College Basketball Big Ten Power Rankings Tiers: Taking Shape

Tier V: Indiana, Minnesota, Michigan, Rutgers, Penn State

It's looking like "Cancun on three!" for this grouping. All five teams have severe deficiencies that have kept them from being anything more than dead weight in the Big Ten this season. We projected zero at-large bids from this part of the conference, and even going undefeated for the rest of the season probably isn't enough. These programs are better off having their eyes on the future.

Tier II: Illinois, Wisconsin

These two have jockeyed for position all season long to get the right to be second fiddle in this conference, and it's still hard to tell who will come out on top. While the Badgers are the ones who sit atop the Big Ten standings, Illinois is the one who has the oh-so-slight advantage in predictive metrics. The return of Terrence Shannon Jr. for the Illini may prove to be vital down the stretch as well. Both teams remain in line for protected seeds next month.

Tier III: Michigan State, Northwestern, Nebraska

These three programs have been stuck in neutral all season long. While all of them have pulled off impressive wins throughout the season, some puzzling showings and an inability to find consistency have kept them from leaping up into Tier II. All three are likely in the field if the season ended today, but none are more than a poor showing or two away from falling down to the wrong side of the bubble. It will be a stressful month for this tier.

Tier IV: Iowa, Maryland, Ohio State

It looks more like NIT than the Big Dance for these schools, who have underwhelmed this season. While Iowa has mainly been as advertised this season, Maryland and Ohio State have plummeted 29 spots in KenPom since the preseason. They are currently well short of the resumé required to be considered on the bubble. Opportunity is still available on both schedules to potentially be considered for an at-large bid, and it would take a hell of a February to hear their name on Selection Sunday.

Tier V: Indiana, Minnesota, Michigan, Rutgers, Penn State

It's looking like "Cancun on three!" for this grouping. All five teams have severe deficiencies that have kept them from being anything more than dead weight in the Big Ten this season. We projected zero at-large bids from this part of the conference, and even going undefeated for the rest of the season probably isn't enough. These programs are better off having their eyes on the future.