Get ready for a thrilling college basketball season, because the entire Big Ten Conference has been ranked among the top 100 in the preseason KenPom ratings, with three teams cracking the top 10! This is a big deal, and it’s setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying year for fans. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: while some rankings feel like a no-brainer, others are raising eyebrows and sparking debates. Let’s dive in.
Predicting the outcome of a college basketball season is no easy feat, but thankfully, there are analytical powerhouses like KenPom (https://kenpom.com/) that make it their mission to do just that. Using a sophisticated model, KenPom projects team performances and game outcomes, giving fans and analysts alike a glimpse into what might unfold. Earlier this week, KenPom dropped its preseason ratings, and the Big Ten stole the spotlight. Not only did every single team in the conference make the top 100, but powerhouses like Purdue, Illinois, and UCLA secured spots in the top 10. This isn’t just impressive—it’s a testament to the depth and talent of the Big Ten this year.
Here’s the full breakdown of where each Big Ten team landed in the preseason KenPom rankings:
- No. 3 - Purdue: A top contender for the national championship, the Boilermakers are loaded with talent and poised for a deep run.
- No. 6 - Illinois: Returning a strong roster, the Fighting Illini are expected to make waves this season.
- No. 10 - UCLA: The Bruins bring back a wealth of experience and skill, making them a team to watch.
- No. 11 - Michigan: With a stacked lineup, the Wolverines could be a dark horse in the conference.
- No. 20 - Wisconsin: Always a consistent performer, the Badgers are looking to climb higher.
- No. 22 - USC: And this is the part most people miss—the Trojans, who have struggled for relevance in recent years, are ranked higher than traditional powerhouses like Michigan State and Oregon. Can they live up to the hype? Only time will tell.
- No. 25 - Michigan State: Despite recent success, the Spartans find themselves slightly lower than expected.
- No. 27 - Ohio State: The Buckeyes are in the mix but will need to prove themselves early.
- No. 34 - Maryland: A solid mid-tier ranking for the Terrapins, who are looking to rebuild.
- No. 37 - Oregon: The Ducks have been consistent, but this ranking might surprise some fans.
- No. 40 - Indiana: The Hoosiers are aiming to climb back into contention.
- No. 45 - Washington: A respectable ranking for a team looking to make strides.
- No. 46 - Iowa: The Hawkeyes are in the hunt but will need to step up their game.
- No. 51 - Nebraska: A middle-of-the-pack ranking for a team with potential.
- No. 57 - Northwestern: The Wildcats are looking to surprise this season.
- No. 73 - Minnesota: A lower ranking, but the Golden Gophers could be a sleeper team.
- No. 85 - Rutgers: Coming off a disappointing season, the Scarlet Knights have the most to prove. Despite producing two top-five NBA Draft picks, they’ll need to show they can compete.
- No. 95 - Penn State: The Nittany Lions round out the Big Ten rankings but could still make some noise.
But here’s where it gets controversial: USC’s high ranking at No. 22 is a bold statement. The Trojans haven’t made the NCAA Tournament since 2023, and their recent struggles make this placement a head-scratcher for some. Is KenPom onto something, or is this ranking overly optimistic? Let’s not forget Rutgers, sitting at No. 85, who many believe could be this season’s underdog. After a disappointing year, do they have what it takes to turn things around?
This season is shaping up to be a tight, unpredictable race across the Big Ten. With so much talent and so many storylines, it’s anyone’s game. What do you think? Is USC’s ranking justified? Can Rutgers surprise us all? Let us know in the comments—we want to hear your take!
For more in-depth coverage, check out these resources:
* Big Ten News (https://www.btpowerhouse.com/bt-news)
* Team-specific pages for Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Nebraska, Northwestern, Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State, Purdue, Rutgers, UCLA, USC, Washington, and Wisconsin on https://www.btpowerhouse.com.
