​Sep 26, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Dylan Raiola (8) throws a pass against the USC Trojans during the second half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | Source: Lastwordonsports.com – Drew CrabtreeThe week-to-week gauntlet that is the Big Ten schedule is tough. On any given Saturday, a bottom-half team can hand a top-half team a quality loss. Last weekend, that was the story for the Big Ten. The top conference showed just how deep it is, but maybe the Big Ten doesn’t get the same benefit of the doubt that some other conferences do. Of course, the Big Ten doesn’t have a Missouri (which hasn’t beaten a team that finished ranked over the last three seasons, but has been ranked almost every week) to help the top of the conference stack up “ranked” wins. After all, the Tigers lead the nation in #QualityLosses year in and year out.Snark aside, the Big Ten’s College Football Playoff contenders had quite the hiccup this week, but that’s conference play. This week, we have a handful of interesting matchups that could continue to shake things up.The 2026 Big Ten College Football Playoff Picture: Week 5Locked InN/ANo teams are bowl-eligible yet. No teams are locked in. A handful of teams have a clear path to the CFP, but there is still so much football to be played.ContendersOhio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) scores a touchdown during the NCAA football game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Sept. 26, 2026.#5 Ohio StateThe Buckeyes moved up two spots in the AP Poll after dispatching Illinois in fairly convincing fashion, 42-19. Although if you asked the Fringe, the sky is currently falling. Jeremiah Smith is now the Heisman Trophy favorite based on your favorite gambling sites, thanks to a historic four-touchdown day.The defense, however, needs to get back to where it expects to be. Allowing 462 yards to the Illini isn’t ideal.#6 IndianaThe Hoosiers nearly suffered the annual letdown most defending champs get to experience. Indiana got into a four-quarter battle with Northwestern on Friday, but prevailed thanks to 203 rushing yards and a touchdown from Lee Beebe Jr.This week should be an easier win, but then Indiana begins a stretch of top-half Big Ten teams. We will soon find out if the Hoosiers are built to go back-to-back.A Clear PathSep 26, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kamari Moulton (28) reacts after the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images#14 IowaThe Hawkeyes started off the year 3-0, which is not much of a surprise. Then, it got into a real dogfight at Michigan. The offense only managed two touchdowns while the kick return team added another, but it was when that second offensive touchdown was scored that was the difference.The Hawkeyes scored as time expired with no magic clock needed…but t