The Big Ten Conference has emerged as the best in college football, with three teams in the 2025-26 College Football Playoff and three consecutive National Champions. But who could be the next team to continue this trend and become the fourth Big Ten team in four seasons to win the Playoff? FOX Sports' Joel Klatt ranked the three easiest Big Ten schedules for next season on 'The Joel Klatt Show'.
Penn State Nittany Lions: With a schedule that includes Marshall, Temple, and Buffalo in the non-conference, Penn State has a manageable slate. They only face two top-six teams in the conference, with one of them at home. The Nittany Lions avoided Indiana, Ohio State, Oregon, and Illinois, and their toughest games are at home in Happy Valley.
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Iowa Hawkeyes: Iowa has a pretty good schedule, with their big non-conference game being Iowa State. The Hawkeyes have won at least eight games in 10 consecutive seasons, and 10 wins would likely be enough to earn them their first-ever CFP appearance. But here's where it gets controversial... Klatt's ranking of the easiest schedules could spark differing opinions. Do you agree with his ranking? Or do you think there are other teams that have an easier path to the Playoff? Share your thoughts in the comments!