🚨 UCLA AND INDIANA EMERGE AS TOP TWO TEAMS IN BIG TEN TITLE RACE AFTER OHIO STATE’S UPSET LOSS TO OREGON
UCLA and Indiana are currently in position to meet in the Big Ten Championship Game, with Curt Cignetti’s Hoosiers suddenly controlling their own destiny following Ohio State’s second conference defeat.
The latest Big Ten standings have created a fascinating championship race, and Indiana has received a significant opportunity to return to Indianapolis.
As of November 8, UCLA sits atop the conference at 6-0, while Indiana occupies second place at 5-1. With three regular-season games remaining, both programs are firmly positioned to compete for a place in the December 5 championship game.
Current Big Ten picture
1. UCLA Bruins
First place
6–0
Conference record
2. Indiana Hoosiers
Second place
5–1
Conference record
Official Big Ten standings, November 8, 2026. Both teams have three regular-season games remaining.
The biggest development came Saturday when Oregon defeated Ohio State 41-28 in Columbus. That result dropped the Buckeyes to 4-2 in conference play and gave Indiana a clearer path to the championship game. Big Ten Conference +2
UCLA AND INDIANA EMERGE AS TOP TWO TEAMS IN BIG TEN TITLE RACE AFTER OHIO STATE’S UPSET LOSS
The Big Ten Championship race is beginning to take shape, and two programs have separated themselves from the competition.
UCLA and Indiana currently occupy the top two positions in the conference standings, putting them on course for a potential championship showdown in Indianapolis on December 5.
For Indiana, the situation represents a significant opportunity to defend its conference crown and continue building on the remarkable success of the Curt Cignetti era.
The Hoosiers entered their bye week with an 8-1 overall record and a 5-1 conference mark. Although Indiana did not take the field Saturday, several results around the country worked in its favor.
Most importantly, Oregon traveled to Columbus and handed Ohio State a 41-28 defeat, giving the Buckeyes their second Big Ten loss of the season.
That result could have major consequences for the conference championship race.
OHIO STATE’S DEFEAT OPENS THE DOOR FOR INDIANA
Ohio State’s loss to Oregon was arguably the most important result of the weekend for Indiana.
The Buckeyes entered the matchup facing significant pressure after suffering another setback, and Oregon took advantage with an impressive road performance.
Ohio State’s conference record dropped to 4-2, leaving it behind Indiana in the standings.
More importantly, the result gave the Hoosiers greater control over their championship destiny.
Earlier in the season, Indiana’s path was complicated by the crowded competition at the top of the Big Ten standings. However, with Ohio State now carrying two conference defeats, the Hoosiers have a much clearer opportunity to secure another championship appearance.
According to On3’s latest analysis, Indiana can clinch its place in the Big Ten Championship Game by winning its remaining three regular-season games.
That means the Hoosiers no longer need to depend on other teams losing to create an opportunity.
They simply need to take care of business.
UCLA CONTINUES TO SET THE PACE
While Indiana benefited from Ohio State’s defeat, UCLA continues to control the conference race.
The Bruins improved to 9-0 overall and 6-0 in Big Ten play after defeating Minnesota 34-20 on November 7.
That victory strengthened UCLA’s position at the top of the standings and maintained its advantage over Indiana.
With three conference games remaining, UCLA has an opportunity to finish the regular season unbeaten and secure its place in the championship game.
The Bruins have demonstrated consistency throughout the season, and their unbeaten conference record makes them one of the most dangerous teams in the country.
Indiana, meanwhile, will be looking to close the gap and potentially challenge UCLA for the top position before the regular season concludes.
Although the two programs have different paths ahead, both currently occupy the positions that matter most in the Big Ten race.
INDIANA CONTROLS ITS OWN DESTINY
Perhaps the biggest development for Hoosiers fans is that Indiana’s championship hopes are now firmly in its own hands.
Cignetti’s team has three regular-season games remaining:
- November 14: USC at Indiana.
- November 21: Indiana at Washington.
- November 28: Purdue at Indiana.
Winning all three would guarantee Indiana a place in the Big Ten Championship Game, according to On3’s latest breakdown.
The upcoming matchup against USC will be particularly important.
USC currently owns a 4-2 conference record and remains among the teams attempting to stay alive in the championship race.
A victory over the Trojans would give Indiana another important conference result while bringing the Hoosiers one step closer to Indianapolis.
Washington presents another challenge on the road before Indiana concludes its regular season against in-state rival Purdue.
The Purdue matchup could carry additional significance because it would provide Indiana with an opportunity to finish the regular season with another rivalry victory.
However, Cignetti’s team cannot afford to overlook any opponent.
One defeat could complicate the Hoosiers’ position and potentially bring conference tiebreakers back into the conversation.
CURT CIGNETTI HAS ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE HISTORY
Indiana’s rise under Cignetti continues to attract national attention.
When he arrived in Bloomington, the objective was to transform Indiana into a legitimate Big Ten contender.
Now, the Hoosiers are once again in position to compete for the conference championship.
Indiana is also the defending Big Ten champion after defeating Ohio State in the 2025 championship game, securing its first conference title since 1945.
That achievement changed expectations surrounding the program.
Indiana is no longer simply trying to become competitive against the Big Ten’s traditional powers. The Hoosiers are now expected to compete for championships.
Cignetti has consistently emphasized that success must be earned on the field.
Speaking about the championship and playoff race, he said: “It’s going to play out all on the field.”
That message reflects the approach Indiana must maintain during the final weeks of the season.
The Hoosiers have an opportunity to finish strongly, defend their conference championship and strengthen their College Football Playoff position.
THE BIG TEN CHAMPIONSHIP RACE IS FAR FROM OVER
Although UCLA and Indiana currently occupy the top two positions, the competition has not completely disappeared.
Oregon, USC, Ohio State, Wisconsin and other conference programs remain involved in the broader race.
Oregon’s victory over Ohio State was particularly important because it improved the Ducks’ position while simultaneously damaging the Buckeyes’ championship hopes.
USC also remains a significant obstacle for Indiana, especially with the Trojans scheduled to visit Bloomington next weekend.
The remaining schedule could produce additional surprises, meaning the final championship matchup is not officially determined.
Nevertheless, Indiana has received a major opportunity.
The Hoosiers have already demonstrated that they can compete with the nation’s best programs. Now they must prove that they can finish the regular season without allowing their championship opportunity to slip away.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR THE COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF
The Big Ten Championship race also has major implications for the College Football Playoff.
Indiana entered the latest playoff conversation with a strong national résumé, and its position could improve further with victories over USC, Washington and Purdue.
The Hoosiers were ranked No. 4 in the initial College Football Playoff rankings, while UCLA was ranked four places behind them.
That creates an interesting situation: UCLA currently leads the Big Ten standings, but Indiana has the stronger position in the initial national playoff rankings.
Both teams have important opportunities ahead.
A conference championship appearance would provide another opportunity to strengthen their postseason résumés, while a victory in Indianapolis could deliver an automatic place in the 12-team playoff.
For Indiana, the mission is straightforward: win the remaining games and earn another opportunity to compete for a Big Ten championship.
For UCLA, the challenge is maintaining its unbeaten conference record and protecting its position at the top.
With UCLA sitting at 6-0 and Indiana at 5-1, the two programs are currently on course for a December showdown in Indianapolis.
The Hoosiers have been given a golden opportunity following Ohio State’s latest defeat.
Now, the question is whether Curt Cignetti and Indiana can finish the job.
