Iowa women's basketball tumbles in latest USA TODAY Big Ten power rankings

Iowa women’s basketball tumbles in latest USA TODAY Big Ten power rankings

Posted by Admin January 14, 2025 Basketball

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We’re full steam ahead into the Big Ten women’s basketball season, and there’s a chance for drama almost every single night.

With as many as 13 of league’s 18 teams vying for an NCAA Tournament spot, the Big Ten has become a gauntlet of intense matchups capable of shaking up the standings. With that in mind, here are the latest USA TODAY Sports Network Big Ten women’s basketball power rankings.

Rankings are reflective of games through Jan. 14.

1. UCLA (16-0)

Previously: No. 1

What to know: The Los Angeles fires postponed Sunday’s home game against Northwestern, which means UCLA isn’t back in action until Wednesday against Penn State.

2. USC (16-1)

Previously: No. 2

What to know: JuJu Watkins and the Trojans rolled over Penn State last weekend and will have the week off after the Los Angeles fires postponed Wednesday’s game against Northwestern. The Trojans are back in action Sunday at Indiana.

3. Ohio State (16-0)

Previously: No. 3

What to know: The Buckeyes stayed perfect with a grueling home win over Oregon on Sunday. Ohio State shouldn’t have any trouble in its next two games against Wisconsin and Penn State.

4. Maryland (15-1)

Previously: No. 4

What to know: The Terrapins bounced back from the USC loss with a blowout road win over Wisconsin. Things don’t ease up for long, though, with four straight ranked games upcoming.

5. Minnesota (16-1)

Previously: No. 5

What to know: The Golden Gophers cracked the AP top 25 for the first time since 2019 and will look to keep momentum flowing this week.

6. Michigan State (13-3)

Previously: No. 6

What to know: The Spartans picked up a home win over Washington on Sunday and now head out on the road this week to face Rutgers and Illinois.

7. Indiana (12-4)

Previously: No. 9

What to know: The Hoosiers snagged a huge road win over Iowa on Sunday and should have momentum bubbling into another tough week. Indiana hosts Illinois on Thursday and USC on Sunday.

8. Nebraska (13-4)

Previously: No. 8

What to know: Nebraska has won three straight since its loss to USC to start the month. The Cornhuskers will take their winning streak to Iowa City on Thursday.

9. Michigan (11-5)

Previously: No. 10

What to know: The Wolverines rebounded from the Ohio State loss with a road win over Purdue on Saturday. Michigan hosts Washington and Rutgers this week.

10. Illinois (12-4)

Previously: No. 12

What to know: The Fighting Illini got back on track with Thursday’s home win over Iowa despite having a depleted roster. Illinois is off until traveling to Indiana on Thursday.

11. Iowa (12-5)

Previously: No. 7

What to know: The Hawkeyes have stumbled hard with three straight losses, the last two coming to Illinois and Indiana. Iowa will look to rebound Thursday at home against Nebraska.

12. Washington (12-5)

Previously: No. 11

What to know: The Huskies are camped out in the state of Michigan, having fallen to Michigan State on Sunday before facing the Wolverines on Wednesday.

13. Oregon (12-5)

Previously: No. 13

What to know: Oregon was competitive but couldn’t pull a big upset Sunday at Ohio State. The Ducks have a favorable matchup Wednesday at home versus Purdue.

14. Wisconsin (10-7)

Previously: No. 14

What to know: The firm bottom five of the league starts here. Wisconsin will look to snap a five-game losing streak Thursday against Ohio State.

15. Penn State (9-8)

Previously: No. 15

What to know: USC throttled Penn State on Sunday. It doesn’t get any easier this week with Penn State facing UCLA and Ohio State.

16. Rutgers (8-9)

Previously: No. 16

What to know: Rutgers was competitive but ultimately fell Sunday at home versus Nebraska. The Scarlet Knights return to action Wednesday against Michigan State.

17. Purdue (7-9)

Previously: No. 17

What to know: Purdue will look to stop a four-game losing streak on the West Coast, with games Wednesday at Oregon and Saturday at Washington.

18. Northwestern (7-9)

Previously: No. 18

What to know: Northwestern had its Los Angeles swing postponed and will return to action Sunday at home versus Minnesota.

Dargan Southard is a sports trending reporter and covers Iowa athletics for the Des Moines Register and HawkCentral.com. Email him at msouthard@gannett.com or follow him on Twitter at @Dargan_Southard.