While the Big Ten’s top six teams have already secured their spots in the 2026 Big Ten Field Hockey Tournament Presented by Allstate, two rivals square off on Friday for the final tournament bid — winner punches their ticket to Columbus. Plus, one game still stands between Northwestern and the outright conference crown.
Rivals Go Toe-to-Toe: Winner Takes Final Tournament Bid
Ohio State and Michigan will clash in Ann Arbor in a showdown for the last spot in the conference tournament. The Buckeyes — who are hosting the 2026 tournament— will have a slight offensive advantage. Sienna Golden leads both teams with eight goals this season, and three different OSU players have notched 4+ assists so far. The Wolverines hope their balanced attack (five players have 3+ goals this season) will lift them over their rivals. Tune in at 5 p.m. ET on Friday on B1G+.
‘Cats Eye Outright Crown
While No. 1 Northwestern has a share of the Big Ten title in hand, No. 14 Penn State stands between the Wildcats and the outright championship. If NFHCA Division I Offensive Player of the Week Olivia Bent-Cole can lead the ‘Cats to a road win, they’ll finish Big Ten play undefeated for the fourth consecutive season. But don’t count out the Nittany Lions; they’ve won eight of their last nine games, and three of those victories came against ranked opponents.
If Northwestern wins, it’s the sole owner of the Big Ten title. However, if Penn State pulls off the upset, the door is open for Maryland...
Terps Fight for Title Hopes in Top-10 Test
No. 2 Maryland could swipe a share of the regular season title if the Terps top No. 9 Iowa and Northwestern falls to Penn State. Between Dionne van Aalsum and Fréderique van Cleef — who lead the league with 17 goals apiece — the Hawkeyes have been an offensive juggernaut in 2026. But, they’re going up against goalie Alyssa Klebasko and a Maryland defense that is second in the Big Ten in goals against average (0.88).
The top-10 matchup in College Park will be a momentum match. Both teams pulled off 1-0 wins last Sunday to rebound from losses — but only one will carry that upward trajectory into the postseason. Watch this one on Friday at 1 p.m. ET on B1G+.
Get ready for all the final regular season action: see the schedule.