Biggest X-Factor for every Big Ten football team in 2026

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Biggest X-Factor for every Big Ten football team in 2026

Trent Knoop

Thu, Aug 20, 2026 ·

7 min read

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College football will appear on our TVs next weekend when Week 0 commences. And all 18 Big Ten teams will play the following week during the first week of college football.

There are several teams that could contend for a Big Ten Championship, along with a spot in the College Football Playoff. But there is at least one player on each roster who can either help get them reach their goals or could be a reason they don't.

Here is each X-Factor for every Big Ten team entering 2026.

MORE: 2026 College Football Playoff projection: Oregon, Notre Dame take top spots

Illinois, QB Katin Houser

Oct 16, 2025; Greenville, North Carolina, USA; East Carolina Pirates quarterback Katin Houser (4) throws the ball against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane during the second half at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

The Illini are coming off a nine-win season a year ago, and Illinois lost its veteran gunslinger, Luke Altmyer. Bret Bielema brought in East Carolina's Katin Houser, who will be tasked with keeping the Illini on the winning path. Houser was excellent at ECU, but struggled during his Michigan State days.

If Houser can pick up where he left off last season, Illinois will be a tough out. But if he falls back to his MSU ways in the Big Ten, the Illini could be in trouble.

Indiana, RB Turbo Richard

After winning the national title, Indiana has a lot of new faces on the offense. IU lost its top two running backs from last season and the Hoosiers will turn to Boston College transfer Turbo Richard.

He had 749 yards on the ground last season for the Eagles and he should lead the Hoosiers' backfield this season. Indiana will pass the ball well with Josh Hoover, but the Hoosiers need to get the most out of Richard to keep a balanced attack.

Iowa, whoever starts at QB

The Hawkeyes enter 2026 with a good defense and a running game that should be stout. But all eyes will be on Iowa's quarterback room, which is tasked with replacing veteran Mark Gronowski.

Kirk Ferentz is leaning on two inexperienced gunslingers: Jeremy Hecklinski and Hank Brown. Neither has played much football, and playing in the Big Ten, the Hawkeyes need a formidable passing attack.

Maryland, Edge Zion Elee

Team Pearls' Javari Barnett (5) runs with the ball as Team Roses' Zion Elee tries to tackle him during the Under Armour All-America Game Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026 at Spec Martin Stadium in DeLand. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

The Terrapins won't be able to ease their five-star pass rusher in slowly. Mike Locksley will force Zion Elee into action right away after star rusher Zahir Mathis suffered a season-ending injury in fall camp .

Elee is among the top prospects in the 2026 class, and one of the best to ever step onto Maryland's campus. He will need to show why he's highly touted right away and impress.

Michigan State, RB Cam Edwards

Pat Fitzgerald went out and landed one of the top running backs in the country, statistically. Last season at UConn, Cam Edwards ran for over 1,200 yards, and he's been named to the Doak Walker Award Watch List this season.

Playing in the Big Ten is much different than playing for UConn, but Edwards is a shifty running back and will be a key factor in getting MSU to bowl eligibility this season.

MORE: 4 most underrated college football teams entering 2026 season

Michigan, S Rod Moore

Michigan is expected to have one of the best defenses in the country this season with Jay Hill coming over from BYU. But the Wolverines are going to rely on veteran Rod Moore, who has barely played any football in either 2024 or 2025.

The former All-Big Ten safety has had his share of injury issues, but he is fully healthy this season and wants to prove he is among the best safeties in the Big Ten.

Minnesota, WR Perry Thompson

Minnesota returns quarterback Drake Lindsey and running back Darius Taylor, but the Gophers need some more help. Defensively, Minnesota should be stout, but the Gophers need to play well against the better defenses.

PJ Fleck went out and landed Auburn transfer Perry Thompson, who caught 17 passes last season for the Tigers. He will give Lindsey another option, and it could be the extra pair of hands needed.

MORE: Clemson and 3 other unranked CFB teams that could finish in the top-10

Nebraska, RB Mekhi Nelson

Sep 6, 2025; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) hands the ball off to running back Mekhi Nelson (35) during the first quarter against the Akron Zips at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Nebraska has to replace both quarterback Dylan Raiola and star running back Emmett Johnson this season. Johnson ran for over 1,400 yards last season, and while quarterback Anthony Colandrea is a dual-threat, he needs help.

Third-year Mekhi Nelson is one running back who could take over the duties and giving the Huskers a balanced attack is what Matt Rhule needs.

Northwestern, QB Aidan Chiles

Chiles is now on his third team, and it's a make-or-break year for the former highly-touted prospect. Offensive guru Chip Kelly will coach him up, and if Northwestern hopes to compete in the Big Ten, it will need a lot of help from Chiles.

He has struggled with turnovers, and cutting those down will be crucial. The 'Cats are usually a tough out, and if Chiles plays up to his standard, Northwestern could upset some teams in 2026.

Ohio State, WR Devin McCuin

Ohio State isn't short of talent at wide receiver. Jeremiah Smith and Brandon Inniss are back, along with five-star freshman Chris Henry Jr. But the Buckeyes also made a splash by landing UTSA transfer Devin McCuin.

McCuin caught for over 700 yards last season, and now he enters a much more dynamic offense. If McCuin can become that No. 3 or No. 4 playmaker for Ohio State, the Buckeyes' passing attack will be near unstoppable.

Oregon, S Koi Perich

NCAA Football: Rate Bowl-Minnesota vs New Mexico

Dec 26, 2025; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back Koi Perich (3) against the New Mexico Lobos during the Rate Bowl at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Star Minnesota safeties transferring away is a concerning trend for the Gophers, but Oregon was the winner this time around. Koi Perich is an intriguing talent who can make a difference on defense or special teams.

He hasn't fully played up to his capability, but playing in a Dan Lanning defense could take Perich to a new level. Perich had five interceptions in his freshman season, and it wouldn't be shocking to see him do so again.

Penn State, RB Carson Hansen

Matt Campbell brought Carson Hansen with him from Iowa State, and the senior back ran for over 900 yards a year ago. Penn State lost its dynamic duo at running back and fans are used to seeing the Nittany Lions run the football.

Hansen will be that guy, and with PSU's schedule, the Nittany Lions could do damage if they get enough out of Hansen.

Purdue, QB Ryan Browne

The last time Purdue won a Big Ten game was in 2023 and the Boilermakers need a lot more out of their starting quarterback. Ryan Browne is back, but he needs to improve on his nine-touchdown, 10-interception season a year ago.

It's not going to be easy sledding for Purdue this season, but if Browne can cut down on his mistakes, the Boilermakers could earn themselves a win or two.

Rutgers, QB Dylan Lonergan

Rutgers is replacing Athan Kaliakmanis, who is now in the NFL. The Scarlett Knights have KJ Duff back at wide receiver, but he needs someone to throw him the football. Boston College transfer Dylan Lonergan is the likely choice.

He threw for over 2,000 yards last season, along with 12 touchdowns and five interceptions. Rutgers won't be dominant this season, but a respectable season is possible if Lonergan can play well.

UCLA, RB Wayne Knight

NCAA Football: CFP National Playoff First Round-Game 4-James Madison at Oregon

Dec 20, 2025; Eugene, OR, USA; James Madison Dukes running back Wayne Knight (3) rushes during the second quarter against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

UCLA got itself a star in the backfield entering 2026. With James Madison coach Bob Chesney leaving to head to the Bruins, Knight followed. He ran for over 1,200 yards last season and will give UCLA a reliable runner.

Nico Iamaleava and Knight could make up a fun backfield duo this season, a running threat at either quarterback or running back.

USC, WR Zacharyus Williams

USC lost its star playmakers from last season, and Jayden Maiava will need guys to emerge . The 6'2″ third-year man is projected to start in the slot this season and will give Maiava a reliable target.

In a pass-happy offense, wide receivers will emerge, and my bet is that Williams is one of them.

Washington, RB Jayden Limar

Washington is tasked with replacing Jonah Coleman, an All-Big Ten-caliber running back. The Huskies struggled to beat the good Big Ten teams with Coleman, and now Washington will rely on Oregon transfer Jayden Limar.

Limar struggled to carve out a consistent role at Oregon in three seasons, but he is set for a much larger role in 2026.

Wisconsin, QB Colton Joseph

Luke Fickell must win games in 2026 and he's relying on Old Dominion standout Colton Joseph to do it. Joseph is an electrifying dual-threat quarterback, but we have to see how that works in the Big Ten.

The Badgers have had shaky quarterback play under Fickell, but if Joseph can produce, it's possible Wisconsin makes some noise this season.

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