Two Big Ten Teams Labeled as 'Championship' Contenders

College basketball insider Andy Katz highlights Michigan and Illinois as top title threats in the Big Ten

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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With the Big Ten men's basketball regular season winding down, college basketball insider Andy Katz has labeled two conference teams - Michigan and Illinois - as potential national championship contenders. Katz highlighted the strong offenses of both squads as key factors in their status as top favorites to win the Big Ten title and compete for the NCAA championship.

Why it matters

The Big Ten is one of the most competitive conferences in college basketball, so Katz's assessment of Michigan and Illinois as title threats carries significant weight. As the regular season concludes and the conference tournament approaches, these designations could impact how fans and analysts view the two programs' chances of making a deep NCAA Tournament run.

The details

Katz singled out Michigan and Illinois as the two Big Ten teams he believes have the offensive firepower to win the national championship. Both squads have been among the conference's top performers throughout the season, jockeying for position atop the standings.

  • The Big Ten Tournament is scheduled for March 10-15 at the United Center in Chicago.
  • The 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament will take place in the weeks following the conclusion of the Big Ten Tournament.

The players

Andy Katz

A college basketball insider and analyst who has covered the sport for decades.

Michigan

A Big Ten men's basketball program that has been a consistent contender in recent years.

Illinois

Another Big Ten men's basketball program that has emerged as a top team in the conference this season.

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What they’re saying

“We've got two teams in Michigan and Illinois that I think are two of the best offenses in the country—the two teams that could go in as two of the favorites to win the national championship.”

— Andy Katz, College Basketball Insider

What’s next

As the Big Ten regular season concludes, the focus will shift to the conference tournament, where Michigan and Illinois will look to solidify their status as national title contenders.

The takeaway

Katz's assessment of Michigan and Illinois as potential national championship teams underscores the depth and competitiveness of the Big Ten conference. The final weeks of the regular season and the conference tournament will be crucial in determining which squad emerges as the conference's top threat to win it all.