Big Ten Men’s Basketball Power Rankings (Jan. 15): Nebraska Takes the Throne
We’ve officially hit the part of the college basketball season where the pretenders start to fall away and the contenders begin to separate themselves. The Big Ten, never short on drama or depth, has seen a shakeup at the top - and yes, it’s finally time to put some respect on Nebraska’s name.
The Huskers are undefeated, playing elite defense, and have a résumé that’s hard to argue with. Let’s break down where every team stands as of Jan.
1. Nebraska (17-0, 6-0)
Previous: 3
It’s no longer a fluke - Nebraska belongs at the top. With road wins at Illinois, Ohio State, and Indiana, plus a top-20 national mark in adjusted defensive efficiency, the Huskers have earned their spotlight.
This isn’t just a hot streak; it’s a team that’s defending, executing, and closing out games with confidence. The Big Ten title race has a new frontrunner, and it’s wearing red.
2. Purdue (16-1, 6-0)
Previous: 2
Purdue has been steady as ever, and while their lone loss might not be as “good” as Michigan’s, their wins stack up better. The Boilermakers are still a force, with their inside-out game clicking and the defense holding strong. They’re right there with Nebraska, and if we’re being honest, it’s a coin flip at the top.
3. Michigan (15-1, 5-1)
Previous: 1
Michigan’s stumble against Wisconsin knocked them off the top spot, but they’ve got a real opportunity to bounce back with four of their next five games at home. Dusty May’s group has shown it can travel - now it’s time to protect home court and build momentum before February’s grind hits.
4. Michigan State (15-2, 5-1)
Previous: 4
Tom Izzo’s squad is right in the thick of this five-team race. Michigan State is doing what it always seems to do - finding its rhythm midseason, locking in defensively, and making life miserable for opponents. They’re not flashy, but they’re balanced, experienced, and dangerous.
5. Illinois (14-3, 5-1)
Previous: 5
Illinois rounds out the top tier, and while they’ve taken a hit here and there, Brad Underwood’s team is still firmly in the mix. The schedule is spaced out enough for them to stay fresh, and if they can tighten up in crunch time, they’ve got the talent to climb back up the rankings.
6. Wisconsin (12-5, 4-2)
Previous: 8
The Badgers are starting to find their footing. That win over Michigan was a statement, and they’ve now rattled off three straight since falling to Purdue. November and December weren’t pretty, but January has brought a more confident, cohesive Wisconsin team to the floor.
7. Iowa (12-5, 2-4)
Previous: 7
Iowa just can’t seem to get over the hump. The Hawkeyes have the scoring punch, but the defense has been a step slow, and the losses are starting to pile up. If they want to be dancing in March, they’ll need to flip the script soon - these are the games that come back to haunt you.
8. UCLA (12-5, 4-2)
Previous: 10
The Bruins are hanging in there. After a rough stretch, they’ve stabilized, but they’re still hovering in that murky middle ground - not quite out, but far from safe. If they want to move off the bubble, they’ll need to string together some convincing wins.
9. Indiana (12-5, 3-3)
Previous: 9
Losing at Michigan State isn’t the end of the world - it happens - but Indiana just doesn’t look like a team built to beat the Big Ten’s best. The pieces aren’t clicking consistently enough, and that’s a problem when every game feels like a résumé builder.
10. Minnesota (10-7, 3-3)
Previous: 10
Minnesota keeps it close, and that’s worth something. Niko Medved has this group competing, even if the wins aren’t always there. The Gophers are scrappy, and while the ceiling isn’t high, the effort is keeping them relevant.
11. Ohio State (11-5, 3-3)
Previous: 11
The Buckeyes are stuck in neutral. They’re clearly better than the conference’s bottom tier, but they haven’t shown enough to make a serious push toward the top. The talent is there - now it’s about putting it together consistently.
12. USC (14-3, 3-3)
Previous: 13
USC and Washington swap spots this week, but it’s more of a lateral move than a leap. The Trojans are solid, but the Rodney Rice injury looms large. Without him, their margin for error shrinks, and the path to the tournament gets a little steeper.
13. Washington (10-7, 2-4)
Previous: 12
The Huskies are still a work in progress, but there’s reason for optimism. Danny Sprinkle has this program trending in the right direction, and while this season may not end with a tournament bid, the foundation being built is encouraging.
14. Rutgers (9-8, 2-4)
Previous: 14
Rutgers doesn’t have the firepower to climb the standings, but they’re doing enough to stay out of the cellar. Beating the teams around them in the standings is keeping them afloat - for now.
15. Oregon (8-9, 1-5)
Previous: 15
The Ducks are in a tough spot. The losses are piling up, and the identity just isn’t there. It’s been a rough stretch, and the road ahead doesn’t get much easier.
16. Northwestern (8-9, 0-6)
Previous: 16
Still searching for that first conference win. Northwestern’s season is slipping away, and the frustration is starting to show. They need a spark - fast.
17. Penn State (9-8, 0-6)
Previous: 17
Another team stuck in the Big Ten basement. The Nittany Lions have been competitive at times, but the results just aren’t coming. The climb out of this hole is steep.
18. Maryland (7-10, 0-6)
Previous: 18
The Terps round out the rankings, still winless in conference play and struggling to find any sort of rhythm. It’s been a tough year in College Park, and there’s no clear turnaround in sight.
Final Thoughts:
The Big Ten is as deep and unpredictable as ever, but Nebraska’s rise to the top is the story of the moment. With five teams legitimately in the hunt and several others fighting for tournament life, the next few weeks are going to be crucial. Buckle up - the race is just heating up.