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The Big Ten race got a shake-up this week, as Michigan State absorbed body blows at the expense of a direct and in-state rival.
Purdue stabilized itself, while Illinois surged to the front of the conference title picture as well. We’re starting to gain some clarity on the bubble both good (Indiana, UCLA, USC) and bad (Ohio State).
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Let’s see how the league stacks up heading into the thick of February.
Note: Records through Feb. 4 games.
1. Michigan (20-1, 10-1)
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Wherever you fall on their late and burgeoning feud, the back and forth between Dusty May and Tom Izzo undeniably provides the Big Ten basketball climate with some welcome spice.
2. Illinois (20-3, 11-1)
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The Illini are on fire, winners of 12 in a row. After this weekend’s trip to suddenly limping Michigan State, all eyes will turn toward Michigan’s visit Feb. 27 to Champaign.
3. Nebraska (20-2, 9-2)
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A weird stretch for Nebraska, which only plays twice in the 14 days between Jan. 24-Feb. 7. The Huskers lost both games in that stretch, each of them completely forgivable, but Fred Hoiberg will want his team back in rhythm soon.
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4. Purdue (18-4, 8-3)
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Nobody gets you right in this conference in 2026 quite like Maryland. Purdue quietly has a challenging February ahead.
5. Michigan State (19-4, 9-3)
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If we’re stacking the overtime win at Rutgers next to Michigan and Minnesota, it’s fair to worry about Sparty just a touch. The trends in shot making vs. turnovers need to reverse themselves in East Lansing.
6. Wisconsin (16-6, 8-3)
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Quietly, the Badgers have crept toward the outskirts of the conference title race. With games left at Indiana, Illinois and Purdue, plus a visit from Michigan State, we’re going to find out whether they can stay there.
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7. Iowa (17-5, 7-4)
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The Hawkeyes have won five in a row, and at last check they were a top-15 team in KenPom. Ben McCollum’s first season in Iowa City is gaining momentum at the right time.
