March is finally here! With only three weeks until March Madness, only three Big Ten teams are “locks” to make the tournament. Purdue, Wisconsin, and Illinois are all but guaranteed to make it. But, a few are still fighting for their spot in the tournament. We must now ask the question, which Big Ten bubble teams will make The Big Dance?
Which Big Ten Bubble Teams Will Make The Big Dance?
Northwestern
The bubble team most likely to make it from the Big Ten is Northwestern. Led by star guard Boo Buie, the Wildcats are currently 20-8 and have strong wins against Purdue, Illinois, and Dayton. However, they do have a horrendous loss against Chicago State, one of the worst teams in the country. Either way, 20 wins should be enough to get Northwestern into March Madness.
Michigan State
The Spartans have had a very shaky season. At 17-11, they are squarely on the bubble with three games left before the Big Ten Tournament. Michigan State was highly ranked heading into the season but struggled early in the season. But star guard Tyson Walker has been able to carry the team to the bubble conversation. Losses to James Madison and Ohio State have hurt Michigan State’s resume heading into March. The Spartans have a tough three-game stretch to end the season with games against Purdue, Northwestern, and Indiana. If they can win two of those three, they should be safe. If not, they may need some help in the Big Ten Tournament.
Nebraska
After narrowly missing March Madness last year, Nebraska finds itself on the bubble yet again in 2024. The Cornhuskers have been incredible at home, where they have wins against Purdue and Wisconsin, but terrible on the road with losses against Rutgers, Ohio State, and Maryland. However, they have two easier games left against Rutgers and Michigan. If they win both that is 22 wins, which will definitely be enough to make March Madness.
Minnesota
After finishing at the bottom of the conference a year ago, the Golden Gophers find themselves on the bubble this season. But it is an uphill battle, they will likely need to win a game or two in the Big Ten Tournament as well as the three remaining games against Penn State, Indiana, and Northwestern. Minnesota’s problem is the lack of marquee wins. They are 1-7 in quad 1 games, with that singular win being against Ohio State. While this season has been a huge improvement for Minnesota, the Golden Gophers still have some work to do to make March Madness.
Who Gets In?
Northwestern is pretty likely to get in at this point. Unless they go winless the rest of the season, they will make it into the tournament. Michigan State is also a pretty safe bet. While they are not having an amazing season, Tom Izzo often receives the benefit of the doubt in these scenarios. With another win or two, the Spartans should be safe on selection Sunday. Nebraska and Minnesota are the two that have the most work to do. At this point, I think Nebraska makes it because they have the marquee wins that Minnesota does not have. If Minnesota can make a deep run in the Big Ten Tournament, then the Gophers will play their way onto the right side of the bubble.
