Big Ten Basketball: Iowa rises, Michigan State falls in updated WTE 2024-25 rankings

3. Rutgers Scarlet Knights

In the past, Rutgers usually reserved a spot in the bottom half of the Big Ten power rankings since the program rarely has much success. But next season could be huge for them, thanks to a top-3 incoming recruiting class. 5-star guard prospects Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper are rightfully going to get all of the attention in the league and if they’re as good as advertised, the Knights will be a legit contender.

The question is how will the new supporting cast will look. Key players Derek Simpson, Cliff Omoruyi, and Mawot Mag have all transferred out, leaving Jeremiah Williams as the returning guard to watch. When eligible, he was the team’s leading scorer and will be a needed veteran leader for this young team.

Other notable transfers include Tyson Acuff (21.7 ppg at Eastern Michigan), Jordan Derkack (17.0 ppg and 6.0 rpg at Merrimack), and Zach Martin (8.4 ppg at Princeton). Martini and incoming freshmen forwards Dylan Grant and Lathan Sommerville make up the new frontcourt but the lack of proven depth is a concern.

This is going to be a telling season for Coach Steve Pikiell and Rutgers, having some of the best individual talent in program history. All of the pressure is going to be on them to succeed and at least get back to the NCAA Tournament.