Michigan schools dominate Marcus Fuller's first Big Ten rankings

1. Michigan (14-0, 3-0)

The Wolverines are the new favorite based on their nonconference victories over North Carolina and Villanova, but they still have to play Michigan State twice.

2. Michigan St. (12-2, 3-0)

The Spartans looked like the team that has title aspirations by crushing Northwestern by 30 points, but the bigger test comes Saturday at Ohio State.

3. Ohio State (12-1, 2-0)

The Buckeyes' 6-9 sophomore, Kaleb Wesson, is turning into one of the Big Ten's best big men, but how will he do Saturday against Michigan State space-eater Nick Ward?

4. Indiana (12-2, 3-0)

5. Maryland (11-3, 2-1)

The biggest win on the first night of Big Ten games in 2019 was when the Terrapins held down home court with a 74-72 victory against No. 25 Nebraska.

6. Minnesota (12-2, 2-1)

The Gophers return five players who played in the NCAA tournament two years ago and that experienced showed in their first win at Wisconsin since 2009.

7. Wisconsin (10-4, 2-1)

8. Nebraska (11-3, 1-2)

Two road Big Ten losses by a combined nine points to Minnesota and Maryland.

9. Purdue (9-5, 2-1)

Can the Big Ten Player of the Year come from a bottom-half team? Carsen Edwards (25 points per game) is a one-man show.

10. Iowa (11-3, 0-3)

11. Northwestern (9-5, 0-3)

They need a point guard and a sidekick for Vic Law.

12. Penn State (7-7, 0-3)

They beat Virginia Tech but lack consistency so far.

13. Rutgers (7-5, 0-2)

14. Illinois (4-10, 0-3)