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ESPN Ranks Big Ten Basketball Teams from First to Last for Week 14
Michigan tops the rankings, while Nebraska and Indiana make strong showings in the conference standings.
Feb. 3, 2026 at 8:15pm
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As the college basketball season enters February, ESPN has released its rankings of Big Ten teams from first to last based on the Basketball Power Index (BPI). Michigan tops the list, followed by Purdue and Illinois, while Nebraska and Indiana have also impressed this season.
Why it matters
The Big Ten is one of the most competitive conferences in college basketball, and these rankings provide insight into how the top teams are performing as the season progresses towards March Madness. The rankings also highlight the parity within the conference, with several teams vying for the regular season title.
The details
Michigan remains in first place in the Big Ten standings and is also ranked number one by ESPN's BPI. Purdue and Illinois, both tied for first in the conference, are ranked second and third respectively. Nebraska and Indiana have also been standouts, with the Huskers enjoying their best season ever and the Hoosiers rebounding under new head coach Darian DeVries.
- The rankings were released on February 4, 2026.
- The Big Ten season is in its final month, with teams jockeying for position ahead of the conference tournament and NCAA Tournament.
The players
Michigan Wolverines
The top-ranked team in the Big Ten according to ESPN's BPI, the Wolverines are 10-1 in conference play and in first place in the standings.
Purdue Boilermakers
Purdue is tied for first in the Big Ten standings and ranked second in the conference by ESPN's BPI, despite a recent three-game losing streak.
Illinois Fighting Illini
Also tied for first in the Big Ten standings, Illinois is ranked third in the conference by ESPN's BPI and could potentially move up in the rankings with a few more positive results.
Nebraska Cornhuskers
Nebraska is enjoying its best season ever, with the Huskers currently projected to make the NCAA Tournament under head coach Fred Hoiberg.
Indiana Hoosiers
In Year One under new head coach Darian DeVries, the Hoosiers have rebounded from two straight postseason misses and are currently ranked in the top half of the Big Ten by ESPN's BPI.
What’s next
With the Big Ten regular season winding down, teams will be looking to secure their spots in the conference tournament and NCAA Tournament. Key matchups in the coming weeks, including Michigan vs. Michigan State and Illinois vs. Purdue, could further shake up the rankings.
The takeaway
The Big Ten's depth and parity are on full display in these rankings, with several teams vying for the conference title and NCAA Tournament positioning. The race for the regular season crown and seeding in March Madness promises to be an exciting finish to the 2025-26 college basketball season.
