With non-conference play now behind us, it’s time for Big Ten women’s Basketball teams to get a change of pace as conference competition begins in earnest.
Here’s a look at the latest rankings from the USA TODAY Sports Network, highlighting what to expect as competition heats up.
1. UCLA – The Bruins enter Big Ten action with an impeccable record that will face its first significant test this week. They face Nebraska on Sunday, followed by games against Michigan on January 1st and a tough trip to Indiana on January 4th.
2. USC – After an impressive finish to their non-conference schedule, where JuJu Watkins led the team to a significant victory against UConn, the Trojans are ready to continue their momentum at home against Michigan and Nebraska.
3. Maryland – The Terrapins have a rough start to the year ahead of them, facing two ranked teams in their next three games. They will play No. 19 Michigan State on Sunday and No. 22 Iowa on January 5, with a home game against Rutgers in between on January 2.
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4. Ohio State – Jumping back into conference action, the Buckeyes will visit Rutgers before returning home to face Northwestern, while a crucial away game looms against Illinois on January 8.
5. Michigan State – Despite a recent hiccup against Alabama that tarnished their perfect start, the Spartans remain a Big Ten power. Their upcoming matchup this Sunday against Maryland will be a defining test early in the conference season.
6. Iowa – After concluding their non-conference campaign with a flawless performance against their in-state rivals, the Hawkeyes prepare to host Purdue this Sunday as they begin their league season.
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7.Michigan – The coming weeks will reveal a lot about the Wolverines, who face significant challenges, including a trip to USC and another to UCLA, followed by a home matchup against Ohio State on January 8 .
8. Nebraska – The Cornhuskers are off to a tough start in the Big Ten, facing tough opponents like UCLA on Sunday and USC on Jan. 4 after a disappointing finish against Georgia Tech.
9. Illinois – The Fighting Illini are optimistic about continuing their strong start as they return to conference action, with a schedule including Oregon, Washington and Minnesota to come.
10. Indiana – After a chaotic 1-2 start, the Hoosiers return with a five-game winning streak and hope to keep the momentum going against Wisconsin, UCLA and Northwestern.
11. Minnesota – Although the Golden Gophers haven’t faced the toughest competition, their current record is a promising sign. They will face upcoming challenges against Penn State, Wisconsin and Illinois.
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12. Oregon – The Ducks started well but have had mixed results lately. Their quest for stability in conference play begins with games against Illinois, Northwestern and Wisconsin.
13. Wisconsin – Much like Minnesota, Wisconsin’s record seems more impressive given its less demanding non-conference schedule. The Badgers look forward to strengthening their position with games against Indiana, Minnesota and Oregon coming up.
14. Penn State – The Nittany Lions look to bounce back from a tough non-conference stretch, with crucial games against Minnesota, Iowa and Nebraska on the horizon.
15. Washington – The Huskies have a tough road ahead of them as they continue their first season in the Big Ten, starting with away games against Northwestern and Illinois before returning home to face Wisconsin.
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16. Rutgers – The Scarlet Knights have a brutal schedule ahead of them as they dive back into Big Ten action, hosting Ohio State on Sunday, followed by a trip to Maryland and a home game against USC.
17. Purdue – The Boilermakers enter Big Ten battle against Iowa on Sunday, followed by crucial matchups at Michigan State and home games against ranked opponents UCLA and Michigan to come.
18. Northwestern – Having finished the non-conference schedule with a mix of results, the Wildcats look to regroup as they engage in league action against Washington and Oregon in the coming weeks.
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