First 2024 Big Ten men's basketball power poll
1. Purdue (12-1, 1-1 in the Big Ten) — Big Ten's most dominant player is Zach Edey again, but the Boilermaker backcourt is likely key to repeating as league champions.
2. Illinois (10-2, 1-0) — Leading scorer Terrence Shannon Jr.'s legal situation looms as a huge dark cloud over a strong start for the Illini with a top 10 national ranking.
3. Ohio State (11-2, 1-1) — The Buckeyes are the most improved team in the Big Ten behind the trio of Roddy Gayle Jr., Bruce Thornton and ex-Gopher Jamison Battle.
4. Wisconsin (9-3, 1-0) — The Badgers had arguably the toughest nonconference schedule outside of Purdue, but they still managed to get wins against Marquette and Virginia.
5. Indiana (10-3, 2-0) — The Hoosiers will go as far as their frontcourt of Kel'el Ware and Malik Reneau can take them. They've combined to average 31 points and 14 rebounds.
6. Northwestern (10-2, 1-0) — The Wildcats were the first team to beat mighty Purdue, but they're not just a one-hit wonder led by guard Boo Buie.
7. Michigan State (8-5, 0-2) — A 4-5 record to start was Tom Izzo's worst since his debut season in 1995-96, but the Spartans are talented enough to turn things around.