College football winners and losers: The Big Ten's depth looks even shallower in 2026. Will that be a College Football Playoff problem?
There are legitimate national title contenders in the Big Ten. But then there's a big dropoff.
The Big Ten’s dominance over the SEC is well-deserved, as they have won the last three national championships. However, this could be a problem for the conference in 2026. Although Ohio State, Indiana, and Oregon are currently the top contenders, the conference lacks depth. Other teams like Michigan and Penn State have struggled this season, while Illinois and Purdue have also faced difficulties.
With Iowa and Purdue’s recent wins, the conference may not have more than five teams that could make a deep playoff run. On the other hand, the SEC has more teams with playoff potential, increasing its title odds. Florida State's 38-7 victory over Virginia and Pitt's 35-33 win against Virginia Tech were notable upsets, with Florida State's strong defense and Pitt's potential with a healthy QB making a significant impact on their respective conferences.
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