2026 Big Ten Media Days schedule: Coaches and players set for Chicago
Big Ten Media Days run July 28-30 at the Hilton Chicago, with coverage on Big Ten Network and team appearances listed by CBS Sports.
By Georgia Hale · Staff Writer
3 min read
The 2026 Big Ten Media Days schedule sends coaches and players to the Hilton Chicago on Michigan Avenue from July 28-30, with Big Ten Network carrying the event, according to CBS Sports’ Brad Crawford.
The annual preseason showcase lands with the conference holding major bragging rights. CBS Sports reported that the Big Ten enters the 2026 season after three straight national championships from three different programs: Michigan, Ohio State and Indiana.
That backdrop puts a bright light on the league’s 18-team race before fall camp. CBS Sports pointed to Indiana coach Curt Cignetti, Ohio State’s Ryan Day, Oregon’s Dan Lanning and USC’s Lincoln Riley among the high-profile names drawing attention, along with Matt Campbell, Kyle Whittingham, Jedd Fisch and Kirk Ferentz.
Where can you watch 2026 Big Ten Media Days?
Big Ten Media Days are scheduled for July 28-30 at the Hilton Chicago in Chicago, Illinois. CBS Sports lists Big Ten Network as the TV home for the event.
Media days are the conference’s preseason press gathering, where coaches and selected players meet reporters before practices and games begin. It is usually where quarterback competitions, playoff expectations and job pressure start getting public airtime.
Wednesday, July 29 schedule
All times listed by CBS Sports are Eastern.
- Michigan State, 11:30 a.m.: Pat Fitzgerald with LB Jordan Hall, S Nikai Martinez and QB Alessio Milivojevic.
- Minnesota, 11:45 a.m.: P.J. Fleck with LB Maverick Baranowski, QB Drake Lindsey and DL Anthony Smith.
- Ohio State, noon: Ryan Day with S Jaylen McClain, QB Julian Sayin and WR Jeremiah Smith.
- Oregon, 12:15 p.m.: Dan Lanning with OLB Teitum Tuioti, QB Dante Moore and TE Jamari Johnson.
- Purdue, 12:30 p.m.: Barry Odom with QB Ryan Browne, LB Charles Correa and WR De’Nylon Morrissette.
- UCLA, 12:45 p.m.: Bob Chesney with QB Nico Iamaleava, DB Cole Martin and LB Samuel Omosigho.
Thursday, July 30 schedule
- Indiana, 11:30 a.m.: Curt Cignetti with LB Isaiah Jones, OL Carter Smith and DL Tyrique Tucker.
- Maryland, 11:45 a.m.: Mike Locksley with QB Malik Washington, LB Daniel Wingate and OL Michael Hershey.
- Michigan, noon: Kyle Whittingham with RB Jordan Marshall, DT Trey Pierce and QB Bryce Underwood.
- Nebraska, 12:15 p.m.: Matt Rhule with TE Luke Lindenmeyer, C Justin Evans and CB Andrew Marshall.
- Northwestern, 12:30 p.m.: David Braun with DB Robert Fitzgerald, RB Caleb Komolafe and WR Griffin Wilde.
- Washington, 12:45 p.m.: Jedd Fisch with C Landen Hatchett, ILB Jacob Manu and QB Demond Williams Jr.
CBS Sports described the event as a three-day stage for the conference’s biggest preseason talking points, from quarterback decisions to championship pressure. With Michigan, Ohio State and Indiana named as the league’s last three national title winners, the Big Ten arrives in Chicago with the sport’s spotlight firmly on its side of the room.
This story draws on original reporting from CBS Sports.