Is the Big Ten's reign at the top of college football about to be challenged? After years of dominance by the SEC, the Big Ten Conference emerged as the top dog in the 2025-2026 season, with Indiana and Ohio State leading the charge. But could the Oregon Ducks be the next team to take over?
The Ducks return 66% of their production from a team that lost just two games all season, both to Indiana. They handled USC, outlasted Iowa in miserable conditions, beat Washington, and shut out Texas Tech. With star quarterback Dante Moore returning, they're expected to be the No. 2 team in the country by efficiency on offense, defense, and special teams, according to ESPN's Bill Connelly.
What makes this particularly fascinating is that the Ducks' success is built on a foundation of continuity and development. The more key players that stay with the team, the better it is for continuity and growth. This is a key factor in the Big Ten's dominance, as several teams return much of their production on both sides of the ball.
However, the Ducks face a challenging schedule, with road games against USC and Ohio State, and a rivalry game against Washington. They'll need to put it all together to stay in the mix.
In my opinion, the Ducks have the potential to be the next team to take over the top spot in the Big Ten. Their success is built on a strong foundation, and their schedule is a test of their mettle. If they can navigate the challenges ahead, they could be the team that dethrones Indiana and Ohio State.
But the Big Ten is a deep conference, and the Ducks will need to bring their A-game to stay at the top. The question remains: can they put it all together and challenge for the conference title?
