Big Ten Coach Rankings 2026: Curt Cignetti Takes the Top Spot
The Big Ten Conference has been on a roll, winning three consecutive national titles with different schools. Amidst the heated debates about which conference is the best in the country, one thing is undeniable: the Big Ten is home to some of the best college football coaches in the nation.
At CBSSports.com, we’ve been ranking Power Four coaches for over a decade, and this year’s list is no exception. With a new No. 1 coach emerging, it’s no surprise that a Big Ten coach takes the top spot.
Curt Cignetti: The Dominant Force in the Big Ten
Curt Cignetti, the coach at the helm of Indiana, takes the No. 1 spot in the Big Ten coach rankings. His impressive track record, which includes turning Indiana into a national title contender in just two years, makes a strong case for him being the greatest coaching hire in history.
Cignetti’s rise to the top is a testament to his exceptional leadership and coaching abilities. His ability to transform a program from a non-entity to a national powerhouse in a short span is a remarkable achievement.
Despite being a new addition to the top spot, Cignetti’s credentials are hard to argue with. His success on the field, combined with his ability to inspire and motivate his players, makes him an ideal candidate for the No. 1 spot.
Other Notable Coaches in the Big Ten
Ryan Day, the coach at Ohio State, comes in at No. 2 in the Big Ten coach rankings. Day’s impressive resume, which includes a national title, makes him a strong contender for the top spot. However, his inability to replicate his 2024 title-winning season may have cost him the No. 1 spot.
Other notable coaches in the Big Ten include Dan Lanning, who takes the No. 3 spot, and Kyle Whittingham, who comes in at No. 4. These coaches have demonstrated exceptional leadership and coaching abilities, making them strong contenders for the top spot.
Below are the full Big Ten coach rankings, along with their national rankings:
- Curt Cignetti, Indiana – No. 1 (National Rank: 1)
- Ryan Day, Ohio State – No. 2 (National Rank: 3)
- Dan Lanning, Oregon – No. 3 (National Rank: 5)
- Kyle Whittingham, Michigan – No. 4 (National Rank: 10)
- Matt Campbell, Penn State – No. 5 (National Rank: 16)
- Lincoln Riley, USC – No. 6 (National Rank: 17)
- Kirk Ferentz, Iowa – No. 7 (National Rank: 20)
- Bret Bielema, Illinois – No. 8 (National Rank: 25)
- Jedd Fisch, Washington – No. 9 (National Rank: 32)
- P.J. Fleck, Minnesota – No. 10 (National Rank: 33)
- Matt Rhule, Nebraska – No. 11 (National Rank: 37)
- Bob Chesney, UCLA – No. 12 (National Rank: 38)
- Pat Fitzgerald, Michigan State – No. 13 (National Rank: 43)
What’s Next for the Big Ten Coaches?
As the 2026 season approaches, fans and coaches alike are eager to see how the Big Ten coaches will perform. With a new No. 1 coach emerging, the competition is sure to be fierce. Will Cignetti continue his dominance, or will another coach rise to the top? Only time will tell.
