
Big Ten Basketball Power Rankings for 2026‑27 Preview
A look at the top five teams in the upcoming Big Ten season, highlighting key returning players, transfers and coaching storylines.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Omer Mayer across Basketball.

A look at the top five teams in the upcoming Big Ten season, highlighting key returning players, transfers and coaching storylines.

The Gophers have secured Kyan Evans, a transfer point guard whose familiarity with Coach Niko Medved's system could reshape Minnesota's prospects in the competitive Big Ten.

Purdue prepares for the upcoming college basketball season with competitive point guard races, notable player developments, and coach optimism.
Former Purdue standout Rapheal Davis reflects on head coach Matt Painter’s honest recruiting style, player‑first approach, and the lasting influence that earned him the nickname "Uncle Paint".
Former Purdue basketball player Rapheal Davis, now a Big Ten Network analyst, praised coach Matt Painter's approach to recruiting and player development, emphasizing honesty, long‑term relationships, and personal growth.

Freshman wing Jacob Webber, a 6‑foot‑6 sharpshooter from Kearney, Nebraska, is expected to contribute 10‑12 minutes per game and could reshape Purdue’s offensive dynamics.

Purdue will travel to Fort Myers for a Thanksgiving tournament featuring DePaul and Oklahoma, looking to build on a strong non‑conference schedule while preparing for Big Ten play.
Purdue’s men’s basketball team will headline the Fort Myers Tip-Off during Thanksgiving week, facing DePaul and Oklahoma as part of a demanding non‑conference schedule.

The left‑handed point guard from Mount Vernon brings elite high‑school stats and a relentless motor to West Lafayette, where he will vie for minutes in a revamped backcourt.

Luke Ertel, a 6‑2 point guard from the class of 2025, has officially committed to Purdue University, bringing elite scoring and playmaking to a team in transition.

At 55, Purdue basketball coach Matt Painter enjoys a rollover contract and a clear focus on the present, while associate head coach P.J. Thompson is increasingly viewed as a likely successor.

A detailed look at Iowa State’s ambitious non‑conference schedule, marquee matchups, and the storylines that could shape the team’s early season.

St. John's has risen to No. 16 in the 2026‑27 CBS Sports Preseason Top 25 And 1 rankings after securing a commitment from four‑star forward Theo Edema, while Coach Rick Pitino looks to bolster the roster with two additional transfers.

Despite logging just 15.7 minutes per game, Harris improved his three‑point accuracy and added valuable defensive stats, culminating in a standout performance against Iowa and a promising outlook for Purdue basketball.

Freshman Omer Mayer, a 6‑4 guard from Tel Aviv, navigates his first season at Purdue, showing flashes of playmaking brilliance while confronting defensive and shot‑selection challenges that could shape his future role.

An inside look at the player movements across all 18 Big Ten programs ahead of the 2026‑27 season, highlighting those who remain eligible, those eyeing the NBA draft, and the ongoing impact of the closed transfer portal.