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Big Ten basketball power rankings updated 2025 conference schedule
The calendar has turned to 2025. With that, it’s time for the Big Ten basketball season to hit its stride.
Most of the conference enters 2025 on a wave of momentum. The Big Ten went a combined 18-1 over the last week of 2024. While those wins came against mostly low-level competition, they will prove important when NCAA Tournament resumes are compiled in early March.
Entering 2025, 18 conference games remain on every team’s schedule. While Michigan State (11-2, 2-0 Big Ten), UCLA (11-2, 2-0 Big Ten) and Michigan (10-3, 2-0 Big Ten) lead the standings, 90% of the conference schedule remains unplayed.
A deep 18-team Big Ten is sure to create an entertaining and suspenseful regular-season race. The conference enters the New Year with five ranked teams: No. 9 Oregon, No. 15 UCLA, No. 18 Michigan State, No. 20 Purdue and No. 22 Illinois (9-3, 1-1 Big Ten). Seven more are just below that top tier in the receiving votes section of the latest AP Poll: Maryland, Michigan, Ohio State, Indiana, Wisconsin, Penn State and Nebraska.
Big Ten play restarts on Jan. 2 with Northwestern at Penn State, Purdue at Minnesota, Rutgers at Indiana, Maryland at Washington and Illinois at Oregon. After that, it’s all systems go for the next three months of action.
Before that race begins, here are our updated Big Ten power rankings entering the full conference schedule:
March 14, 2024; Minneapolis; Minnesota Golden Gophers coach Ben Johnson reacts during the first half against the Michigan State Spartans at Target Center. Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
Week 8 Results: Morgan State (W)
Previous Rank: No. 18 (No change)
Analysis: Minnesota enters 2025 as KenPom’s 112th-ranked team. It is among the bottom-ranked high-major teams in the country, sitting ahead of only Boston College (No. 175), Virginia Tech (No. 149), Seton Hall (No. 134) and Cal (No. 133). The Gophers will likely have trouble competing in the Big Ten landscape.
Dec. 3, 2024; Los Angeles, California; Washington Huskies coach Danny Sprinkle gestures in the first half against the UCLA Bruins at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Week 8 Results: Seattle (L), NJIT (W)
Previous Rank: No. 17 (No change)
Analysis: Washington looks like it may challenge Minnesota for the bottom spot in the conference. It fell to Seattle (KenPom No. 145) last week, reestablishing a bleak outlook for the full conference schedule. New coach Danny Sprinkle has a strong track record, but it may take him some time to build the program.
Get more (Washington) news, analysis and opinions on Huskies Wire
Nov. 4, 2024; Los Angeles, California; Southern California Trojans coach Eric Musselman interacts with fans after the game against the Chattanooga Mocs at Galen Center. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Week 8 Results: Idle
Previous Rank: No. 16 (No change)
Analysis: USC has work to do after early season losses to Cal, Saint Mary’s, New Mexico and Oregon. It won its last four contests, building momentum entering 2025. The team’s chance at contention could be decided in the first two weeks of January. It opens the year with games against Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin.
Get more (USC) news, analysis and opinions on Trojans Wire
Coach Steve Pikiell gives instructions during one of the timeouts. Rutgers Intrasquad Scrimmage at Rutgers Athletic Center in Piscataway, New Jersey, on Sept. 28. 2024. Peter Ackerman-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Week 8 Results: Columbia (W)
Previous Rank: No. 15 (No change)
Analysis: Rutgers struggled through its nonconference schedule, dropping games to Kennesaw State, Alabama, Texas A&M and Princeton. It should be a team that improves as the season continues. But it seems far from the high ceiling many predicted entering the year.
Star freshman Dylan Harper (22.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists) will have a big say in the team’s success in conference play.
Indiana coach Mike Woodson during the Indiana versus UNC Greensboro men’s basketball game at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall on Thursday, Nov. 21, 1024. Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Week 8 Results: Winthrop (W)
Previous Rank: No. 14 (No change)
Analysis: There are not many changes to make in this tier of the ranking. Most teams went 1-0 last week against lower-level competition, including Indiana. The Hoosiers enter 2025 ranked No. 56 in KenPom after an up-and-down start to the season. They notched wins over Minnesota and Providence but fell to Louisville, Gonzaga and Nebraska.
Indiana was a popular pick to break out and contend for the conference title this season. That looks like a long shot after nonconference play.
March 14, 2024; Minneapolis; Iowa Hawkeyes coach Fran McCaffery reacts during the first half against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Target Center. Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
Week 8 Results: New Hampshire (W)
Previous Rank: No. 13 (No change)
Analysis: Iowa rides a three-game winning streak entering 2025. It was a last-second shot away from a win over Michigan. Had that gone in, the Hawkeyes would be 10-2 (2-0 Big Ten) entering the full conference schedule. Instead, the team is 9-3 (1-1 Big Ten) amid a large pack in the middle of the conference.
The Hawkeyes look to be a dangerous matchup for any conference team. But they’ll likely lack the day-to-day consistency to contend for a top spot.
Get more (Iowa) news, analysis and opinions on Hawkeyes Wire
Feb. 28, 2024; College Park, Maryland; Northwestern Wildcats coach Chris Collins look down court during the first half against the Maryland Terrapins at Xfinity Center. Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Week 8 Results: Northeastern (W)
Previous Rank: No. 11 (Down 1)
Analysis: Northwestern is off to a dream start to the season. It already has wins over Georgia Tech and Illinois, and it fell at the buzzer to a strong Iowa team. Chris Collins has the program in a fantastic place. He’s answered the important offseason question of what the Wildcats will look like without program legend Boo Buie.
Coach Fred Hoiberg of the Nebraska Cornhuskers looks on in the second half against the Northwestern Wildcats at Welsh-Ryan Arena on Feb. 22, 2022 in Evanston, Illinois. Quinn Harris/Getty Images
Week 8 Results: Hawaii (W), Oregon State (W), Southern (W)
Previous Rank: No. 12 (Up 1)
Analysis: Nebraska had the best week of any team in the Big Ten. Its 3-0 stretch was highlighted by a 12-point win over Oregon State (KenPom No. 68). The Cornhuskers are off to a nearly perfect start. The only losses came against a strong Saint Mary’s team (KenPom No. 48) and Michigan State (KenPom No. 20). They could be a sleeper contender to finish in the conference’s top four.
Get more (Nebraska) news, analysis and opinions on Cornhuskers Wire
March 26, 2024; Columbus, Ohio; Ohio State Buckeyes coach Jake Diebler motions to his team during the first half of the NIT quarterfinals against the Georgia Bulldogs at Value City Arena. Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch-USA TODAY NETWORK
Week 8 Results: Indiana State (W)
Previous Rank: No. 10 (No change)
Analysis: Ohio State bounces up and down the rankings each week. It enters 2025 on the positive end of that swing after a recent blowout win over Kentucky. The Buckeyes are No. 28 in KenPom (No. 8 Big Ten). They have the ceiling to contend for the conference.
Get more (Ohio State) news, analysis and opinions on Buckeyes Wire
Nov. 15, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach Mike Rhoades speaks to the team during the first half against the Virginia Tech Hokies at CFG Bank Arena. Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images
Week 8 Results: Penn (W)
Previous Rank: No. 9 (No change)
Analysis: Penn State’s resurgence in Year 2 under Mike Rhoades is a big story. The Nittany Lions went 16-17 (9-11 Big Ten) last season. They almost matched that win total in the first stage of 2025. KenPom believes in the team’s quality; the team is No. 35 overall (No. 10 Big Ten).
Get more (Penn State) news, analysis and opinions on Nittany Lions Wire
Nov. 15, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin; Wisconsin coach Greg Gard is shown during the second half of their game Nov. 15, 2024 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin. Unranked Wisconsin upset Arizona 103-88. Mark Hoffman/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images
Week 8 Results: Idle
Previous Rank: No. 8 (No change)
Analysis: Wisconsin has played just one game since Dec. 14: a blowout win over Detroit Mercy. The Badgers have mostly sat idle, which may be a good thing after a string of losses early in December. Greg Gard’s team flashed top-end potential with an 8-0 start. It looks to return to that form once Big Ten play heats up.
From left, Michigan assistant coach/Director of Player Development Drew Williamson, assistant coach Justin Joyner, assistant coach/general manager Kyle Church, coach Dusty May, assistant coach Akeem Miskdeen and assistant coach Mike Boynton Jr. watch a play against Cleveland State during the second half at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024. Junfu Han-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Week 8 Results: Western Kentucky (W)
Previous Rank: No. 7 (No change)
Analysis: Michigan may prove to be better than its record indicates. It is KenPom’s highest-ranked Big Ten team at No. 11 overall. Part of that discrepancy is due to recent tight losses to Oklahoma and Arkansas, which followed strong wins over Iowa, Wisconsin, Xavier and Virginia Tech. The Wolverines have flashed top-of-the-conference form. 2025 will be about maintaining that form through what will be a challenging conference schedule.
Get more (Michigan) news, analysis and opinions on Wolverines Wire
April 6, 2024; Glendale, Arizona; Purdue Boilermakers guard Braden Smith (3) talks with Purdue Boilermakers coach Matt Painter during the second half in the semifinals of the men’s Final Four of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at State Farm Stadium. Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Week 8 Results: Toledo (W)
Previous Rank: No. 6 (No change)
Analysis: Purdue picked up a much-needed victory over Toledo after a recent skid saw the team drop three of four, with losses to Penn State, Texas A&M and Auburn. The Boilermakers have played one of the toughest schedules in the country to date. Still, they appear a clear step below the recent Big Ten-winning squads, especially the one that lost the national title game last season.
Purdue’s step backward creates a wide-open Big Ten landscape. Any of eight teams could realistically claim the conference crown.
Feb. 25, 2024; Piscataway, New Jersey; Maryland Terrapins coach Kevin Willard looks on as the Terrapins bench celebrates during the first half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Jersey Mike’s Arena. Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Week 8 Results: Maryland Eastern Shore (W)
Previous Rank: No. 5 (No change)
Analysis: Maryland has looked like one of the best teams in the country to start the season. It enters 2025 on the outside of the AP Poll but is ranked No. 19 in KenPom and No. 20 in ESPN BPI. Its resume includes wins over Villanova, Ohio State and Syracuse. The only losses have come against top-ranked Marquette and Purdue.
Kevin Willard appears to have the Terrapins back to their 2022-23 form after a down 2023-24 season.
Nov. 8, 2024; Champaign, Illinois; Illinois Fighting Illini coach Brad Underwood displays the three consecutive Big 10 championship trophies before a game against the SIU Edwardsville Cougars at State Farm Center. Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
Week 8 Results: Chicago State (W)
Previous Rank: No. 4 (No change)
Analysis: Illinois’ start to the year has been a mixed bag. It has wins over Wisconsin, Missouri and Arkansas, in addition to narrow losses to Alabama, Northwestern and Tennessee. Illinois’ history under Brad Underwood suggests it will be right in the mix as the season continues. Star freshman Kasparas Jakucionis (16.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, 5.3 assists) will play a big role in that quest.
March 20, 2024; Pittsburgh; Oregon Ducks coach Dana Altman (middle) talks to his team during practice before its 2024 NCAA Tournament first-round game at PPG Paints Arena. Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Week 8 Results: Weber State (W)
Previous Rank: No. 3 (No change)
Analysis: Oregon enters 2025 as the highest-ranked Big Ten team in the AP Poll (No. 9). That ranking is due to a stellar resume that includes wins over Alabama, USC and Texas A&M. The Ducks’ only loss is a two-point defeat to a strong UCLA team. Oregon is one of several Big Ten newcomers that appears immediately ready to contend.
Get more (Oregon) news, analysis and opinions on Ducks Wire
Michigan State coach Tom Izzo talks to guard Jeremy Fears Jr. (1) during the first half against Bowling Green at Breslin Center in East Lansing on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. Junfu Han-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Week 8 Results: Western Michigan (W)
Previous Rank: No. 1 (Down 1)
Analysis: Michigan State did not drop due to struggles; it defeated Western Michigan, 80-62, to win its sixth straight game. Instead, it dropped because the seesaw at the top of the conference tipped back to UCLA after it picked up a signature win.
The Spartans are in an ideal position entering 2025. They open the year against Ohio State, Washington, Northwestern and Penn State. Those games should all be wins if the team is truly the best in the conference
Get more (Michigan State) news, analysis and opinions on Spartans Wire
March 14, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada; UCLA Bruins coach Mick Cronin walks off the court after the Oregon Ducks defeated the Bruins 68-66 at T-Mobile Arena. Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Week 8 Results: No. 14 Gonzaga (W)
Previous Rank: No. 2 (Up 1)
Analysis: UCLA is the other newcomer set to contend. It picked up the best win of any Big Ten team this week — a three-point victory over then-No. 14 Gonzaga. The Bruins are No. 13 in KenPom, ranked alongside Michigan, Oregon, Michigan State and other top contenders. Since the Big Ten lacks a truly elite team, UCLA is one of several with a real chance of capturing the conference crown.
Get more (UCLA) news, analysis and opinions on UCLA Wire
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With the 2025 Big Ten basketball conference schedule now released, it’s time to take a look at the updated power rankings for the upcoming season. Here’s a breakdown of how the teams stack up heading into the new year:
1. Michigan Wolverines – Coming off a strong season, the Wolverines are poised to make a run at the conference title with a talented roster led by senior guard Jalen Moore.
2. Illinois Fighting Illini – Despite losing some key players, the Fighting Illini have a solid core returning and will be a tough matchup for any team in the Big Ten.
3. Purdue Boilermakers – With a strong recruiting class coming in, the Boilermakers are looking to build on last year’s success and compete for a top spot in the conference.
4. Ohio State Buckeyes – Led by senior forward E.J. Liddell, the Buckeyes are a team to watch this season as they look to make a push for the Big Ten crown.
5. Wisconsin Badgers – The Badgers have a balanced roster and will be a tough out for any opponent in the conference with their disciplined style of play.
6. Iowa Hawkeyes – Iowa will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing season and make a statement in the Big Ten with a high-powered offense led by junior guard Keegan Murray.
7. Minnesota Golden Gophers – The Golden Gophers have a strong frontcourt and will look to make some noise in the conference this year with a balanced attack.
8. Maryland Terrapins – Maryland has a talented roster but will need to find consistency on both ends of the floor to compete with the top teams in the Big Ten.
9. Michigan State Spartans – The Spartans are looking to reload after losing some key players and will be relying on their young talent to step up this season.
10. Indiana Hoosiers – Indiana is in a rebuilding phase but has the potential to surprise some teams in the Big Ten with their athleticism and depth.
11. Northwestern Wildcats – The Wildcats will be looking to improve on last year’s performance and compete with the top teams in the conference with a solid core returning.
12. Penn State Nittany Lions – Penn State will be looking to make strides this season and show that they can compete with the best teams in the Big Ten.
Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as the Big Ten basketball season gets underway!
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