Big Ten dominance challenged by Notre Dame and rising contenders

The Big Ten conference is positioned to maintain its dominance in college football following Indiana's undefeated 16-0 season and national championship win. While teams like Ohio State and Oregon are generating significant preseason buzz due to elite rosters and high AP Top 25 rankings, analysts are debating whether the conference can sustain its recent success.

ESPN analyst Dusty Dvoracek has predicted that the 2026 national champion will come from outside the Big Ten, specifically naming Notre Dame. Dvoracek cited the Fighting Irish's elite defense and the potential of quarterback CJ Carr as key factors in their high ceiling.

Within the Big Ten, Ohio State and Oregon are viewed as primary contenders to challenge Indiana. Ohio State features a highly productive receiving corps and accurate passing, while Oregon boasts one of the most seasoned rosters in the country. Other notable programs mentioned include USC and Michigan as potential challengers in the conference landscape.