Washington Rises In Big Ten Women's Basketball Rankings 2026

The Big Ten women’s basketball season’s getting wild as teams scrap for the top in one of college sports’ toughest leagues. As of January 30, 2026, the newest power rankings show just how intense and unpredictable things have gotten.

From jaw-dropping wins to shocking upsets, let’s take a look at where things stand right now. We’ll hit on some key games and moments that have shaped the season so far.

Top Contenders in the Big Ten

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The latest Big Ten women’s basketball power rankings show one clear leader, but the rest of the top spots are up for grabs. The USA TODAY Sports Network breaks down the top teams, spotlighting recent wins and the hurdles ahead.

UCLA Bruins

Previous Rank: No. 1

UCLA’s still the team to beat after a perfect 2-0 trip through Illinois. They handled both the Fighting Illini and Northwestern with ease, and honestly, their grip on the top spot feels pretty solid right now.

Michigan Wolverines

Previous Rank: No. 4

Michigan’s on a roll, bouncing back from a stumble against Vanderbilt with three straight wins. Their victories over USC and Indiana really highlight how determined they are to stay in the title mix.

Iowa Hawkeyes

Previous Rank: No. 2

Iowa had rattled off eight wins in a row before a tough loss to USC. With UCLA looming, Iowa’s got to dig deep if they want to keep their spot near the top.

Mid-Tier Teams Making Strides

Some teams in the middle are making real moves, hoping to crack the top tier. Their next few games could shake up the rankings in a big way.

Ohio State Buckeyes

Previous Rank: No. 3

Ohio State took a tough loss at Carver-Hawkeye Arena but bounced back with a convincing win over Wisconsin. They’re still in the mix, but the road ahead won’t be easy.

Michigan State Spartans

Previous Rank: No. 5

MSU notched a key road win at Purdue and now faces a crucial February. Home games against Michigan and Maryland could really define their season—no pressure, right?

Washington Huskies

Previous Rank: No. 8

Washington’s been hot, stringing together five wins since a slip-up against Purdue. Their double-overtime win over Maryland was gritty, and you can just feel the momentum building.

Teams Facing Challenges

Not everyone’s riding high—some teams are hitting rough patches that could really mess with their seasons. They’ll need to regroup fast if they want to stop the slide.

Maryland Terrapins

Previous Rank: No. 7

Maryland’s dropped three straight, including two overtime heartbreakers at home. It’s been rough, and honestly, they need a spark soon.

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Minnesota Golden Gophers

Minnesota took care of business against Wisconsin and Penn State, but let’s be real—their schedule’s been pretty soft. Tougher games are coming, so we’ll see what they’re made of.

Nebraska Cornhuskers

Nebraska got back on track with home wins over Illinois and Northwestern. But with a tough road stretch ahead, we’ll find out if they can keep it together.

Struggling Teams Looking for Redemption

Down near the bottom, a few teams are really fighting for any kind of consistency. These next games could make or break their seasons—no exaggeration.

Illinois Fighting Illini

Illinois has stumbled with back-to-back losses to Nebraska and UCLA. After starting 13-1, going 2-4 lately has to be worrying for them.

USC Trojans

USC pulled off a big upset over Iowa, giving them a little hope. Still, they can’t afford many more mistakes if they want a shot at the NCAA Tournament.

Oregon Ducks

Oregon finally snapped a four-game skid with wins over Penn State and Rutgers. They still need some quality wins, though, and consistency remains a question mark.

Teams in Dire Straits

For a few squads, this season’s been a slog with barely any highlights. If they want to avoid the basement, something’s got to change—fast.

Wisconsin Badgers

Wisconsin’s recent trips to Minnesota and Ohio State ended in losses. It’s clear they’re struggling to gain any traction in the standings.

Purdue Boilermakers

Purdue snagged a win over Indiana but then fell to Michigan State. It’s been a rollercoaster, and they desperately need some steadiness.

Indiana Hoosiers

Indiana’s in a tough spot, still searching for their first Big Ten win. Games against Northwestern, Wisconsin, and Purdue might be their last, best chances to avoid a winless conference run.

Bottom of the Barrel

The teams at the very bottom have had a rough go all season. Turning things around now? It’s a tall order, but you never know.

Northwestern Wildcats

Northwestern dropped three straight after a brief two-game spark. They just haven’t looked sharp lately, and morale seems low.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Rutgers got blown out at home by Washington and Oregon. It’s been a tough stretch, and turning this season around feels like a huge ask right now.

Penn State Nittany Lions

Penn State’s stuck in an 11-game losing streak. Honestly, it doesn’t look like they’re snapping out of it anytime soon.

This whole season’s just been a grind for them. If they’re going to turn things around, it’s going to take something big—maybe even a little luck.

The Big Ten women’s basketball race? It’s wild this year. Teams keep shuffling spots, and nobody seems safe in the standings.

Fans are in for a ride as things keep shifting. Who knows how it’ll shake out as we get deeper into the season?

Washington Rises in Big Ten Women’s Basketball Rankings 2026