The 2026 college football season features a detailed schedule release for the Big Ten Conference, including Nebraska and Illinois. Nebraska, under coach Matt Rhule in his fourth year, will face notable opponents such as Michigan State, Maryland, Oregon, Washington, Ohio State, and Iowa, with key games scheduled from September through November. The Huskers will play three of the top five teams from the previous AP Poll and face familiar rivals, with kickoff times and TV details to be announced later. Illinois' schedule includes non-conference games against UAB, North Dakota, and Duke, with a challenging Big Ten slate featuring games against Ohio State, Oregon, Washington, and Michigan. The Illini are expected to have a competitive season with opportunities to challenge top-ranked opponents. The Big Ten schedule for 2026 also highlights key matchups such as Indiana hosting Ohio State in a championship rematch, and other high-profile games involving Michigan, Penn State, and Wisconsin. Notably, Oregon will face Illinois in a highly anticipated game, with Oregon returning a talented roster and a potential Heisman favorite. Other notable schedule details include UCLA's uncertain home game arrangements due to ongoing legal issues with their stadium move, and USC's limited 11-game schedule after failing to renew its rivalry with Notre Dame. The conference's Flex Protect XVIII model ensures teams will play each other at least twice, with protected rivalries maintaining some consistency. Overall, the 2026 Big Ten schedule is set to feature numerous high-stakes matchups that could significantly impact the College Football Playoff race, with Ohio State leading national championship odds at +650, followed by Indiana and Oregon. The schedule promises a competitive and exciting season with key games shaping the national title picture.