Grace Jeffer gives her Big Ten basketball power rankings heading into week 16 of the 2024-25 season.
Matchup of the week: #14 Michigan State at #12 Michigan (Feb. 21 – 8 p.m.)
Sneaky good matchup of the week: #13 Purdue at Indiana (Feb. 23 – 1:30 p.m.)
All games are listed EST.
1. Wisconsin Badgers
Week 13 ranking: 2 (+1)
Record: 21-5 (11-4)
Last week: W vs. Illinois (95-74), W vs. Purdue (94-84)
Next week: vs. Oregon (Feb. 22 – 12 p.m.)
Quality wins: at Purdue, vs. Arizona, vs. Illinois, vs. Pitt
Bad losses: N/A
Seed projection: 3 seed (ESPN)
The Badgers have set the standard for the rest of their season with their wins against Purdue and Illinois- Two big names in the Big Ten. Even battling illness and injury, Wisconsin dominated Illinois in the paint, countering the Illini’s 28 points with 48 of their own. Missouri transfer John Tonje and his 31 points had much to do with this win, as did Steven Crowl, putting up 20. This game marks the Badger’s fifth straight win. They shouldn’t have too much difficulty in their next two games; however, Wisconsin will travel to East Lansing to play Michigan State following these.
2. Michigan Wolverines
Week 13 ranking: 5 (+3)
Record: 20-5 (12-2)
Last week: W at Ohio State (86-83), W vs. Purdue (75-73)
Next week: vs. Michigan State (Feb. 21 – 8 p.m.)
Quality wins: at Wisconsin, at UCLA, vs. Purdue, vs. Oregon, vs. Xavier
Bad losses: at Minnesota
Seed projection: 4 seed (ESPN)
Last year, the Wolverines had an atrocious season. However, Dusty May has given Michigan a completely different identity. The Wolverines have won 7 of their last 8 games. While impressive, it is rare to note that they have had a -4 point differential in those 8 games. Their 12-2 record could easily be average with even one more basket from their competitors. They did, however, just beat their rival, Ohio State, at home, devastating Buckeye fans. Michigan sits 6-2 in Quad 1 wins. They also have Danny Wolf, the Big Ten rebound leader. This week, Michigan and its narrow margin of victory will be tested against its in-state rival, Michigan State.
3. Purdue Boilermakers
Week 13 ranking: 3 (-)
Record: 19-7 (11-4)
Last week: L at Michigan State (75-66), L vs. Wisconsin (94-84)
Next week: at Indiana (Feb. 23 – 1:30 p.m.)
Quality wins: vs. Alabama, vs. Michigan, vs. Ole Miss, vs. Maryland, at Oregon, vs. Yale
Bad losses: at Penn State
Seed projection: 3 seed (ESPN)
The Boilermakers are now getting exploited without 7’4″ Zach Edey to protect the rim. Considering their lack of three-point shooting, Michigan State saw the opportunity and went for it. After almost tasting the top, the Boilermakers have found themselves in a three-game losing streak—certainly not what viewers were expecting. This is Purdue’s longest losing streak since the 2019-20 season. Even so, they are still a team to beat in the Big Ten, and they don’t need to worry about missing the NCAA Tournament.
4. Michigan State Spartans
Week 13 ranking: 1 (-3)
Record: 20-5 (11-3)
Last week: W vs. Purdue (75-66), W at Illinois (79-65)
Next week: vs. Michigan (Feb. 21 – 8 p.m.)
Quality wins: Illinois x2, vs. Purdue, vs. Oregon
Bad losses: at USC
Seed projection: 4 seed (ESPN)
Those games from last week look pretty good, right? Yes, although the Spartans fell to Indiana 71-67 before beating Purdue and Illinois. They tightened something up after their unexpected home loss to the Hoosiers because four Spartans, including Jase Richardson, Frankie Fidler, Jaden Akins, and Coen Carr, left the Purdue game all in double digits. They used their defensive presence to their advantage- stealing the ball 10 times while forcing 12 Boilermaker turnovers. The Spartans are now 13-1 at home (the one bringing Indiana). However, they take a trip to Ann Arbor to face in-state rival, #12 Michigan. With both teams sitting at the top, it will surely be a showdown.
5. Maryland Terrapins
Week 13 ranking: 7 (+2)
Record: 20-6 (10-5)
Last week: W vs. Iowa (101-75), W at Nebraska (83-75)
Next week: vs. USC (Feb. 19 – 8:30 p.m.)
Quality wins: at Illinois, vs. Wisconsin, at UCLA
Bad losses: at Washington
Seed projection: 5 seed (ESPN)
Hitting a triple-digit score against the Hawkeyes on Sunday justifies Maryland’s offensive dominance over its opponents. However, this is only the starting five- Ja’Kobi Gillepsi, Derik Queen, Rodney Rice, Selton Miguel, and Julian Reece. In the Terrapins showing against Nebraska, there were zero points from the bench- zero. It is excellent that Maryland has such a prominent starting lineup- however, that can get risky as the season progresses. When considering injury, illness, and even plain foul trouble- many things could prevent the starters from hitting the court- and Maryland’s bench is not precisely known for scoring much, considering that it is already being taken care of by the starting five. Throughout the past two games against Iowa and Nebraska, only six of their 184 points have been scored by bench players. Six!
6. Illinois Fighting Illini
Week 13 ranking: 4 (-2)
Record: 17-10 (9-8)
Last week: L at Wisconsin (95-74), L vs. Michigan State (79-65)
Next week: at #3 Duke (Feb. 22 – 8 p.m.)
Quality wins: vs. Wisconsin, at Oregon
Bad losses: vs. USC
Seed projection: 6 seed (ESPN)
The Fighting Illini almost hit a 10-game win streak. However, this hope was crushed by the Badgers on Tuesday night. It had been six years since Illinois had fallen to Wisconsin. Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn led the Illini in scoring with 17. Ben Humrichous and Will Riley also reached double digits. The Badgers outrebounded Illinois- marking only the fifth game this season where they were not dominant on rebounds. They were, however, able to force 10 turnovers, which resulted in 13 points on the board for the Illini. 35 points came from the bench- a comfortable number indeed. Illinois will take a break from conference play as they head to Madison Square Garden to take on Duke.
7. UCLA Bruins
Week 13 ranking: 8 (+1)
Record: 19-8 (10-6)
Last week: W at Minnesota (64-61), W at Indiana (72-68)
Next week: vs. Ohio State (Feb. 23 – 3:45 p.m.)
Quality wins: vs. Wisconsin, vs. Arizona
Bad losses: N/A
Seed projection: 6 seed (ESPN)
It was undoubtedly an upsetting night for UCLA as they lost a 17-point lead, eventually losing to Minnesota. Going into the game, they were double-digit favorites – which they were until they outscored 40-28 in the second half. Head coach Mick Cronin was looking for his 500th career win but was denied by the Golden Gophers. What was even more bitter for the Bruins is that this is only the second team that has defeated them at home this season. Their win at Indiana could have also easily been a loss if the Hoosiers didn’t start slowly. Even so, UCLA is still in the mix for the NCAA Tourney.
8. Oregon Ducks
Week 13 ranking: 6 (-2)
Record: 18-8 (7-8)
Last week: W vs. Rutgers (75-57), W vs. Northwestern (81-75)
Next week: at Iowa (Feb. 19 – 8:30 p.m.), at #11 Wisconsin (Feb. 22 – 12 p.m.)
Quality wins: at Texas A&M, vs. Alabama
Bad losses: N/A
Seed projection: 8 seed (ESPN)
Yes, the wins against Rutgers and Northwestern were what the Ducks needed. However, they need to make some statement wins for people to see them as an actual Big Ten competition. The Ducks were ranked in the top 20 at the beginning of the season; however, with losses to Minnesota, UCLA, Nebraska, Michigan, and Michigan State, it wasn’t a great look. They did, however, make a statement win against Rutgers as there was nearly a 20-point margin of victory. The real test for Oregon? – Feb 22 against Wisconsin.
9. Nebraska Cornhuskers
Week 13 ranking: 16 (+7)
Record: 17-9 (7-8)
Last week: W at Northwestern (68-64), L vs. Maryland (83-75)
Next week: at Penn State (Feb. 19 – 6:30 p.m.)
Quality wins: N/A
Bad losses: N/A
Seed projection: OUT (ESPN)
It was a comeback win for the Huskers at Northwestern. They had a 22-4 run that tied the game 54-54 with 6 minutes remaining. However, they let the Wildcats dominate in the first half. Even so, they are looking to be in the tourney. This would essentially be secured with a win against Penn State, but they will be truly tested in a tough match against Michigan.
10. Ohio State Buckeyes
Week 13 ranking: 12 (+2)
Record: 15-11 (7-8)
Last week: L vs. Michigan (86-83), W vs. Washington (93-69)
Next week: vs. Northwestern (Feb 20 – 6:30 p.m.), at UCLA (Feb. 23 – 3:45 p.m.)
Quality wins: at Purdue, at Kentucky
Bad losses: N/A
Seed projection: 9 seed (ESPN)
Buckeye fans undoubtedly were unhappy with the result of the rivalry. With heated offensive coming from both teams, the game was electrifying- as most rivalry games are. Once again, Michigan has left Columbus, leaving a bitter taste for the Buckeyes. This game would have certainly put them in the NCAA Tourney, and even with the loss, they should make it. According to the consensus of Bracktoligists, Ohio State is not even on the “last four” lists. Their 15-11 record can be overlooked by their strength of schedule. They haven’t lost to a Quad 3 or Quad 4 team yet.
11. Indiana Hoosiers
Week 13 ranking: 9 (-2)
Record: 15-11 (6-9)
Last week: L vs. UCLA (72-68), W at Michigan State (71-67)
Next week: vs. #13 Purdue (Feb. 23 – 1:30 p.m.)
Quality wins: at Michigan State
Bad losses: N/A
Seed projection: Next four OUT
The win at Michigan State was just what the Hoosiers needed to not crush their tournament dreams. They returned to Bloomington to face UCLA, looking to continue this momentum. They had the home crowd, were coming off of an electrifying upset, and were facing a team that had just lost to Illinois, breaking their seven-game winning streak. However, the Hoosiers couldn’t get it done. To be fair, it has undoubtedly been a confusing time for Indiana basketball as head coach Mike Woodson has recently announced that he is stepping down after this season. However, not all can be blamed on him. Indiana’s record could look completely different, considering that they have had five games with a single-digit margin of victory- many of which could have been determined by only a basket. Their rivalry against Purdue on Sunday is truly the most crucial game of their season.
12. Minnesota Golden Gophers
Week 13 ranking: 14 (+2)
Record: 14-12 (6-9)
Last week: W at UCLA (64-61), W at USC (69-66)
Next week: vs. Penn State (Feb. 22 – 2 p.m.)
Quality wins: at UCLA, vs. Oregon, vs. Michigan
Bad losses: N/A
Seed projection: OUT (ESPN)
It was a great night for the Golden Gophers as they traveled to LA to become only the second team this season to defeat the Bruins at home. They also put a pause on UCLA head coach Mike Cronin’s 500th career win – which he wasn’t too happy about. They had an impressive 17-point comeback to secure the win. Dawson Garcia had a big part in this win, putting 32 points on the board – 27 in the second half. Even with an impressive win against UCLA and once against Oregon and Michigan State, the Golden Gophers aren’t 2025 NCAA Tournament contenders.
13. USC Trojans
Week 13 ranking: 15 (+2)
Record: 14-11 (5-9)
Last week: L at Minnesota (69-66), W vs. Penn State (92-67)
Next week: at #20 Maryland (Feb. 20 – 8:30 p.m.), at Rutgers (Feb. 23 – 6 p.m.)
Quality wins: at Illinois
Bad losses: at Minnesota
Seed projection: OUT (ESPN)
Again, speaking of Minnesota, USC suffered a narrow loss to the Golden Gophers on Saturday. According to ESPN Analytics, the Trojans went into the game with a 77.8% chance of winning. It’s possible that USC was looking too far ahead at their upcoming game against ranked Maryland to be in tournament contention; however, they needed to take care of business at home first.
14. Iowa Hawkeyes
Week 13 ranking: 13 (-1)
Record: 14-11 (5-9)
Last week: L vs. Maryland (101-75), W at Rutgers (84-73)
Next week: vs. Oregon (Feb. 19 – 8:30 p.m.), vs. Washington (Feb. 22 – 4 p.m.)
Quality wins: N/A
Bad losses: N/A
Seed projection: OUT (ESPN)
At this point, there isn’t even a guarantee that the Hawkeyes will qualify for the Big Ten Tourney, much less the NCAA. Iowa stands at 0-8 in Quad 1 games this season. Their 10th-place nationally-ranked offense was countered by their lack of defensive presence. They have given up an average of 79.5 points per game nationally and 84.8 points in Big Ten play. The Hawkeyes are likely to make the Big Ten Tournament. Head coach Fran McCaffery has had some discussion surrounding him as this is now the second season in which Iowa will miss the NCAA Tournament.
15. Rutgers Scarlett Knights
Week 13 ranking: 17 (+2)
Record: 12-14 (5-10)
Last week: L at Oregon (75-57), L vs. Iowa (84-73)
Next week: at Washington (Feb. 19 – 10:30 p.m.), vs. USC (Feb. 23 – 6 p.m.)
Quality wins: N/A
Bad losses: at Kennesaw State
Seed projection: OUT (ESPN)
After a brutal defeat to Oregon, Rutgers needs to address the fact that they may now miss out on the Big Ten Tournament. This certainly wasn’t a projection weeks ago, but now it is. The Scarlett Knights only have five games left to prove that they’ve got what it takes. However, these games won’t be smooth sailing when they face USC, Michigan, Purdue, or now even Minnesota.
16. Washington Huskies
Week 13 ranking: 18 (+2)
Record: 13-12 (4-10)
Last week: W at Penn State (75-73), L at Ohio State (93-69)
Next week: vs. Rutgers (Feb. 25 – 9 p.m.), at Iowa (Feb. 22 – 4 p.m.)
Quality wins: N/A
Bad losses: vs. Seattle
Seed projection: OUT (ESPN) (In position to not make Big Ten Tournament)
Washington came close to giving up a win in a nailbiter between the Huskies and the Nittany Lions. They recorded a season-high 11 three-pointers. Mekhi Mason was responsible for 6 threes, marking his career high for threes. DJ Davis hit a three with just under a minute left, securing the Huskies’ victory. It should be an interesting game against Rutgers on Feb 19.
17. Northwestern Wildcats
Week 13 ranking: 10 (-7)
Record: 13-13 (4-11)
Last week: L vs. Nebraska (68-64), L at Oregon (81-75)
Next week: at Ohio State (Feb. 20 – 6:30 p.m.)
Quality wins: vs. Illinois
Bad losses: N/A
Seed projection: OUT (ESPN) (In position to not make Big Ten Tournament)
Northwestern was on the brink of success against Nebraska; however, it couldn’t maintain its 20-point lead. It was remarkable enough that the Wildcats put such a significant lead on the Huskers. However, Nebraska capitalized in the second half, devastating Northwestern at home. To put it plainly, it has just not been Northwestern’s year. The lack of students in the student section says so too. Their final five games of the season are against Ohio State, Minnesota, Iowa, UCLA, and ranked Maryland. The Wildcats should try to make a statement in the final stretch of their season.
18. Penn State Nittany Lions
Week 13 ranking: 11 (-8)
Record: 13-13 (3-12)
Last week: L vs. Washington (75-73), L at USC (92-67)
Next week: vs. Nebraska (Feb. 19 – 6:30 p.m.), at Minnesota (Feb. 22 – 2 p.m.)
Quality wins: vs. Purdue
Bad losses: N/A
Seed projection: OUT (ESPN) (In position to not make Big Ten Tournament)
Penn State has continued to bring disappointment to its fans. Until Northewstern’s loss to Washington last week, the Nittany Lions were the only team at/ below .500. Since New Year’s, Penn State has only won one game – that win being against Northwestern. Happy Valley certainly isn’t happy now.