It’s College Basketball season! Tip-offs start as the calendar flips over to November. We’re previewing every team and every conference. It’s time to take a look at one of the power conferences, the one that delivered last year’s National Champions, the Michigan Wolverines. Let’s jump into the 2026-27 Big Ten preview, look at the odds, and make our best bets.
The 2025-26 season was an absolute monster for the Big Ten. It was one of their better years in recent memory and was filled with big stories. Michigan dominated the conference, Nebraska emerged as one of the biggest success stories in the country, and Purdue won the conference tournament. Nine teams made the big dance, and six Big Ten teams represented in the Sweet 16. The league ultimately brought home a national championship.
There were some big changes in the offseason. After winning the National Championship, Michigan’s Dusty May left to join the Dallas Mavericks of the NBA as their head coach. Mike Boynton Jr., a former Oklahoma State head coach who was on May’s coaching staff has taken over. At Oregon, Dana Altman unexpectedly retired October 7. Tony Stubblefield, a longtime Altman assistant, takes over after Oregon’s disappointing 2025-26 season. Rutgers head coach Steve Pikiell is missing time dealing with health issues. Brandin Knight fills in in the interim.
Odds to Win Big Ten Conference (Regular Season)
Illinois +135
Michigan State +490
Nebraska +1000
UCLA +1000
Michigan +1100
Purdue +1500
USC +1500
Ohio State +1800
Indiana +2500
Wisconsin +2700
Maryland +3000
Iowa +3500
Minnesota +10000
Oregon +15000
Rutgers +30000
Washington +40000
Northwestern +40000
Penn State +40000
Big Ten Conference Best Bets
Nebraska Over 12.5 Conference Wins (+120)
It’s a little insane to even be writing about Nebraska here, but there’s a good reason for it. From one of the worst programs in College Basketball history, Fred Hoiberg has brought this team a long way. They had a magical run last season, making the Sweet 16, getting close to the Elite 8. Can they back it up now is the question.
They finished tied for second in the Big Ten last season with 15 conference wins. So their postseason run wasn’t a fluke. They held up well throughout the regular season. Pryce Sandfort returns after averaging 18.1 PPG. Braden Frager also returns. While Sam Hoiberg and some others are gone, they’ve still got some integral pieces from last year’s team. This gives them a solid foundation to build off of. They are ranked fifth in the preseason media poll. They’ll pick up where they left off and get back to 13 wins at least. They are worth a sprinkle at 10/1 to win the conference.
Michigan State to Win Big Ten (+490)
Michigan State superstar Jeremy Fears Jr. returns after averaging 15.2 points and 9.4 assists. He’ll continue to lead his team, which you can always expect to be good. There is an argument to be made that Fears Jr. is the best player in the entire nation. An elite, experienced point guard is one of the most valuable pieces in College Basketball.
Fears’ supporting cast is back as well. Coen Carr, Kur Teng, Jordan Scott, and Cam Ward all return to the team. Kaleb Glenn, who missed last season with a knee injury. Tom Izzo is one of the best coaches in conference play; there is no two ways about it. This team has the perfect combination of talent, coaching, and the price is right.
