The Big Ten is absolutely stacked with seven teams ranked in the top 25.
However, the top dawg is clear, and it’s the No. 1 UCLA Bruins. UCLA is currently 12-0 and has impressive wins against teams such as Louisville and South Carolina, who were on a historic 43-game winning streak before they ran into the Bruins.
The Bruins are absolutely stacked with talent, but Lauren Betts is the engine that drives it all. The junior center is leading the team in both points and rebounds, averaging a double double a night with 19.8 points and 10 rebounds per matchup.
While Betts has been stellar down low, the guards have taken care of the perimeter. Junior Kiki Rice is scoring 12.6 points per game and freshman Elina Aarnisalo is taking care of ball distribution with 5.3 assists. With such balance and composure, there aren’t many teams that can compete with the Bruins in the Big Ten.
But here’s a look at the squads that have as good a chance as any of challenging UCLA:
Big Ten contenders
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UCLA reigns supreme in the country, but in Los Angeles, they are barely edging out their cross-town rivals, No. 4 USC (11-1)
The Trojans had a disappointing loss versus Notre Dame, but got an equally impressive win against UConn, beating the powerhouse Huskies on the road. Sophomore JuJu Watkins stepped up big in that game, scoring 25 points and reminding everyone why the Trojans have been title favorites since the beginning of the season.
UCLA and USC will play each other on Feb. 13. Although there are plenty of games between now and then, if they are both undefeated in the conference when they play each other, it could go a long way in deciding who wins the Big Ten.
No. 8 Maryland (11-0) might not get the attention the LA teams do, but they are just as potent. They are undefeated and beat their first Big Ten opponent, Purdue, 78-69. With five players scoring in double figures, they have a balanced attack and will be a tough team to beat in 2025.
Right behind Maryland is No. 10 Ohio State (12-0), who, led by junior Cotie McMahon, are on their way to what looks to be another 20-plus-win season. They currently have 12 victories in hand, and more should be on the way in the Big Ten. They won their first conference contest, taking down Illinois 83-74, and McMahon was as dominant as ever, scoring 25 points and going 7-for-12 from the field.
McMahon is averaging 18.3 points and is always the minutes leader, playing 29.9 per game. Despite the good start, it’ll be an uphill battle versus the best in the Big Ten, but they have a chance of being a surprise team. Well, as much of a surprise as a top-10 team can be.
Big Ten sleepers
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Three other Big Ten teams currently are ranked: No. 17 Michigan State (11-1), No. 23 Michigan (10-2) and No. 24 Iowa (10-2). The Spartans actually took on the Hawkeyes and beat them 68-66. The Wolverines have had two losses already, but they were against top opponents, South Carolina and Oklahoma, which are understandable defeats.
From the unranked teams, keep an eye out for Nebraska (10-2), Indiana (9-3) and Wisconsin (10-2), who all won their first Big Ten games. Also, Illinois (10-2) should be good despite losing their first game, and the same can be said for Iowa.
Once we have more games to analyze, the hierarchy within the Big Ten will be further solidified. For now, everyone is chasing UCLA.
Game information
Wisconsin (10-2, 1-0) vs. Indiana (9-3, 1-0)
When: Saturday, Dec. 28 at 2 p.m. ET
Where: Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall in Bloomington, IN
How to watch: Big Ten Network
Washington (9-4, 0-1) vs. Northwestern (7-5, 0-1)
When: Saturday, Dec. 28 at 3 p.m. ET
Where: Welsh-Ryan Arena in Evanston, IL
How to watch: B1G+
Oregon (9-3, 0-1) vs. Illinois (10-2, 0-1)
When: Saturday, Dec. 28 at 3 p.m. ET
Where: State Farm Center in Champaign, IL
How to watch: B1G+
Penn State (9-3, 0-1) vs. Minnesota (12-1, 0-1)
When: Saturday, Dec. 28 at 4 p.m. ET
Where: Williams Arena in Minneapolis, MN
How to watch: Big Ten Network
No. 19 Michigan State (11-1, 1-0) vs. No. 8 Maryland (11-0, 1-0)
When: Sunday, Dec. 29 at 1 p.m. ET
Where: XFINITY Center in College Park, MD
How to watch: B1G+
No. 10 Ohio State (12-0, 1-0) vs. Rutgers (8-4, 0-1)
When: Sunday, Dec. 29 at 2 p.m. ET
Where: Jersey Mike’s Arena in Piscataway, NJ
How to watch: B1G+
Purdue (7-5, 0-1) vs. No. 24 Iowa (10-2, 0-1)
When: Sunday, Dec. 29 at 3 p.m. ET
Where: Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, IA
How to watch: B1G+
Nebraska (10-2, 1-0). vs. No. 1 UCLA (12-0, 1-0)
When: Sunday, Dec. 29 at 5 p.m. ET
Where: Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles, CA
How to watch: B1G+
No. 23 Michigan (10-2, 1-0) vs. No. 4 USC (11-1, 1-0)
When: Sunday, Dec. 29 at 10 p.m. ET
Where: Galen Center in Los Angeles, CA
How to watch: Big Ten Network
