Big Ten football enters conference play with Ohio State and Iowa matchups

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The Big Ten conference football season enters its conference play phase with several high-profile matchups scheduled for late September and early October 2026.

No. 7 Ohio State is set to host Illinois in Columbus on September 26 at 12:00 p.m. The Buckeyes, currently 2-1, aim to extend their home winning streak to 11 games. Key players to watch for Ohio State include receiver Jeremiah Smith, who holds program records for receiving yards, and quarterback Julian Sayin. Illinois, also 2-1, enters the game following preparations by coach Bret Bielema to simulate road environments.

In another major matchup, No. 17 Iowa is scheduled to face No. 18 Michigan at Michigan Stadium on September 26 at 3:30 p.m. Both teams enter the game with 3-0 records. Following that, Iowa will host No. 7 Ohio State at Kinnick Stadium on October 3 at 3:30 p.m., marking the Buckeyes' first return to Iowa City in nine years.