The college basketball world never sleeps, especially during transfer portal madness.
The 2024-25 season ended a few weeks ago, but the action off the court has only ramped up since then thanks to the transfer portal. The last few weeks have been full of roster movement and construction, including our Michigan State Spartans — who’ve added a few key players through the portal.
With rosters starting to relatively finalize via the portal, I have decided to look ahead to next year with my own way-too-early power rankings for the top teams in the Big Ten. A lot can still change before we tip off the 2025-26 season in November, but for now, here’s an early look at how I’m gauging the upper half of the league.
Check out the way-too-early power rankings for the top 10 teams in the Big Ten heading into the offseason:
No. 10 – USC
The first year in the Big Ten was underwhelming for the Trojans but an impressive portal haul this spring should set them up for a better second season in the new league. Losing Desmond Claude in the final hours of the portal window will certainly impact the Trojans should be in fact leave Los Angeles. But for now, I’ll leave USC in my top 10 rankings.
No. 9 – Indiana
Having talent at Indiana has not been the issue the past few years, it’s been coaching and getting that talent to live up to expectations. New head coach Darian DeVries has constructed a brand new roster in Bloomington, Ind. so it’s hard to know what we’ll get with the Hoosiers next year. But I’m banking on them again being a NCAA Tournament contender.
No. 8 – Ohio State
Can Ohio State get back to the NCAA Tournament next season? The Buckeyes will return a pair of key players in Bruce Thornton and Devin Royal, and have also added some good pieces via the portal this spring. Dancing in 2026 should be the expectation for Ohio State.
No. 7 – Oregon
Oregon had the best of inaugural season of the four Big Ten newcomers this past season, and the Ducks are set to return arguably their top two players off last year’s team. Nate Bittle and Jackson Shelstad will provide a great one-two punch at the top for the Ducks to once again hang around the top of the Big Ten, and enter next year with high expectations.
No. 6 – Wisconsin
The Badgers surprised many this past season and should again be an upper tier team in the Big Ten. Wisconsin returns three key players in John Blackwell, Nolan Winter and Jack Janicki, and has had arguably one of the best transfer portal classes this year as well.
No. 5 – Illinois
Illinois basketball under Brad Underwood always has plenty of talent, but their success often comes down to the consistency and living up to their potential. This past year was a perfect example of that and I anticipate next year to be similar — although the ceiling may be slightly lower after losing a pair of expected NBA Draft picks in Kasparas Jakucionis and Will Riley.
No. 4 – Michigan
The Wolverines are considered a top five team nationally by some, but I’m holding off on putting them that high until we see what happens with prized transfer portal addition Yaxel Lendeborg. If he elects to go pro, then somewhere around here in the Big Ten power rankings seems about right for the Wolverines. But if he sticks with his commitment to Michigan, then the Wolverines will be right up near the top of the league.
No. 3 – Michigan State
Is this too high for the Spartans? Potentially, give that Michigan State will have to replace a number of key players off last year’s Big Ten championship squad. But the bones of a great team are still in place. Plus, add in a couple of known scoring threats through the portal in Trey Fort and Kaleb Glenn, and I expect the Spartans to once again be a contender in the Big Ten next season.
No. 2 – UCLA
Like Michigan and Wisconsin, UCLA has done some great work in the portal this offseason. The most notable get for the Bruins was New Mexico star guard Donovan Dent — who I could see being an All-Big Ten selection next year. At this point in the offseason, I’m expecting big things from the Bruins in year two in the Big Ten.
No. 1 – Purdue
Purdue is not only the clear-cut favorite in the Big Ten heading into next year but is one of the top picks to win the national championship as well. The Boilermakers retained their big three of Braden Smith, Trey Kaufman-Renn and Fletcher Loyer, and have also made some notable moves via the portal as well. It feels like Purdue is a notch above the rest of the league as things stand here in late April.
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This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: Big Ten Power Rankings: Way-too-early look at top teams next season