Mark your calendars, college football fans. The Big Ten Conference has officially dropped the schedule and TV details for its 2026 Football Media Days, setting the stage for an epic season. This annual summer spectacle is where the hype truly begins, offering a first official glimpse of all 18 teams just a month before the season kicks off.

For the first time since 2019, the event is returning to its iconic Chicago roots, taking place at the Hilton Chicago from July 28th to July 30th. Over three days, six programs per day will take the podium, with head coaches and star players addressing the national media and setting the narrative for the fall.

This is more than just press conferences; it's the unofficial start of the season. Fans get to see their team's new identity, hear coaching philosophies, and get early insights on the conference's top contenders and dark horses. For a conference now spanning from the East Coast to the Pacific, this event unites the expanded Big Ten under one roof, building anticipation for what promises to be another fiercely competitive year.

Here is the full 2026 Big Ten Media Days schedule, featuring all 18 head coaches (specific players to be announced later):

Monday, July 28: Illinois (Bret Bielema), Iowa (Kirk Ferentz), Penn State (Matt Campbell), Rutgers (Greg Schiano), USC (Lincoln Riley), Wisconsin (Luke Fickell).

Tuesday, July 29: Michigan State (Pat Fitzgerald), Minnesota (P.J. Fleck), Ohio State (Ryan Day), Oregon (Dan Lanning), Purdue (Barry Odom), UCLA (Bob Chesney).

Wednesday, July 30: Indiana (Curt Cignetti), Maryland (Mike Locksley), Michigan (Kyle Whittingham), Nebraska (Matt Rhule).

With powerhouse programs like Ohio State, Oregon, and USC sharing the stage with traditional rivals, the storylines will be plentiful. It's the perfect primer before the pads come on, giving every fan a reason to get excited for the return of college football.