Highlights | Big Ten Football | 08/29/2026

Box Score

Los Angeles, CA

USC Trojans

USC Trojans Football team

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Big Ten Conference

Southern California

San Jose State vs. USC | Extended Highlights | Big Ten Football | 08/29/2026 (XIQXjjt8II4)

San Jose State vs. USC | Highlights | Big Ten Football | 08/29/26

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Freshman Kayden Dixon-Wyatt's first career score extends the Trojans' lead | USC Football

Freshman Kayden Dixon-Wyatt's first career score extends the Trojans' lead | USC Football (bKVtVL3tM54)

B1G Football Head Coaches Share Coaching Philosophies & Season Goals | Big Ten Football

B1G Football Head Coaches Share Coaching Philosophies & Season Goals | Big Ten Football (03xpn8VgIwU)

Doug Lesmerises Talks Big Ten Football Big Picture Ahead of 2026 Season

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East

Ohio State Buckeyes

Ohio State

Ohio State Buckeyes Football team

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Michigan Wolverines

Michigan

Michigan Wolverines Football team

Michigan's Goal for the Seaon? A Big Ten Title | Michigan Football

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Indiana Hoosiers

Indiana

Indiana Hoosiers Football team

Coach Cignetti’s Blunt Mendoza Confession | Indiana Football

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Michigan Football

Introducing Wolverine Walk

Come and greet the team as they arrive to the Big House before the game, approximately 2.5 hours prior to kickoff! https://t.co/TLMyG8pqep

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"Our guys are focused; they're locked in."

🗣️ Jedd Fisch on No. 17 Washington's mindset entering Week 1 rivalry game vs. Washington State https://t.co/qgkchpvroP

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Maryland

Months of work, put to test this Saturday 🔜 https://t.co/rRF6Ou0z7N

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🍎🐾 Dawg Walk • Sunday • 10:35am • Arrive Early https://t.co/RDuvourtBC

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Game week prep🔒

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"I don't see any issues with the elevation of the coordinators." 

Oregon's Dan Lanning had to replace his OC and DC this offseason, and he elevated Drew Mehringer and Chris Hampton. 

@CoachUrbanMeyer and @gerrydinardo discuss the art of replacing coordinators 👇 https://t.co/zBszhUzMrm

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<div class="payload-richtext">ROSEMONT, Ill. – The Big Ten on Tuesday announced expanded access to the football replay review process for select games during the 2026 season.Beginning September 4, Friday broadcasts of conference home games will have access to live audio between the game referee and replay official during reviews, as well as a view inside the state-of-the-art Big Ten Replay Center.The new broadcast enhancements will debut this Friday with three Big Ten games. A complete schedule is below.Big Ten Broadcasts With Enhanced Replay Access Friday, September 4 – Purdue vs. Indiana State (BTN) Friday, September 4 – Michigan State vs. Toledo (FS1) Friday, September 4 – USC vs. Fresno State (FOX) Friday, September 18 – Oregon vs. Portland State (BTN) Friday, September 25 – Rutgers vs. Howard (BTN) Friday, September 25 – Indiana vs. Northwestern (FOX) Friday, October 2 – Northwestern vs. Penn State (FOX) Friday, October 9 – Washington vs. Iowa (TBD) Friday, October 16 – Purdue vs. Washington (FOX) Friday, November 6 – Illinois vs. Nebraska (FOX) Friday, November 13 – UCLA vs. Illinois (FOX) Friday, November 20 – Michigan State vs. Oregon (FOX) Friday, November 27 – Iowa vs. Nebraska (CBS) Friday, November 27 – Wisconsin vs. Minnesota (FOX)</div>

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2026 Friday Football Enhanced Replay Access 

<div class="payload-richtext">College football season is officially underway with Week 0 this past Saturday. No. 14 USC, the lone Big Ten team playing, defeated San Jose State in Los Angeles behind three touchdowns from quarterback Jayden Maiava and strong performances on both sides of the ball. The Trojans’ Week 0 win has set the slate for the 2026 Big Ten season, with three more teams starting their campaigns this Thursday night. <h2>Maiava, New Options Jumpstart Trojans’ 2026 </h2>USC kicked off the Big Ten football season with a high-scoring 42-26 win over San Jose State at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Quarterback Jayden Maiava started off the campaign on a high note, completing 25-of-29 passes for 286 yards and two touchdowns, while also adding a score on the ground. Freshman wideout Trent Mosley made an explosive debut, catching seven passes for 118 yards and a touchdown. Maiava hit 10 different targets while cruising to the win, showing promise for a Trojan offense that lost star receivers Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane to the NFL. On the other side of the ball, Gary Patterson’s Trojan defense gave up just three points in the first three quarters. While late scores softened the final 42-26 margin, the first-team unit set a dominant, physical tone to open the season. <a href="https://x.com/B1Gfootball/status/2093810601461977425" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 Check out Mosley’s first career touchdown,
 </a> and <a href="https://usctrojans.com/news/2026/8/29/usc-trojans-football-game-recap-associated-press-ap-san-jose-state-spartants-jayden-maiava-trent-mosley-luke-wafle" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 read the full recap
 </a>. <h2>Thursday Night Previews </h2>This week, the remaining 17 Big Ten teams begin their seasons, including three games on Thursday night before more games on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Before the action begins, dive deep into the top storylines, quarterback battles, and title contenders in our <a href="https://bigten.org/fb/article/60263/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 2026 Big Ten Season Plotlines & Preview.
 </a> <h3>Rutgers vs. UMass (6:00 p.m. ET on Big Ten Network) </h3>Greg Schiano’s Scarlet Knights kick off Week 1 under the lights at SHI Stadium against UMass. Rutgers returns elite playmakers in wideout KJ Duff and running back Antwan Raymond, who are both coming off top-15 national finishes in receiving and rushing yards, respectively. But with new quarterback Dylan Lonergan at the helm, the Scarlet Knights’ signal-caller will be the primary storyline to watch against the Minutemen.  <h3>Minnesota vs. Eastern Illinois (8:00 p.m. ET on Peacock) </h3>Minnesota hosts EIU at Huntington Bank Stadium looking to jumpstart a successful campaign in P.J. Fleck’s 10th season with the Golden Gophers. With NFL Draft prospect Drake Lindsey leading the Golden Gophers' revamped air attack, along with running back Darius Taylor returning for his senior season, Minnesota looks to set an aggressive offensive tone early.  <h3>Illinois vs. UAB (9:00 p.m. ET on Big Ten Network) </h3>Bret Bielema’s squad faces a run-first UAB offense under the lights at Gies Memorial Stadium. After 10-3 and 9-4 seasons that both ended in bowl game wins, Illinois will look to add on with East Carolina transfer Katin Houser at the helm, backed by dynamic running back Ca’Lil Valentine and wide receiver Hudson Clement. <h2>Get Ready</h2>The three Thursday night matchups will set the stage for a jam-packed opening weekend, which includes No. 6 Indiana opening its title defense against North Texas and No. 2 Oregon hosting the defending Mountain West Champion Boise State. Check out the complete Week 1 football schedule for the Big Ten <a href="https://bigten.org/fb/schedule/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 here
 </a>. </div>

Jayden Maiava throws for USC football

USC Gets Week 0 Win, Three Big Ten Teams Open on Thursday

<div class="payload-richtext">ROSEMONT, Ill. — The Big Ten Conference on Friday announced updates to the Football Availability Reporting Process for the upcoming 2026 season. Beginning this year, schools will submit four availability reports per week, beginning three days before a contest and concluding with a gameday report. Institutions will submit reports by 8pm ET/7pm CT/5pm PT three days (e.g., on Wednesday for a Saturday game), two days, and one day before scheduled kickoff. A final gameday submission will be due two hours before kickoff. Midweek status designations will identify student-athletes as Probable, Questionable, Doubtful, Out or Out (1st Half). Gameday availability reports will include three categories: Game Time Decision, Out, and Out (1st Half) on gameday. Student-athletes not listed on a report are considered Available.Due to travel party limitations, visiting teams will indicate the availability status of players who either a) were part of the travel squad, or b)were not part of the travel squad but are (or have been) included in the two-deep on offense, defense, or special teams or otherwise regularly participate in games.This policy will apply to all competition against conference opponents only, with the first reports of the Big Ten season due in advance of the USC at Rutgers and Purdue at UCLA games on Sept. 19. All availability reports will be published on BigTen.org. The 2026 campaign gets underway this weekend when USC hosts San Jose State at 3pm ET/2pm CT/12pm PT on NBC. The Big Ten enters the season having won each of the last three College Football Playoff National Championships, with three schools ranked in the Top-6 of the preseason AP poll and eight teams ranked among the Top-22.</div>

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Big Ten Announces Changes To Football Availability Reporting Process

<div class="payload-richtext">College football Week 0 is officially here, and on Saturday in Los Angeles, USC kicks off its season hosting San Jose State at 3 p.m. ET on NBC. The Trojans are the lone Big Ten team to play this week and have an opportunity to set the scene for a campaign with high expectations. Lincoln Riley’s Trojans enter the 2026 season looking to make the College Football Playoff for the first time in program history, and the team has all the ammunition to do so. USC <a href="https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/college-football-returning-production-2026-returning-starters-fbs/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 returns an FBS-high 15 starters
 </a> across both sides of the ball, including quarterback Jayden Maiava, who steps back into the spotlight following a breakout campaign where he ranked fourth nationally with 3,711 passing yards, along with 24 passing touchdowns, 6 rushing scores and a nation-leading 91.2 QBR. Alongside Maiava, the Trojans have running backs Waymond Jordan and King Miller back in Los Angeles. On defense, the trio of Kameryn Crawford, Desman Stephens II, and Braylan Shelby creates a formidable core for new defensive coordinator Gary Patterson to build around. During his tenure at TCU, Patterson's defenses led the nation in total defense five separate times — including three consecutive seasons from 2008 to 2010. With veterans returning at all three levels, the Trojan defense is primed to take a major step forward. Ranked No. 14 in the AP Top 25, the Trojans will certainly have their chance to prove their mettle against the country's elite this fall, with home tests against Oregon, Washington, and Ohio State alongside road trips to Penn State and Indiana. But the path to a special season begins Saturday afternoon in L.A., giving Riley and his squad their first official platform to showcase that potential. Before kickoff, catch up on every major plotline, team transformation, and key storyline across the conference in our <a href="https://bigten.org/fb/article/60263/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 2026 Big Ten storylines preview.
 </a> </div>

Jayden Maiava throws a pass for USC

Setting the Tone in LA: USC Opens Season Against San Jose State in Week 0

<div class="payload-richtext"><a href="https://img.boostsport.ai/boost-cms/2026%20FB%20Week%200%20Release.pdf">
 BIG TEN FOOTBALL RELEASE - WEEK 0
 </a> | <a href="https://bigten.org/fb/standings/2026/">
 STANDINGS
 </a> | <a href="https://bigten.org/fb/schedule/">
 SCHEDULE
 </a> | <a href="https://bigten.org/abbott/">
 WE GIVE BLOOD DRIVE
 </a> • The 130th season of Big Ten football will commence this week, as USC kicks off the season on Saturday. The Trojans welcome San Jose State to Los Angeles at 3 p.m. ET on NBC.• <a href="https://youtu.be/_CYUJRZxxSg">
 Take a look inside fall camp
 </a> around the Big Ten.• The 2026 Discover Big Ten Championship Game will be held on Saturday, December 5, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis and will be broadcast by FOX. The winner will represent the conference as the Automatic Qualifier (AQ) to the College Football Playoff.  • The Big Ten welcomes four new head coaches to the sidelines for the 2026 campaign in Michigan’s Kyle Whittingham, Michigan State’s Pat Fitzgerald, Penn State’s Matt Campbell and UCLA’s Bob Chesney. The Big Ten’s 18 head football coaches combine for 202 seasons of head coaching experience and more than 1,500 wins.• Abbott and the Big Ten Conference kicked off Season 3 of the We Give Blood drive on August 26. Donations are tracked in real-time until December 4. The school with the most donations at the end will be announced on December 5 at the 2026 Discover Big Ten Championship Game. Every donation can help save up to three lives — and someone in the U.S. needs blood every two seconds.• Indiana captured its first national title last season with a 27-21 victory over Miami (Fla.) in the 2026 College Football Playoff at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Fla. The Hoosiers capped off the season as the only team in college football history to go 16-0.• The Big Ten opens the 2026 season having claimed three consecutive College Football Playoff championships by three different universities (Indiana 2026, Ohio State 2025, Michigan 2024).• With national championships in football and men’s and women’s basketball, the Big Ten became the second conference to sweep football and basketball national titles since 1981-82. The Big Ten is the only conference to achieve the feat with three different schools. • The Big Ten finished last season with six teams ranked in the AP Top 25, the second-most of any conference, including three teams ranked in the top five. The 2026 AP Preseason Poll features eight Big Ten teams in No. 1 Ohio State, No. 2 Oregon, No. 6 Indiana, No. T14 USC, No. 16 Michigan, No. 17 Washington, No. 18 Penn State and No. 22 Iowa, while Illinois and Minnesota received votes. • A trio of Big Ten teams have had the highest win percentages in the FBS the last two seasons -- Indiana (27-2, .931), Oregon (26-3, .897) and Ohio State (26-4, .867). • Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza was the No. 1 overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft. Mendoza was the first Hoosier selected at No. 1 since Corby Davis (1938), first Big Ten player to go No. 1 since Jake Long (2008) and first Big Ten quarterback picked No. 1 since Jeff George (1990). The Big Ten had 68 players taken in the NFL Draft, including three in the top five -- Mendoza, Ohio State’s Carnell Tate (No. 4) and Arvell Reese (No. 5) -- and a conference-leading 10 picks in the first round.• The 2025 Discover Big Ten Championship Game between Indiana and Ohio State set an attendance record with 68,214 fans inside Lucas Oil Stadium. The game was broadcast on FOX and was the most-watched football conference championship game of any conference or network with 18.33 million viewers.• The Big Ten featured schools in eight of the 10 most-watched college football games during the 2025 season. </div>

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2026 Week 0 Football Release

Indiana Football CFP trophy raise 8-26-26

Football's 10 Biggest Storylines Heading into the 2026 Season 

<div class="payload-richtext">“The Big Ten Conference announced Tuesday the unanimous adoption of a conference rule to prohibit football players who have signed a professional contract, were on a professional roster at any point or declared for the NFL Draft as an underclassman without withdrawing, from maintaining eligibility for athletic competition at a conference institution.“The conference continues to evaluate potential rules restricting professional athletes in other sports from conference competition.”</div>

Big Ten Header

Statement On NFL Student-Athlete Eligibility

<div class="payload-richtext">As attention turns to the 2026 college football season, Big Ten student-athletes have earned national recognition on various preseason award watch lists. Below is a list of featured student-athletes.Bednarik Award Matthew Bailey, Illinois Rolijah Hardy, Indiana Isaiah Jones, Indiana Tyrique Tucker, Indiana Zach Lutmer, Iowa Daniel Wingate, Maryland Jyaire Hall, Michigan John Henry Daley, Michigan Jordan Hall, Michigan State Anthony Smith, Minnesota Robert Fitzgerald, Northwestern Kenyatta Jackson, Ohio State Earl Little Jr., Ohio State Brandon Finney Jr., Oregon Matayo Uiagalelei, Oregon A’Mauri Washington, Oregon Jeremiah Cooper, Penn State Jontez Williams, USC Mason Posa, Wisconsin Davey O’Brien Award Josh Hoover, Indiana Julian Sayin, Ohio State Dante Moore, Oregon Rocco Becht, Penn State Jayden Maiava, USC Demond Williams Jr., WashingtonDoak Walker Award Ca’Lil Valentine, Illinois Khobie Martin, Indiana Turbo Richard, Indiana Kamari Moulton, Iowa DeJuan Williams, Maryland Cam Edwards, Michigan State Bo Jackson, Ohio State Jordon Davison, Oregon Carson Hansen, Penn State James Peoples, Penn State Fame Ijeboi, Purdue Wayne Knight, UCLA Biletnikoff Award Jayshon Platt, Illinois Charlie Becker, Indiana Griffin Wilde, Northwestern Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State Iverson Hooks, Oregon Jamari Johnson, Oregon KJ Duff, Rutgers Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Amare Ferrell, Indiana Jyaire Hill, Michigan Earl Little Jr., Ohio State Brandon Finney Jr., Oregon Koi Perich, Oregon John Mackey Award DJ Vonnahme, Iowa Dorian Flemming, Maryland JJ Buchanan, Michigan Luke Lindenmeyer, Nebraska Hunter Welcing, Ohio State Jamari Johnson, Oregon Benjamin Brahmer, Penn State Gabe Burkle, Penn State Decker DeGraaf, Washington Butkus Award Rolijah Hardy, Indiana Isaiah Jones, Indiana Jayden Montgomery, Iowa Daniel Wingate, Maryland Troy Bowles, Michigan Jordan Hall, Michigan State Maverick Baranowski, Minnesota Owen Chambliss, Nebraska Kooper Ebel, Penn State Sammy Omosigho, UCLA Xe’ree Alexander, Washington Mason Posa, Wisconsin Ray Guy Award Bryce McFerson, Maryland Hunter Green, Washington Bronko Nagurski Trophy Amare Ferrell, Indiana Rolijah Hardy, Indiana Isaiah Jones, Indiana Zach Lutmer, Iowa John Henry Daley, Michigan Kenyatta Jackson Jr., Ohio State Jaylen McClain, Ohio State Brandon Finney Jr., Oregon Koi Perich, Oregon Outland Trophy Carter Smith, Indiana Trevor Lauck, Iowa Kade Pieper, Iowa Andrew Sprague, Michigan Ben Murawski, Michigan State Greg Johnson, Minnesota Carson Hinzman, Ohio State Luke Montgomery, Ohio State Austin Siereveld, Ohio State Bear Alexander, Oregon Iapani Laloulu, Oregon A’Mauri Washington, Oregon Alani Noa, USC Lou Groza Award Nico Radicic, Indiana Eli Ozock, Iowa Sean O’Haire, Maryland Trey Butkowski, Michigan Jackson Kleather, Northwestern Connor Hawkins, Ohio State Ryan Barker, Penn State Ryon Sayeri, USC Tyler Robles, Washington Paul Hornung Award Andrew Marsh, Michigan Jacory Barney Jr., Nebraska Brandon Inniss, Ohio State Koi Perich, Oregon Wayne Knight, UCLA Rimington Trophy Jake Renfro, Illinois Bray Lynch, Indiana Kade Pieper, Iowa Mihael Hershey, Maryland Jake Guarnera, Michigan Ashton Beers, Minnesota Justin Evans, Nebraska Jake Carsello, Northwestern Carson Hinzman, Ohio State Iapani Laloulu, Oregon Brock Riker, Penn State Kilian O’Connor, USC Landen Hatchett, Washington Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Brendon Henderson, Illinois Charlie Becker, Indiana Jayden Montgomery, Iowa Malik Washington, Maryland Jordan Marshall, Michigan Jordan Hall, Michigan State Anthony Smith, Minnesota Donovan Jones, Nebraska John Fussell, Northwestern Jaylen McClain, Ohio State Dante Moore, Oregon Cooper Cousins, Penn State CJ Madden, Purdue Michael O’Connor, Rutgers Halakilangi Muagututi’a, UCLA Jayden Maiava, USC Landen Hatchett, Washington Chris Brooks Jr., Wisconsin Walter Camp Award Charlie Becker, Indiana Tyrique Tucker, Indiana Bryce Underwood, Michigan Anthony Smith, Minnesota Julian Sayin, Ohio State Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State Dante Moore, Oregon KJ Duff, Rutgers Jayden Maiava, USCMaxwell Award Josh Hoover, Indiana Jordan Marshall, Michigan Bryce Underwood, Michigan Cam Edwards, Michigan State Darius Taylor, Minnesota Anthony Colandrea, Nebraska Caleb Komolafe, Northwestern Bo Jackson, Ohio State Julian Sayin, Ohio State Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State Rocco Becht, Penn State Antwan Raymond, Rutgers Nico Iamaleava, UCLA Waymond Jordan, USC Jayden Maiava, USC Demond Williams, Washington Players listed on three-or-more Watch Lists heading into the 2026 season:4 Lists<ul class="list-bullet"><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="1"
 >Jayden Maiava, USC — Davey O'Brien, Wuerffel, Walter Camp, Maxwell</li></ul>3 Lists<ul class="list-bullet"><li
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 style=""
 value="1"
 >Rolijah Hardy, Indiana — Bednarik, Butkus, Nagurski</li><li
 class=""
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 value="2"
 >Isaiah Jones, Indiana — Bednarik, Butkus, Nagurski</li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="3"
 >Charlie Becker, Indiana — Biletnikoff, Wuerffel, Walter Camp</li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="4"
 >Jordan Hall, Michigan State — Bednarik, Butkus, Wuerffel</li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="5"
 >Anthony Smith, Minnesota — Bednarik, Wuerffel, Walter Camp</li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="6"
 >Julian Sayin, Ohio State — Davey O'Brien, Walter Camp, Maxwell</li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="7"
 >Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State — Biletnikoff, Walter Camp, Maxwell</li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="8"
 >Brandon Finney Jr., Oregon — Bednarik, Thorpe, Nagurski</li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="9"
 >Dante Moore, Oregon — Davey O'Brien, Wuerffel, Walter Camp</li><li
 class=""
 style=""
 value="10"
 >Koi Perich, Oregon — Thorpe, Nagurski, Hornung</li></ul></div>

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2026 Big Ten Football Preseason National Awards Watch Lists

<div class="payload-richtext">The road to the national championship runs squarely through the Big Ten, which flooded the 2026 Preseason AP Top 25 Poll with eight teams — capped by a 1-2 punch in Ohio State and Oregon at the very top. Not far behind the Buckeyes and Ducks are the Indiana Hoosiers, who come in at No. 6, fresh off their historic title run.  Beyond the top-10 heavyweights, the Big Ten dominates the middle of the rankings with a four-team block spanning spots 14 through 18. USC (No. 14) leads that pack, followed in rapid succession by Michigan (No. 16), Washington (No. 17), and Penn State (No. 18). Iowa (No. 22) completes the conference fleet, giving the Big Ten deep representation from the top spot all the way down the ballot. Here is a closer look at each ranked Big Ten team, their official AP ranking, and what to watch for entering the 2026 campaign. <h2>No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes (40 first-place votes) </h2>Claiming the top spot in the poll with 40 first-place votes, the Buckeyes enter the season as one of the national championship favorites, aiming to become the first preseason AP No. 1 team to go wire-to-wire and win it all since Alabama in 2017. With 2025 Heisman finalist quarterback Julian Sayin and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith — widely considered the best player in college football — returning, Ohio State is looking to win its 10th national championship and second in three years. The Buckeyes, one of three Big Ten sports teams to be ranked preseason No. 1 this fall alongside Nebraska Volleyball and Washington Men’s Soccer, will have to deal with key losses on both sides of the ball, but Coach Ryan Day’s recruiting has left the program primed to reload rather than rebuild. Behind a veteran offensive line and a deep defense featuring playmakers at all three levels, the Buckeyes have every piece in place to handle a high-stakes schedule and claim college football’s ultimate prize. <h2>No. 2 Oregon Ducks (14 first-place votes) </h2>Holding down the highest preseason ranking in program history, Dan Lanning’s squad has strong continuity on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Dante Moore returns to command an explosive attack loaded with skill talent — highlighted by wide receivers Dakorien Moore, Evan Stewart, and Jeremiah McClellan along with sophomore running backs Jordon Davison and Dierre Hill Jr. On defense, proven disruptors Matayo Uiagalelei, A'Mauri Washington, and Teitum Tuioti anchor a physical front. Behind them, a secondary stacked with talent is headlined by a pair of preseason All-Americans in Minnesota safety transfer Koi Perich and returning standout Brandon Finney Jr. Packed with complete depth across the board, Oregon has every tool needed to capture a second Big Ten crown and hunt for its first national title. Oregon has three total losses since joining the Big Ten, all to the eventual national champions in Ohio State in 2024 and Indiana in 2025-26. But, with arguably Lanning’s best roster ever and one of the best signal-callers in the country, this could be the season the Ducks finally reach the mountaintop. <h2>No. 6 Indiana Hoosiers (eight first-place votes) </h2>After a 16-0 season where Indiana won its first outright Big Ten title since 1945 and first ever national championship, completing one of the best stories in college football history, the Hoosiers are right back in the fold again in 2026. Curt Cignetti’s squad enters the fall holding the highest preseason ranking in school history at No. 6, even garnering eight first-place votes. While the Hoosiers lost key contributors from last year’s title run, including Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza and wide receivers Elijah Sarratt and Omar Cooper Jr., Cignetti reloaded swiftly through the portal — headlined by TCU transfer quarterback Josh Hoover, who steps under center to trigger an explosive passing attack alongside wideouts Charlie Becker and Nick Marsh. Behind one of the Big Ten's elite offensive lines and defensive coordinator Bryant Haines’ disciplined unit, Cignetti’s retooled roster is primed to make more history. <h2>No. 14 USC Trojans </h2>Tied with BYU at No. 14, Lincoln Riley’s Trojans lead another wave of Big Ten contenders with eyes set firmly on a playoff berth. Quarterback Jayden Maiava highlights an FBS-high 15 returning starters on both sides of the ball; No. 14 will command an offense that should have no trouble putting up points, flanked by an upgraded offensive line and a retooled corps of perimeter weapons. The real key to USC’s championship ceiling lies on the defensive side of the ball, where former TCU head coach Gary Patterson takes over as defensive coordinator. While at TCU, Patterson’s teams led the nation in total defense five times. If this translates to Los Angeles, the Trojans have the muscle to make noise in the Big Ten and navigate a grueling slate. <h2>No. 16 Michigan Wolverines </h2>The Wolverines begin a new era with one of college football’s most decorated leaders at the helm as Kyle Whittingham takes the reins in Ann Arbor. Across 21 seasons at Utah, Whittingham established himself as a premier program builder — <a href="https://mgoblue.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/kyle-whittingham/6875" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 amassing 177 career wins
 </a>, three conference championships (including back-to-back Pac-12 titles in 2021 and 2022), an undefeated 13-0 Sugar Bowl season in 2008, and three National Coach of the Year awards.  Whittingham inherits a physical roster, featuring a battle-tested line and a defense that ranks among the most talented in the conference. The engine of the offense will be sophomore quarterback Bryce Underwood, running back Jordan Marshall and wide receiver Andrew Marsh, giving Whittingham some offensive foundations in his first season in Ann Arbor. <h2>No. 17 Washington Huskies </h2>Entering year three under head coach Jedd Fisch, Washington continues its steady climb up the Big Ten hierarchy following a promising 9-4 campaign. The Huskies are led by dynamic returning quarterback Demond Williams Jr., whose dual-threat playmaking ability makes Washington’s high-octane offense one of the most dangerous units to gameplan against in the country. Defensively, coordinator Ryan Walters welcomes back a deep linebacker corps spearheaded by Xe'ree Alexander and a healthy Jacob Manu, alongside top tackler Alex McLaughlin in the secondary. With major home tests against Iowa, Penn State, and Indiana, Fisch’s battle-tested squad is primed to turn heads and establish itself as a legitimate conference title contender. <h2>No. 18 Penn State Nittany Lions </h2>After 12 seasons of James Franklin at the helm, former Iowa State coach Matt Campbell takes over in Happy Valley hoping to put Penn State back in national championship contention. Campbell brought 24 transfers from his 2025 Cyclones team to the Big Ten, highlighted by signal-caller Rocco Becht and running back Carson Hansen. The transfer-laden Nittany Lions face a slate with massive hurdles this season. A crucial stretch featuring marquee games against USC, Michigan, and Washington will decide the Nittany Lions' season. If Penn State can rise to the occasion in those signature contests under Campbell, they’ll have a golden opportunity to reach the 12-team playoff for the second time.  <h2>No. 22 Iowa Hawkeyes </h2>Rounding out the Big Ten’s eight ranked teams, Kirk Ferentz’s Hawkeyes enter 2026 with their trademark formula intact: suffocating defense, elite special teams, and a methodical ground attack. Iowa’s defense remains one of the premier units in the country, returning key starters across the front seven and secondary that routinely frustrate opposing coordinators. Ferentz, already the Big Ten’s winningest coach of all time, returns a veteran core tailored to Iowa's physical style. The defense is anchored by versatile defensive back Zach Lutmer, veteran corner Deshaun Lee, and linebacker Jayden Montgomery commanding the front seven. Offensively, running back Kamari Moulton takes over the backfield behind a reloaded line led by Kade Pieper and Trevor Lauck, while tight ends DJ Vonnahme and Addison Ostrenga offer reliable targets for whichever quarterback wins the summer competition between Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski. <h2>Kickoff Coming Up Next</h2>Having claimed each of the last three national titles, the conference enters 2026 as a huge threat again. But the league's stranglehold on the sport extends far beyond its top eight; programs like Nebraska, Wisconsin, and Illinois all received votes just outside the AP Top 25, giving the Big Ten a slew of teams capable of making noise this fall. From top-ranked national title favorites to dangerous unranked dark horses, every single week in the Big Ten will carry massive 12-team playoff implications.  </div>

Ryan Day speaks at Big Ten Football Media Days presented by Discover

Eight Big Ten Football Teams Headline 2026 Preseason AP Top 25 Poll 

<div class="payload-richtext">Earning a gold jacket and a bronze bust in Canton, Ohio, is the ultimate honor in professional football. Leading the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026 are two Big Ten school legends who redefined their positions: former Purdue quarterback Drew Brees and Nebraska running back Roger Craig. Long before punching their tickets to Canton in August, both stars built legacies that transformed the sport. Brees captivated West Lafayette as a Big Ten Champion before embarking on a 20-year NFL career where he amassed 13 Pro Bowl selections, over 80,000 passing yards, and a Super Bowl trophy with the New Orleans Saints. Alongside him stands Craig, the Husker powerhouse who revolutionized the modern running back position as a cornerstone of San Francisco’s 1980s dynasty — capturing three Super Bowl rings, earning 1988 NFL Offensive Player of the Year honors, and becoming the first player in league history to post 1,000 rushing and 1,000 receiving yards in a single season.  From college football Saturdays to Canton’s sacred grounds, Brees and Craig now stand among the game’s immortal icons. Their enshrinement is only part of a legendary Class of 2026: joined by wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, linebacker Luke Kuechly, and clutch kicker Adam Vinatieri, all five inductees have officially cemented their enduring legacies in pro football history. <h2>Drew Brees: From Purdue Star (1997–2000) to NFL Legend (2001–2020) </h2>Before he became one of the NFL’s all-time passing leaders, Brees put Joe Tiller’s “Basketball on Grass” offense on the map in West Lafayette. He departed Purdue holding virtually every major passing record in school and conference history, racking up 11,792 passing yards and 90 passing touchdowns. In 2000, Brees won the Maxwell Award as college football's most outstanding player, claimed Big Ten MVP honors, and guided Purdue to its first Rose Bowl berth in 34 years.  Drafted 32nd overall in 2001, Brees spent 20 seasons becoming one of the best quarterbacks the NFL has ever seen. He retired after the 2020 season ranking second in league history in career passing yards (80,358) and touchdown passes (571), only falling behind fellow Big Ten legend Tom Brady. A 13-time Pro Bowler and two-time NFL Offensive Player of the Year, Brees topped 5,000 passing yards in a season five times — a feat no other quarterback in league history has accomplished more than twice.  Brees' crown jewel came in February 2010, when he earned MVP honors in Super Bowl XLIV after leading the Saints to their first championship in franchise history over the Indianapolis Colts. Today, Brees still stands as one of the most prolific quarterbacks in Big Ten history. He led Purdue to a Big Ten Championship and a Rose Bowl berth while setting 13 conference records. Upon leaving West Lafayette, he held the Big Ten career records for passing yards (11,792), completions (1,026) and passing touchdowns (90), and he still ranks among the top passing leaders in conference history. <h2>Roger Craig: From Nebraska Powerhouse (1979–1982) to 3-Time Super Bowl Champion (1983–1993) </h2>Craig became the centerpiece of legendary coach Tom Osborne’s run scheme from 1979 to 1982. Over four seasons, he amassed over 2,400 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns in Lincoln, earning All-Big Eight (now Big 12) honors in 1981 after posting a 1,060-yard season. Craig carried that dominance directly to the pros. Selected in the second round of the 1983 draft by San Francisco, he quickly emerged as the ultimate dual-threat weapon in Bill Walsh’s West Coast Offense. Across 11 NFL seasons, Craig amassed 8,189 rushing yards, 4,911 receiving yards, and 73 total touchdowns. In 1985, Craig made NFL history by becoming the first player to record 1,000 rushing yards and 1,000 receiving yards in the same season (a club joined only by Marshall Faulk and Christian McCaffrey). A four-time Pro Bowler and member of the NFL’s 1980s All-Decade Team, Craig won three Super Bowl titles with San Francisco and was named the 1988 AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year after leading the league with 2,036 scrimmage yards (tied Eric Dickerson). Decades after transforming their positions on Big Ten Saturdays, Brees and Craig have reached the apex of football immortality. Whether through Brees' prolific passing that elevated Purdue and New Orleans or Craig's versatility that powered Nebraska and the 49ers dynasty, both legends set new standards for excellence. As their bronze busts take their permanent place in Canton alongside the rest of the Class of 2026, their journeys stand as a testament to the enduring impact of Big Ten greatness on the highest stage of the game. </div>

2026 NFL Hall of Fame Class

Purdue

From College Football to Canton: Drew Brees and Roger Craig Headline 2026 Hall of Fame Class

<div class="payload-richtext">Big Ten football is at its peak, and all 18 teams are hungry for a title. In a league that boasts three straight national championships, appearances in 14 of the last 22 CFP games, and four of the last six national championship game bids, whoever comes out on top will have earned it.Every team's head coach and top players traveled to Chicago, Illinois to give insights on their strategy and mentality coming into the 2026 football season. Check out the highlights and full features from each team.In alphabetical order... <h2>Illinois Football Is Building “Sustainable Success” Under Bielema, Whitman</h2>
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 Bret Bielema put it plainly: "Anybody can have a year or two or maybe three, but you're going into year six to have the success we've had"—and the numbers back him up. Transfer QB Katin Houser is locked in, promising fans a team that's "tough, smart, and dependable," while a brand-new 3-3-5 defensive scheme is designed to give Big Ten offenses serious headaches. The Illini have something real brewing in Champaign—<a href="https://bigten.org/article/60196/">
 read their full feature
 </a>. <h2>Indiana's Still Hungry—or Hungrier?</h2>
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 Curt Cignetti and the defending national champion Indiana Hoosiers showed up in Chicago with one focus: the process. Replacing Fernando Mendoza, new quarterback Josh Hoover brings a proven arm and a winning track record, while linebacker Isaiah Jones and defensive tackle Tyrique Tucker anchor a veteran defense that ranked No. 4 in the nation last season. "We embrace being the hunter still," Tucker said. With Cignetti holding the standard every single day, there's little doubt this program has the potential to repeat. <a href="https://bigten.org/article/60206/">
 Read Indiana's full feature
 </a> for more from Cignetti and his leaders. <h2>Iowa: Kirk Ferentz Enters Year 28 with Big Ambitions</h2>
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 Kirk Ferentz enters year 28 with plenty of questions — and plenty of reasons for optimism. Tight end Addison Ostrenga summed up the mood best: "I feel like this year we finally have offense figured out." Meanwhile, linebacker Jayden Montgomery is embracing his growing leadership role, and Ferentz himself is zeroing in on rebuilding a defensive line that lost seven of its top eight players. <a href="https://bigten.org/article/60192/">
 Read the Hawkeyes' feature
 </a> for key storylines heading into fall camp. <h2>Young Maryland Looks to Exceed Expectations</h2>
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 Mike Locksley isn't shy about where Maryland stands heading into 2026: "The tough times are behind us now"—and with 71% of production returning from a talented young squad, that's very possible. Sophomore quarterback Malik Washington is back and sharper than ever, bringing 2,963 passing yards and 17 touchdowns worth of experience into year two, while five-star edge rusher Zion Elee—Maryland's highest-rated recruit ever—already has teammates buzzing.<a href="https://bigten.org/article/60211/">
 Read the Terps' full story
 </a> for a deeper look. <h2>Michigan Looks to Take Next Step under New Leadership</h2>
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 Kyle Whittingham arrives in Ann Arbor with 21 seasons of head coaching experience, a championship pedigree, and a loyal staff in tow. Sophomore dual-threat QB Bryce Underwood—who Whittingham calls a "cannon" with a "very high ceiling"—leads a revamped offense loaded with explosive new weapons. On defense, the Wolverines are banking on a healthy John Henry Daley to anchor a unit hungry to recapture that 2023 national title form. The schedule is a gauntlet, though—Oklahoma, Indiana, Oregon, and Ohio State all loom large. <a href="https://bigten.org/article/60208/">
 Read the full Michigan recap
 </a> for more from Whittingham and the Wolverines. <h2>Michigan State: Pat Fitzgerald Returns with Big Aspirations</h2>
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 Pat Fitzgerald is back in the Big Ten, and he's come to East Lansing with a "bag of chips" on his shoulder and a championship expectation in hand. Quarterback Alessio Milivojevic is already rallying his teammates for 9 a.m. "optional" practices, and linebacker Jordan Hall is crediting defensive coordinator Joe Rossi as "the most pivotal" force in his growth. <a href="https://bigten.org/article/60199/">
 Read the full feature
 </a> ahead of the Spartans' 2026 campaign. <h2>Minnesota, P.J. Fleck Enter Year 10 with High Expectations</h2>
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 P.J. Fleck enters his decade year with a roster built to take the next step. Anthony Smith returns as the Big Ten's reigning sack leader, while QB Drake Lindsey says he's no longer just surviving game weeks—he's owning them. If this year's media days are any indication, the Gophers are ready to pull off a surprise or two this season. Don't sleep on Minnesota. <a href="https://bigten.org/article/60197/">
 Read the full preview
 </a>. <h2>Nebraska Eyes a Return to Prominence</h2>
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 After four seasons of laying the groundwork, Matt Rhule and his Cornhusker crew are ready to build. With dual-threat transfer Anthony Colandrea under center, a brand-new 4-2-5 defensive scheme under Broyles Award nominee Rob Aurich, and five-star cornerback Danny Odem III joining a defense that's already promising to be "tenacious and relentless," Nebraska is thinks 2026 could be its year.<a href="https://bigten.org/article/60209/">
 Read the Huskers' full media days feature
 </a> for insights on their approach to this season. <h2>Northwestern Football: “Why Not Us?”</h2>
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 David Braun walked into Big Ten Football Media Days with a simple question: "Why not us?" After a 7-6 season capped by a bowl win, the Wildcats are building more than just a brand new Ryan Field. Transfer QB Aidan Chiles brings a dual-threat dimension Northwestern hasn't had in years, Chip Kelly's high-octane offense is set to make some noise, and a defense that held opponents to under 20 points per game returns a leader in Robert Fitzgerald—one of the best safeties in the conference.Evanston is excited. <a href="https://bigten.org/article/60210/">
 Read the full Northwestern preview
 </a>. <h2>Ohio State Bringing a Pro Approach to 2026</h2>
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 It's no secret that Ryan Day's got big stars returning, and they're all focused on the hardware. Julian Sayin is hungry to build on a historic 77% completion rate, and safety Jaylen McClain is stepping up with a simple mindset of "that pro mentality." Jeremiah Smith "has a chance to leave a legacy behind," according to Day, before likely becoming a top pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.<a href="https://bigten.org/article/60202/">
 Read more from Day and his stars
 </a> on Ohio State's championship approach to 2026. <h2>Oregon Eyes a Breakthrough Behind Lanning, Moore </h2>
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 Dan Lanning calls this "the most player-led team" he's had at Oregon. Dante Moore's carrying more confidence after a 30-touchdown season—and is 17 pounds stronger—and the team is coming together off the field. Tight end Jamari Johnson summed up the team's edge: "What sets us apart is our connection. We know each other's why." <a href="https://bigten.org/article/60200/">
 Read the full preview
 </a> to see why this Oregon squad might be built different. <h2>Matt Campbell's Penn State: Culture, Transfers, and Big Goals</h2>
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 Matt Campbell came to State College to win, and his players are on the same page. "We're not settling for less," linebacker Tony Rojas declared. "We all stayed to win a national championship." Quarterback Rocco Becht—the winningest returning QB in college football—is bringing an aggressive, no-fear mindset to the offense, while Campbell's culture-first philosophy is already reshaping the program from the ground up.<a href="https://bigten.org/article/60194/">
 Read the story
 </a> to get insights on the mentality of Matt Campbell's crew. <h2>Purdue Looking to Bounce Back</h2>
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 Barry Odom and the Boilers are done settling. "We are in a very persistent pursuit of creating consistent winning football," he said, setting the tone for what he hopes is a program-defining season. With QB Ryan Browne taking "a big step" and linebacker Charles Correa ready to be the "quarterback of the defense," the Boilermakers are hungry, focused, and eager to bring winning football back to Ross-Ade Stadium.<a href="https://bigten.org/article/60198/">
 Check out Purdue's preseason preview
 </a> from Odom, Browne, and co. <h2>Rutgers Football 2026: Defense Is the Key to a Comeback Year</h2>
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 Greg Schiano expressed one key focus at Big Ten Football Media Days presented by Discover: "We need to get better at defense, period." With Antwan Raymond laser-focused on winning over personal glory — "That's number one on my list" — and a wide-open quarterback competition, there's a lot of opportunity in Piscataway this season. <a href="https://bigten.org/article/60193/">
 Take a peek
 </a> at the Scarlet Knights' plan for 2026. <h2>The Chesney Era Begins: UCLA Football Building a New Foundation in 2026</h2>
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 Bob Chesney isn't "interested in putting artificial limits" on his Bruins team. He wants to "lead the nation in development." Quarterback Nico Iamaleava is a product of that energy, feeling sharper mentally and physically heading into 2026, while linebacker Cole Martin is buying into a new defensive system that already has the unit looking tighter than last season.<a href="https://bigten.org/article/60203/">
 Read the full story
 </a> for more on UCLA's new roster, Chesney's culture-first philosophy, and what it all means for the Bruins in 2026. <h2>USC Football Looks Different with "Alignment"</h2>
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 Lincoln Riley was straightforward about the Trojans' X factor in 2026: "Our alignment is as strong as it's ever been." QB Jayden Maiava is locked in and embracing the pressure — "accept it, move on, and just continue to see it as an opportunity" — while DT Jide Abasiri is sending a message to the fanbase: "Get excited. It's going to be a good season."<a href="https://bigten.org/article/60195/">
 Read the full breakdown
 </a> on USC's championship-level confidence, including its No. 1 recruiting class and a retooled defense under Gary Patterson. <h2>Washington Carries Loyalty-Focused Philosophy into 2026</h2>
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 With 58 returners, a quarterback poised for a breakout season, and a coaching staff that didn't lose a single member this offseason, Jedd Fisch and Washington are betting big on loyalty. And the signs from the last couple years suggest it's paying off. With a reloaded offense and a matured quarterback in Demond Williams Jr., the Huskies seem ready to make some noise.<a href="https://bigten.org/article/60205/">
 Read the full feature
 </a> on Washington's media days. <h2>Wisconsin Football “Tough, Nasty, and Disciplined”</h2>
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 Luke Fickell and the Wisconsin Badgers are on a mission to reclaim a "tough, nasty, and disciplined" identity. Dual-threat transfer QB Colton Joseph brings a dynamic new dimension to a Wisconsin offense, while linebacker Sebastian Cheeks is primed to wreak havoc on the other side of the ball. Safety Matthew Jung said it best: "They came here to bring back the winning culture in Wisconsin.” <a href="https://bigten.org/article/60191/">
 Read the Badgers' full feature
 </a> on what we learned from Fickell and his leaders. Want more content like this? <a href="https://bigten.org/user/subscribe/">
 Click here
 </a> and select "football". </div>

Big Ten Network interviews a football head coach

2026-7-30 FBMD Recap

<div class="payload-richtext">CHICAGO, Ill. - The Big Ten Conference announced its 2026 football preseason honors on Tuesday ahead of the start of Big Ten Football Media Days presented by Discover® in Chicago. A media panel selected the 12-member preseason list. Seven different schools placed students on this year’s preseason honors list, led by three honorees from Indiana. Eight of this year’s Big Ten preseason honorees — Indiana’s Tyrique Tucker, Minnesota’s Anthony Smith, Ohio State’s Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith, Oregon’s Dante Moore, USC’s Jayden Maiava, and Rutgers’ KJ Duff and Antwan Raymond — are scheduled to attend Big Ten Media Days this week. The full list of Big Ten football preseason honorees is as follows: 2026 Big Ten Preseason Honors WR Charlie Becker, IND LB Rolijah Hardy, IND DL Tyrique Tucker, IND OL Kade Pieper, IOWA DL Anthony Smith, MINN QB Julian Sayin, OSU WR Jeremiah Smith, OSU QB Dante Moore, ORE DB Koi Perich, ORE QB Jayden Maiava, USC WR KJ Duff, RU RB Antwan Raymond, RU</div>

2026 Preseason Football Team

Big Ten Announces Football Preseason Honors

<div class="payload-richtext"><a href="https://img.boostsport.ai/boost-cms/2026%20Distinguished%20Scholar%20Recpients.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 Full Distinguished Scholar Recipient List
 </a>    ROSEMONT, Ill. - The Big Ten Conference announced Monday that 1,962 students on varsity rosters have earned the Big Ten Distinguished Scholar Award. The list includes students from all 18 institutions, plus Johns Hopkins and Notre Dame and 41 sports who have recorded a minimum grade-point average (GPA) of 3.7 or higher for the previous academic year.    The 2025-26 class of Distinguished Scholar Award Recipients includes 359 students who maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA during the previous academic year, represented in bold on the official list.    Big Ten Faculty Representatives established the Distinguished Scholar Award in 2008 to supplement the Academic All-Big Ten program. Distinguished Scholar Award recipients must have earned Academic All-Big Ten recognition in the previous academic year, must have been enrolled full time at the institution for the entire previous academic year (two semesters or three quarters) and earned a minimum GPA of 3.70 or better during the previous academic year, excluding any summer grades. The Academic All-Big Ten threshold is a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher for a student's academic career.     A complete list of the 2025-26 Big Ten Distinguished Scholar Award recipients can be found above.    </div>

Distinguished Scholar 2025-26

Oregon

UCLA

Rutgers

Penn State

Northwestern

Minnesota

Michigan State

Iowa

Illinois

Women's Volleyball

Softball

Women's Rowing

Field Hockey

Wrestling

Women’s Tennis

Men’s Tennis

Women’s Swimming & Diving

Men’s Swimming & Diving

Women’s Soccer

Men’s Soccer

Women’s Outdoor Track & Field

Men’s Outdoor Track & Field

Women’s Lacrosse

Men’s Lacrosse

Women’s Indoor Track & Field

Men’s Indoor Track & Field

Men’s Hockey

Women’s Gymnastics

Men’s Gymnastics

Women’s Golf

Men’s Golf

Women’s Cross Country

Men’s Cross Country

Women’s Basketball

Men’s Basketball

Baseball

Big Ten Recognizes 2025-26 Distinguished Scholar Award Recipients 

<div class="payload-richtext">PORTLAND, Ore. - As the sun set over the rolling hills of Cooper Mountain Vineyards on Saturday evening, “Big Life Series: Pacific Northwest” concluded its immersive educational experience where student-athletes from all 18 Big Ten institutions learned firsthand about the rich culture and history of the Pacific Northwest.   Over the course of less than 48 hours, over 175 student-athletes and administrators engaged in programming that included visits to Multnomah Falls, the Oregon Historical Society, the Grande Ronde Reservation, and Cooper Mountain Vineyards. The event brought together participants from all 18 Big Ten institutions, creating opportunities for learning, dialogue, and relationship-building among student-athletes from across the conference.    “Big Life Series: Pacific Northwest was a remarkable experience that allowed attendees to better understand and interact with the history, culture, landscape, and people that give the Pacific Northwest its distinct identity,” said Big Ten Chief Operating Officer Kerry Kenny. “The unique opportunity to connect student-athletes from across the country to an immersive experience outside of their traditional element is what distinguishes the Big Ten in preparing these young men and women for life after campus.”    At the Oregon Historical Society on Saturday morning, student-athletes learned about how Oregon became the state it is today, including the often-untold Black, Native American, and Japanese history that has shaped the state. Participants also toured the Yasui Family exhibit, learning about the challenges Japanese Americans faced during World War II and the advocacy efforts that helped advance civil rights in the decades that followed.    The quote on the back of the Big Life Series: Pacific Northwest T-shirt: “What is done to the least of us can be done to all of us” was from Presidential Medal of Freedom winner Minori Yasui.    “I found his bravery in speaking out about these issues incredible,” said Indiana women’s track & field sprinter Kristina Vincic. “Having a voice isn’t an easy thing and it takes time to build one. That’s something we can definitely tie in to our teams.”     After learning about Native American history at the Oregon Historical Society, participants experienced its living impact firsthand at the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Veterans Powwow. Student-athletes learned about the traditional longhouse, witnessed cultural traditions, and took part in the Grand Entry ceremony.  Often competitors on the field, student-athletes joined together to dance with members of the Grande Ronde Confederation and in honoring Veterans. For many student-athletes, it is the moment they said they will remember most about the trip.    “It was beautiful seeing the tradition unfold right before my eyes and getting involved with it,” said Penn State football student-athlete Armstrong Nnodim. “As athletes we get caught up in the competitive world, so to come here and bond with everyone from different backgrounds was amazing.”   Launched in 2022, the Big Life Series is part of the Big Ten’s commitment to providing educational and developmental opportunities beyond competition. The Pacific Northwest program represented the latest installment of the initiative, connecting student-athletes with the people, places, and histories that shape communities throughout the conference’s expanded footprint. For a full list of Big Ten student-athletes who participated in “Big Life Series: Pacific Northwest”, click <a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimg.boostsport.ai%2Fboost-cms%2FBig%2520Life%2520Series%2520-%2520PNW%2520Particpant%2520List.pdf&data=05%7C02%7Cmbeck%40bigten.org%7Cd0617ab4c96a4bf79db008dedc36f22d%7C5c35f07cce5e4fa582baa44898424550%7C1%7C0%7C639190325738707341%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=GjLuIJk14zxzwkzs%2F2YwIayNyP0Z%2BMluB6cv5PAsGcA%3D&reserved=0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
 here
 </a>. </div>

Big Ten takes on the spirit of the Pacific Northwest at the Oregon Historical Society

Big Life Series Showcases the Spirit of the Pacific Northwest

<div class="payload-richtext">ROSEMONT, Ill. - As part of the “Big Life Series: Pacific Northwest”, the Big Ten will host over 150 student-athletes, coaches and administrators from all 18 Big Ten schools in Portland, Ore. from Friday, July 10 to Sunday, July 12. The program is designed to deepen participants’ understanding of the region’s rich history, culture and communities through an immersive educational experience.   Programming will begin Friday evening with a nature walk through Multnomah Falls to showcase the region’s deep ties to nature and the history of the Pacific Northwest landscape.    On Saturday, student-athletes will visit the Oregon Historical Society and have the chance to learn about the Japanese American West Coast experience and hear firsthand from a member of the Oregon Black Pioneers. Through discussions centered on resilience, community, and historical impact, participants will gain a deeper appreciation for the individuals and stories that have shaped the Pacific Northwest.    The group will then travel to the Grand Ronde Reservation for a Veterans Powwow, which will provide an opportunity to engage with living cultural traditions and better understand the history, values and contributions of the Native American communities across the region.   The evening will conclude with a dinner at Cooper Mountain Vineyard, where student-athletes will have a hands-on discussion about the agricultural history of the region and the grape-growing operation.   The Big Life series is an immersive educational experience started in 2022 that focuses on engaging, educating, and empowering Big Ten student-athletes, coaches, and administrators. With trips to Selma, Alabama; Mount Vernon, Iowa; and Portland, Oregon attendees learn about the historical and cultural significance of the region. Since its inception, over 500 students-athletes have participated in these programs. Along with the educational component of the experience, the Big Ten uses these trips to leave a lasting impact in the communities it visits.  For a full list of Big Ten student-athletes attending “Big Life Series: Pacific Northwest”, click <a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimg.boostsport.ai%2Fboost-cms%2FBig%2520Life%2520Series%2520-%2520PNW%2520Particpant%2520List.pdf&data=05%7C02%7Cmbeck%40bigten.org%7Cd0617ab4c96a4bf79db008dedc36f22d%7C5c35f07cce5e4fa582baa44898424550%7C1%7C0%7C639190325738707341%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=GjLuIJk14zxzwkzs%2F2YwIayNyP0Z%2BMluB6cv5PAsGcA%3D&reserved=0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">
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