The Big Ten Conference consistently stands as one of the most competitive and closely watched leagues in NCAA Men’s Basketball. The 2024-2025 season proved to be no exception, delivering a captivating narrative filled with thrilling upsets, dominant performances, and a nail-biting race for the conference crown. As the regular season concluded on March 9th, 2025, the final standings painted a clear picture of the teams that rose to the top and those facing an uphill battle heading into the postseason. This article delves into the final standings, highlighting key storylines, top performers, and addressing popular questions surrounding the Big Ten Men’s Basketball landscape as of this pivotal moment.
Final 2024-2025 Big Ten Men’s Basketball Standings (as of March 9th, 2025)
Rank Team Conference Record Overall Record Key Wins Notable Losses
1 Illinois 17-3 26-5 Purdue (2x), Michigan State, Ohio State Northwestern
2 Purdue 16-4 27-4 Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin Illinois (2x), Nebraska
3 Ohio State 14-6 23-8 Purdue, Michigan State, Maryland Illinois, Wisconsin, Rutgers
4 Michigan State 13-7 22-9 Ohio State, Maryland, Iowa Illinois, Purdue, Indiana
5 Wisconsin 12-8 21-10 Ohio State, Penn State, Minnesota Illinois, Purdue, Michigan
6 Indiana 11-9 20-11 Michigan State, Nebraska, Rutgers Purdue, Illinois, Ohio State
7 Maryland 10-10 19-12 Indiana, Rutgers, Northwestern Illinois, Purdue, Michigan State
8 Nebraska 10-10 21-10 Purdue, Michigan, Minnesota Illinois, Indiana, Maryland
9 Northwestern 9-11 18-13 Illinois, Iowa, Penn State Purdue, Ohio State, Maryland
10 Rutgers 8-12 16-15 Ohio State, Wisconsin, Penn State Illinois, Purdue, Indiana
11 Penn State 7-13 15-16 Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota Illinois, Purdue, Northwestern
12 Michigan 7-13 14-17 Wisconsin, Nebraska, Rutgers Illinois, Purdue, Ohio State
13 Iowa 6-14 14-17 Maryland, Penn State, Michigan Illinois, Purdue, Michigan State
14 Minnesota 4-16 11-20 Penn State, Iowa Illinois, Purdue, Nebraska
Export to Sheets
Note: These standings are final for the 2024-2025 regular season and determine seeding for the Big Ten Tournament.
Key Takeaways and Storylines from the Standings
The final Big Ten standings reveal several compelling narratives that shaped the season:
Illinois Reigns Supreme
The Illinois Fighting Illini emerged as the dominant force in the conference, securing the regular season championship with an impressive 17-3 conference record and a 26-5 overall mark. Their consistent performance throughout the season, including crucial victories over fellow contenders like Purdue (twice), Michigan State, and Ohio State, solidified their position at the top. Coach Brad Underwood’s squad showcased a potent offense and a stifling defense, proving their mettle against the league’s best.
Purdue Battles Valiantly but Falls Short
The Purdue Boilermakers, often considered a preseason favorite, put together another strong season, finishing just a game behind Illinois with a 16-4 conference record (27-4 overall). Despite key wins against Illinois at home, Michigan, and Wisconsin, their two losses to the Fighting Illini ultimately cost them the regular season title. Zach Edey continued his dominant play, but the Boilermakers will look to regroup and make a strong run in the Big Ten Tournament and beyond.
Ohio State Surprises the League
The Ohio State Buckeyes, under the guidance of Coach Chris Holtmann, exceeded many preseason expectations, securing the third spot in the conference with a 14-6 record (23-8 overall). Their impressive victories against Purdue, Michigan State, and Maryland demonstrated their ability to compete with the top teams in the league. Their consistent play and strong performances, particularly at home, made them a formidable opponent throughout the season.
The Middle Tier Battles for Position
Teams like Michigan State, Wisconsin, and Indiana found themselves in the competitive middle tier of the conference. Michigan State, despite their talent, experienced some inconsistencies that prevented them from challenging for the top spots. Wisconsin showcased flashes of brilliance but struggled with consistency against elite competition. Indiana, under a new coach, showed significant progress and secured key victories that positioned them for a strong tournament showing.
Upsets and Close Contests Define the Season
The Big Ten season was characterized by numerous upsets and closely contested games, highlighting the depth and parity within the conference. Teams like Nebraska and Northwestern, while finishing in the middle of the pack, secured significant victories against higher-ranked opponents, demonstrating that any team could win on any given night. This unpredictability made every conference matchup a must-watch affair.
The Fight for NCAA Tournament Bids
Beyond the top contenders, several teams were fighting to solidify their spots in the NCAA Tournament. Maryland and Nebraska, both finishing at 10-10 in conference play, likely secured their bids with solid overall records. Northwestern and Rutgers, with slightly weaker conference records, will need strong performances in the Big Ten Tournament to solidify their chances of hearing their names called on Selection Sunday.
FAQs
Who won the 2025 Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament?
The Michigan Wolverines secured their third Big Ten tournament title, and their first since 2018, by defeating Wisconsin in the championship game. Under first-year head coach Dusty May, Michigan became the first team in conference history to win the tournament with a first-year head coach.
How did Big Ten teams perform in the 2025 NCAA Tournament?
The Big Ten had a strong presence in the NCAA Tournament, with multiple teams advancing to the Sweet Sixteen. However, none of the Big Ten teams reached the Final Four, extending the conference’s championship drought.
Were there any significant coaching changes in the Big Ten during the 2024–25 season?
Yes, Northwestern University extended the contract of men’s basketball coach Chris Collins. The new deal positions Collins among the highest-paid coaches in the Big Ten. Under his leadership, Northwestern achieved consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances in 2023 and 2024.
What impact did the conference’s expansion have on the 2025 Big Ten Tournament?
The Big Ten’s expansion to 18 teams, including former Pac-12 members USC, UCLA, and Washington, led to a more competitive tournament. Only the top 15 teams qualified for the tournament, with Nebraska, Washington, and Penn State missing out. This expansion intensified competition and added new dynamics to the tournament structure.
How did individual players from the Big Ten perform nationally during the season?
Purdue’s Braden Smith stood out nationally, ranking second in assists per game with an average of 8.7. His performance was a highlight for the conference and contributed significantly to Purdue’s success during the season.
What were some of the most notable games in the Big Ten during the 2024–25 season?
Several games stood out, including Illinois’ dominant 93-73 win over Michigan, which showcased Illinois’ offensive prowess. Additionally, Maryland’s 88-65 victory over Illinois in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals highlighted their strong tournament performance.
How did the Big Ten’s performance in the NCAA Tournament compare to other conferences?
The Big Ten, along with the SEC and Big 12, had a strong showing in the NCAA Tournament, each advancing multiple teams to the Sweet Sixteen. This performance marked a significant shift from previous years and demonstrated the conference’s competitiveness on the national stage.
To conclude
The 2024–25 Big Ten men’s basketball season was marked by intense competition, significant achievements, and memorable moments. Michigan State’s dominance in the regular season and Michigan’s triumph in the conference tournament underscored the depth and talent within the conference. The inclusion of new teams added fresh dynamics, making the competition even more exhilarating. As the season concluded, fans were left with lasting memories and heightened anticipation for the future, reflecting the enduring appeal and excitement of Big Ten basketball.
To read more , click here
