Big Ten Power Rankings: Conference Is Looking Deep

It was an impressive week for the Big Ten, as the top teams in the conference continued to pick up wins. Sure, Michigan had some close games, but it stayed near the top. Meanwhile, Purdue takes its spot at the top back in this week’s Big Ten power rankings.

The Big Ten Conference is looking very deep thus far in 2025-26. So let’s see how they stack up heading into week three of the season.

Big Ten Power Rankings: Conference Is Looking Deep

1. Purdue (4-0)

The Boilermakers had a powerful week, as they went 2-0. The biggest of those games came on Thursday night as they were able to score a huge 87-80 win on the road in Tuscaloosa over #8 Alabama. Braden Smith delivered on the night with 29 points. They backed it up with a 97-79 victory against Akron on Sunday. Now they will gear up for the Baha Mar Championship in the Bahamas, beginning on Thursday against Memphis. Purdue has proven thus far to be the team to beat atop the Big Ten power rankings.

2. Michigan (3-0)

The Wolverines remain steadily amongst the best in the Big Ten, starting the season 3-0. However, close games and turnovers have to be concerning at some level. They survived in overtime against Wake Forest in Detroit, and then pulled away late against a feisty TCU team in Fort Worth on Friday. That game saw the Wolverines turn the ball over 21 times. Luckily, Yaxel Lendeborg and Morez Johnson both had double-doubles.

3. Michigan State (3-0)

A big week ahead for Tom Izzo and the Spartans. After holding off a late charge from a struggling San Jose State team, the Spartans head to Madison Square Garden in NYC this week. They clash with Kentucky in the Champions Classic. The Spartans will have to keep up the rebounding, as their three-point shooting is still not up to par at this point. Jaxon Kohler looked like a machine on the glass, finishing with 17 points and 18 rebounds against SJSU.

4. Illinois (4-0)

The David Mirkovic experience continues to be a massive highlight reel for the Illini. After a huge victory against #11 Texas Tech on November 11th, behind a career night for Andrej Stojakovic, Mirkovic came out with a passion against Colgate with 27 points and 21 rebounds on Friday. This team could make a case that it’s the most complete of any in the Big Ten. Can they bring it against Alabama on Wednesday night?

5. UCLA (3-1)

The Bruins started hot at 3-0. They put up a heck of a fight in their clash with old PAC-12 foe Arizona on Friday night. UCLA came up four points short. That game is nothing to be ashamed of for the Bruins, as they gave the Wildcats everything they had. It was good to see Tyler Bilodeau have a strong night shooting with a 7-10 from the field night with 19 points. A couple of tune-up games this week against Sacramento State (11/18) and Presbyterian (11/21) should get things straight for Mick Cronin’s team.

6. Indiana (4-0)

After schooling opponents with at least 98 points scored in their first three games. The Hoosiers came back to earth a bit in their game against Incarnate Word on Sunday afternoon. In fact, the game had moments where the Cardinals could’ve played spoiler. Sam Alexis‘ 16 points helped the Hoosiers escape with a 69-61 win. Indiana can rest easy with just Lindenwood coming to Bloomington on Thursday.

7. Iowa (3-0)

Tavion Banks is certainly proving to be a nice Robin to Bennett Stirtz‘s Batman for the Hawkeyes. Iowa completely outclassed Xavier on Friday night. Banks pitched in 13 points in the 81-62 victory. Iowa has some pretty easy games this week with SE Missouri (Tuesday) and Chicago State (Thursday).

8. Wisconsin (3-0)

The Badgers had a pretty quiet week, especially when they took care of Ball State 86-55 in their lone game. Nolan Winter looked great with a 19-point, 10-rebound double-double. A nice tune-up against SIUE before a huge clash @ BYU later this week will really show where Wisconsin stands.

9. Ohio State (4-0)

The Buckeyes should feel a little lucky after escaping Notre Dame with a 64-63 win. Bruce Thornton once again delivered with 24 points. Christoph Tilly delivered the game-winner with 13 seconds left, as he also had a great showing with 18 points.

10. Nebraska (4-0)

The Huskers showed some real heart as they were able to outshine the Oklahoma Sooners in a neutral-site game. The 105-99 victory for Nebraska was a real confidence booster, not to mention a resume win for Coach Hoiberg’s team. They have to avoid a slip-up as they prepare for New Mexico on Thursday.

11. Oregon (3-0)

The Ducks’ win against South Dakota State was much more comfortable after the Ducks had some way too close for comfort wins to start the season. Jackson Shelstad finally looked comfortable with 22 points on the night. A huge game ahead with in-state rival Oregon State coming to town this week.

12. USC (3-0)

The schedule has been light, but a whole new roster hasn’t been an issue for the Trojans. In fact, Rodney Rice delivered a very memorable performance against Illinois State. He recorded a triple-double with 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. Rice was just the second-ever Trojan player to do so. The competition gets tougher with Troy on the schedule this week.

13. Northwestern (4-0)

When you look at the Wildcats, look no further than Nick Martinelli. He was big for Northwestern both in a blowout of Cleveland State and then his clutch free throws to beat DePaul on the road. Northwestern is just another strong team in this deep Big Ten. Hope they’re ready for the Virginia Cavaliers this week.

14. Washington (3-1)

After falling short at Baylor, the Huskies were more than ready for their rivalry game with Washington State. A pair of scorers over 20 points in Zoom Diallo and Wesley Yates III led the charge in an 81-69 win over the Cougars on the road.

15. Maryland (3-1)

A big rebound win against Marquette has the Terps feeling good, but the scary injury to Pharrel Payne completely overshadows it.