While trying to predict what will happen during any given college basketball season is a tricky task, there are a number of sites that try to do just that. And one of the best is KenPom, who uses an interesting analytical model to project teams and predict games.
Earlier this week, KenPom released his preseason ratings entering this season and the Big Ten performed quite well. In fact, the entire league was ranked among the top 100, including three teams in the top 10. Obviously, that speaks to just how exciting this season should be for Big Ten fans.
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Here’s a full look at the Big Ten teams listed below.
Big Ten Teams In Preseason KenPom Ratings:
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No. 25 – Michigan State
Given how last season went and general recruiting measures, it isn’t surprising to see teams like Purdue, Illinois, and UCLA so near the top. The Boilers will be one of the top contender’s for this year’s national championship and Illinois and the Bruins bring back plenty of talent as well. The Wolverines also have a loaded roster that could do some damage as well.
Perhaps some of the more interesting picks after that top group were USC, Michigan State, and Oregon. While the latter two have been mainstays in the top 25 in recent years, the Trojans have struggled for relevancy. However, USC enters the fall rated above the Spartans at Ducks, at least on KenPom. It will be interesting to see if the Trojans can live up to that hype. For perspective, USC will be searching for its first NCAA Tournament bid since 2023 this spring.
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It’s also interesting to see the dropoff to the final three teams on the list. None of the three have high expectations, but the Scarlet Knights are coming off a particularly disappointing season, despite two top five NBA Draft picks. Of the three, it feels like Rutgers has the most potential to surprise.
It should be a fun season and if these odds are any indication, it looks like a tight and unpredictable race across the Big Ten this season.
