Football has been played for parts of three centuries in college football’s top conference. And since league play began in 1896, Michigan and Ohio State have been the dominating Big 10 schools with the most football conference championships. However, the storied history of Big 10 Football runs deep with 10 other schools having claimed conference superiority.
Big Changes for the Big 10
The Big 10 Conference is set for a monumental shift with the addition of four powerhouse schools—Oregon, USC, UCLA, and Washington. These prestigious institutions bring a rich football tradition and an elevated level of competition to the conference. Fans can look forward to thrilling matchups and rivalries that will enhance the overall excitement and prestige of Big Ten football. With this expansion, the conference not only diversifies its geographic footprint but also fortifies its reputation as one of the most competitive leagues in collegiate football. Prepare for a new era of Big 10 action, filled with unforgettable games and exceptional talent.
| School | Big 10 Championships | Outright Big 10 Champs | Last Championship Year |
| Michigan | 45 | 19 | 2023 |
| Ohio State | 39 | 24 | 2020 |
| Minnesota | 18 | 7 | 1967 |
| Illinois | 15 | 8 | 2001 |
| Wisconsin | 14 | 8 | 2012 |
| Iowa | 11 | 4 | 2004 |
| Michigan State | 9 | 5 | 2015 |
| Northwestern | 8 | 2 | 2000 |
| Purdue | 8 | 1 | 2000 |
| Chicago | 7 | 6 | 1924 |
| Penn State | 4 | 2 | 2016 |
| Indiana | 2 | 1 | 1967 |
| Nebraska | 0 | 0 | N/A |
| Maryland | 0 | 0 | N/A |
| Rutgers | 0 | 0 | N/A |
| USC | 0 | 0 | N/A |
| Oregon | 0 | 0 | N/A |
| Washington | 0 | 0 | N/A |
| UCLA | 0 | 0 | N/A |
Big 10 Champions by the Numbers
#1 – Wisconsin won the first Big 10 football championship in 1896. At the time, the league was known as the Western Conference and along with Wisconsin included Michigan, Northwestern, Chicago, Minnesota, Illinois and Purdue. Coach Phillip King’s Badgers posted a 2-0-1 conference record and a 7-1-1 overall record.
#4 – The most consecutive Big 10 Conference championship games won by one school. Ohio State triumphed in the league’s championship game in the 2017 through 2020 season.
#5 – Most Big Ten Championship Game wins by one school. The Ohio State Buckeyes have won five Big Ten Championship Games. The years include 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020.
#6 The most consecutive Big 10 championships won by a school. Ohio State captured the football championship game each year from 2017 through 2020
#15 – Consecutive years (1968-82) that either Michigan or Ohio State claimed at least a share of the Big Ten Football conference crown.
#18 – The number of teams in the conference with the addition of Oregon, Washington, USC and UCLA in 2024. With the addition of these teams, the conference has scrapped division play. The two highest ranked teams will now play in the Big 10 championship game.
#59 – Biggest blowout in Big 10 football championship game history. 5th ranked Ohio State humbled Wisconsin 59-0 to claim the 2014 league crown.
#70 – The most points scored by one team in the conference championship game. Wisconsin defeated Nebraska 70-31 in 2012. Badgers RB Monte Ball won MVP honors with 202 yards rushing and three touchdowns.
#1924 – The last year that Chicago won the conference title. Chicago abolished its football program in 1939 and left the conference in 1946.
#1929 – Purdue captures it’s one and only outright Big Ten under the direction of head coach James Phelan. The Boilermakers dominated opponents throughout an unblemished 8–0 record (5–0 Big Ten) and outscored their opponents by a total of 187 to 44.
#1945 – Indiana wins its one and only conference championship. Head Coach Bo McMillan guided the Hoosiers to an undefeated 9-0-1 record. Indiana finished the season ranked 4th in the nation.
#1947 – The first year that the Big 10 Conference champion played the Pac-12 Conference (or its predecessors) in the Rose Bowl.
#1896 – The first year of Big Ten football. The conference was originally known as the Western Conference and the Big Nine Conference.
#1902 – Michigan plays Stanford in the Rose Bowl marking the nation’s first bowl game. Michigan defeated Stanford 49-0. The playing field was 110 yards long and forward passes were not allowed.
#1966 – The year that that Michigan State played Notre Dame to a 10-10 tie in the game that was known as “The Game of the Century.”
#1990 – The year the Big 10 increased to 11 schools with the addition of Penn State.
#2011 – The year of the first Big 10 Conference championship game. The No. 15 ranked Wisconsin Badgers defeated No. 11 Michigan State 42-39. The game was played in Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. Wisconsin quarterback Russell Wilson was the game’s MVP.
#2014 – The Year the Big 10 jumped to 13 teams with the addition of Maryland and Rutgers.
Teams that Dominated Eras of Big 10 Football
Minnesota – 1933 – 1941 – Under the direction of head coach Bernie Bierman, the Minnesota Golden Gophers became football champions of the Big 10 seven times and national champs five times. Under Bierman’s leadership, the team witnessed its first dynasty, dominating from 1934 to 1936. During this period, the Gophers clinched three consecutive National Championships and remained unbeaten for 28 straight games—21 of those victories were consecutive. Bierman’s strategic brilliance and the team’s relentless drive during these years cemented the Gophers’ status as a powerhouse
The early 1940s marked another golden era for the Gophers, spearheaded by the legendary halfback Bruce Smith. The team secured two more National Championships in 1940 and 1941, with Smith earning the prestigious Heisman Trophy in 1941.
Ohio State and Michigan Conference Domination
From 1968 until 1982, Michigan and Ohio State dominated league play with the winner of “The Game” leaping to the top of the conference standings. For 15 straight seasons either Michigan or Ohio State won an outright Big Ten Championship or a shared title. During that dominating span, Michigan was led by Head Coach Bo Schembechler while Woody Hayes and then Earl Bruce guided Ohio State.
The dominance of Michigan and Ohio State in league play has remained a constant in the 21st century. Both schools have been repeat winners in the Big Ten championship game. Ohio State won four consecutive Big Ten Championship game from 2017 through 2020 followed by the Michigan Wolverines earning the conference crown from 2021 through 2023.
Michigan State’s Historical Success in Big 10 Football
Michigan State’s football program has a storied history of dominance within the Big 10 Conference. The Spartans have won nine Big 10 titles, including five outright conference championships, underscoring their competitiveness and excellence over the years. The pinnacle of their dominance came during the 1965 and 1966 seasons under the leadership of head coach Duffy Daugherty. In 1965, the Spartans finished the regular season with an impeccable 10–0 record and were ranked first in the nation. Although they were narrowly defeated by UCLA in the 1966 Rose Bowl, Michigan State was still recognized as national champions by the UPI and the National Football Foundation.
The 1966 season saw continued success, with Michigan State starting the season 9–0 and preparing for a monumental clash against No. 1 ranked Notre Dame. This game, held at Spartan Stadium on November 19, was dubbed “The Game of the Century” by national media and ended in a 10–10 tie. Due to Big Ten rules at the time, Michigan State was unable to participate in a bowl game following this season, but they were still declared co-national champions alongside Notre Dame. These back-to-back seasons cemented Michigan State’s place in college football history and reflected their dominance in the conference and on a national scale.
Several key players have been instrumental in Michigan State’s dominance in Big 10 football. Bubba Smith, a formidable defensive end, was a crucial part of the famous “No-Name Defense” of the 1960s. George Webster, an exceptional linebacker, was known for his versatility and game-changing impact on the field. Clinton Jones became the first Michigan State player to rush for over 1,000 yards in a single season, propelling the team’s offensive success. Additionally, Gene Washington, a standout wide receiver, set records during his tenure and was an essential component of Michigan State’s powerful offensive unit.
