This edition of the Big Ten power rankings showcases why the historic brands of the conference continue to thrive. Purdue, Michigan State, Michigan, and even Indiana have put their foot down so far this season, and look to be ready to compete at a National level. The question remains if they can all keep it up with such an important week ahead.
Let’s see how the teams stand for Feast Week.
Big Ten Power Rankings: Historic Programs Are Setting the Tone
1. Purdue (6-0)
The Boilermakers have certainly made a point thus far in the season. They are 6-0 and have undoubtedly proven to be one of the best teams in the country. They made a quick trip down to the Bahamas, where they were able to score wins against Memphis and No. 15 Texas Tech to win the Baha Mar Championship. Significantly, Oscar Cluff had a huge performance with 15 points and 15 rebounds as Purdue won its fifth-straight Feast Week tournament title.
Up next: Eastern Illinois, Friday, Nov 28th
High 🖐️!
☑️: 5 straight Feast Week titles.
☑️: 12 straight Feast Week wins.
☑️: 9 wins over ranked teams, including 7 teams in the top 15. pic.twitter.com/T55NemcJFp— Purdue Men's Basketball (@BoilerBall) November 23, 2025
2. Michigan State (5-0)
Unquestionably, the defending Big Ten Champions are off to another huge start. The bright lights of Madison Square Garden weren’t too much for Michigan State. The Spartans’ big men put the hurt on Kentucky, led by Jaxon Kohler, who finished with 20 points, and guard Jeremy Fears Jr dished out 13 assists in an 83-66 win over the Wildcats at the Champions Classic. MSU returned home for a clash with Detroit-Mercy on Friday, and Fears was back at it with an 18-point, 11-assist night to lead the way. The Spartans are certainly someone to reckon with in the Big Ten power rankings so far.
Up next: ECU* (Fort Myers) Tuesday, Nov 25th, North Carolina* (Fort Myers) Thursday, Nov 27th
CAREER-HIGH in points ✅
DOUBLE-DOUBLE ✅
1st in the country in AST and AST/game ✅ pic.twitter.com/qMjWa1Vhg2— Michigan State Men's Basketball (@MSU_Basketball) November 22, 2025
3. Michigan (4-0)
The Wolverines once again remained unbeaten. However, their point guard Elliot Cadeau continues to be a little questionable with his ball handling. 13 turnovers were a massive improvement from their last game against TCU. Additionally, Michigan was able to handle its business with an 86-61 victory against Middle Tennessee. They will test how they stack up as a part of the Player Era Festival in Las Vegas this week.
Up next: San Diego State* (Las Vegas), Monday, Nov 24th, 9:00 pm, Auburn* (Las Vegas), Tuesday, Nov 25th
4. Indiana (5-0)
Who could’ve asked for a better start to the Darian DeVries era? The Hoosiers sit 5-0 after putting away both Incarnate Word and Lindenwood Assembly Hall. Not only that, but Tucker DeVries continues to make a case for himself as a Big Ten star. He had 17 of his 25 points in the second half against the Lions. This marks Indiana’s first 5-0 start since the 2022-23 season. The competition gets tougher this week.
Up next: Kansas State, Tuesday, Nov 25th, Bethune-Cookman, Saturday, Nov 29th
5. Illinois (5-1)
A slip-up in their clash with Alabama has the Illini having to rethink their late-game game situations. Despite falling four points short against the Tide, Illinois was back to normal against Long Island on Saturday. Andrej Stojakovic chipped in 20 once again, along with 19 from freshman Keaton Wagler, putting the Illini back on track.
Up next: UT Rio Grande, Monday, Nov 24th, UConn (New York City), Friday, Nov 28th
6. UCLA (5-1)
Mick Cronin wanted to test his team after a close loss to Arizona. So what did he do? He markedly started his bench against Sacramento State. They responded with a 79-48 victory. Eric Dailey led the charge with 15 points and 12 rebounds, while Xavier Booker, who was a starter, provided 12 points off the bench. UCLA returned to normal against Presbyterian as point guard Skyy Clark led the team with 22 points in an 86-46 win. They will make a trek to downtown San Francisco for the Empire Classic this week.
Up next: California (San Francisco), Tuesday, Nov 25th
7. Iowa (5-0)
The Hawkeyes continue their surging start to the 2025-26 season. Tavion Banks has proven to be a clutch player. Now they gear up for the Acrisure Classic in Palm Springs, California.
Up next: Ole Miss* (Palm Springs), Tuesday, Nov 25th, TBD* (Palm Springs), Wednesday, Nov 26th
8. Ohio State (5-0)
The Buckeyes remained unbeaten with wins over Notre Dame and Western Michigan. Amare Bynum has proven to be a formidable center for Ohio State thus far.
Up next: Mount St Mary’s, Tuesday, Nov 25th
9. Nebraska (6-0)
Pryce Sandfort helped lead Nebraska to a win in the Hall of Fame Classic tournament. His 21 points were enough to outlast Kansas State 86-85. Coach Hoiberg’s team has certainly made a statement at 6-0.
Up next: Withrop, Tuesday, Nov 25th, SC Upstate, Saturday, Nov 29th
10. Wisconsin (4-1)
The Badgers lacked sufficient firepower to keep pace with No. 9 BYU in their matchup in Salt Lake City. Still, Wisconsin has to be happy that it had four players in double figures. Also, the Badgers are San Diego-bound for the Rady Children’s Invitational this week.
Up next: Providence* (San Diego), Thursday, Nov 27th, TBD* (San Diego), Friday, Nov 28th
11. Oregon (4-0)
The Ducks were able to quiet their in-state rival, Oregon State, with an 87-75 victory. Nate Bittle was huge with 24 points in the win. This group had some iffy games to start, but confidence should be rising as they head to Las Vegas for the Player Era Festival.
Up next: Auburn* (Las Vegas), Today, 7:00 pm, San Diego State*(Las Vegas), Tuesday, Nov 25th
12. Maryland (4-1)
The Buzz Williams era looks back on track with three straight wins. That also included a win on the road at Marquette. David Coit was a major driving force in the Terps’ 95-90 victory over Mount St Mary’s. He looked like a superstar with 41 points.
Up next: UNLV* (Las Vegas), Today, 10:59 pm, Gonzaga* (Las Vegas), Tuesday, Nov 25th
13. USC (4-0)
Sure, the Trojans remain unbeaten, but needing triple overtime to beat Troy has to have some worried. That performance was pretty unacceptable for a team looking to make noise in the Big Ten. Long way to go, but that performance has them trending down the power rankings.
Up next: Boise State* (Maui), Today, 4:00 pm, TBD*(Maui), Tuesday, Nov 25th, TBD* (Maui), Wednesday, Nov 26th
14. Northwestern (4-1)
Nick Martinelli and Arrinten Page helped rally the Cats at the Greenbrier Tip-Off. They escaped South Carolina in the final seconds with a 79-77. Unquestionably, that was needed after blowing their game against Virginia on Friday.
Up next: Oklahoma State* (Chicago), Thursday, Nov 27th
15. Washington (4-1)
Another team in this crazy Big Ten is looking to take a major step this season. Since losing to Baylor, the Huskies have won two more games. The last one against Southern was a little too close for comfort, but a win is a win.
Up next: Nevada* (Palm Springs), Thursday, Nov 27th, TBD* (Palm Springs), Friday, Nov 28th
16. Penn State (5-1)
The fight to stay out of the last spot in the Big Ten power rankings is fun. The Nittany Lions have unquestionably proven to be a tough out. Being 5-1, they avoid the bottom for the second week in a row. However, the loss to Providence should dampen hopes for this group and keep this low in the power ranking.
Up next: Boston U, Tuesday, Nov 25th, Sacred Heart, Saturday, Nov 29th
17. Minnesota (4-2)
Things have turned sour for the Gophers, as they are the first Big Ten team to lose more than one game thus far. Undoubtedly, letting the Dons of San Francisco get the win in South Dakota has Niko Medved’s group back to the drawing board.
Up next: Stanford* (Palm Springs), Thursday, Nov 27th, TBD* (Palm Springs), Friday, Nov 28th
18. Rutgers (4-1)
The Scarlet Knights’ hope of getting back in NCAA Tournament contention in 2025-26 has certainly been dashed. They did something that is always a massive red flag. Specifically, they lost a home game against a Quad 4 team. To be sure, losing at home to Central Connecticut has to have alarms sounding in Piscataway. It certainly doesn’t help Steve Pikiell’s chances of sticking around for much longer.
Up next: Tennessee* (Las Vegas), Today, Notre Dame* (Las Vegas), Tuesday, Nov 25th
Featured Image: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images
