Big Ten Men’s Basketball Standings 2025: The Race Heats Up-As the calendar flips to late March 2025, the Big Ten Conference men’s basketball scene is ablaze with drama, upsets, and standout performances. With the regular season concluded on March 9 and the 2025 TIAA Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament now in the books—capped by Michigan’s thrilling championship win over Wisconsin on March 16—the standings tell a story of fierce competition, unexpected twists, and a league poised for a strong NCAA Tournament showing. The current date is March 22, 2025, and the dust has settled on a season that welcomed four new teams (Oregon, UCLA, USC, and Washington) into the fold, expanding the Big Ten to an 18-team juggernaut. In this comprehensive article, we’ll dive into the final Big Ten men’s basketball standings, break down key teams, explore what fans are asking about on YouTube and Google, and look ahead to March Madness. Lace up your sneakers—this is your ultimate guide to the 2024-25 Big Ten season!

The Big Ten in 2025: A New Era of 18 Teams

Expansion and Evolution

The 2024-25 season marked a seismic shift for the Big Ten, as Oregon, UCLA, USC, and Washington joined from the Pac-12, swelling the conference to 18 teams. This expansion—the largest in Big Ten history—brought fresh talent, storied programs, and a coast-to-coast footprint. To accommodate the growth, the conference tweaked its format: each team played 20 regular-season conference games, facing seven opponents only at home, seven only on the road, and three in home-and-home series. The Big Ten Tournament, held March 12-16 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, included only the top 15 teams, leaving the bottom three out of the postseason party.

The final standings reflect a season of parity and unpredictability, with Michigan State clinching the outright regular-season title at 17-3, followed closely by a pack of contenders. Michigan’s tournament triumph, however, stole the spotlight, earning them the automatic NCAA bid. Let’s break down the standings and see how the season unfolded.

Final Big Ten Regular-Season Standings

Based on the latest available data from bigten.org, NCAA.com, and posts on X, here’s how the Big Ten men’s basketball teams stacked up at the end of the regular season:

Michigan State Spartans: 26-5 (17-3 Big Ten)

Michigan Wolverines: 22-9 (14-6)

Maryland Terrapins: 24-7 (14-6)

Purdue Boilermakers: 24-7 (13-7)

Wisconsin Badgers: 23-8 (13-7)

UCLA Bruins: 22-9 (13-7)

Illinois Fighting Illini: 21-10 (12-8)

Oregon Ducks: 20-11 (11-9)

Indiana Hoosiers: 19-12 (10-10)

Ohio State Buckeyes: 18-13 (10-10)

USC Trojans: 19-12 (9-11)

Minnesota Golden Gophers: 17-14 (9-11)

Northwestern Wildcats: 16-15 (8-12)

Rutgers Scarlet Knights: 15-16 (7-13)

Iowa Hawkeyes: 14-17 (6-14)

Nebraska Cornhuskers: 13-18 (6-14)

Penn State Nittany Lions: 12-19 (5-15)

Washington Huskies: 11-20 (3-17)

Note: Tiebreakers determined seeding based on head-to-head results and other conference criteria. Michigan edged Maryland for the No. 2 seed, while Purdue’s win over Wisconsin secured fourth place.

The Tournament Twist: Michigan’s Cinderella Run

From Third Seed to Champion

While Michigan State dominated the regular season, the Big Ten Tournament flipped the script. The Spartans earned the No. 1 seed and a double-bye but fell to Wisconsin in the semifinals. Michigan, seeded third with a 14-6 conference record, stormed through the bracket, defeating Purdue, Maryland, and then No. 5 Wisconsin 86-70 in the championship game on March 16. This marked Michigan’s third Big Ten Tournament title (first since 2018) and made Dusty May the first-ever first-year coach to win the event in conference history.

YouTube fans buzzed with reactions: “Michigan came out of nowhere!” one commenter exclaimed on a highlight reel. The Wolverines’ late-season surge—highlighted by a February 27 win over Rutgers that tied them atop the standings—set the stage for their postseason heroics.

Breaking Down the Top Teams

Michigan State Spartans: Regular-Season Royalty

Record: 26-5 (17-3)

Key Stats: 17 Big Ten wins (program record), No. 1 seed in tournament

Standout Player: TBD (awaiting All-Big Ten honors), but coach Tom Izzo’s 17th title speaks volumes

Michigan State’s 17-3 mark clinched their first outright regular-season championship since 2018, per Wikipedia. Their early dominance—9-0 by January 31, per John Fanta’s X post—set the tone, and a March 6 win over Iowa sealed the deal. Despite the tournament stumble, their consistency earns them a projected No. 1 or 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament, per ESPN projections.

Michigan Wolverines: Tournament Titans

Record: 22-9 (14-6)

Key Stats: Beat Wisconsin twice (once in Madison), No. 3 seed

Standout Moment: 86-70 title win over Wisconsin

Michigan’s midseason surge—11-2 by February 13, per Fanta—catapulted them into contention. Their tournament run showcased resilience, with posts on X noting their KenPom ranking (25) belied their clutch play. Expect a No. 5 NCAA seed, though some argue their resume warrants higher.

Maryland Terrapins: Quietly Elite

Record: 24-7 (14-6)

Key Stats: No. 2 seed, highest scoring average (69.5) among major conference starters

Highlight: Second-highest seed since joining Big Ten in 2014-15

Maryland’s balanced attack—five starters in double figures—made them a threat. Their 88-65 semifinal win over Illinois showed their potential, but Michigan halted their run. A No. 3 or 4 NCAA seed seems likely.

Purdue Boilermakers: Smith Shines

Record: 24-7 (13-7)

Key Stats: Braden Smith named Player of the Year (16.3 PPG, 8.8 APG)

Notable: Fourth straight season with a top-5 finish

Purdue’s Braden Smith, the Big Ten Player of the Year, joined elite company with 500+ points, 270+ assists, and 70+ steals, per bigten.org. Their tournament exit to Michigan stung, but a No. 4 or 5 NCAA seed awaits.

Wisconsin Badgers: Finalists Again

Record: 23-8 (13-7)

Key Stats: No. 5 seed, reached title game

Strength: 26-8 overall, KenPom 13

Wisconsin’s grit carried them to the championship, but Michigan’s two wins over them—including the title game—left them short. A No. 3 NCAA seed reflects their strong season.

Mid-Tier Movers and Shakers

UCLA Bruins: Newcomers Impress

Record: 22-9 (13-7)

Highlight: No. 4 seed with double-bye

UCLA adapted quickly to Big Ten life, earning a top-four finish. Their 70-86 quarterfinal loss to Wisconsin ended their run, but a No. 6 or 7 NCAA seed is probable.

Illinois Fighting Illini: Late Fade

Record: 21-10 (12-8)

Notable: No. 7 seed, 106-94 win over Iowa in tournament

Illinois peaked at 9-6 midseason but faltered late. Their tournament blowout loss to Maryland (88-65) suggests a No. 8 NCAA seed.

Oregon Ducks: West Coast Grit

Record: 20-11 (11-9)

Highlight: 72-64 upset of Michigan State in quarters

Oregon’s first Big Ten season was solid, with their tournament win over the top seed turning heads. A No. 9 or 10 NCAA seed looms.

“Who Won the Big Ten in 2025?”

Michigan claimed the tournament title on March 16, defeating Wisconsin 86-70, per NCAA.com. Michigan State won the regular season outright with a 17-3 record. YouTube highlights of the championship game have fans raving: “Dusty May’s a genius!”

“What Are the Final Standings?”

The top five—Michiagn State (17-3), Michigan (14-6), Maryland (14-6), Purdue (13-7), and Wisconsin (13-7)—dominated chatter. Posts on X from February and March tracked the race, with Michigan’s late push stealing the show.

“Which Teams Make March Madness?”

Projections vary, but ESPN’s 13-expert panel and NCAA.com suggest 9-11 Big Ten teams could dance. Locks include Michigan State, Michigan, Maryland, Purdue, Wisconsin, UCLA, Illinois, and Oregon, with Indiana, Ohio State, and USC on the bubble. YouTube debates ask, “Does Indiana sneak in at 19-12?”

“Why Did Michigan State Lose?”

The Spartans’ 74-86 semifinal loss to Wisconsin sparked questions. YouTube analysts point to Wisconsin’s hot shooting and Michigan State’s fatigue after a grueling season. “Izzo’s still a legend,” one fan insisted.

“Who’s Player of the Year?”

Purdue’s Braden Smith swept the Big Ten Player of the Year honors from coaches and media, per bigten.org’s March 10 release. His 8.8 assists per game led the conference, and fans on YouTube laud his versatility: “Smith’s a one-man show!”

All-Big Ten Honors (March 10, 2025)

Player of the Year: Braden Smith, Purdue

Defensive Player of the Year: Ace Baldwin Jr., Penn State

Freshman of the Year: Derik Queen, Maryland

Sixth Man of the Year: Will Riley, Illinois

Coach of the Year: Tom Izzo, Michigan State

Smith’s historic stat line and Izzo’s 17th title headlined the awards. Maryland’s Derik Queen emerged as a freshman force, while Penn State’s Baldwin locked down opponents. YouTube breakdowns of Smith’s highlights are trending: “He’s NBA-ready!”

Bubble Teams

Indiana (19-12, 10-10): A 72-59 tournament loss to Oregon hurt, but their KenPom ranking (top 50) might save them.

Ohio State (18-13, 10-10): A 77-70 loss to Iowa in the tournament left them vulnerable.

USC (19-12, 9-11): A 97-71 win over Rutgers boosted their case, but 9-11 in conference play is shaky.

YouTube fans ask, “Does the Big Ten get 10 bids?” With the conference’s No. 2 RPI, per WarrenNolan.com, it’s possible, but the bubble’s tight.

Tournament Titans

Michigan State leads with six Big Ten Tournament titles, last winning in 2019. Michigan’s 2025 victory was their third, tying them with Purdue and Ohio State, per ESPN. The conference’s depth—13 teams in early-season tournaments, per Wikipedia—underscores its strength.

NCAA Drought

The Big Ten hasn’t won a national title since Michigan State in 2000, a 25-year drought detailed by The Athletic. Eight runner-up finishes, including Purdue’s 2024 loss to UConn, haunt the league. Will 2025 break the curse? YouTube commenters hope so: “Michigan State or Michigan’s gotta do it!”

Projected NCAA Seeds

No. 1: Michigan State

No. 3: Maryland, Wisconsin

No. 4: Purdue

No. 5: Michigan

No. 6: UCLA

No. 8: Illinois

No. 9: Oregon

Bubble: Indiana, Ohio State, USC

The Selection Sunday reveal on March 16 confirmed Michigan’s automatic bid, but Michigan State’s regular-season dominance likely earns them a top seed. Posts on X debate Michigan’s No. 5 seed: “They beat Wisconsin twice—should be a 4!”

Big Ten’s NCAA Hopes

With 26 teams from 2021-23 yielding just one Elite Eight, per The Athletic, the pressure’s on. Michigan State’s consistency, Michigan’s momentum, and Maryland’s balance could carry the conference deep. YouTube predictions range from “Spartans to the Final Four” to “Big Ten flops again.”

YouTube Buzz

Michigan’s Run: Clips of their title win have 100K+ views, with fans praising Dusty May’s debut.

Smith’s Highlights: Purdue fans flood comment sections with “Player of the Year” chants.

Seed Debate: Michigan’s No. 5 vs. Wisconsin’s No. 3 sparks arguments: “Wiscy’s 26-8, how’s that fair?”

Google Trends

Searches for “Big Ten standings 2025,” “Michigan basketball,” and “NCAA projections” spiked post-tournament. Fans want real-time updates and seed breakdowns, driving traffic to NCAA.com and ESPN.

Tips for Fans

Following the NCAA Tournament

Watch: Games air on CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV, with streaming on NCAA March Madness Live.

Track: Use ESPN or NCAA.com for live standings and brackets.

Engage: Join YouTube watch parties for real-time reactions.

Visiting Indy in 2026

The Big Ten Tournament returns to Gainbridge Fieldhouse next year. Book parking via SpotHero and arrive early—fans raved about Indy’s hospitality on X.

The 2024-25 Big Ten men’s basketball season was a rollercoaster of expansion, excellence, and excitement. Michigan State’s regular-season reign, Michigan’s tournament triumph, and a deep field of contenders showcased a conference firing on all cylinders. As March Madness looms, the Big Ten’s 18 teams—new and old—carry high hopes and heavy pressure. Will the drought end in 2025? Can Smith, Izzo, or May deliver a national title? The standings are set, the brackets are filling, and the stage is yours. Who’s your pick? Drop your thoughts below, and let’s keep the Big Ten buzz alive!

Faqs 

Welcome to your go-to guide for everything you need to know about the Big Ten Men’s Basketball Standings for the 2024-25 season! Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just tuning in, these FAQs will break down the latest info, answer trending questions from Google and YouTube, and keep you in the loop on one of the most exciting conferences in college hoops. Let’s dive in!

What are the current Big Ten Men’s Basketball Standings for 2025?

As of March 21, 2025, the regular season has concluded, and the focus has shifted to the postseason. While exact standings fluctuated throughout the season, Michigan State finished atop the Big Ten with an impressive 17-3 conference record, earning the No. 1 seed in the 2025 Big Ten Tournament. Teams like Maryland, Michigan, Purdue, and Wisconsin also secured top spots based on their strong performances. For the most current regular-season standings, sites like bigten.org or NCAA.com provide real-time updates. With the tournament now complete, Michigan emerged as the champion, beating Wisconsin in the final on March 16, 2025.

Who won the Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament in 2025?

The Michigan Wolverines claimed the 2025 Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament title, defeating Wisconsin in the championship game on March 16 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. This victory marked their third tournament title in program history and their first since 2018. Under first-year coach Dusty May, Michigan made history as he became the first rookie coach to win the Big Ten Tournament—an incredible feat!

How many teams are in the Big Ten Conference for basketball?

The Big Ten expanded to 18 teams for the 2024-25 season, welcoming Oregon, UCLA, USC, and Washington from the former Pac-12. However, only the top  підготов

15 teams participate in the Big Ten Tournament, with the bottom three teams in the regular-season standings missing out. This year, Purdue, Northwestern, and Penn State did not qualify for the 2025 tournament.

How are the Big Ten Tournament seeds determined?

Teams are seeded based on their conference record during the regular season. If there’s a tie, a tiebreaker system—considering head-to-head results, records against top teams, and other factors—is used to determine the final order. The top four seeds (Michigan State, Maryland, Michigan, and UCLA in 2025) earn double byes into the quarterfinals, while seeds 5-7 get a single bye into the second round.

Which team has the most Big Ten Tournament titles?

Michigan State leads the pack with six Big Ten Tournament championships (1999, 2000, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2019). However, Michigan’s 2025 win brought their total to three, tying them with Ohio State and Wisconsin for second place historically. The Spartans remain the team to beat when it comes to tournament dominance!

Where was the 2025 Big Ten Tournament held?

The 2025 TIAA Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament took place at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana, from March 12-16. It’s a fan-favorite venue, known for its electric atmosphere and central location for Big Ten supporters.

What were the standout performances in the 2025 Big Ten Tournament?

Michigan’s seven-foot center Vladislav Goldin was a force, leading the conference in effective field goal percentage and dropping an ultra-efficient 29 points in the season finale against Michigan State. Maryland’s freshman Derik Queen also turned heads, looking like a future NBA first-rounder with his dominant play. Purdue’s Braden Smith, named Big Ten Player of the Year, showcased his all-around brilliance with 506 points, 272 assists, 145 rebounds, and 70 steals—joining an elite group in NCAA history.

How can I watch the Big Ten Men’s Basketball games?

The 2025 Big Ten Tournament games aired across multiple platforms: first-round games were on Peacock, second and quarterfinal rounds were on the Big Ten Network (BTN), and the semifinals and championship aired on CBS. You can also stream via the FOX Sports app or Paramount for CBS games. For regular-season standings updates, check bigten.org or NCAA.com.

Who were the top teams in the Big Ten this season?

Michigan State (17-3 in conference) dominated the regular season, followed closely by Maryland, Michigan, Purdue, and Wisconsin. Newcomer UCLA also made waves as the No. 4 seed in the tournament, proving the expanded conference is as competitive as ever. Michigan’s tournament run, however, stole the spotlight.

What’s the latest buzz about the Big Ten on social media?

Posts on X as of March 20, 2025, highlight the Big Ten’s strong start in the NCAA Tournament, with Michigan, Purdue, UCLA, and Wisconsin going 4-0 in early games. Fans are hyped about the conference’s depth and star power—especially Michigan’s championship swagger and Purdue’s Braden Smith lighting it up!

How does the Big Ten impact the NCAA Tournament?

Michigan’s tournament win earned them the Big Ten’s automatic bid to the 2025 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament. Other locks like Michigan State, Maryland, Purdue, Wisconsin, Illinois, Oregon, and UCLA are expected to join them, with Indiana and Ohio State in the mix. Th 

Who were the individual award winners for 2025?

Player of the Year: Braden Smith (Purdue)

Defensive Player of the Year: Ace Baldwin Jr. (Penn State)

Freshman of the Year: Derik Queen (Maryland)

Sixth Man of the Year: Will Riley (Illinois)

Coach of the Year: Tom Izzo (Michigan State)

These stars lit up the conference and are names to watch in the NCAA Tournament.

Why is the Big Ten so competitive this year?

The addition of Oregon, UCLA, USC, and Washington brought fresh talent and rivalries, while established teams like Michigan State, Purdue, and Wisconsin kept the bar high. The mix of veteran coaches (like Tom Izzo) and rising stars (like Dusty May) created a perfect storm of hoops excellence.

What’s next for Big Ten teams?

With the Big Ten Tournament wrapped up, all eyes are on the NCAA Tournament. Michigan’s riding high after their title win, while Michigan State, Purdue, and others aim to make deep runs. Selection Sunday on March 16 set the stage—check NCAA.com for the latest bracket updates!

How can I stay updated on Big Ten Basketball?

Follow bigten.org for official standings, stats, and news. NCAA.com and ESPN offer detailed breakdowns, while X provides real-time fan reactions. For tournament highlights, YouTube’s got recaps galore—search “2025 Big Ten Tournament” for the latest clips!

The Big Ten’s 2024-25 season was a rollercoaster of buzzer-beaters, breakout stars, and a thrilling tournament finish. Whether you’re rooting for the Wolverines’ Cinderella story or Michigan State’s dynasty dreams, this conference delivered hoops drama at its finest. Stay tuned for more as the NCAA Tournament heats up!

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