Big Ten Basketball: Conference Overview and Early December Power Rankings

The Big Ten has averaged eight NCAA tournament bids in the past five seasons, but their tournament record is only slightly above .500.

Michigan and Purdue are considered legitimate national championship contenders.

Several teams are exceeding expectations, while others are underperforming.

Michigan, Purdue, and Michigan State are among the top teams in the conference.

Michigan Wolverines:: Michigan sits atop early rankings and has recorded dominant wins. Their defense is particularly strong.

Purdue Boilermakers:: Purdue is also a top contender, boasting wins against several top-70 KenPom teams. Fletcher Loyer leads the team in scoring.

Michigan State Spartans:: With wins against Arkansas, Kentucky, and North Carolina, Michigan State looks like a Big Ten contender once again.

Illinois Fighting Illini:: Illinois has challenged themselves with a tough non-conference schedule.

Indiana Hoosiers

USC Trojans

Nebraska Cornhuskers

Wisconsin Badgers

UCLA Bruins

Ohio State Buckeyes

Northwestern Wildcats

Washington Huskies

Oregon Ducks

Maryland Terrapins

Michigan

Purdue

Michigan State

Illinois

Indiana

USC

Iowa

Wisconsin

UCLA

Nebraska

Ohio State

Northwestern

Washington

Oregon

Maryland

Penn State

Minnesota

Rutgers

A:: Michigan and Purdue are currently the top contenders, with Michigan State and Illinois also in the mix.

A:: USC and Nebraska are off to strong starts.

A:: Oregon and Maryland have struggled early in the season.

The Big Ten is poised to be a competitive conference this season, with several teams capable of making deep runs in the NCAA tournament.

Michigan and Purdue are the teams to watch early on, but Michigan State and Illinois are also strong contenders.

Several other teams are looking to surprise, making the conference race one to follow closely.