Big Ten Football Coach Rankings 2026: Curt Cignetti No. 1 After Indiana's Historic National Championship Season

The Big Ten Conference has a new top coach in 2026. Curt Cignetti of Indiana has surged to the No. 1 spot in the latest Big Ten football coach rankings after leading the Hoosiers to a perfect season and the national championship.Just two years ago, Cignetti was largely unknown nationally.

Today, he stands atop one of the toughest conferences in college football, ahead of established powerhouses like Ohio State's Ryan Day and Oregon's Dan Lanning.

1. Curt Cignetti, Indiana

Cignetti earns the top ranking after delivering what many consider the greatest turnaround in Bowl Subdivision history. In two seasons at Indiana, he boasts an incredible 27-2 overall record and 17-1 in Big Ten play. The Hoosiers went unbeaten in 2025, winning the national title and rewriting the program's legacy. While repeating in 2026 will be extremely difficult, Cignetti has firmly established himself as the conference's premier coach and one of the brightest stars in college football.

2. Ryan Day, Ohio State

Ryan Day remains one of the elite coaches in the Big Ten. He delivered a national championship in 2024 and returns a strong roster poised to contend again in 2026. Since taking over for Urban Meyer in 2019, Day has elevated Ohio State's NFL talent pipeline even further, maintaining the Buckeyes as a perennial powerhouse.

3. Dan Lanning, Oregon

Dan Lanning continues to impress at Oregon. Since arriving in 2022, he has compiled a stellar 48-6 record, including a 26-3 mark in Big Ten competition. The Ducks won the 2024 Big Ten title and reached the College Football Playoff semifinals in 2025 before falling to Indiana. Lanning has Oregon consistently competing at the highest level, though a national title remains the final box to check for full validation.

4. Kirk Ferentz, Iowa

As the dean of Big Ten coaches, Kirk Ferentz brings unmatched stability and longevity. With over 213 wins since 1999, multiple Big Ten titles, and consistent postseason appearances, Ferentz has kept Iowa competitive for decades. The Hawkeyes have avoided losing seasons since 2012 and remain a respected program year after year.

5. Kyle Whittingham, Michigan

One of the most intriguing stories of the 2026 season is Kyle Whittingham taking over at Michigan. After a long, successful tenure at Utah, Whittingham represents a major coaching upgrade for the Wolverines. Michigan faces a steep climb to catch Indiana, Ohio State, and Oregon, but Whittingham's experience and leadership make him a perfect fit for the challenge.

6. Lincoln Riley, Southern California

Lincoln Riley's USC tenure has had ups and downs, but momentum is building. After an 11-win debut season in 2022, Riley has shown improvement with a strong 7-2 Big Ten record last year and a top-tier recruiting class. His offensive brilliance remains a major asset as USC aims to climb back toward the top of the conference.

7. Bret Bielema, Illinois

Bret Bielema has Illinois trending upward with back-to-back Top 25 finishes. His physical, Big Ten-style approach fits the conference perfectly. The 2026 season will test whether the Illini can sustain their rise into the upper tier of the league.

8. Matt Campbell, Penn State

Matt Campbell takes over at Penn State after a highly successful run at Iowa State (72-55 record). Known for player development and consistent winning, Campbell steps into a high-expectation environment as James Franklin’s successor. His track record suggests he is well-equipped for the challenge.

9. Matt Rhule, Nebraska

Matt Rhule has Nebraska headed in the right direction, securing back-to-back postseason appearances. After successful rebuilds at Temple and Baylor, the focus now shifts to elevating the Cornhuskers’ offensive and defensive lines to compete with the Big Ten’s elite.

10. P.J. Fleck, Minnesota

P.J. Fleck deserves credit for consistency. The Gophers have reached the postseason in nearly every non-COVID season under his leadership. While Minnesota hasn’t broken through to true championship contention since 2019, Fleck keeps the program competitive and above the lower tier.

11–18: The Rest of the Big Ten Coaches

11. Pat Fitzgerald, Michigan State: Back in the Big Ten after his Northwestern tenure, Fitzgerald faces a vastly changed landscape.

12. Jedd Fisch, Washington: Quietly effective with strong skill-position development and a solid 2025 campaign.

13. Luke Fickell, Wisconsin: A disappointing tenure so far after major success at Cincinnati.

14. Greg Schiano, Rutgers: Second stint at Rutgers has yet to produce a major breakthrough.

15. Barry Odom, Purdue: Continuing a patient rebuild after a tough first season.

16. Mike Locksley, Maryland: On the hot seat but returns a young team with upside.

17. David Braun, Northwestern: Has delivered postseason appearances and stability.

18. Bob Chesney, UCLA: First-year Power Four coach who energized the Bruins after moving from James Madison.

Big Ten Football in 2026 promises massive parity and drama at the top. Curt Cignetti’s Indiana squad sets the standard, but coaches like Ryan Day, Dan Lanning, and Kyle Whittingham ensure the chase for supremacy will be intense all season long.

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