Ohio State Favourites for 2026 Big Ten Championship as DraftKings Releases Odds
The 2026 Big Ten Championship landscape has shifted, with Ohio State installed as the early favourite at DraftKings Sportsbook, while defending champions Indiana and Oregon trail closely behind.
DraftKings Sportsbook has released the betting odds for the 2026 Big Ten Championship, positioning Ohio State as the early favourite at +180. The odds were current as of 17 August, marking a significant moment for a conference that has produced three straight national champions over the last three seasons. Michigan claimed the title in 2023, Ohio State in 2024, and Indiana in 2025.
Defending Big Ten champions Indiana are priced at +260, while Oregon follows at +240. The championship game is scheduled for 5 December at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The market reflects a highly competitive field, with USC listed at +1600, Michigan at +1700, and Penn State at +2200.
Ohio State’s status as the favourite comes despite the Buckeyes losing four top NFL draft picks. The team returns quarterback Julian Sayin, wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, and four starting offensive linemen. Although Ohio State won the national title in 2024, their last Big Ten title came in 2020.
Indiana faces the challenge of replacing Heisman Trophy winner and No. 1 overall NFL Draft pick Fernando Mendoza. The Hoosiers have brought in former TCU quarterback Josh Hoover via the transfer portal. Head coach Curt Cignetti remains at the helm, keeping the team in contention despite the significant personnel loss.
The broader context of the 2026 season highlights the conference's strength. Ohio State and Oregon are ranked first and second respectively in the Associated Press Top 25 preseason college football poll. This marks the first time in 65 years that the Big Ten Conference holds the top two spots, a feat last achieved in 1961 when Iowa and Ohio State topped the rankings.
Longshot odds include Wisconsin at +13500, Nebraska at +15000, and Illinois at +16000. Other teams with lower probabilities include UCLA at +17000, Minnesota at +20000, and Northwestern at +50000. Maryland and Michigan State are listed at +50000, while Michigan State and Purdue are priced at +60000 and +100000 respectively. Rutgers sits at the bottom of the oddsboard at +600000.
