College football 2026: Big Ten goes for 4th straight national championship. Is it Oregon's turn? | Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

The 2026 college football season’s biggest question isn’t money or playoff format—it’s whether the Big Ten can win a fourth straight national championship, matching its current run that began with Michigan’s 2023 title. Ohio State won in 2024 and Indiana claimed the crown in 2025, giving the conference momentum it hasn’t seen in the poll era. Oregon is creating buzz as the next challenger, led by quarterback Dante Moore plus returning starters and incoming transfers, with coach Dan Lanning emphasizing high expectations. In the preseason AP Top 25, Ohio State starts No. 1 with quarterback Julian Sayin and receiver Jeremiah Smith; Oregon is No. 2. Indiana is No. 6 after losing quarterback Fernando Mendoza.