Michigan State or Illinois? Big Ten basketball preseason poll reveals razor-thin favorite

We polled writers within the USA TODAY Network who cover Big Ten schools for their preseason predictions, all-conference teams and preseason awards ahead of Big Ten media days, which run Oct. 8 in Rosemont, Illinois.

It was a two-horse for the top spot between Michigan State and Illinois, with the Spartans edging it out by one point (280-279).

Jeremy Fears Jr. was selected as preseason Big Ten Player of the Year and was the only unanimous All-Big Ten pick. Here's a look at how our writers think the 2026-27 season will shake out in the Big Ten: