Does the Big Ten Have More Championship Contenders Than We Thought?
When the 2025-26 college basketball offseason wrapped up, the consensus across the national fanbase was clear: Purdue and Michigan were the unquestioned frontrunners in the Big Ten. Both programs entered the season with loaded rosters, proven coaching staffs, and the kind of pedigree that made them easy picks for preseason dominance. Yet, just five games into the season, the narrative has already shifted. While Purdue and Michigan have lived up to expectations with convincing wins, the emergence of Michigan State has added a fascinating wrinkle to the conference race. Tom Izzo’s Spartans, often overlooked in the transfer portal era, have doubled down on their culture of development and continuity. Their statement victory over Kentucky at the Champions Classic showcased not only their defensive grit but also their newfound perimeter shooting, with veterans Jaxon Kohler and Jeremy Fears Jr. leading the charge. Kentucky’s inability to find rhythm against MSU highlighted just how dangerous the Spartans could be when firing on all cylinders.
The surprises don’t stop in East Lansing. Indiana has quickly become one of the most talked-about teams in the league thanks to the arrival of Darian DeVries, who has seamlessly blended portal talent with his offensive philosophy. Transfers Lamar Wilkerson and Tucker DeVries have been nothing short of spectacular, raining threes at a pace that has electrified Hoosier fans and given the program a fresh identity. For a fanbase that has long craved modern basketball success, this new era feels like a turning point. Meanwhile, Illinois has shown flashes of brilliance despite a tough early-season schedule. Their narrow loss to Alabama, a team with Final Four aspirations, proved they can hang with elite competition. Kylan Boswell and Andrej Stojakovic both delivered standout performances, but the Illini’s inability to contain Labaron Philon underscored the challenges of competing against NBA-caliber talent.
Taken together, these developments suggest the Big Ten may be deeper than anyone anticipated. Purdue and Michigan remain the heavyweights, but Michigan State’s resurgence, Indiana’s offensive explosion, and Illinois’ battle-tested resilience all point to a conference brimming with potential contenders. What was once thought to be a two-team race is quickly evolving into a multi-layered battle, with several programs capable of making noise in March. If these early trends continue, the Big Ten could enter the NCAA Tournament not just with a couple of favorites but with a handful of teams ready to challenge for a National Championship.
