The Big Ten women’s basketball non-conference games are now behind us, and the focus shifts fully to league play. Here’s a look at the latest power rankings from the USA TODAY Sports Network:
1. UCLA (12-0)
Previously: No. 1
What to know: The Bruins maintain their top spot with an undefeated record. Their mettle will be tested soon with matchups against Nebraska (Sunday), Michigan (Jan. 1), and Indiana (Jan. 4).
2. USC (11-1)
Previously: No. 2
What to know: USC wrapped up its non-conference schedule with an impressive road win over UConn. Next up are home games against Michigan and Nebraska.
3. Maryland (11-0)
Previously: No. 3
What to know: The Terrapins face a challenging return to Big Ten play with two ranked opponents: Michigan State (Sunday) and Iowa (Jan. 5), alongside a home game versus Rutgers (Jan. 2).
4. Ohio State (12-0)
Previously: No. 4
What to know: The Buckeyes have a lighter start to conference play, facing Rutgers on the road and Northwestern at home before a crucial road game at Michigan (Jan. 8).
5. Michigan State (11-1)
Previously: No. 5
What to know: The Spartans enter league play after a loss to Alabama at the West Palm Beach Classic. They’ll be tested immediately with a Sunday game at Maryland.
6. Iowa (10-2)
Previously: No. 6
What to know: The Hawkeyes ended their non-conference schedule with a win over Northern Iowa. They’ll resume league play against Purdue at home on Sunday.
7. Michigan (10-2)
Previously: No. 8
What to know: The Wolverines face a tough schedule with games at USC (Sunday) and UCLA (Wednesday), followed by a home clash against Ohio State (Jan. 8).
8. Nebraska (10-2)
Previously: No. 7
What to know: After a road loss to Georgia Tech, Nebraska returns to conference action with challenging games at UCLA and USC.
9. Illinois (10-2)
Previously: No. 9
What to know: The Fighting Illini will look to continue their strong start with winnable games against Oregon, Washington, and Minnesota.
10. Indiana (9-3)
Previously: No. 10
What to know: Indiana has bounced back from a slow start, riding a five-game winning streak. They’ll face Wisconsin, UCLA, and Northwestern in their next games.
11. Minnesota (12-1)
Previously: No. 11
What to know: Despite an easy non-conference slate, Minnesota’s improvement is notable. They’ll face Penn State, Wisconsin, and Illinois in upcoming matchups.
12. Oregon (9-3)
Previously: No. 12
What to know: The Ducks started 6-0 but have struggled recently. They’ll look to regain consistency against Illinois, Northwestern, and Wisconsin.
13. Wisconsin (10-2)
Previously: No. 14
What to know: Wisconsin’s solid record faces scrutiny as they enter conference play with games against Indiana, Minnesota, and Oregon.
14. Penn State (9-3)
Previously: No. 13
What to know: Penn State aims to stabilize after a strong start but shaky finish to non-conference play. They’ll face Minnesota, Iowa, and Nebraska next.
15. Washington (9-4)
Previously: No. 15
What to know: The Huskies have a tough road ahead with games at Northwestern and Illinois, followed by a home matchup against Wisconsin.
16. Rutgers (8-4)
Previously: No. 16
What to know: Rutgers returns to Big Ten play with a grueling schedule, hosting Ohio State before playing at Maryland and then hosting USC.
17. Purdue (7-5)
Previously: No. 17
What to know: Purdue starts conference play with a difficult slate, including games against Iowa, Michigan State, UCLA, and Michigan.
18. Northwestern (7-5)
Previously: No. 18
What to know: The Wildcats finished non-conference play with mixed results. They’ll face Washington and Oregon to open their league schedule.
