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Seven teams could win the Big Ten men’s basketball regular-season title this year, and while the conference has not secured a national championship since 2000, it remains a powerhouse in college basketball. With six teams ranked in both the Top 25 rankings and the AP Top 25 Poll, the Big Ten is brimming with potential for a thrilling March Madness run.
This weekend, the 18-team Big Ten Conference will feature exciting matchups, including a FOX Primetime Hoops clash between Indiana and Iowa at 8 p.m. ET Saturday, followed by a Sunday showdown between Michigan State and Northwestern at noon ET on FOX.
With the conference heating up, it’s the perfect time to highlight seven teams that could contend for the Big Ten regular-season title.
Here we go!
TIER A: ILLINOIS, MICHIGAN STATE, MICHIGAN
1. Illinois Fighting Illini (12-3, 4-1)
The Illinois Fighting Illini stand out with a top-20 offense and a top-15 defense, a significant improvement from last season’s defensive ranking of 80th. This year, they also boast a remarkable rebounding margin of +12.4, ranking second in the nation.
Why they won’t win the Big Ten: Despite their strengths, the Illini face tough road challenges ahead, including trips to Indiana, Michigan State, Nebraska, Wisconsin, and Michigan. While they are a formidable team, the lengthy season could lead to potential dips in performance.
In a close game against No. 1 Tennessee, the Illini lost at the buzzer, highlighting their competitive spirit and resilience, which is why they remain in the top 10 this week.
X-factor: Ben Humrichous, a transfer from Evansville, showcased his potential with an impressive 18-point performance against Oregon. Standing at 6-foot-9, his shooting ability could elevate Illinois’ offense if he finds consistency.
2. Michigan State Spartans (12-2, 3-0)
Why they will win the Big Ten: With Hall of Famer Tom Izzo at the helm for his 30th season, the Spartans have developed a defensive identity, ranking 11th in KenPom adjusted defensive efficiency. They excel at rebounding, currently sitting eighth in the nation with a +11 margin, allowing them to control the pace of games.
Senior guard Jaden Akins has emerged as a leader, averaging 16 points per game, while Jaxon Kohler solidifies the team’s rebounding efforts with an average of 8.5 boards per game. Although their perimeter shooting may not be their forte, they possess capable shooters, adding another dimension to their game.
A favorable schedule awaits Michigan State, as they avoid challenging road games at Purdue, Wisconsin, and Indiana, making their path to the title more manageable.
Depth is a significant asset for the Spartans, with nine players averaging at least 16 minutes per game.
X-factor: Jase Richardson, son of former Spartan Jason Richardson, has shown promise as a freshman. His ability to hit multiple 3-pointers in games will be crucial for Michigan State’s success, as they seek to enhance their offensive output.
3. Michigan Wolverines (12-3, 4-0)
Why they will win the Big Ten: The Wolverines feature a dynamic duo in Danny Wolf and Vlad Goldin, with first-year head coach Dusty May making an immediate impact. Wolf, a 7-foot junior from Yale, is averaging a double-double, while Goldin, at 7-1, adds another layer of challenge for opponents.
Their recent victory over UCLA, where Goldin scored a career-high 36 points, showcased their potential against tough competition.
Beyond their big men, the Wolverines’ backcourt has improved, featuring Auburn transfer Tre Donaldson, Ohio State transfer Roddy Gayle, and returning player Nimari Burnett. With three guards averaging over three assists each and shooting nearly 37% from beyond the arc, Michigan presents a balanced attack.
Their road schedule is relatively favorable, with only a challenging game at Purdue, making their path to the title less strenuous than others.
Why they won’t win the Big Ten: Turnovers have been a significant issue for Michigan, as evidenced by their three non-conference losses that came by just five points. They currently rank last in turnover margin, averaging over 15 turnovers per game.
X-factor: Nimari Burnett’s perimeter shooting is vital for Michigan’s success. The Wolverines have a strong record when he hits multiple 3-pointers, making him a potential game-changer.
TIER B: PURDUE, WISCONSIN
1. Purdue Boilermakers (11-4, 3-1)
Why they will win the Big Ten: Braden Smith, one of the top players in college basketball, averages 8.6 assists per game, ranking third nationally. His presence elevates Purdue’s competitiveness against any team.
Mackey Arena is another advantage for the Boilermakers, where they remain undefeated this season, making it a fortress for home games.
With Smith and Fletcher Loyer, Purdue has a potent perimeter duo. Additionally, Trey Kaufman-Renn has emerged as a key scorer, averaging 17.8 points per game.
However, their upcoming schedule includes tough road games against Michigan, Michigan State, and Indiana, which could challenge their title aspirations.
2. Wisconsin Badgers (12-3, 2-2)
Why they will win the Big Ten: Greg Gard leads the Badgers with one of the most efficient offenses in college basketball, featuring two players capable of scoring 30 points on any given night. John Tonje and John Blackwell are driving the team’s success with their scoring ability.
Their schedule appears manageable, with key home games that could set them up for a strong finish in the conference.
Why they won’t win the Big Ten: Wisconsin struggles defensively, ranking among the bottom teams in the conference in points allowed per game. Additionally, their rebounding numbers are concerning, which could hinder their championship aspirations.
TIER C: OREGON, INDIANA
1. Oregon Ducks (13-2, 2-2)
Why they won’t win the Big Ten: Oregon’s defensive lapses, particularly against Illinois, revealed vulnerabilities that could impede their success. Their backcourt has also faced inconsistency, impacting their overall performance.
X-factor: The consistency of guards Shelstad and Barthelemy will be pivotal for Oregon’s chances moving forward.
2. Indiana Hoosiers (13-3, 4-1)
Why they will win the Big Ten: Indiana’s talent is undeniable, highlighted by a strong start in conference play. If Coach Mike Woodson can optimize their lineup, utilizing a four-guard setup, the Hoosiers could become a formidable opponent.
Oumar Ballo has emerged as a dominant force, while first-round NBA Draft prospect Mackenzie Mgbako adds depth to their scoring options.
X-factor: Myles Rice and Luke Goode are crucial for Indiana’s success. Rice must manage the offense effectively, while Goode’s leadership and perimeter shooting can significantly impact their performance.
