​The heat outside can’t mask the unmistakable drifting in of autumn. Not when there’s college football across the country this weekend.After another long offseason, the first full week of games is finally here. In Big Ten country, that means beginning to answer a host of important questions, none more so than whether the conference can make it four national championships in a row. With that in mind, this week’s power rankings will single out the league’s top title contenders, plus any potential dark horses or diamonds in the rough. Let’s have some fun.1. Indiana (0-0, 0-0)Last week: n/aThis week: North Texas, Sept. 5What to know: You’re the king until somebody takes your throne. Indiana’s 2025 season might have been remarkable, but it was also dominant. The Hoosiers became the first 16-0 team in the modern era with emphasis.2. Ohio State (0-0, 0-0)Last week: n/aThis week: Ball State, Sept. 5What to know: The popular pick to win the conference this year, Ohio State is comfortable with that kind of pressure. New coordinator Arthur Smith’s offense gets a week of trial and error before traveling to Texas. 3. Oregon (0-0, 0-0)Last week: n/aThis week: Boise State, Sept. 5What to know: Dante Moore is back in Eugene. And, after losing both coordinators, Dan Lanning managed some consistency by replacing each with an internal hire.4. Southern Cal (1-0, 0-0)Last week: Def. San Jose State, 42-26This week: Fresno State, Sept. 4 (Friday)What to know: Quarterback play remains elite in Los Angeles. If the Trojans are better prepared for the physical demands of the Big Ten, then Lincoln Riley’s program can contend for a spot in Indianapolis.5. Penn State (0-0, 0-0)Last week: n/aThis week: Marshall, Sept. 5What to know: We’re bullish on the Nittany Lions here for three reasons: 1) Matt Campbell’s Cignetti-esque cultural transplant, 2) veteran, familiar quarterback play and 3) a manageable early schedule.6. Washington (0-0, 0-0)Last week: n/aThis week: Washington State, Sept. 6 (Sunday)What to know: Demond Williams Jr. is among the most underappreciated offensive players in the conference, and Year 3 was Jedd Fisch’s finest at Arizona before coming to Seattle. Here’s a bold call: Washington will be in the playoff race in November.7. Michigan (0-0, 0-0)Last week: n/aThis week: Western Michigan, Sept. 5What to know: We might be underselling Michigan at this number. Kyle Whittingham built Utah into one of the most consistent programs in the country, and now he has greater resources at hand. A lot of the Wolverines’ success in 2026 will come down to how much Bryce Underwood has improved, and whether the Wolverines embrace Whittingham’s physical identity.8. Iowa (0-0, 0-0)Last week: n/aThis week: Northern Illinois, Sept. 5What to know: We’re going to find out what Iowa has in the tank quickly this fall. The Hawkeyes have the Cy-Hawk Trophy in Week 2, and then they start conference play with: at Michigan, Ohio State, at Washington, at Minnesota.9. Nebraska (0-0, 0-0)Last