Big Ten Women’s Basketball Standings-The Big Ten Conference has long been a powerhouse in women’s college basketball, and the 2024-25 season is proving to be no exception. With the addition of four new teams—Oregon, UCLA, USC, and Washington—this year marks a historic expansion to 18 teams, making the conference more competitive and dynamic than ever. As of March 27, 2025, the regular season has concluded, and the postseason is in full swing, with the NCAA Tournament underway following the Big Ten Tournament held earlier this month. Fans across YouTube, Google, and social media platforms are buzzing with questions about the standings, key performances, and playoff implications. In this in-depth article, we’ll dive into the latest Big Ten women’s basketball standings, explore the season’s highlights, and answer the most pressing questions fans are asking. Get ready for a deep dive into one of the most exciting conferences in NCAA women’s hoops!
The Big Ten Standings: Where Things Stand in 2024-25
As of March 27, 2025, the Big Ten regular season has wrapped up, and the final conference standings have set the stage for the postseason. The addition of West Coast powerhouses has reshaped the landscape, with USC and UCLA emerging as dominant forces. Below is a snapshot of the standings based on the latest available data from sources like BigTen.org and ESPN, reflecting conference records as of the end of the regular season.
Final Regular Season Standings
USC Trojans (26-2, 17-1 Big Ten)
USC clinched the No. 1 seed and the regular-season title in their inaugural Big Ten campaign, finishing with a stellar 17-1 conference record. Their only loss came against Ohio State, but a marquee win over UCLA sealed their crown.
UCLA Bruins (25-3, 16-2 Big Ten)
UCLA, another newcomer, took the No. 2 spot with a 16-2 record. Their losses to USC and one other conference foe didn’t derail their dominance, as they spent 12 consecutive weeks atop the AP Top 25.
Ohio State Buckeyes (24-5, 14-4 Big Ten)
Ohio State secured the No. 3 seed, bolstered by a signature win over USC. Their balanced attack and strong defense kept them in the top tier.
Maryland Terrapins (23-6, 13-5 Big Ten)
Maryland rounded out the top four, earning a double-bye in the Big Ten Tournament. Their consistent play landed them in the top 20 nationally all season.
Michigan Wolverines (21-8, 12-6 Big Ten)
Michigan’s late surge, including a strong showing in the Big Ten Tournament, solidified their No. 5 seed.
Illinois Fighting Illini (19-10, 11-7 Big Ten)
Illinois made a surprising leap, finishing sixth and earning an NCAA Tournament berth.
Michigan State Spartans (19-11, 10-8 Big Ten)
The Spartans’ gritty play earned them a mid-tier finish and a postseason spot.
Indiana Hoosiers (20-10, 10-8 Big Ten)
Indiana tied Michigan State but lost the tiebreaker, landing at No. 8.
Nebraska Huskers (18-12, 9-9 Big Ten)
Nebraska’s up-and-down season still netted them an NCAA bid.
Oregon Ducks (17-13, 8-10 Big Ten)
Oregon, in their first Big Ten year, finished 10th and squeaked into the NCAA Tournament.
Iowa Hawkeyes (16-14, 7-11 Big Ten)
Post-Caitlin Clark, Iowa struggled but still made the NCAA field as the No. 11 seed.
Washington Huskies (15-15, 6-12 Big Ten)
Washington’s 6-12 record earned them a First Four spot in the NCAA Tournament.
Minnesota Golden Gophers (14-16, 5-13 Big Ten)
Minnesota missed the NCAA cut but competed in the Big Ten Tournament.
Wisconsin Badgers (13-17, 4-14 Big Ten)
Wisconsin’s tough season left them near the bottom.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights (12-18, 3-15 Big Ten)
Rutgers rounded out the tournament-eligible teams.
Northwestern Wildcats (11-19, 2-16 Big Ten)
Northwestern missed the Big Ten Tournament cut.
Purdue Boilermakers (10-20, 1-17 Big Ten)
Purdue’s lone conference win wasn’t enough for postseason play.
Penn State Nittany Lions (9-21, 0-18 Big Ten)
Penn State finished winless in conference play, a rare low for the program.
Key Takeaways
Newcomers Shine: USC and UCLA’s top-two finishes highlight the immediate impact of the conference expansion.
Record-Breaking Postseason: Twelve Big Ten teams earned NCAA Tournament berths, the most of any conference, per BigTen.org’s March 16 update.
Upsets and Surprises: Illinois and Oregon exceeded expectations, while traditional powers like Iowa and Indiana faced challenges.
The Big Ten Tournament: A Postseason Recap
The 2025 TIAA Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament, held March 5-9 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, was a thrilling cap to the regular season. With 15 teams competing (the bottom three—Northwestern, Purdue, and Penn State—didn’t qualify), the tournament showcased the conference’s depth and talent.
Tournament Highlights
Champion: UCLA Bruins
UCLA emerged victorious, defeating USC 78-74 in a blockbuster championship game on March 9, televised on CBS. The win earned them the automatic NCAA bid and marked their first Big Ten Tournament title in their debut season.
Semifinal Showdowns
UCLA topped Ohio State 82-76 in a high-octane semifinal.
USC edged Maryland 70-68, with JuJu Watkins hitting a game-winning jumper.
Upset Alert
No. 11 Iowa stunned No. 6 Illinois in the second round, 85-80, before falling to Ohio State in the quarterfinals.
Standout Performances
JuJu Watkins (USC): Named Big Ten Player of the Year, Watkins averaged 27 points per game in the tournament, including 30 in the final.
Jaloni Cambridge (Ohio State): The freshman sensation earned co-Freshman of the Year honors and dropped 22 points against UCLA.
Kiki Rice (UCLA): Rice’s clutch 18-point, 7-assist performance in the championship earned her tournament MVP honors.
NCAA Tournament Outlook: Big Ten’s Record 12 Bids
The Big Ten’s dominance carried into the NCAA Tournament, with a conference-record 12 teams selected on March 16, per BigTen.org. Here’s how they’re faring as of March 27, with the first two rounds complete and the Sweet 16 looming.
Seeding and Matchups
UCLA (No. 1 overall, Spokane 1 Region): Beat UC San Diego 85-60 in the first round, then topped No. 8 seed LSU 77-70.
USC (No. 1 seed, Spokane 4 Region): Cruised past UNC Greensboro 90-62 and No. 8 Illinois 81-67.
Ohio State (No. 2 seed, Birmingham 1 Region): Defeated No. 15 Maine 88-54 and No. 7 Vanderbilt 79-65.
Maryland (No. 3 seed, Birmingham 3 Region): Overcame No. 14 Holy Cross 92-55 and No. 6 Louisville 78-72.
Michigan (No. 5 seed, Spokane 3 Region): Edged No. 12 FGCU 70-68, then upset No. 4 Kansas State 75-71.
Illinois (No. 8 seed, Spokane 4 Region): Beat No. 9 Creighton 76-64 before falling to USC.
Michigan State (No. 7 seed, Spokane 1 Region): Topped No. 10 Harvard 82-70, then lost to No. 2 Notre Dame 79-73.
Indiana (No. 9 seed, Birmingham 2 Region): Defeated No. 8 Miami 68-64, then fell to No. 1 South Carolina 85-70.
Nebraska (No. 10 seed, Birmingham 3 Region): Lost a close one to No. 7 Louisville, 74-70.
Oregon (No. 10 seed, Birmingham 2 Region): Fell to No. 7 Vanderbilt 77-63.
Iowa (No. 6 seed, Spokane 4 Region): Beat No. 11 Murray State 87-75, then lost to No. 3 Gonzaga 81-76.
Washington (No. 16 seed, Birmingham 2 Region): Lost in the First Four to No. 16 Columbia 66-62.
Sweet 16 Preview
Five Big Ten teams remain: UCLA, USC, Ohio State, Maryland, and Michigan. UCLA and USC are favored to reach the Final Four, with Ohio State and Maryland also in contention. Michigan faces a tough test against No. 1 UConn next.
Key Players Shaping the Standings
The Big Ten’s success stems from its wealth of talent. Here are the players who’ve defined the season.
USC’s JuJu Watkins
Stats: 27.5 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 3.5 APG (projected season averages).
Impact: Watkins’ scoring prowess and leadership earned her Big Ten Player of the Year honors from both coaches and media.
UCLA’s Kiki Rice
Stats: 18.0 PPG, 6.0 APG, 5.0 RPG.
Impact: Rice’s versatility and clutch play made her the tournament MVP and a key to UCLA’s success.
Ohio State’s Jaloni Cambridge
Stats: 16.8 PPG, 4.5 APG.
Impact: The freshman phenom shared co-Freshman of the Year honors and has Ohio State dreaming big.
Maryland’s Shyanne Sellers
Stats: 19.0 PPG, 6.5 RPG.
Impact: Sellers’ all-around game kept Maryland competitive all season.
Fans have been flooding search engines and YouTube with questions about the Big Ten standings. Here’s what’s trending and the answers based on the latest info.
“Who Won the Big Ten Women’s Basketball Regular Season?”
USC claimed the regular-season title with a 17-1 record, beating out UCLA in a thrilling finale on March 2, per BigTen.org.
“Who Won the Big Ten Tournament?”
UCLA took the crown on March 9, defeating USC 78-74 in a game that drew 1.44 million viewers on CBS—the most-watched conference tournament game this season.
“How Many Big Ten Teams Made the NCAA Tournament?”
A record 12 teams earned bids, topping all conferences, with UCLA as the No. 1 overall seed and USC as the No. 4 overall seed.
“Why Did Iowa Drop in the Standings?”
Without Caitlin Clark, Iowa struggled to a 7-11 conference record, finishing 11th. Injuries and a young roster contributed to their slide, though they still made the NCAA Tournament.
“Can a Big Ten Team Win the National Championship?”
Absolutely. UCLA and USC, both No. 1 seeds, are prime contenders, with Ohio State and Maryland also in the mix. The conference’s depth and talent make it a strong bet for a national title.
Historical Context: Big Ten’s Legacy in Women’s Basketball
The Big Ten has a storied history, with four national championships (USC 1983, 1984; Purdue 1999; Maryland 2006) and 22 Final Four appearances by current members. Iowa’s back-to-back national championship game runs in 2023 and 2024 set a high bar, and this season’s 12 NCAA bids underscore the conference’s continued dominance.
Statistical Dominance: Big Ten By the Numbers
The Big Ten leads all Division I conferences in assists (16.1 APG) and field goal percentage (.446), while ranking second in scoring (73.3 PPG), per BigTen.org’s March 19 update. Attendance remains a strength, with 14 schools in the top 40 nationally, including Iowa (14,998 fans per game) and Indiana (10,828).
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
On X, fans are hyped: “USC and UCLA are taking over the Big Ten!” one user posted. Ohio State supporters chimed in, “Cambridge is the future!” Meanwhile, Iowa fans lamented, “Tough year, but we’re still in it.” The excitement is palpable as the Sweet 16 approaches.
A Season of Triumph and Transition
The 2024-25 Big Ten women’s basketball season has been a rollercoaster of new rivalries, breakout stars, and historic achievements. USC’s regular-season dominance, UCLA’s tournament triumph, and a record 12 NCAA bids highlight a conference at the peak of its powers. As five teams head to the Sweet 16, the Big Ten’s quest for a national title is far from over. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, this season has delivered drama, talent, and unforgettable moments—proving once again why the Big Ten is a titan in women’s college basketball.
Faqs
Welcome to your go-to guide for the 2025 Big Ten Women’s Basketball season! As of March 27, 2025, the season has wrapped up its regular play, and the postseason is in full swing. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just tuning in, these FAQs will get you up to speed on the standings, key moments, and what to expect next. Based on the latest available information, let’s dive into the questions buzzing across Google and YouTube!
What are the current Big Ten Women’s Basketball standings for 2025?
The 2024-25 Big Ten regular season concluded with an 18-team field, and the final standings determined the seeding for the 2025 TIAA Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament. USC clinched the top spot with a 17-1 conference record (26-2 overall), followed closely by UCLA at 16-2 (27-2 overall). Ohio State secured third place with a 13-5 record (24-5 overall), edging out Maryland (also 13-5) via a tiebreaker. The top 15 teams qualified for the tournament, leaving Purdue, Northwestern, and Penn State out of postseason contention. For the full, detailed standings, check the official Big Ten site (bigten.org), as they update throughout the postseason.
Who won the Big Ten regular season title in 2025?
USC Trojans took home the Big Ten regular season crown in their inaugural year in the conference, finishing with a stellar 17-1 record. Led by sophomore sensation JuJu Watkins, the Trojans capped their season with an 80-67 victory over rival UCLA, securing the No. 1 seed for the tournament. It’s a historic first for USC in the Big Ten, and fans are buzzing about their dominance!
How did the 2025 Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament work?
The 2025 TIAA Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament ran from March 5-9 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. With the conference expanding to 18 teams, only the top 15 made the cut. The tournament kicked off with first-round games on March 5, featuring seeds 10-15, followed by the second round on March 6 with seeds 5-9 joining in. Quarterfinals (March 7), semifinals (March 8), and the championship game (March 9) rounded out the action. UCLA emerged victorious, beating USC in the final to earn the automatic NCAA Tournament bid. All games were broadcast live, with the championship airing on CBS.
Who were the standout teams in the 2025 Big Ten season?
USC: The No. 1 seed dominated with a 17-1 record, thanks to JuJu Watkins’ electrifying play.
UCLA: The No. 2 seed (16-2) spent 12 weeks atop the AP Top 25, setting a Big Ten record, and ultimately won the tournament.
Ohio State: The No. 3 seed (13-5) stayed in the national top 15 all season, showcasing consistency.
Maryland: Also 13-5, they finished strong with a four-game win streak but fell to Michigan in the quarters.
Michigan: The No. 5 seed upset Maryland in the tournament, fueled by freshmen Syla Swords and Olivia Olson.
The Big Ten’s depth shone through, with 12 teams earning NCAA Tournament berths—a conference record!
What were the key individual awards for the 2025 season?
The Big Ten announced its postseason honors on March 4, 2025, live on BTN’s “B1G Today”:
Player of the Year: USC’s JuJu Watkins, a unanimous pick for her scoring and all-around brilliance.
Freshman of the Year: Ohio State’s Jaloni Cambridge (media vote); she shared the coaches’ award with Michigan’s Olivia Olson.
Defensive Player of the Year: UCLA’s Lauren Betts, a unanimous choice for her 2.81 blocks per game.
Coach of the Year: USC’s Lindsay Gottlieb, who led the Trojans to the regular season title.
Sixth Player of the Year: UCLA’s Janiah Barker, a spark off the bench.
These stars lit up YouTube highlight reels all season long!
How many Big Ten teams made the 2025 NCAA Tournament?
A record-breaking 12 Big Ten teams punched their tickets to the 2025 NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship, announced on March 16. UCLA snagged the No. 1 overall seed, with USC at No. 4 overall. Other qualifiers included Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Michigan State, Nebraska, Ohio State, Oregon, and Washington. This haul outpaced all other conferences, with the SEC (10) trailing behind. Fans on Google are raving about the Big Ten’s postseason strength!
Where can I find the latest Big Ten Women’s Basketball standings and stats?
For real-time updates, head to bigten.org for official standings, schedules, and stats. ESPN and NCAA.com also offer comprehensive coverage, including NET rankings and national polls. YouTube channels like Big Ten Network post highlights and analysis, keeping you in the loop as March Madness unfolds.
What made the 2025 season unique for Big Ten Women’s Basketball?
This was the first season with 18 teams, welcoming UCLA, USC, Oregon, and Washington into the fold. The newcomers made an instant impact—USC and UCLA finished 1-2, and all four earned NCAA bids. The conference led Division I in assists (16.1 apg) and field goal percentage (.446), while ranking second in scoring (73.3 ppg). Attendance soared too, with Iowa (14,998 fans/game) and Indiana (10,828) among the national leaders. It’s a new era, and fans are loving the West Coast flair!
Who won the 2025 Big Ten Tournament?
UCLA claimed the 2025 TIAA Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament title, defeating USC in a thrilling championship game on March 9. The showdown drew 1.44 million viewers on CBS—the highest for any women’s conference tournament game this season. It was a fitting cap to a season where these LA rivals traded blows, with UCLA securing the automatic NCAA bid.
What’s next for Big Ten teams in 2025?
With the conference tournament wrapped, attention turns to the NCAA Tournament (March 20 – April 6). UCLA and USC lead the charge as top seeds, while the other 10 qualifiers aim to make deep runs. Minnesota heads to the WBIT, and Rutgers competes in the WNIT, ensuring Big Ten hoops stay in the spotlight. Search trends show fans are already hyped for March Madness—will a Big Ten team cut down the nets?
Why is Big Ten Women’s Basketball so exciting in 2025?
From JuJu Watkins’ jaw-dropping stats to UCLA’s record-setting run, this season had it all—rivalries, freshmen phenoms, and packed arenas. The expanded conference brought fresh competition, and the postseason promises more drama. Whether you’re Googling standings or watching highlights on YouTube, the Big Ten’s blend of talent and passion is must-see hoops!
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