How the Players Era tournament impacted Big Ten men’s basketball rankings

The Big Ten picture began to thicken as November closed, with contenders and tournament hopefuls beginning to come into focus just as the bottom of the conference fell into a hole.

We’ve got three established conference frontrunners now, with league play starting this week, plus perhaps seven to eight more teams with a legitimate shot at the NCAA tournament. After that, it gets unpleasant.

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From the top.

Note: Records through Sunday’s games.

1. Purdue (7-0)

Prev: 1

There was no reason to move Purdue off the top line. The Boilermakers get their next real test from Iowa State, which comes to West Lafayette this weekend.

2. Michigan (7-0)

Prev: 3

There’s a real argument for the Wolverines at No. 1 again, after their dominant showing in Vegas over Thanksgiving. KenPom agrees. This is a 1a/1b situation right now.

3. Michigan State (7-0)

Prev: 2

It’s harsh on the Spartans to fall, such was the measure of Michigan’s dominance. Tom Izzo’s team already has three KenPom top-40 wins, two of them on a neutral floor.

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4. Indiana (7-0)

Prev: 5

Darian DeVries’ team eased past Kansas State, making the Wildcats look human offensively. This week starts a run of four straight high-major games, including at Kentucky and Louisville on a neutral floor. We’ll know what IU is about soon.

5. Iowa (7-0)

Prev: 8

Bit of a jump for Ben McCollum and Co., but the Hawkeyes look the part analytically so far. They’ve beaten Ole Miss and Xavier, and they’re top-30 in adjusted efficiency both offensively and defensively.

6. Illinois (6-2)

Prev: 4

The Illini don’t get dinged for their losses, Alabama in Chicago and UConn in New York, so much as the teams that jumped them get credit for wins. But 3-point shooting is a developing concern in Champaign.

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7. USC (7-0)

Prev: 9

The Trojans needed three overtimes to get rid of Troy at home, but they backstopped that with a Maui Invitational championship. USC looks better equipped for the Big Ten this year.

8. Nebraska (8-0)

Prev: 11

Another jump, at a time…

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Publish date : 2025-12-01 08:55:00

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