Big Ten Basketball Power Rankings: Can Illinois Still Track Down Michigan?

Through the first half of Big Ten play, there was a clear chasm separating the league. There were the top five teams – and then everyone else.

Feb. 12, 2026 at 11:39pm

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The Big Ten basketball season has seen some shakeups in the top teams, with Michigan State, Nebraska, Illinois, and Purdue all taking losses recently. However, Michigan remains the clear frontrunner at the top of the rankings. The article breaks down the current top 5 teams in the conference and analyzes their recent performances.

Why it matters

The Big Ten is one of the premier college basketball conferences, and the race for the regular season title is always highly competitive. These power rankings provide insight into which teams are emerging as the top contenders and which ones may be fading as the season progresses towards March Madness.

The details

Michigan State has taken a couple losses, including at home against rival Michigan, but bounced back with a big win over Illinois. Nebraska has dropped 3 of its last 4 games against top teams. Illinois saw its 12-game winning streak snapped with a loss at Michigan State, then fell at home to Wisconsin in overtime. Purdue had a 3-game skid but has now won 3 straight, including an overtime victory at Nebraska. Michigan has shown its ability to win even on off nights, rallying from a 16-point deficit on the road to beat Northwestern.

  • On Feb. 7, 2026, Michigan State beat Illinois in overtime at home.
  • On Feb. 10, 2026, Illinois lost to Wisconsin in overtime at home.

The players

Brad Underwood

The head coach of the Illinois Fighting Illini basketball team.

Jeremy Fears Jr.

A player for the Michigan State Spartans basketball team who was involved in some physical, potentially dirty play in a recent game.

Tom Izzo

The head coach of the Michigan State Spartans basketball team.

Fred Hoiberg

The head coach of the Nebraska Cornhuskers basketball team.

Matt Painter

The head coach of the Purdue Boilermakers basketball team.

Braden Smith

The lead guard for the Purdue Boilermakers basketball team.

Dusty May

The head coach of the Michigan Wolverines basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“There still appears to be a gap between the Spartans and the rest of the best – a sentiment even Izzo seemed to (sort of) endorse.”

— Tom Izzo, Head Coach, Michigan State Spartans

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.