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Big Ten Men’s Basketball Power Rankings (Through Dec. 21): Michigan Leads, Compliments All Around
It’s the holiday season, and while last week’s power rankings might’ve been a little tough on some teams, this week we’re spreading some good cheer. Every team gets a little love-even if some of it comes with a side of side-eye.
Records are current through Dec. 21.
1. Michigan (11-0, 2-0)
Previous Rank: 1
There’s not much to debate here. Michigan is sitting at No. 1 in the country in KenPom’s overall, offensive, and defensive efficiency metrics.
That’s not just dominance-it’s balance at the highest level. The Wolverines are defending like a team on a mission and scoring with surgical precision.
Right now, they’re the gold standard.
2. Purdue (11-1, 2-0)
Previous Rank: 3
That win over Auburn felt like more than just a résumé boost-it was a message. Purdue can get hot in a hurry, and when they do, they can shoot anyone out of the gym. This team has the firepower and the edge to make a serious run, and they’re starting to look like they know it.
3. Michigan State (11-1, 2-0)
Previous Rank: 2
The Spartans are back doing what they do best: locking teams down. Their defense has been suffocating, and if not for one cold shooting night from Jeremy Fears, they might be sitting undefeated. This is a team that’s built for the grind and ready for March.
4. Nebraska (12-0, 2-0)
Previous Rank: 5
Fred Hoiberg’s squad isn’t just winning-they’re making statements. Beating Creighton and Wisconsin convincingly, then pulling off a dramatic road win at Illinois?
That’s a résumé with staying power. This team is no longer flying under the radar.
5. Illinois (8-3, 1-1)
Previous Rank: 4
The Illini have already stacked some quality wins-Tennessee in Nashville, Ohio State on the road-and there’s a real opportunity to pile up more. If they find their rhythm, this is a team that can climb the rankings quickly.
6. Iowa (10-2, 1-1)
Previous Rank: 6
After getting a wake-up call in East Lansing, Iowa has recalibrated. Their only other loss came in a tight one against Iowa State, and that’s hardly a red flag. The Hawkeyes are finding their footing and looking more dangerous by the week.
7. UCLA (9-3, 2-0)
Previous Rank: 10
The Bruins are trending in the right direction. Every loss they’ve taken has aged well, and they’re starting to look like a team that could make noise in the tournament. Still some work to do, but the pieces are there.
8. Indiana (9-3, 1-1)
Previous Rank: 7
Lamar Wilkerson is starting to look like he belongs-and then some. As he gets more comfortable, Indiana becomes a tougher out. If he keeps trending upward, the Hoosiers could be a serious problem in conference play.
9. USC (12-1, 1-1)
Previous Rank: 9
Rodney Rice’s injury is a tough blow-no way around that. He’s a key piece, and losing him changes the equation for USC. That said, there’s still a lot of talent on this roster, and they’ve built a strong enough start to stay in the mix.
10. Ohio State (8-3, 1-1)
Previous Rank: 11
Bruce Thornton is playing at an All-American level right now. He’s the engine, the heartbeat, and the closer for this Buckeyes team. If they’re going to make a run in March, it’ll be on his back-and right now, he looks ready for the load.
11. Wisconsin (7-4, 1-1)
Previous Rank: 8
We said we’d be nice, so we won’t dwell on the last two games. Here’s the bright side: the Badgers rebound the ball really well. That’s a foundation they can build on.
12. Washington (7-4, 1-1)
Previous Rank: 12
Yes, Washington is in the top 50 in KenPom. And while their return to Big Ten play didn’t go as planned, they’ve shown flashes-especially on the offensive glass. There’s potential here if they can find consistency.
13. Northwestern (7-5, 0-2)
Previous Rank: 16
Losing to Butler without Nick Martinelli? That’s understandable.
In fact, it might even be a sign of resilience. Northwestern continues to be one of the most turnover-resistant teams in the country, and that kind of ball security always gives you a shot.
14. Minnesota (7-5, 1-1)
Previous Rank: 13
Cade Tyson is putting together a special season. He’s leading the Big Ten in scoring and ranking among the national leaders in true shooting percentage.
The only question: can he keep it up playing 36 minutes a night? That’s a heavy lift, but he hasn’t blinked yet.
15. Oregon (6-6, 0-2)
Previous Rank: T-17
Wins over UC Davis and Portland were needed, and even the loss to Gonzaga showed promise. Nate Bittle’s recent level of play is encouraging-if he keeps that up, Oregon could flip the script in Big Ten play.
16. Rutgers (6-6, 0-2)
Previous Rank: T-17
Basketball is supposed to be fun, and Rutgers reminded us of that with their win over Penn. It was a bright spot in a tough stretch. If they can tap into that energy more consistently, things could turn around.
17. Penn State (8-4, 0-2)
Previous Rank: 15
Freddie Dilione V has been a revelation. Averaging nearly 15 points a game and dropping 23 against Michigan State?
That’s the kind of performance that turns heads. He’s giving the Nittany Lions a real spark.
18. Maryland (6-6, 0-2)
Previous Rank: 14
It’s been a rough start on the court, but the future looks bright. Maryland’s 2026 recruiting class is ranked No. 3 nationally, featuring two top-40 players and a potential star in Baba Oladotun, who’s currently ranked No. 11 overall. Help is on the way.
Every team has its story, and as conference play heats up, we’ll start to see which of these narratives hold and which ones get rewritten. For now, it’s the season of giving-and everyone gets a little something to celebrate.