Updated Big Ten basketball power rankings (Feb. 17): Wisconsin sends a message

The Big Ten basketball landscape was crystal clear as of our latest power rankings on Feb. 10. Purdue was the first-place team in the conference standings, the AP Poll and every relevant rating metric, including KenPom and the NET.

This week flipped that standing on its head. Purdue went 0-2, with losses to now first-place Michigan and a surging Wisconsin team.

Now, the updated Big Ten standings present a bit of a conundrum. Michigan sits in first place after following the Purdue victory with an important road triumph over Ohio State. However, the Wolverines are far from the highest-ranked Big Ten team in KenPom, the NCAA NET and ESPN’s BPI. That dynamic tells an all-too-familiar story: Michigan isn’t the best team in the Big Ten, but it still keeps winning games.

If this occurred early in the season, we’d pick Michigan to regress once the challenging games arrived. This situation is different. Each team has just five or six games left before the regular season concludes. Since we’re that close to the Big Ten and NCAA Tournaments, it’s hard to argue against Michigan as the current conference frontrunner.

Aside from the Wolverines, Wisconsin now sits within striking distance after its big win over Purdue. It is among a pack of five teams, all within 2 1/2 games of first place. For more on how the Badgers stack up against the conference’s best and which other teams are in a position to challenge Michigan, here are our updated Big Ten basketball power rankings as of Feb. 17:

18. Penn State Nittany Lions (13-13, 3-12 Big Ten)

Jan 24, 2025; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach Mike Rhoades watches his team play the Iowa Hawkeyes during the second half at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-Imagn Images

Week 15 Results: Washington (L)

Previous Rank: No. 18 (No change)

Analysis: Penn State’s record tells the story of its season. The team even started its year with a win over Purdue. It is 2-11 in Big Ten play since that point, including seven straight losses and 11 of its last 12. The Nittany Lions need a significant late push to make the Big Ten Tournament field.

Get more (Penn State) news, analysis and opinions on Nittany Lions Wire

17. Northwestern Wildcats (13-13, 4-11 Big Ten)

EVANSTON, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 29: Head coach Chris Collins of the Northwestern Wildcats reacts against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the second half at Welsh-Ryan Arena on January 29, 2025 in Evanston, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) — EVANSTON, ILLINOIS – JANUARY 29: Head coach Chris Collins of the Northwestern Wildcats reacts against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the second half at Welsh-Ryan Arena on January 29, 2025 in Evanston, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Week 15 Results: Oregon (L), Nebraska (L)

Previous Rank: No. 13 (Down 4)

Analysis: Northwestern’s season continues to crater without star guard Brooks Barnhizer in the lineup. The Wildcats have been crushed by injury. The impact was seen specifically in their blowing a 20-point lead in Sunday’s loss to Nebraska. Chris Collins’ team should now be considered a longshot to make the conference tournament.

16. Washington Huskies (13-12, 4-10 Big Ten)

Jan 12, 2025; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Washington Huskies head coach Danny Sprinkle looks on in the first half against the Michigan Wolverines at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Week 15 Results: Ohio State (L), Penn State (W)

Previous Rank: No. 17 (Up 1)

Analysis: Washington continues to step out of the conference basement with important wins, the latest over Penn State. The team is still down at No. 94 in KenPom, the lowest of any Big Ten team. But it has a real shot at the No. 14 or No. 15 seed in the conference tournament.

Get more (Washington) news, analysis and opinions on Huskies Wire

15. Minnesota Golden Gophers (13-12, 5-9 Big Ten)

Feb 1, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers head coach Ben Johnson reacts during the first half against the Washington Huskies at Williams Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Week 15 Results: USC (W)

Previous Rank: No. 16 (Up 1)

Analysis: Minnesota, like Washington, has now won two of its last three games. That surge has the team in a position to make the postseason. Dating back to Jan. 16, the Gophers are 5-3 with wins over Michigan, Iowa, Oregon, Penn State and USC. If nothing else, Minnesota is clearly far from the Big Ten’s worst.

14. Iowa Hawkeyes (14-11, 5-9 Big Ten)

Jan 27, 2025; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Fran McCaffery reacts to a call during the second half against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Value City Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images

Week 15 Results: Rutgers (W), Maryland (L)

Previous Rank: No. 15 (Up 1)

Analysis: Iowa’s season-long defensive struggles appeared again against Maryland on Sunday. The Hawkeyes allowed 100-plus points for the second time this season, falling 101-75. That result continues to seal the team’s NCAA Tournament fate. It is now just 1-3 since losing leading scorer Owen Freeman for the season due to injury.

Get more (Iowa) news, analysis and opinions on Hawkeyes Wire

13. Rutgers Scarlet Knights (12-14, 5-10 Big Ten)

Feb 1, 2025; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights head coach Steve Pikiell reacts during the first half against the Michigan Wolverines at Jersey Mike's Arena. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images — Feb 1, 2025; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights head coach Steve Pikiell reacts during the first half against the Michigan Wolverines at Jersey Mike’s Arena. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Week 15 Results: Iowa (L), Oregon (L)

Previous Rank: No. 11 (Down 2)

Analysis: Rutgers’ seesaw season in these power rankings continued this week. After previously rising near the top half of the conference, it dropped two must-win games to Iowa and Oregon. The Scarlet Knights are now just 2-6 in their last eight games. With two projected top-five picks in the NBA draft on the roster, this season has become a resounding disappointment.

12. Indiana Hoosiers (15-11, 6-9 Big Ten)

Jan 26, 2025; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Indiana Hoosiers head coach Mike Woodson during the second half against the Maryland Terrapins at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

Week 15 Results: No. 11 Michigan State (W), UCLA (L)

Previous Rank: No. 14 (Up 2)

Analysis: Indiana snapped its five-game losing streak resoundingly, defeating top-ranked Michigan State on the road. It then narrowly lost at home to a UCLA team that may contend for the conference. The Hoosiers are far from where many expected them to be at the start of the year. Still, they’re showing to have some good basketball left in the tank.

11. USC Trojans (14-11, 6-8 Big Ten)

Jan 27, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Eric Musselman reacts against the UCLA Bruins at Galen Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Week 15 Results: Penn State (W), Minnesota (L)

Previous Rank: No. 12 (Up 1)

Analysis: USC is up to No. 56 in KenPom and No. 66 in the NET. The team will still likely miss the NCAA Tournament, but it’s proven to be a tough matchup through conference play. The four former Pac-12 powers all face unique challenges in the new era of the Big Ten, specifically with tough travel schedules. This season should prove to be a step forward for the USC program in its first year under Eric Musselman, especially as it grows acclimated to the new conference landscape.

Get more (USC) news, analysis and opinions on Trojans Wire

10. Nebraska Cornhuskers (17-9, 7-8 Big Ten)

Jan 30, 2025; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Fred Hoiberg watches during the first half against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

Week 15 Results: No. 25 Maryland (L), Northwestern (W)

Previous Rank: No. 9 (Down 1)

Analysis: Nebraska’s 20-point comeback win over Northwestern on Sunday was a critical result. The team recently saw its four-game win streak snapped with a home loss to Maryland and badly needed a bounce-back performance. The Northwestern win was just that and keeps the Cornhuskers in the projected NCAA Tournament field. The rest of the conference will be watching closely as Fred Hoiberg’s team hosts Michigan one week from today.

Get more (Nebraska) news, analysis and opinions on Cornhuskers Wire

9. Oregon Ducks (18-8, 7-8 Big Ten)

Jan 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Dana Altman reacts during the first half against the UCLA Bruins at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom. Mandatory Credit: Alex Gallardo-Imagn Images

Week 15 Results: Northwestern (W), Rutgers (W)

Previous Rank: No. 10 (Up 1)

Analysis: Oregon finally ended its five-game losing streak with a pair of victories this week. The results end the team’s free-fall in the conference standings, plus return it to the projected NCAA Tournament field. The Ducks could still factor into the conference race, mostly as a foil. They visit Wisconsin on Feb. 22 in what will be a critical game for the Badgers’ chances.

Get more (Oregon) news, analysis and opinions on Ducks Wire

8. Ohio State Buckeyes (15-11, 7-8 Big Ten)

Jan 30, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Jake Diebler looks on from the bench during the first half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Rec Hall. Ohio State defeated Penn State 83-64. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images — Jan 30, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Jake Diebler looks on from the bench during the first half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Rec Hall. Ohio State defeated Penn State 83-64. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images

Week 15 Results: Washington (W), No. 20 Michigan (L)

Previous Rank: No. 8 (No change)

Analysis: Ohio State is a classic case of a team that should be much better than it is. The team is No. 28 in KenPom and No. 30 in the NET. But its loss to Michigan on Sunday eliminated any chance at a big step forward. The Buckeyes are 1-1 in their last two, 2-2 in their last four, 3-3 in their last six and 5-5 in their last 10. The team’s high KenPom rating doesn’t counteract its inability to consistently stack victories.

Get more (Ohio State) news, analysis and opinions on Buckeyes Wire

7. Illinois Fighting Illini (17-9, 9-7 Big Ten)

Jan 23, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood before the tipoff of a game with the Maryland Terrapins at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Week 15 Results: UCLA (W), No. 11 Michigan State (L)

Previous Rank: No. 7 (No change)

Analysis: Illinois continued its puzzling, and frankly disappointing, season with a split against two of the top teams in the conference. The Michigan State loss was especially deflating, as Illinois led at halftime before allowing a whopping 42-24 second-half margin. Brad Underwood’s team is still among the highest-ranked in KenPom and the NET. A 9-7 conference record is a big step backward from where the team should be standing.

6. UCLA Bruins (19-7, 10-5 Big Ten)

Jan 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Mick Cronin looks up to talk with center Aday Mara (15) during the second half against the Oregon Ducks at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom. Mandatory Credit: Alex Gallardo-Imagn Images

Week 15 Results: Illinois (L), Indiana (W)

Previous Rank: No. 5 (Down 1)

Analysis: UCLA’s seven-game winning streak was snapped during its road trip to Illinois. That result shouldn’t cloud the team’s status as a contender to win the conference. The Bruins are up to No. 26 in KenPom and No. 23 in the NET. They are likely to benefit from the postseason format, where every team travels. Mick Cronin has been the first to let the college basketball-watching public know that his team faces unique travel challenges in the new Big Ten landscape.

Get more (UCLA) news, analysis and opinions on UCLA Wire

5. Maryland Terrapins (20-6, 10-5 Big Ten)

Jan 19, 2025; College Park, Maryland, USA; Maryland Terrapins head coach Kevin Willard looks on during the second half against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Xfinity Center. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images

Week 15 Results: Nebraska (W), Iowa (W)

Previous Rank: No. 6 (Up 1)

Analysis: Maryland took care of business decisively against Nebraska and Iowa, winning by a combined 34 points. The Terrapins are tied with UCLA, just 2 1/2 games back of first-place Michigan. While that deficit may prove insurmountable, credit Kevin Willard with a strong season thus far. His team is good enough to make a real postseason run.

4. Purdue Boilermakers (19-7, 11-4 Big Ten)

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 14: Head coach Matt Painter of the Purdue Boilermakers directs his team against the Texas A&M Aggies during the first half of the Indy Classic at Mackey Arena on December 14, 2024 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) — INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – DECEMBER 14: Head coach Matt Painter of the Purdue Boilermakers directs his team against the Texas A&M Aggies during the first half of the Indy Classic at Mackey Arena on December 14, 2024 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

Week 15 Results: No. 20 Michigan (L), No. 16 Wisconsin (L)

Previous Rank: No. 1 (Down 3)

Analysis: Purdue relinquished its control of the conference with a pair of losses to top contenders. The home defeat to Wisconsin was especially deflating, as the Badgers went 20-of-22 shooting from inside the arc and largely dominated the game. The Boilermakers have clear improvements to make if they are to return to the top of the Big Ten standings.

3. Michigan State Spartans (20-5, 11-3 Big Ten)

Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo talks to guard Jeremy Fears Jr. (1) during the first half against Minnesota at Breslin Center in East Lansing on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025.

Week 15 Results: Indiana (L), Illinois (W)

Previous Rank: No. 3 (No change)

Analysis: Michigan State remains right in the mix after an up-and-down week of results. That standing may not hold for much longer, as the Spartans close the season with the following stretch: vs. Purdue, at Michigan, at Maryland, vs. Wisconsin, at Iowa, vs. Michigan. Michigan State will either emerge as one of the best teams in the sport, or drop down to the Maryland and UCLA tier of the conference.

Get more (Michigan State) news, analysis and opinions on Spartans Wire

2. Wisconsin Badgers (20-5, 10-4 Big Ten)

Feb 1, 2025; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Wisconsin Badgers head coach Greg Gard gestures to his team in a game against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first half at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Week 15 Results: No. 7 Purdue (W)

Previous Rank: No. 4 (Up 2)

Analysis: Wisconsin put the college basketball world on notice with its road win over Purdue on Saturday. The Badgers now sit 1 1/2 games behind Michigan and are the conference’s top-ranked team in KenPom (No. 9 nationally) and the NET (No. 12). The Badgers are in a position for Big Ten contention and a potential No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament. National analysts are calling this Wisconsin team the best since 2015. They’re right — the Badgers are a legitimate national title threat.

1. Michigan Wolverines (20-5, 12-2 Big Ten)

Feb 1, 2025; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Dusty May looks on during the first half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Jersey Mike's Arena. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images — Feb 1, 2025; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Dusty May looks on during the first half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Jersey Mike’s Arena. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Week 15 Results: No. 7 Purdue (W), Ohio State (W)

Previous Rank: No. 2 (Up 1)

Analysis: Michigan deserves the top spot in the power rankings despite ranking behind several Big Ten teams in KenPom and the NET. Win-loss records are the final metric that matters. In that regard, Michigan is among the best teams in the sport. Upcoming games against Michigan State (2) and Maryland will decide whether the team can hold this top position.

Get more (Michigan) news, analysis and opinions on Wolverines Wire

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This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Big Ten basketball power rankings update after Wisconsin win at Purdue

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