Ranking Big Ten March Madness teams by title chances

The Big Ten Conference tied its record by sending nine teams to this year’s NCAA Men’s Tournament, just one behind the SEC’s ten bids in 2026. Still, the league is chasing its first national title since 2000, when the Michigan State Spartans, led by Tom Izzo, cut down the nets. With nine teams in the field this year, all seeded nine or better, the question is simple: can the Big Ten finally break through and win it all?

Here is how the conference stacks up heading into March, ranked by each team’s chances to make a title run.

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Mar 12, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes center Christoph Tilly (13) defends Iowa Hawkeyes guard Bennett Stirtz (14) during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Iowa lands on the nine line after an early exit in the Big Ten Tournament at the hands of the Ohio State Buckeyes, setting up a first-round matchup with the always dangerous Clemson Tigers. The Hawkeyes are powered by senior guard Bennett Stirtz, who averaged 20 points per game while shooting close to 38 percent from three this season. He is the engine behind everything Iowa does offensively, and if the Hawkeyes are going to string together wins, it will likely take a special, legacy-type run from him.

Mar 12, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes guard Bruce Thornton (2) reacts after making a three point basket against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Ohio State is one of the more intriguing teams in the field. Just a few weeks ago, they looked like they were on the outside of the tournament picture, but a late surge changed everything. They picked up key wins, including a big one over the Purdue Boilermakers, and pushed the Michigan Wolverines in the conference tournament.

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Their ceiling is still somewhat unknown, but they have a player built for March in senior guard Bruce Thornton. He became Ohio State’s all-time leading scorer this season and…

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Publish date : 2026-03-18 19:24:00

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