Big Ten and West Coast programs face scrutiny as analysts weigh post-spring narratives for 2026 season

College football analysts are currently evaluating post-spring practice expectations for Big Ten and West Coast programs ahead of the 2026 season. The discourse highlights a mix of optimism regarding roster stability and coaching continuity at schools like Ohio State, Maryland, and Michigan State, contrasted with concerns over offensive transitions at Northwestern and the persistent playoff drought at USC despite roster depth. CBS Sports notes that there is no more dangerous time for fans to be projecting outcomes than immediately following spring practices, when schedules are released but the season remains four months away.

Optimism is particularly high for Indiana, where Josh Hoover is expected to step in as quarterback following the departure of Fernando Mendoza. Analysts suggest the program may thrive without Mendoza, whose record for touchdown passes was previously held by Kurtis Rourke. Similarly, Iowa's outlook is considered stable despite significant roster turnover, as defensive coordinator Phil Parker's system is credited with insulating the team from regression. This defensive stability has been consistent since 2014, even when the roster featured fewer career FBS snaps than usual.

Further optimism surrounds Illinois, where Bret Bielema has earned respect for stabilizing the program after delivering back-to-back seasons with at least nine wins. Maryland also sees a positive trajectory, stemming from retaining 65 per cent of total snaps from the previous season and the return of quarterback Malik Washington. Michigan State is viewed as a stabilising force under Pat Fitzgerald, who is seen as a coach capable of maximizing talent limitations after years of instability under previous administrations.

At Ohio State, the narrative suggests Ryan Day will focus on program management while Arthur Smith handles playcalling. This division of labour follows the belief that Day operates better as a CEO than a playcaller, a strategy that worked previously when Chip Kelly handled playcalling during a national championship run. Penn State has also made headlines with the hire of Matt Campbell, hailed as a franchise-altering move following his successful tenure at Iowa State.

Conversely, concerns are raised regarding Northwestern's offensive overhaul under Chip Kelly. While Kelly is a legitimate offensive mind, analysts caution that his most dynamic units were built on elite athletes, a resource Northwestern may lack. The realistic expectation for the Wildcats is described as finishing outside the bottom five in Big Ten scoring offense for the first time since 2017.

USC continues to face scrutiny regarding its inability to reach the College Football Playoff despite roster improvements. The 2026 roster is described as the most complete under Lincoln Riley, featuring 17 returning starters and a top-ranked recruiting class. However, analysts suggest the team continues to struggle to secure a playoff spot, with the brutal schedule cited as a potential obstacle. Other programs like Wisconsin and UCLA are also mentioned, with hopes resting on increased NIL investment and improved recruiting rankings respectively.