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East Lansing Today
By the People, for the People
Purdue Men's Basketball Aims for Big Ten Title
Staff weighs in on Boilermakers' chances after win over Nebraska
Published on Feb. 13, 2026
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With Purdue's recent victory over Nebraska and Illinois' loss to Wisconsin, the Boilermakers have a chance to make a push for the Big Ten title. The staff at Hammer and Rails discusses whether Purdue can do enough to win the conference, noting the team's tough remaining schedule and the challenges presented by Michigan, the current conference leader.
Why it matters
Purdue's men's basketball team has been a contender in the Big Ten for years, and a conference title would be a major accomplishment for the program. The staff analysis provides insight into the team's chances and the key factors that will determine whether they can pull off the feat.
The details
Purdue's victory over Nebraska has reignited hopes that the team can win the Big Ten title. The Boilermakers still have tough games remaining against Michigan, Michigan State, and Indiana, but all three of those games will be played at home. The staff believes Purdue needs to run the table and hope that Michigan loses at least one more conference game, likely against Illinois or Michigan State, in order to tie the Wolverines and claim the title based on the head-to-head tiebreaker.
- Purdue beat Nebraska on February 13, 2026.
- Illinois lost to Wisconsin on February 13, 2026.
- Purdue still has games remaining against Michigan, Michigan State, and Indiana.
The players
Purdue Men's Basketball Team
The Purdue men's basketball team is currently in contention for the Big Ten title after a recent victory over Nebraska.
Michigan Wolverines
The Michigan Wolverines are the current leaders in the Big Ten conference, with just one loss in conference play so far this season.
What they’re saying
“I've been black and gold pilled again. I believed at the start of the season that this Purdue team could be special and I was convinced they would win the conference.”
— Andrew Ledman, Staff Writer (Hammer and Rails)
“Ultimately, Purdue just needs to handle its own business. It already gave away three games, so it is playing catchup, but all it needs is one Michigan loss outside of the Purdue game to control its own path.”
— Andrew Ledman, Staff Writer (Hammer and Rails)
What’s next
Purdue will need to continue its strong play and win the remaining games on its schedule, including key matchups against Michigan, Michigan State, and Indiana. Meanwhile, Michigan will need to suffer at least one more conference loss, likely against Illinois or Michigan State, in order for Purdue to have a chance at the Big Ten title.
The takeaway
Purdue's men's basketball team has a chance to win the Big Ten title, but it will require the Boilermakers to run the table and get some help from other teams in the conference. The staff analysis highlights the team's tough remaining schedule and the challenges presented by the conference-leading Michigan Wolverines.
