Non-conference play is winding down, and the Big Ten has already made one thing clear: this league is going to be a grind from top to bottom. Between unbeaten starts, unexpected risers, and traditional powers still trying to find their footing, there is no easy night on the schedule once January arrives.
Michigan looks every bit like a national contender, Nebraska has forced its way into the conversation, and the middle of the league is packed with teams capable of flipping the standings in a single week. With conference play looming, these power rankings capture where things stand right now, not where they might end up once the Big Ten schedule starts applying real pressure.
1. Michigan Wolverines (10-0)
There is no watching Michigan without immediately noticing its athleticism. Dusty May has assembled a roster that looks fast, physical, and built for March. Yaxel Lendeborg leads the way at 16.4 points per game, while Elliot Cadeau has been steady as both a scorer and facilitator, averaging 9.7 points and 6.1 assists. Michigan closes non-conference play at home against La Salle and McNeese before opening Big Ten play against USC on January 2.
2. Nebraska Cornhuskers (11-0)
Fred Hoiberg’s team has been one of the biggest stories in the country. Nebraska not only started 9-0, but followed it up by crushing Wisconsin at home and then winning at Illinois. The Cornhuskers are scoring 83.8 points per game, led by Rienk Mast’s 17.9. Nebraska finishes 2025 with home games against North Dakota and New Hampshire before hosting Michigan State and traveling to Ohio State to open league play in January.
3. Purdue Boilermakers (10-1)
Purdue remains firmly in the national title conversation despite one lopsided loss to Iowa State. Since then, the Boilermakers have responded emphatically, beating Minnesota by 27 and Marquette by 20. Saturday’s showdown with Auburn will be a major measuring stick before Purdue hosts Kent State and opens Big Ten play at Wisconsin on January 3.
4. Michigan State Spartans (9-1)
Tom Izzo’s Spartans have quietly put together an impressive start, with their only loss coming against Duke. Michigan State showed resilience in its comeback win over Penn State after trailing most of the game. The Spartans finish non-conference play at home before a massive road test at Nebraska on January 2.
5. UCLA Bruins (7-3)
UCLA’s three losses have come against strong competition, including Arizona, California, and Gonzaga. The Bruins are scoring 76.7 points per game while allowing just 66.7, with Tyler Bilodeau leading the offense at 16.6 per game. UCLA wraps up non-conference play before opening Big Ten road games at Iowa and Wisconsin to start January.
6. Iowa Hawkeyes (9-2)
Iowa has been dominant at home, sitting at 7-0, with its only losses coming on the road against Michigan State and Iowa State. The Hawkeyes rebounded with a 40-point win over Western Michigan and have favorable matchups ahead before hosting UCLA in their Big Ten opener.
7. USC Trojans (10-1)
USC is one poor home performance away from being unbeaten, but the Trojans have bounced back with strong wins since their loss to Washington. Chad Baker-Mazara has been outstanding, averaging 21.6 points per game. USC finishes non-conference play at home before traveling to Michigan for a major Big Ten test on January 2.
8. Illinois Fighting Illini (8-3)
Illinois has quality wins but still faces questions about athleticism within a loaded Big Ten. Losses to Alabama, UConn, and Nebraska are understandable, but consistency remains an issue. Kylan Boswell leads the team at 16.1 points per game. Illinois closes 2025 before opening conference play at Penn State.
9. Indiana Hoosiers (8-3)
After a 7-0 start, Indiana has lost three of its last four games, including road losses to Minnesota, Louisville, and Kentucky. A blowout win over Penn State showed the Hoosiers’ ceiling, but questions remain. Indiana has a soft close to non-conference play before opening Big Ten action at home against Washington.
10. Ohio State Buckeyes (8-2)
Ohio State has been excellent offensively, averaging nearly 88 points per game, but defensive lapses have cost them. The Buckeyes needed two overtimes to beat West Virginia and suffered a conference loss to Illinois. A marquee matchup with North Carolina awaits before league play resumes at Rutgers and then at home against Nebraska.
11. Washington Huskies (7-3)
Washington earned an impressive road win at USC after narrowly losing to UCLA. The Huskies are 1-1 in Big Ten play and have shown flashes of promise behind Wesley Yates III and JJ Mandaquit. Road games at Indiana and Purdue loom after the New Year.
12. Penn State Nittany Lions (8-3)
Penn State started 8-1 but has dropped its first two Big Ten games against Indiana and Michigan State. Kayden Mingo leads the team at 15 points per game. The Nittany Lions look to regroup before hosting Illinois on January 3.
13. Wisconsin Badgers (7-3)
Wisconsin’s momentum took a hit with a 30-point loss at Nebraska, snapping a brief winning streak. The Badgers score at a strong clip but have struggled defensively. Nick Boyd leads the offense with 20.2 points per game. A home showdown with Purdue opens conference play in 2026.
14. Minnesota Golden Gophers (6-5)
Minnesota has been inconsistent, losing four of its last six games, though a win over Indiana showed potential. The Gophers were overwhelmed at Purdue and remain a work in progress heading into Big Ten play.
15. Maryland Terrapins (6-5)
Maryland has dropped four of its last five games and is still searching for its first conference win. Losses to Michigan, Iowa, Gonzaga, and Alabama have exposed depth concerns. Pharrel Payne and David Coit carry the offensive load as the Terrapins prepare for a tough January slate.
16. Oregon Ducks (5-5)
Dana Altman’s team has struggled early, going 0-2 in conference play before snapping a losing streak against UC Davis. Oregon faces a critical stretch that will determine whether it can climb back into the Big Ten picture.
17. Northwestern Wildcats (6-4)
Northwestern is winless in conference play after losses to Wisconsin and Ohio State. Nick Martinelli has been excellent offensively, but defensive consistency remains an issue. The Wildcats need quick improvement once league play intensifies.
18. Rutgers Scarlet Knights (5-6)
Rutgers has struggled on both ends, losing six of its first 11 games and allowing 81 or more points in three straight losses. Two non-conference games offer a chance to reset before opening Big Ten play against Ohio State.
Big Ten Going Forward
As January approaches, the Big Ten feels wide open beneath the very top. Michigan has earned its spot as the team to chase, Nebraska has completely changed the tone of the league, and familiar powers like Purdue and Michigan State are positioning themselves for another long run.
At the same time, teams in the middle are dealing with real questions, consistency, defense, athleticism, and health, while those near the bottom are still fighting to stabilize before conference play fully exposes every weakness. Once the league schedule ramps up, these rankings will change fast.
For now, this is a snapshot of a conference loaded with depth, unpredictability, and enough quality to make the Big Ten one of the most compelling leagues in the country over the next two months.