2024 Bracket Analysis: West Region

R.J. Davis, North Carolina

The Top Seed: North Carolina Tar Heels

Few teams enter March as battle-tested as the North Carolina Tar Heels, who faced down a brutal non-conference schedule and outlasted the rest of the ACC to cement a No. 1 seed this year. In many ways, it feels a lot like the type of team we used to see Roy Williams trot out on a regular basis ahead of March. There's veteran pieces throughout the lineup, namely a guard who has gotten better each and every year and is searching for a grand finale to their career (R.J. Davis), plus a dominant low post presence who is a force on both ends (Armando Bacot). But, this year's Heels are different in many ways - for one, they've plugged holes in their roster with key veterans through the portal, including Cormac Ryan and Harrison Ingram, and also lean heavily on the energy of the young guys, led by Elliott Cadeau. Hubert Davis has done an excellent job building up this roster and keeping together the core, which he deserves plenty of credit for in this era of college basketball. And, the Heels did enough to earn top billing even when they took their lumps during the non-conference, including beating Duke in a regular season finale that likely bumped them up to the No. 1 seed line. The Selection Committee not only gifted them that No. 1 seed, they were also rewarded with arguably the weakest region on the bracket, with the most underwhelming set of top four seeds of any region. That doesn't mean UNC is going to have a cake-walk deep into the Tournament, but the ingredients are in place for a program that is no stranger to deep stays in the NCAA Tournament, including playing for a National Title two years ago.

The Storyline Team: Michigan State Spartans

It wouldn't be March without the Michigan State Spartans entering the Big Dance with significant momentum, poised to cause chaos with a higher seed next to their name than normal. It's a script we've seen countless times since Tom Izzo has taken over in East Lansing - the Spartans start with a high preseason rank, struggle mightily in the non-conference and early portion of the Big Ten schedule, before catching fire at the right time before March and going on a deep Tournament run. Although, to be fair, this year's Michigan State team doesn't fit the script perfectly - they still had their fair share of issues down the stretch and were subsequently bounced in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Tournament by the Purdue Boilermakers. Even so, they're going to be a popular pick this time around and on paper, this is one of Izzo's best teams in recent years. Tyson Walker and A.J. Hoggard are a superb 1-2 punch out of the backcourt, Jaden Adkins is a killer from three-point territory, and up front, Malik Hall and Maddy Sissoko give opposing teams plenty to worry about. But, even with all that said, I'd exercise a bit of caution if you have the Spartans going deep this time around. As good as the team looks on paper, they haven't shown up in reality consistently enough to make me a believer, and the offense has a frustrating knack to disappear for long stretches of time. Don't discredit their first-round matchup, either - Mississippi State is going to give them a battle in Charlotte on Thursday. In short, storylines are great, and the history backs up Izzo and the Spartans - but just because something has happened in the past doesn't mean it will play out in practice this March.

The Cinderella Possibility: New Mexico Lobos

Even before they went on a tear to win the Mountain West Tournament, I was a firm believer in Richard Pitino's New Mexico Lobos. The Lobos have gone through their ups-and-downs all season in a league that ended up sending six teams to the NCAA Tournament, but they have a roster built to win in March and are playing their best basketball at the right time. You need guards to win in March, and New Mexico doesn't just have one they can throw at you, but an elite trio in Donovan Dent, Jaelen House, and Jamal Mashburn Jr., all of whom finished the season with averages in the double digits. Even better, all three appear to be fully healthy for one of the few times this season, namely Mashburn, who has been dealing with a nagging thumb injury most of the year. He dispelled any notion that was going to be an issue this March by having one of the best games of his season in the MW Championship, dropping 21 points on San Diego State in the 68-61 victory. Those three should power the Lobos, while forward J.T. Toppin and Nelly Junior Joseph work down low. Neither of the bigs are going to be leaned on the way these guards are, but give this team enough in the paint to ensure they won't be overpowered against bigger opponents, namely Clemson in the first round. All in all, for all my grievances against Pitino for many years as Minnesota head coach, he's done a superb job building the Lobos, and seems to have a roster that can finally deliver him his long-awaited March success. Another reason to believe? New Mexico faces the weakest six seed on the bracket in the first (Clemson) and if they win, they could face the weakest three seed (Baylor) - the path to the second weekend lines up perfectly for the Lobos.

Don't Touch this High Seed: Baylor Bears

There shouldn't be any denying that Scott Drew is one of the top coaches anywhere in college basketball today and he's done well to earn Baylor another top three seed in the Big Dance despite playing in the toughest conference in college basketball. Yet, I remain very wary of the Bears, despite what Drew and company have accomplished over the years. The offense is balanced enough and statistically has been strong all season, but has struggled to shoot the ball in some of their most important games of the season. Even so, the Bears have still had to win game after game by shootout because the defense has suffered some uncharacteristic lapses over the course of the 2023-24 campaign. There's no stopper like Davion Mitchell on this year's Baylor team - you can beat them off the dribble and get to your spots in a way we aren't used to seeing from Scott Drew-coached teams. Just as concerning, I'm not sure the Bears have the size up front to contend with the true elites in the field this year. True freshman Yves Missi has been impressive and played an important role for this team, but the blue-chipper is still prone to the typical freshman mistakes, and there's not a ton beyond him that inspires confidence. This team has really missed the presence of energetic big Jonathan Tchamwa-Tchatchoua, whose devastating knee injury last year has resulted in him playing sparingly over the course of this season. We haven't seen him play since early March against Texas Tech and there's no reason to believe he'll see any significant action in this NCAA Tournament, the type of absence that could have a larger impact than the average onlooker realizes. Add in the fact that Baylor has had two short-lived stays in March in the two years since their National Title, I'd suggest looking at other options in this region if you don't want to pick either of the top seeds, UNC and Arizona.

The Strangest Team in the Region: Long Beach State Beach

There's no sporting event quite like the NCAA Tournament, and every year it gives us strange nuggets that only add to the fascination and allure associated with it. This March, one of those strange nuggets comes courtesy of the Long Beach State Beach (yes, that's really their name) and head coach Dan Monson. Monson has been with Long Beach State since the late 2000s, building a consistent winner out west that went to the NCAA Tournament in 2012. But, the program had tailed off in recent years and it was clear the administration wanted to go elsewhere, with both sides announcing they would be parting ways at the conclusion of the season. But, Monson was given the opportunity to finish up the year and coach the team through the conference tournament and wouldn't you know it, they ended up going on a tear and winning the Big West in impressive fashion. Now, Monson is essentially coaching LBSU as a fired head coach, a strange scenario as they prepare for Arizona in the first round. The odds of the magic continuing into the NCAA Tournament are slim, but guards Marcus Tsohonis and Jadon Jones make them interesting, and we've seen Arizona upset as a two seed before - just last year, in fact. No matter what happens, this is one of those stories that reminds you what makes these few weeks in March and April so engrossing - you can never be sure what's going to take place, or what scenario is going to unfold. Sometimes, you just have to sit back and let it happen.

Picking the West

First Round

1 UNC Tar Heels over 16 Wagner Seahawks (First Four winner) -- We've seen teams based out of New Jersey and NYC create chaos in recent years (ahem, Saint Peter's), but I don't suspect that will be the case for Wagner here.

9 Michigan State Spartans over 8 Mississippi State Bulldogs -- Expect a physical contest between these two, which could come down to the final shot. I'll side with Michigan State because of their March history, but the Bulldogs are a tougher foe than most people may realize.

5 Saint Mary's Gaels over 12 Grand Canyon Antelopes -- Grand Canyon head coach Bryce Drew has created March magic in the past, but I don't see it happening here - the Gael guard play is simply too good, and overpowers the Antelopes.

13 Charleston Cougars over 4 Alabama Crimson Tide -- The Cougars were a popular upset pick last March, but were unable to finish the job. A year later than expected, I envision them pulling the upset over an awfully streaky Tide team.

11 New Mexico Lobos over 6 Clemson Tigers -- I contend that Clemson is the weakest 6-seed on the bracket, and the Lobos are flaming hot - I'm taking them to keep on rolling here.

3 Baylor Bears over 14 Colgate Raiders -- Colgate puts up points and plays at a frantic tempo, making them an intriguing upset possibility each and every year. I don't see it happening here, but this could be a fun one in Memphis.

10 Nevada Wolf Pack over 7 Dayton Flyers -- Neither Dayton nor Nevada ended the season on a high note, but the Flyers are a remarkably weak seven seed. They did not beat a single at-large team in the entire field this season.

2 Arizona Wildcats over 15 Long Beach State Beach -- No first-round shocker to a 15-seed this time around for Arizona, as Caleb Love and company over the Big West Champ.

Second Round

1 UNC Tar Heels over 9 Michigan State Spartans -- It doesn't get much better than two of the sport's top brands colliding in the second round. Tyson Walker and R.J. Davis should be a joy to watch, but the Spartans simply don't have an answer for Armando Bacot down low.

5 Saint Mary's Gaels over 13 Charleston Cougars -- Charleston hasn't lost a game since February 1st, but this is going to be a tough matchup for them. The Gaels do a superb job controlling tempo, and will have the Cougars off-balance from the opening tip.

11 New Mexico Lobos over 3 Baylor Bears -- Should be some fun guard play in this one, but the deciding factor for a New Mexico win? J.T. Toppin's work underneath, helping the Lobos spring the upset and advance to the second weekend.

2 Arizona Wildcats over 10 Nevada Wolf Pack -- Nevada is under-seeded as a ten, and lead guard Jarod Lucas is no stranger to March heroics. Yet, I just can't pull the trigger on the upset here, particularly with Tommy Lloyd's Wildcats extra motivated after last year's debacle.

Sweet 16

1 UNC Tar Heels over 5 Saint Mary's Gaels -- Much like the UNC-MSU matchup, this should be a fun matchup of skilled guards, but the difference remains the same: Bacot is too much to handle down low, especially if Cormac Ryan and company can help space out the defense with a couple timely threes.

2 Arizona Wildcats over 11 New Mexico Lobos -- I would say I'm lukewarm on the Wildcats entering the NCAA Tournament but the path is clear, and sometimes it just works out this way. They put a stop to New Mexico's run in the Sweet 16.

Elite Eight

1 UNC Tar Heels over 2 Arizona Wildcats -- As boring as it may be to pick the one seed over the two to win the region, I'm hedging my bets here. I expect the West Region to be the one that devolves into complete and utter chaos, so this is all about playing the odds.

West Region Champion: 1 North Carolina Tar Heels

2024 Bracket Analysis: East Region

Donovan Clingan, UConn

The Top Seed: UConn Huskies

Following one of the most dominant National Title runs in recent college basketball history, the 2023-24 campaign has been one heck of an encore by the UConn Huskies. They finished 31-3, took both the Big East regular season title and conference tournament title, and earned themselves the top overall seed heading into this year's NCAA Tournament. The roster looks slightly different from last year's group, although familiar faces like Tristen Newton, Donovan Clingan, and Alex Karaban earned valuable experience last spring, while filling holes with newcomers like Cam Spencer and Stephon Castle. Most importantly, the Huskies are led by arguably the top head coach in college basketball right now, Dan Hurley. The fiery head man proved himself with last year's run, but keeping this team focused all season long has arguably been a more impressive feat. Now, Hurley and the Huskies are facing down an incredibly ambitious goal: becoming the first program in a decade-and-half to repeat as National Champs. The road won't be easy in a difficult East Region, but this team has all the pieces in place to do it. I envision another lengthy stay this March and April for UConn, even with every other team in the bracket aiming to take down the defending champions.

The Storyline Team: Florida Atlantic Owls

Amazingly, there are three teams from the 2023 Final Four situated in the East Region, but the most intriguing has got to be the Florida Atlantic Owls. Their run last spring was one of the most shocking in recent memory, rising from a little-known program out of the C-USA to within a missed buzzer beater of playing for a National Title. As they moved to the American Athletic Conference this season, things have been different. No longer are the Owls a lovable underdog, but are now widely viewed as a team that can once again cause chaos at the top of the bracket, particularly with so many crucial pieces back from last year's group. It will be fascinating to see how the Owls and head man Dusty May handle the new-found pressure - they've gone through their ups-and-downs all season and didn't end things on a super positive note, losing in the AAC semifinals, but still came away with a surprisingly strong eight seed. When their guards get hot, they can beat just about anybody in the country, but it's going to be the play down low that determines just how long FAU sticks around this time around. Fortunately, Northwestern is more of a guard-oriented team themselves, and the two match up nicely, but UConn looks an entirely different animal in the second round if they do indeed get there. Even so, it will be fascinating to see what the Owls do in response to the heightened expectations, and storylines right themselves with UConn, FAU, and San Diego State all on the top left of the bracket.

Welcome Back to the Dance: Duquesne Dukes

How different was the college basketball landscape the last time the Duquesne Dukes were dancing? The slam dunk was just returning to the game after nearly a decade-long ban, the three-point line wouldn't be introduced to the college game for years, and Al McGuire's Marquette Warriors, not Golden Eagles, would end up as the eventual National Champion. Needless to say, it's amazing the Dukes are finally back in the NCAA Tournament after a thrilling run to win the Atlantic 10 Tournament. But, don't expect this team to be simply satisfied by gaining entry to the 68-team field - this team wants to stay for awhile. And, with a fun backcourt that features Dae Dae Grant and Jimmy Clark III, Duquesne could be a feisty 11-seed, with a chance to pull an upset over a BYU team that's been inconsistent all season long. Either way, we know one thing: LeBron James will be watching, as his former high school head coach Keith Dambrot, is head coach of the Dukes, earning a congratulations from King James himself on "X" over the weekend.  

Is this the Year?: Illinois Fighting Illini

Since taking over in Champaign, Brad Underwood has been a consistent winner, leading the Illini to five straight seasons of at least 20 wins, along with five straight trips to the Big Dance. Yet, his tenure has often been defined more by what he hasn't accomplished than what he has, with March upsets overshadowing so much of his success. But it feels like this 2023-24 team is different, with the pieces in place to have a long run this spring. There's the fearless scorer leading the way, Terrence Shannon Jr., a sharpshooter who can handle the offensive burden when needed in Marcus Domask, two versatile, two-way bigs in Coleman Hawkins and Quincy Guerrier, plus depth and experience throughout. The ingredients are here for this team to finally deliver both Underwood and Illinois in general the NCAA Tournament success that has eluded them for far too long, now it's just a matter of going out and getting the job done. And, I'd argue the path is the easiest it's ever been for the program under the tutelage of Underwood, at least early on. Morehead State is a decent 14-seed but certainly a flawed conference tournament champion, while the Illini's high-octane offense should blitz whoever they get in the BYU/Duquesne matchup next. Things get trickier after, with the possibilities of Iowa State and perhaps UConn lurking elsewhere in the region, but I have Illinois locked into their first trip to the Tournament's second weekend since they were national runner-up in 2004-05, and firmly believe even greater things could be in store than just that.

Welcome Back to the Dance: Washington State Cougars

It's been a tumultuous year off the court for the Washington State basketball program as the athletics department grapples with an uncertain future after the breakup of the Pac-12. However, the product on the hardwood has been fantastic, with head coach Kyle Smith bringing the Cougars back to the Big Dance for the first time since 2008. In fact, in the final year of the Pac-12, the conference is seeing it's longest NCAA Tournament drought snapped in the Cougars, a fitting conclusion for the league. But, much as the case with others snapping long NCAA Tournament droughts, Washington State is not going to be satisfied to simply get here, they want to win. Drake is an incredibly difficult team to start out with in the first round with one of the top players anywhere in the country in Tucker DeVries, the coach's soon, but the Cougars can counter with their own elite playmaker, guard Myles Rice. Although, Rice will need to get back on track after a frustrating performance in the Pac-12 semifinal loss to Colorado, where he finished with five turnovers. Perhaps that will provide an extra bit of motivation for him, and with versatile forward Isaac Jones, the Cougars should be an interesting watch in the bottom half of the East Region.

Picking the East

First Round

1 UConn Huskies over 16 Stetson Hatters -- Stetson is a great story, playing in the first NCAA Tournament at the Division I level, but it's likely to be short-lived as they face the buzzsaw that is the UConn Huskies.

8 Florida Atlantic Owls over 9 Northwestern Wildcats -- Great guard play should make this a fun one, but the Owls are deeper and more balanced than Northwestern, who will need heroics from Boo Buie.

5 San Diego State Aztecs over 12 UAB Blazers -- UAB went on a run to win the American Athletic in their first season in the conference, but I'm not convinced they'll be able to parlay that into NCAA Tournament sucess.

4 Auburn Tigers over 13 Yale Bulldogs -- Ivy League teams always make me wary this time of year, but Auburn is playing tremendous basketball as of late, and forward Johni Broome gives them an obvious edge. 

6 BYU Cougars over 11 Duquesne Dukes -- As awesome as it is that Duquesne got to the NCAA Tournament, they're a very weak 11-seed - BYU shouldn't have much troubles here.

3 Illinois Fighting Illini over 14 Morehead State Eagles -- Fresh off a Big Ten Tournament Championship Game in which they combined for 60 points, Terrence Shannon Jr. and Marcus Domask overwhelm the Eagles here.

10 Drake Bulldogs over 7 Washington State Cougars -- I picked Drake to upset Miami last year and subsequently looked like a fool as the 'Canes went on to the Final Four. Yet, I'm going back to the well and picking Tucker DeVries and the Bulldogs to get the job done this year.

2 Iowa State Cyclones over 15 South Dakota State Jackrabbits -- The Jackrabbits may be an NCAA Tournament regular, but this 2023-24 group isn't as strong as we've seen in the past - Iowa State should shut them down.

Second Round

1 UConn Huskies over 8 Florida Atlantic Owls -- Oh, how I wish this ended up being the Championship Game last spring, but I think the result would have been the same: UConn winning.

4 Auburn Tigers over 5 San Diego State Aztecs -- San Diego State is going to do their best to speed up and disrupt K.D. Johnson and the rest of Auburn's guards, but I think the Tigers end up being too much in this one.

3 Illinois Fighting Illini over 6 BYU Cougars -- You can never be too sure what you're getting out of BYU's guards on a given night but even if they get hot, the Cougars don't have enough down low to counter the Illini.

2 Iowa State Cyclones over 10 Drake Bulldogs -- An inter-Iowa battle in the second round! This should be a hard-fought, physical contest, but the stifling Cyclone defense helps them find a way to move on to the second weekend.

Sweet 16

1 UConn Huskies over 4 Auburn Tigers -- Bruce Pearl has built a consistent winner at Auburn, but the Tigers just aren't at the level of UConn right now - the Huskies should roll.

3 Illinois Fighting Illini over 2 Iowa State Cyclones -- This one is so painful for me to pick - I love both of these teams and would likely have both in the Final Four if I could. I'll roll with the Illini, with the hope that great offense beats great defense.

Elite Eight

3 Illinois Fighting Illini over 1 UConn Huskies -- As impressive as UConn has been all season long, NCAA Tournament history speaks for itself- repeating is just so incredibly difficult. In that spirit, I think the Illini get a massive win here and deliver Brad Underwood his first Final Four appearance.

East Region Champion: 3 Illinois Fighting Illini

2024 Big Ten Tournament Prediction

Zach Edey, Purdue

First Round

13 Rutgers Scarlet Knights over

12 Maryland Terrapins

The Pick: It's been a frustrating winter for both of these East Coast programs, but as they look ahead to 2024-25, a win or two in the Big Ten Tournament could be the springboard they need. Rutgers feels like the safer pick for me, even away from Piscataway. Although they haven't been able to climb out of the bottom of the league standings, the Scarlet Knights have seemed to find something over the last month-and-half, and their defense smothers a Terrapin offense that has been nonexistent beyond Jahmir Young.

11 Penn State Nittany Lions over

14 Michigan Wolverines

The Pick: Could this be Juwan Howard's final game as Michigan head coach? I'm still under the impression of the one-time "Fab Five" legend gets at least one more year at the helm, but there's little reason to believe the Wolverines are going to find their groove after a long regular season. Penn State's a strong 11-seed, and they should move on to at least the Thursday set of games.

Second Round

8 Michigan State Spartans over

9 Minnesota Golden Gophers

The Pick: No surprises, the 8-9 matchup feels like a coin flip. A loss to Indiana in their final regular season game wasn't a super encouraging way to head into the postseason for Michigan State, but the program still owns Minnesota traditionally, and the Gophers have cooled as of late. More importantly, how could I willingly pick against Tom Izzo in the month of March?

13 Rutgers Scarlet Knights over 

5 Wisconsin Badgers

The Pick: It seems like ages ago that Wisconsin was 5-0 in the Big Ten and in prime position to take a run at the league title. The last two months have not been kind to the Badgers, and this isn't a great matchup for them - the two split the season series, which included a 22-point Rutgers victory in mid-February.

7 Iowa Hawkeyes over

10 Ohio State Buckeyes

The Pick: Since firing Chris Holtmann, Ohio State has been a on tear, winning five of six under interim head man Jake Diebler. Can they continue the magic in Minneapolis? It will be a tough matchup for them getting an Iowa team firmly on the bubble, a program that always seems to find another gear when it comes to Big Ten Tournament time.

11 Penn State Nittany Lions over

6 Indiana Hoosiers

The Pick: Credit where credit is due, Indiana could have mailed in the final stretch of the season when it became clear their NCAA Tournament hopes were shot, but they've remained playing hard under Mike Woodson. With that being said, I like the Nittany Lions to steal a win - although the Hoosiers retain an edge down low, Penn State's guards can propel them to victory.

Quarterfinals

1 Purdue Boilermakers over 

8 Michigan State Spartans

The Pick: All eyes will be on Purdue this March to see how they recover from last year's shocking defeat at the hands of Fairleigh Dickinson, but the league tournament provides a great tune-up opportunity. They're the better team top-to-bottom against Michigan State, coming out on top in a hard-fought game during their lone regular season contest.

4 Northwestern Wildcats over 

13 Rutgers Scarlet Knights

The Pick: No "Cinderella" run from Rutgers, at least not this season. Boo Buie is not going to bow out in the first game after a double-bye in his final conference tournament, and he should help carry the Wildcats to the finish line here.

2 Illinois Fighting Illini over

7 Iowa Hawkeyes

The Pick: The way these two programs play, expect the scoreboard operators to be busy Thursday night. Neither team is going to slow things down, but the Illini are in better position to outlast the Hawkeyes. They just have so many different ways to beat you and with a deeper roster, they should have fresher legs when it matters most.

3 Nebraska Cornhuskers over 

11 Penn State Nittany Lions

The Pick: It's still remarkable to see Nebraska as the three seed in the conference and a recipient of the double-bye, but I don't think anybody around the program is satisfied just yet. They should be ready to go, and considering that they aren't set to play their third game in as many days (like Penn State in this scenario), they're the smarter selection.

Semifinals

1 Purdue Boilermakers over

4 Northwestern Wildcats

The Pick: The last time these two met, Purdue overcame Northwestern in an overtime thriller, and this should be another hard-fought contest as both teams vie for seeding in the NCAA Tournament. The Wildcats should have plenty in the tank to give the Boilermakers fits, but they simply don't have an effective counter to Zach Edey down low.

2 Illinois Fighting Illini over 

3 Nebraska Cornhuskers

The Pick: Illinois squeaked out a victory over Nebraska in their lone meeting this winter, and I suspect this semifinal to also be a tight one. Keisei Tominaga dropped 31 points in that loss and is always a wild card, but I'm not sure he can carry the 'Huskers to victory against an Illinois team with weapons at just about every spot.

Big Ten Championship Game

2 Illinois Fighting Illini over

1 Purdue Boilermakers

The Pick: An awfully chalky Championship Game prediction perhaps, but Purdue and Illinois have been the best two teams in the conference all season and it's only fitting they meet one final time with the league tournament title on the line. Purdue won both of the regular season games, but by just 11 combined points, and I think Brad Underwood is a good enough coach that he will have made the necessary adjustments. If the Illini can do just enough to slow down Edey, their outside shooting and superior guard play should help them come out on top.

Big Ten Champion: 2 Illinois Fighting Illini

After two down seasons to begin the Brad Underwood era, Illinois has been a model of consistency in the Big Ten, winning 20 or more games each of the last five years. Yet, for all that success, a long NCAA Tournament has eluded Underwood and the Illini, at least up until now. I think this is the year that changes, with a roster built to win in March. There's the explosive leading scorer (Terrance Shannon Jr.), the sharpshooting wing who can take over when needed (Marcus Domask), a pair of versatile two-way bigs (Coleman Hawkins & Quincy Guerrier), and experience and depth throughout. I genuinely think this team has a Final Four ceiling, and the Big Ten Tournament could be just what they need to get it all rolling. 

NFL Mock Draft 2024: Edition 4 (Combine Edition)

Malik Nabers, LSU to New York Giants

1. Chicago Bears

Caleb Williams, QB, USC

Even as the pre-Draft process heats up, little has changed at the top, with Caleb Williams remaining the overwhelming favorite to be the top overall selection this spring. Justin Fields remains on the Bears roster, but Williams is the type of franchise-changing quarterback that simply doesn't come along very often - it will be nearly impossible for Chicago to pass him up.

2. Washington Commanders

Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina

Things could get interesting at pick two with Washington certain to entertain trade possibilities, but if they do stay firm, all signs point to Drake Maye at this spot. The former Tar Heel signal-caller checks just about every box, and this appears to be a good landing spot for him, teaming up with an offensive coordinator that will make the most of his skillset in Kliff Kingsbury.

3. New England Patriots

Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU

I'm not entirely convinced New England will go quarterback here, even if it's clear that Mac Jones is not the long-term answer. Bringing in a veteran seems like a safer move for Year One of the Jerod Mayo era, but the most likely scenario does still remain Jayden Daniels, fresh off a 2023 Heisman campaign. Daniels gives the Patriots a playmaker at the position they have been lacking, but it will be curious to see what else they do offensively, with clear needs at receiver and along the offensive line.

4. Arizona Cardinals

Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State

Arizona could be a real wild card looking ahead to next fall. The lost 2023 season aside, this remains a very talented roster top-to-bottom, and a healthy Kyler Murray makes them a spoiler who could play their way into the NFC playoff picture. But in order to do so, they need more help for Kyler on the outside, especially with Marquise Brown likely to head elsewhere. Marvin Harrison Jr. is the clear No. 1 wide out in this Draft and will open things up underneath for Trey McBride and the rest of this supporting cast.

5. Los Angeles Chargers

Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia

With the top four picks remaining steady (for the time being), LA's selection at five could be the spot where the Draft really starts to heat up. Jim Harbaugh's arrival adds an interesting layer to a team that should have been much better than they were in 2023, and there are multiple directions they could go. I like the idea of bringing in Brock Bowers, a superstar tight end who will open up the passing game and provide Justin Herbert a security blanket. Who knows, he could just be the reincarnation of Antonio Gates, and have a long and fruitful career in a Charger jersey.

6. New York Giants

Malik Nabers, WR, LSU

Daniel Jones seems to have an uncertain future in the Big Apple, but if the Giants are intending to stick with him, they absolutely need to upgrade the weapons around him. The organization has lacked a true No. 1 receiver for far too long, but that could change if they take Malik Nabers with this pick. The speedster put together a monster 2023 paired with Jayden Daniels, and is the type of playmaker that you can line up just about anywhere and expect production from.

7. Tennessee Titans

Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State

After Will Levis flashed during his rookie season, the objective is clear for the Titans: get him some protection. Levis was sacked 28 times in his nine starts, but fortunately help could be on the way in the form of Olu Fashanu, a powerful blocker out of Penn State who looks to be a Top 10 lock. Fashanu wasn't quite as dominant his 2023 season as some expected, but has still done enough to earn recognition as the likely top linemen off the board.

8. Atlanta Falcons

Dallas Turner, DE/LB, Alabama

Atlanta remains in the market for a quarterback, but my suspicion is that they'll look to a veteran for 2024 and instead use this Top 10 selection to get new head coach Raheem Morris some new toys to play with defensively. That includes edge rusher Dallas Turner, an unstoppable force off the edge who unsurprisingly had an impressive showing at the Combine.

9. Chicago Bears

Rome Odunze, WR, Washington

Chicago's quarterback woes have been well-documented, but the organization has also had a frustrating time developing the receiver position, something that needs to change if Caleb Williams is to be the guy in the Windy City. Rome Odunze didn't blow away on-lookers at the Combine, but remains one of the top receivers on the board, with the downfield explosiveness to give this Bear offense some real bite.

10. New York Jets

Taliese Fuaga, OL, Oregon State

As I've mentioned multiple times, Oregon State's Taliese Fuaga is the type of pro prospect that is going to keep steadily climbing draft boards, and it wouldn't shock me if he ends up being the first linemen taken this spring. The Jets have obvious needs to address along their O-Line, and Fuaga could be a plug-and-play right tackle for them.

11. Minnesota Vikings

Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama

This may be the toughest pick in the entire first round for me to call. With Kirk Cousins' future in Minnesota up in the air, the Vikings could certainly be in play for a quarterback, but do they have the ammunition to trade up for one? Something tells me Minnesota brass is fine staying here and instead filling out other holes on the roster, including corner. Terrion Arnold had a strong day at the Combine, and is in a neck-and-neck battle with Quinyon Mitchell to be the top CB off the board.

12. Denver Broncos

J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

Sean Payton has made it quite clear that Russell Wilson is not going to be Denver's starting quarterback in 2024, although the Broncos are at an interesting spot when it comes to taking a new franchise signal-caller. The top trio is long gone, but J.J. McCarthy will still likely be available here, giving Payton a young, well-rounded QB to mold for years to come.

13. Las Vegas Raiders

Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

As impressive as Terrion Arnold was at the Combine, Quinyon Mitchell didn't disappoint, either. The Toledo product ran a blazing fast 40 and looked smooth throughout the on-field drills, likely cementing him as a Top 15 selection this cycle. He just feels like a Raiders prospect to me, particularly with a clear need on the back-end for Las Vegas.

14. New Orleans Saints

Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame

It would come as a bit of a surprise to see Joe Alt last on draft boards this long, but depending on how things shake out at the top, it's not completely out of the question. That would be quite a win for New Orleans, enabling them to add a valuable piece at a need position, potentially replacing Trevor Penning or the oft-injured Ryan Ramczyk.

15. Indianapolis Colts

Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson

Quinyon Mitchell and Terrion Arnold are beginning to separate themselves, but Clemson's Nate Wiggins should not be overlooked even after leaving the Combine with a hip injury. Wiggins had a long and productive career with the Tigers, and has the physical traits to be a steady corner for the long haul. He'll be a welcome addition to a Colt secondary that has struggled in recent years and now must contend with C.J. Stroud inside the division.

16. Seattle Seahawks

Jared Verse, DE, Florida State

Seattle absolutely needs to bolster their pass rush if they have any hopes of staying competitive in the loaded NFC West, and there are an abundance of options available to them at the 16 spot. Jared Verse was one of the big winners from the Combine and looks to have cemented himself as a Top 20 selection - he'd be a great pickup for the Seahawks here.

17. Jacksonville Jaguars

Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas

There are three obvious needs for Jacksonville this offseason: O-Line, D-Line, and cornerback. With the top three tackles off the board and the top three corners gone, that leaves defensive line the most likely route in this mock. Enter Byron Murphy II, a disruptive force out of Texas who didn't exactly wow at the Combine, but offers significant value in the mid-first.

18. Cincinnati Bengals

J.C. Latham, OT, Alabama

For as impressive as the first several years of Joe Burrow's NFL career have been, the injury concerns surrounding the former No. 1 pick are clear. The Bengals need to do whatever possible to keep their franchise quarterback healthy and thriving, and that will take further investment along the offensive line. J.C. Latham is a brick wall who should be a staple for years to come at one of the tackle spots in Cincy.

19. Los Angeles Rams

Laiatu Latu, DE/LB, UCLA

Much like division foe Seattle, the Rams need to upgrade their defensive line, which has underwhelmed for years beyond Aaron Donald. They have a chance to stay local and add a high-upside piece in Laiatu Latu, who doesn't test as well as the other premier pass rushers in this Draft, but offers ample schematic versatility at a key position.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers

Jackson Powers-Johnson, OL, Oregon

It's never flashy to take an interior linemen in the first round, but this would be a home run selection for Pittsburgh. Mason Cole is officially gone, and the Steelers have a chance to replace him with a well-rounded blocker like Jackson Powers-Johnson, who put together a marvelous career at Oregon and has only helped himself in the pre-Draft process.

21. Miami Dolphins

Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama

Kool-Aid McKinstry hasn't exactly wowed through the pre-Draft process and now looks like the likely fourth or fifth corner off the board, but the Alabama product remains an elite athlete who could help numerous NFL teams in a variety of ways. With the Dolphins moving on from Xavien Howard and Jalen Ramsey not getting any younger, this makes plenty of sense.

22. Philadelphia Eagles

Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa

The steal of the Draft? Cooper DeJean is a much better prospect than this selection may indicate but with so many quality corners set to go in the first, he could slide a bit. That would be a major win for Philadelphia, adding a game-changer at a need position who can also help out on special teams.

23. Houston Texans

Jer'Zhan Newton, DL, Illinois

Beyond Will Anderson Jr., Houston's pass rush is lacking and there's a particular need on the interior, with Sheldon Rankins set to become a free agent. The Texans would love if Jer'Zhan "Johnny" Newton were available to them at pick 23, adding a player who was one of the most dominant defenders anywhere in the country over the last several seasons.

24. Dallas Cowboys

Troy Fautanu, OL, Washington

Tyron Smith is set to hit the open market and even if Dallas does bring him back, it's time to start thinking about the future at the position. Troy Fautanu was highly productive throughout his time at Washington, and his ability to play either tackle or interior offensive line makes him quite valuable. A permanent move to guard could soon be on the horizon, but the Cowboys can use him however they see fit with this selection.

25. Green Bay Packers

Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB, Missouri

12 of Green Bay's last 13 first-round selections have been on the defensive side of the ball, a trend I don't see ending in 2024. Even with most of the big name corners off the board, the Packers have a clear need at this spot and have a chance for a high-upside in Ennis Rakestraw Jr., a well-rounded defender who was a key cog in the Missouri secondary for years.

26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas

More and more, you get the sense that Mike Evans will be sporting a different jersey color than Tampa red in 2024. As tough as it will be to lose a franchise staple like him, the Buccaneers should use this as an opportunity to get younger and more athletic at the position. Fresh off breaking the Combine 40 record, Xavier Worthy is unsurprisingly ascending draft boards, and would certainly add much-needed explosiveness on the perimeter.

27. Arizona Cardinals

Graham Barton, OL, Duke

Arizona got their offensive difference-maker earlier in Marvin Harrison Jr., now it's time to drill down and address needs along their offensive line. Graham Barton can play just about anywhere along the offensive front and is the type of proven, steady blocker that is going to have a long, fruitful NFL career.

28. Buffalo Bills

Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU

Gabe Davis is just about a lock to head elsewhere in free agency, so the Bills snag a new No. 2 to pair opposite of Stefon Diggs in LSU's Brian Thomas Jr. Thomas isn't quite the versatile weapon former Tiger teammate Malik Nabers is, but he's got ideal size and the skillset to be an elite deep threat, opening plenty of doors for this Buffalo offense.

29. Detroit Lions

Chop Robinson, DE, Penn State

I love the idea of Detroit investing in another ferocious pass rusher to add much-needed bite to this front seven. Chop Robinson, who began his career at Maryland before transferring to Penn State, has all the physical gifts that translate to the NFL and flashed repeatedly with the Nittany Lions. With Dan Campbell and Aaron Glenn, he has the opportunity to become something special.

30. Baltimore Ravens

Amarius Mims, OL, Georgia

This is about as Baltimore of a first-round selection as you can get, landing a talented prospect who just happens to slide in this particular mock. Amarius Mims could be the long-term replacement for Ronnie Stanley, a likely cap casualty over the offseason, with a staggering cap hit of over $26 million.

31. San Francisco 49ers

Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma

As opposed to many of the other big-name blockers this cycle like Olu Fashanu and Joe Alt, Tyler Guyton doesn't bring ample starting experience to the table, starting just one season at Oklahoma. Despite that, the 6'7" behemoth has all the physical traits to be a dominant linemen in the pros, and a team like San Francisco has the depth to gamble on a boom-or-bust prospect like him.

32. Kansas City Chiefs

Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia

It remains amazing to me that on a roster full of blue-chippers, Ladd McConkey was the most consistent offensive weapon for Georgia over the last two seasons, with the obvious exception of Brock Bowers. The former Bulldog doesn't wow physically, but he's sound all-around and can line up just about anywhere. He'll add consistency, reliability, and versatility to a Kansas City receiver corps that lacked all three in 2023.

Big Ten Power Rankings 2023-24: Edition 4

Tyson Walker, Michigan State

* Records updated through morning of 2/25/2024

1. Purdue Boilermakers (24-3 overall, 13-3 Big Ten)

Previous Ranking: 1

As the rest of the conference has beat up on each other, the Purdue Boilermakers have stayed above the fray and are in position to land their second consecutive No. 1 seed. A shocking loss on the road to Ohio State aside, the Boilermakers have been a model of consistency, despite getting the best from every Big Ten foe on a given night. As they prepare for their final set of league games and the upcoming Big Ten Tournament, it will be interesting to see how Matt Painter chooses to play it. Does he cut back minutes for Zach Edey and their other stars to keep them fresh down the stretch? Or, do the Boilermakers keep the foot on the gas pedal? The final three games of the regular season are arguably the toughest stretch of the season, with Michigan State, Wisconsin, and Illinois, providing plenty of tune-up opportunities ahead of the postseason.

2. Illinois Fighting Illini (19-7 overall, 10-5 Big Ten)

Previous Ranking: 3

For as frustrating as last week's heartbreaking loss on the road to Penn State was, Illinois remains a serious threat to win the conference tournament and do damage come March. They are led by one of the most explosive offenses in the Big Ten, particularly with Terrance Shannon Jr. back in action, but finding a semblance of defense will be the key for Brad Underwood's club down the stretch. Coleman Hawkins is the type of defensive anchor they need, but the perimeter defense needs to be better, especially as they look to a final set of four games that includes strong three-point shooting teams Iowa, Purdue, and Wisconsin.

3. Northwestern Wildcats (19-8 overall, 10-6 Big Ten)

Previous Ranking: 5

Since a frustrating pair of road losses to Purdue and Minnesota, Northwestern has kicked it into another gear, with four victories in their last five. Even their lone defeat could be considered a quality one, coming on the road to a suddenly flaming hot Rutgers team. The Wildcats now find themselves firmly in the NCAA Tournament field, poised to make their first back-to-back trips in program history, and are looking to secure the double bye ahead of the Big Ten Tournament. It's a great spot to be for Chris Collins and company, and even better news? Their final four regular season games are all winnable, even if road trips to Maryland and Michigan State appear perilous, meaning the Wildcats could continue to climb in the seed line as Selection Sunday nears.

4. Wisconsin Badgers (18-9 overall, 10-6 Big Ten)

Previous Ranking: 2

Through the Big Ten season's first month, Wisconsin appeared ready to go neck-to-neck with Purdue for the conference crown. Unfortunately, February has not been kind to the Badgers, with losses in their last six and sending them reeling heading into the most important part of the season. It's not just one thing causing Wisconsin's back-slide, but offensive woes have been at the heart of it, as they've managed to surpass the 70-point threshold just twice in their last seven. Can Max Klesmit get back on track after a January to remember has been followed up by an underwhelming February? Is there another level veterans like Tyler Wahl and Chucky Hepburn can reach? The Badgers still have a roster that can go deep in March, but they are running out of time to get things back on track, and Purdue and Illinois await on their remaining regular season schedule.

5. Nebraska Cornhuskers (19-8 overall, 9-7 Big Ten)

Previous Ranking: 4

Fred Hoiberg's Cornhuskers continue to take care of business, winning their last three games after a tiny two-game road skid in early February. None of the three wins will likely move the needle in a major way when it comes to Nebraska's NCAA Tournament hopes, but have been important in showcasing improved consistency from a team that had an unfortunate habit of playing down to their opponents earlier in the season. Not a single ranked team remains on the regular season schedule - while that may hurt the 'Husker's Big Dance hopes, they've already built a strong resume to this point, buoyed by victories over Purdue and Wisconsin. 

6. Michigan State Spartans (17-10 overall, 9-7 Big Ten)

Previous Ranking: 7

The same old script continues to repeat itself in East Lansing. The Spartans have pushed past their early season woes, and have been arguably the Big Ten's top team not named Purdue over the last month. That evolution doesn't come as much of a surprise - Tom Izzo teams always take their lumps early on, and this roster is far too talented and experienced to have been down for long. Still, a loss to Iowa at home earlier in the week showed there is still work to be done for Michigan State. The Spartans didn't even play particularly bad, it was more of the Hawkeyes shooting lights out, but this MSU team is set to see more difficult opponents down the stretch as they gear up for an NCAA Tournament run. In order to do just that, the Spartans are going to need more from their bigs, namely Maddy Sissoko - as elite of the guards on this roster are, keeping pace in the paint may end up being the X-factor.

7. Minnesota Golden Gophers (17-9 overall, 8-7 Big Ten)

Previous Ranking: 6

A buttery soft non-conference schedule aside, the Minnesota Golden Gophers have been one of the better stories anywhere in college basketball this winter. After a horrific 2022-23 that saw the Gophers go just 2-17 in the league and finish as one of the worst power conference teams in Division I hoops, they find themselves in the NCAA Tournament bubble mix in late February. The turnaround has been spurred by a number of things - the continued growth of Dawson Garcia and Pharrel Payne down low, the additions of Elijah Hawkins and Mike Mitchell Jr., and improved depth overall - and it doesn't feel like Minnesota is done just yet. With road trips to Nebraska and Illinois still remaining on the schedule, there are numerous opportunities to boost the resume, but the Gophers can't avoid the late-game woes that have become an all-too-common occurrence in the Twin Cities. 

8. Penn State Nittany Lions (14-14 overall, 8-9 Big Ten)

Previous Ranking: 11

It's unlikely to happen, but to my mind Penn State head coach Mike Rhoades deserves serious consideration for Big Ten Coach of the Year. Rhoades came over from VCU and inherited a roster with some of the most turnover in the league, and has them nearly at .500 inside the Big Ten with three games remaining on the schedule. The Nittany Lions haven't been intimidated by anybody on their schedule - on the contrary, they've beat a number of the conference's best, including Wisconsin and Illinois, despite missing leading scorer Kanye Clary. This is certainly a team that could be a spoiler in the Big Ten Tournament, as they're ending the year strong and look to be building momentum for a potentially much improved 2024-25.

9. Iowa Hawkeyes (16-12 overall, 8-9 Big Ten)

Previous Ranking: 9

Iowa remains one of the most confusing teams in the Big Ten, a team that had their share of struggles early on before finding themselves the deeper they've gotten into league play. Even so, the Hawkeyes still are prone to the occasional baffling loss, none larger than the Maryland defeat on the road on Valentine's Day. The Hawkeyes do remain in the NCAA Tournament mix after bolstering their resume as of late, but losing over the weekend to Illinois was a major missed opportunity for a team without much margin for error down the stretch. They will get the Illini again, this time in Iowa City to conclude the regular season, but they're running out of opportunities to prove themselves to the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee. The Big Ten Tournament will be huge for them, and we've seen Fran McCaffery-coached teams get hot when it matters most in the past.

10. Rutgers Scarlet Knights (14-12 overall, 6-9 Big Ten)

Previous Ranking: 12

What was looking like a lost season for Rutgers changed rapidly when Jeremiah Williams was inserted into the rotation, with a four-game win streak through mid-February that suddenly had them gearing up for the postseason. Things have cooled since, with a pair of losses to Purdue and Minnesota, but with coming on the road, the Scarlet Knights still have a chance to end the campaign on a high note over their final five games. None of those five remaining games are against ranked opponents, although road trips to Lincoln and Madison will be tough to overcome for a team that struggles away from Jersey Mike's Arena. Still, Steve Pikiell's team is always a tough matchup and they are another wild card that could play spoiler over the next several weeks inside the league.

11. Maryland Terrapins (14-13 overall, 6-10 Big Ten)

Previous Ranking: 10

It's been a frustrating second season for Kevin Willard in College Park, as Maryland suffered several baffling losses in the non-conference and now find themselves near the bottom of the Big Ten standings in late February. Jahmir Young continues to be the only consistent source of offense for the Terrapins, but hasn't been enough to carry them to victory in consecutive close losses to Illinois and Wisconsin. The final stretch of conference games will be all about building momentum for next winter and on the bright side, the recent commitment of five-star center Derik Queen provides some solace for a team unlikely to be playing in the postseason.

12. Ohio State Buckeyes (15-12 overall, 5-11 Big Ten)

Previous Ranking: 13

Two straight frustrating seasons in Columbus doomed Chris Holtmann's tenure, and the program is now searching for new life as they look ahead to 2024-25 and beyond. It remains one of the more attractive jobs in the Big Ten, nestled in a great recruiting area and with plenty of NIL firepower, which means plenty of big names are going to be connected to it. But in the meantime, the Buckeyes are still playing hard under interim Jake Diebler, and the shocking upset of Purdue last week showed this team won't give up without a fight. The NIT is still very much on the table for the Buckeyes and without a ranked foe remaining on the schedule, they still have plenty to play for.

13. Indiana Hoosiers (14-13 overall, 6-10 Big Ten)

Previous Ranking: 8

Will Mike Woodson get a fourth year leading the Indiana Hoosiers? That's the question swirling around Bloomington as they've sunk near the bottom of the conference standings. Woodson was a strange hire at the time and while there have been a few good moments, Indiana simply has not won as much as the fans believe they should at this point in his tenure. Four consecutive losses have not helped, and the prognosis for ending the year strong doesn't appear encouraging - Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan State are all better basketball teams at this point than the Hoosiers and the lone winnable game (Maryland) comes on the road. Add in Woodson's struggles on the recruiting trail, it just feels like a change is needed with the Big Ten set to expand for the 2024-25 season.

14. Michigan Wolverines (8-19 overall, 3-13 Big Ten)

Previous Ranking: 14

Chris Holtmann may be gone and Mike Woodson potentially out the door, but Juwan Howard's hot seat isn't far behind after a disastrous 2023-24. The Wolverines have been situated at the bottom of the conference essentially the entire season, and it's hard to take away any bright spots from the year. It's particularly baffling because the ingredients aren't terrible - Dug McDaniel is one of the most exciting young guards in the league, Olivier Nkamhoua and Nimari Burnett have been winning players elsewhere, and Terrance Williams II has quietly had a productive campaign. But, they just haven't worked together and the overall energy around the program is missing. It will be difficult to move on from Howard, one of the architects of the "Fab Five" but it's worth watching as we look towards the offseason.

5 Dark Horse Mid-Major NCAA Tournament Teams for 2024

Will Wade, McNeese

There is no sporting event quite like the NCAA Tournament, and nothing quite as magical as an unexpected "Cinderella" run. In a college sports landscape that seems increasingly defined by greed, big money, and the nefarious intentions of power brokers behind the scenes, a Cinderella run is about as pure as you can get in this day and age, a group of young men coming together to defy expectations and achieve a common goal. Yet, picking who this "Cinderella" team may be remains as difficult as ever - but what's a little pre-March Madness fun without trying? I've picked five teams outside of the power conferences who I believe have the best shot at becoming this year's March darling. Not all five are likely to make the field and plenty is still yet to change in the fluid world of college basketball, but keep your eyes on these candidates the closer we get to the Big Dance. 

McNeese State Cowboys

23-3 overall, 12-1 Southland Conference

Projected Seed: 12-14

For all the off-court turmoil that led to his eventual dismissal at LSU, there's no denying that Will Wade can coach. After serving a 10-game suspension to begin the 2023-24 campaign, Wade has the McNeese State Cowboys rolling, with a 23-3 mark overall and 12-1 record inside the Southland Conference. What makes this particular team interesting is the balance they bring to the equation on both ends. They feature one of the stingiest defenses anywhere in the nation (allowing 61.4 per contest), but can go the other way and blow others away with an explosive, relentless offense. Shahada Wells is the headliner of the offense, the likely Southland Player of the Year, but the Cowboys feature four players who average double-digits, plus big man Antavion Collum (9.5 PPG). It's a balanced group that can hit defenses in a variety of ways, and they aren't going to be intimidate by any of their opponents, already beating NCAA Tournament regulars VCU and Michigan on the year. They are by far and away the top team in the Southland and assuming they finish the job and get to the Big Dance, they are going to be a tough out somewhere in the 12-14 seed range. Ironically, it may be Wade's best chance for a deep NCAA Tournament run - the farthest he's gone in the Big Dance is the second round, and this team certainly has the chance to get to the event's second weekend.

Green Bay Phoenix

17-10 overall, 12-4 Horizon League

Projected Seed: 15-16

Searching for a storyline team to cheer for this March? Look no further than the Green Bay Phoenix, who are in the midst of one of the greatest turnaround seasons in recent college basketball history. After going 3-22 in 2022-23, which led to the dismissal of head man Will Ryan, the Phoenix are nestled near the top of the Horizon League standings in the debut campaign of Sundance Wicks. Beyond having one of the best names in all of college basketball, Wicks has instilled both a toughness in the program that has been lacking for some time. Wicks has also a team that have developed a knack for winning close game after close game. Can they continue that magic into March? They'll have to find a way to overcome Oakland inside the conference, but that goal doesn't seem impossible to overcome - the two teams split the regular season series. With a soft conference schedule the rest of the way, the Phoenix are likely to be one of the three teams set to get a bye in the first round of the Horizon League Tournament, setting them up one step closer to achieving a miraculous turnaround.

New Mexico Lobos

20-6 overall, 8-5 Mountain West

Projected Seed: 8-11

It's hard to call New Mexico a mid-major when the Mountain West is poised to put as many as six teams in the NCAA Tournament field, but the conference still fits the definition as they ramp up for a potentially special March. San Diego State and Utah State are almost sure to be the higher seeds come Selection Sunday but if I had to put my money on one team in the conference to do significant damage, it just may be the New Mexico Lobos. The Lobos remain frightfully inconsistent, but this is a very scary team when they put it all together, and they have the type of roster competition that typically thrives come March Madness. Three tremendous guards lead the way in Jaelan House, Donovan Dent, and Jamal Mashburn Jr., the type of trio that can overwhelm opponents, while big man J.T. Toppin is the glue that holds everything together underneath. Interestingly enough, New Mexico isn't a great three-point shooting team, but they still have one of the most explosive offenses in the Mountain West, a group that run others out of the gym when they're on their "A" game. The key for them has to be figuring out how to play more effectively away from "The Pit" as they've taken their lumps on the road, but have beaten both Utah State and San Diego State in Albuquerque. There's also the Richard Pitino factor on the sidelines, but could this be the team that finally delivers his most successful NCAA Tournament trip yet? For all negative feelings towards Pitino, and I'll save the rant for a different day, he has done a tremendous job assembling this roster and if they can get a favorable path, it wouldn't shock me at all if this team is dancing deep into March.

Samford Bulldogs

23-4 overall, 12-2 Southern Conference

Projected Seed: 13-15

The Southern Conference may be a shell of its former self, but it will be forever known for giving us one of the most exciting NCAA Tournament underdogs of all-time in Steph Curry and the Davidson Wildcats. A decade-and-a-half later, the league may have another "Cinderella" lurking in the form of the Samford Bulldogs, who are poised to make their first NCAA Tournament appearance in over two decades. There may not be a Steph Curry on this roster, but the Bulldogs, like many others on this list, do feature a high-flying offense that provides plenty of reason to tune in. They average nearly 88 points per game, fifth in the nation, and do so by sharing the ball among a deep and experienced roster. Forward Achor Achor may be their top scorer, but it's the backcourt that really paces this team, with Rylan Jones, A.J. Staton-McCray, and Jaden Campbell playing crucial roles. Just as important has been the healthy return of wing Jermaine Marshall, who missed a big chunk of the year but appears to be working his way back to full strength, giving Samford the type of inside-out threat that is needed come NCAA Tournament time. A healthy Marshall adds yet another capable contributor to the regular rotation, making this one of the deepest mid-major teams anywhere in the nation - they can genuinely go 10-12 players deep, another edge ever so critical late in the year. Assuming they can finish the job and get to the Big Dance, this is not a team I'd want to be playing in the first round. If they can find even a shred of defense, the Bulldogs are certainly capable of pulling off a major upset or two.

Appalachian State Mountaineers

21-5 overall, 11-2 Sun Belt

Projected Seed: 12-13

When James Madison shocked Michigan State to kick off the 2023-24 campaign, it appeared as though the Dukes were going to be the Sun Belt favorite and a dangerous mid-major opponent come NCAA Tournament time. The Dukes still remain firmly in the hunt for an NCAA Tournament berth, but have instead been supplanted inside the Sun Belt as a "Cinderella" candidate by the Appalachian State Mountaineers. Not only have the Mountaineers beaten James Madison twice now, both on the road and at home, they've won 11 of their 12 games, with the lone defeat coming at the hands of Texas State on the road. What I find particularly interesting about Appalachian State and why I like them as a "Cinderella" candidate, is that they don't have just one overwhelming strength - they can win games in a variety of different ways. Whether that's going for over 100 in beating another potential NCAA Tournament opponent in Toledo, or grinding out low-scoring victories like they did against James Madison on the road, this is an incredibly versatile Mountaineer team that adjusts as well to their opponent as anybody in the country. Simply look no further than their upset of Auburn earlier in the season - they played a controlled basketball game and forced Auburn's guards to try and beat them, which resulted in the Tigers shooting under 40% from the field and just 11% from three. Appalachian State is not going to be an easy out when it comes to March, and assuming they can get there, this looks like your prime 5-12 upset candidate in the first round.

NFL Mock Draft 2024: Edition 3 (Super Bowl Edition)

Jayden Daniels, LSU

 1. Chicago Bears

Caleb Williams, QB, USC

What Chicago decides to do with the No. 1 overall selection will set the tone for the entire 2024 NFL Draft. Will they trade away Justin Fields and use this pick on Caleb Williams? Or, do they trade down themselves and continue to accumulate draft capital? The prevailing notion appears to be the former, giving the Bears the type of game-changer at the position they have lacked for far too long.

2. Washington Commanders

Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina

Sam Howell and Drake Maye ended up sitting together at the recent Duke-North Carolina game to cheer on their Tar Heels. While they were able to see the Heels come out on top, the scenario had an awkward feel to it, with Drake Maye trending in the direction of being the No. 2 overall pick. Things could change, but it's clear the new regime wants to invest in a new signal-caller and after an illustrious run in Chapel Hill, Maye looks to be the answer.

3. New England Patriots

Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU

It's a new day in New England, as Jerod Mayo takes the reins as head man. The first priority? Finding a quarterback that can win him football games on Sundays and evidently, Mac Jones is not that guy. Fortunately in this scenario, the reigning Heisman winner falls into their laps at pick three, giving the Patriots a player with a proven pedigree ready for this opportunity.

4. Arizona Cardinals

Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State

Marvin Harrison Jr. is the best player in this Draft, full stop. But with three QB-needy teams ahead of Arizona on the big board, the Cardinals come out as major winners by landing a generational talent at wide out. Harrison gives the offense much-needed playmaking on the perimeter, and could be just what Kyler Murray needs to hit another gear in 2024 and beyond.

5. Los Angeles Chargers

Malik Nabers, WR, LSU

To me, the fifth pick is where the 2024 NFL Draft starts to get very interesting, with the new-look LA Chargers in position to go a number of different ways with this selection. There may be greater needs than receiver at the moment, but it wouldn't surprise if Keenan Allen or Mike Williams were cap casualties over the offseason. Malik Nabers gives them a cheap replacement with elite playmaking potential, fresh off a huge 2023 in Baton Rouge.

6. New York Giants

Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia

Coming off a disappointing 2023 and set to turn 32 years of age, it doesn't feel like Darren Waller fits New York's long-term gameplan anymore. It's time to cut their losses, and fortunately, they have a chance to upgrade at the position by adding Brock Bowers in the early first. Even coming off a leg injury that cost him a big chunk of the fall, Bowers is the clear top tight end in this class, a tremendous pass-catcher who will be playing on Sundays for years to come.

7. Tennessee Titans

Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame

It'd be a bit of a surprise for the first offensive linemen to come off the board down at seven but you just never know how the chips may fall. Either way, that would be a win for the Titans, allowing them to draft their preferred top-blocker at this spot and continue bolstering a group that is in transition mode. Joe Alt is a proven commodity out of Notre Dame who should immediately bring run-blocking prowess to the table in Tennessee.

8. Atlanta Falcons

Dallas Turner, DE/LB, Alabama

Atlanta has one of the most exciting young offensive cores in the league with Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts, but the quarterback position is an obvious need. Unfortunately with the top three options off the board, there just doesn't feel like a QB fit here, meaning the Falcons likely either wait or trade down. If that's the case, it makes sense to invest in a pass rusher if they do stay firm at eight, and Alabama's Dallas Turner offers great value.

9. Chicago Bears

Rome Odunze, WR, Washington

Caleb Williams is the type of franchise-altering quarterback every NFL team wants, but the reality is that he's still going to need help around him to succeed. Enter Rome Odunze, fresh off a monster season at Washington in which he finished as a Biletnikoff Award finalist. His ability to create downfield gives the Bears a weapon to take the top off defenses, subsequently opening things up for Cole Kmet and D.J. Moore underneath.

10. New York Jets

Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State

With the Jets set to run it back with a (hopefully) healthy Aaron Rodgers, protecting the future Hall-of-Famer will be crucial. Fortunately, Olu Fashanu offers plenty of value at the ten spot - the Nittany Lion product would have been a Top 10 pick last spring had he come out, and put together a strong 2023 campaign.

11. Minnesota Vikings

Byron Murphy II, DL, Texas

Remember when the "Williams wall" made Minnesota's defensive front one of the most imposing in the NFL? This defensive line group has slipped in recent years, but the Vikings have a chance to add a high-upside piece in Byron Murphy II, who seems to be trending up boards after playing an instrumental role in the Longhorn Playoff run this fall.

12. Denver Broncos

J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

It would be genuinely shocking to see Russell Wilson under center for Denver in 2024, but what the Broncos choose to do at the position moving forward remains a mystery. More and more, it feels like they take a swing at a QB with pick 12, and J.J. McCarthy looks to be cementing himself as the "best of the rest" after the top trio goes off the board. McCarthy's a winner, and has the type skillset that Sean Payton could mold for success in the Mile High City.

13. Las Vegas Raiders

Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

One of the big winners at the Senior Bowl, Toledo's Quinyon Mitchell hasn't just played himself into first round pick territory - he has a chance to be the first corner off the board this spring. The three-year starter is a well-rounded prospect with the size, athleticism, and experience to be a rock-solid piece for the Raider secondary for years to come.

14. New Orleans Saints

Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State

As I mentioned in my last mock, Taliese Fuaga is the type of prospect that should continue to rise up draft boards as the pre-Draft process unfolds. The former Beaver has impressive measurements who should wow at the Combine. He could end up being the first offensive linemen off the board and at this spot, he's the perfect solution for a Saints team that needs to upgrade a banged up offensive front.

15. Indianapolis Colts

Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson

Playing in a division that now includes Trevor Lawrence and C.J. Stroud, Indianapolis has work to do to shore up a secondary that was frightfully inconsistent over the past season. They'd consider themselves major winners if Clemson's Nate Wiggins drops to them, an experienced, ball-hawking defender who could easily find himself going in the Top 10 come Draft Day.

16. Seattle Seahawks

Jer'Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois

If the Seahawks want to be a serious threat in the NFC, upgrading a porous rush defense should be a top priority. Johnny Newton was one of the most imposing defenders anywhere in college football during his time at Illinois and has gotten better each and every season. He could give Seattle the type of physical specimen up front they've consistently lacked since Michael Bennett.

17. Jacksonville Jaguars

J.C. Latham, OT, Alabama

After a disappointing conclusion to the 2023 season, the Jaguars will need to invest in their offense to get Trevor Lawrence and the entire unit back on track. Taking an impact blocker like J.C. Latham would work wonders from the very beginning, giving Jacksonville a nice bookend to pair opposite of another one-time Alabama blocker, Cam Robinson.

18. Cincinnati Bengals

Amarius Mims, OL, Georgia

It's set to be an interesting offseason in Cincinnati, with several big names set to hit free agency. Receiver will be a place to watch, with both Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd potentially moving on, but the greater need for the Bengals may be on the offensive line, with Jonah Williams hitting the market. If he does indeed walk, Cincinnati adds a possible replacement here in Amarius Mims, who can play multiple spots along the O-Line.

19. Los Angeles Rams

Laiatu Latu, DE/LB, UCLA

As things stand today, it looks like the Rams are gearing up for what could be their final run at a Super Bowl with Matthew Stafford under center. If that's the case, the defense will need reinforcements, particularly off the edge. Enter Laiatu Latu, an impact pass rusher out of UCLA with all the necessary physical tools to be a disruptor for years to come in Los Angeles.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers

Jackson Powers-Johnson, OL, Oregon

Another big winner from the Senior Bowl was Oregon's Jackson Powers-Johnson, following up his Rimington Trophy season with a dominant showing at a crucial time in the pre-Draft process. He has now moved into first-round lock territory, and Pittsburgh makes a lot of sense. With Mason Cole set to cash in over the offseason the Steelers are almost surely set to move on, with Powers-Johnson the perfect sit to slide into the vacancy.

21. Miami Dolphins

Graham Barton, OL, Duke

The run on offensive linemen continues here with the Dolphins adding a quality interior blocker in Graham Barton out of Duke. Barton doesn't seem to have the upside of other projected first-round linemen, but he's a proven commodity who will immediately upgrade Miami's ground game and stabilize a position likely to be influx over the offseason.

22. Philadelphia Eagles

Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama

This feels like a no-brainer for Philadelphia, who has a clear need at cornerback and now has a shot to add Kool-Aid McKinstry out of Alabama. Although his draft stock seems to be slipping in recent weeks, McKinstry is still widely considered one of the top corners in this cycle, and brings an elite playmaker to the equation for the Eagles.

23. Houston Texans

T'Vondre Sweat, DL, Texas

Beyond Will Anderson Jr., the Texans are thin on proven pass rushers as they prep for the 2024 campaign. They'd love if a piece like Latu or Jer'Zhan Newton were to drop to them at 23, but T'Vondre Sweat offers quite the consolation prize. A relentless interior pass rusher, Sweat seems like the perfect type of player for head coach Demeco Ryans, and he put together a strong showing at the Senior Bowl.

24. Dallas Cowboys

Troy Fautanu, OL, Washington

Keep your eye on cornerback as a potential move for Dallas at this spot, but with McKinstry and others already off the board, I'm looking at offensive line instead. Tyron Smith is set to turn 33 years of age and has struggled to stay healthy in recent years - the Cowboys get a high-upside replacement here in Washington's Troy Fautanu.

25. Green Bay Packers

Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona

Yet another offensive tackle off the board? You can never be quite sure which direction Green Bay is going on any given draft day, but they have a clear need at tackle with David Bahktiari's long-term future with the franchise in doubt. The Packers could choose to find a replacement in free agency, but it may be difficult to pass up on a player with the potential of Jordan Morgan, who has all the physical gifts to be a force on Sundays.

26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Jared Verse, DE, Florida State

The Buccaneers have numerous questions on offense, even after winning the NFC South in 2023, but it feels like they'll run it back with a similar core on that side of the ball and instead focusing on adding impact defenders through the Draft. Jared Verse offers tremendous value here in the late first as one of the most NFL-ready edge rushers in this cycle.

27. Arizona Cardinals

Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa

Arizona landed a superstar wide out earlier in the first, now they work on fixing the rest of the holes on the roster. Offensive line is a notable one, even with the selection of Paris Johnson last spring, but with so many of the top options off the board, I envision them instead working on solidifying the secondary - and Cooper DeJean is too good to resist at 27.

28. Buffalo Bills

Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State

If the Bills have any hopes of finally overcoming Kansas City in the AFC, upgrading the offensive weapons around Josh Allen must be a top priority. Fortunately, there could be an abundance of options in the late first, and Keon Coleman has potential to be quite the steal at this juncture. Coleman is the most purely talented wide out in this Draft not named Marvin Harrison Jr., now it's about him developing consistency.

29. Detroit Lions

Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB, Missouri

Detroit asks a lot of their corners, and it's clear the perimeter defense needs to improve if this team is going to make a run at an NFC Title. Ennis Rakestraw Jr. presents quite the solution - he's long, athletic, and never seems to fatigue, making him an ideal fit in this system. He was instrumental in Missouri's major turnaround this past fall.

30. Baltimore Ravens

Darius Robinson, DL, Missouri

Back-to-back Missouri Tigers? Darius Robinson has the feels of a Baltimore Raven prospect to me, a high-upside defender with scheme versatility and a proven work ethic. Robinson played off the edge primarily in college, but looks to move inside at the next level, giving Baltimore a disruptor who can be used in multiple ways.

31. San Francisco 49ers

Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma

San Francisco doesn't have the glaring needs of others in this first round, so why not take a swing at a boom-or-bust prospect like Tyler Guyton? Guyton is raw, starting just 15 times over four seasons in Norman, but has dazzling physical gifts and seems to be scratching the surface of what he can be long-term. If you're the Niners, what do you have to lose?

32. Kansas City Chiefs

Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU

With the exception of Rashee Rice, Kansas City's receiver corps was horrific in 2023. While Patrick Mahomes can make things work with whatever he's dealt, this has to be a point of emphasis if the Chiefs are to maintain their standing atop the NFL. Brian Thomas Jr. is cementing himself as a first-rounder and while he doesn't quite have the big-play ability of his former LSU teammate Malik Nabers, he's got ideal NFL size.

Big Ten Power Rankings 2023-24: Edition 3

Chucky Hepburn, Wisconsin

 * Records updated through 2/6/2024

1. Purdue Boilermakers (21-2 overall, 10-2 Big Ten)

Previous Ranking: 1

For the third straight time, Purdue remains perched atop these rankings, solidifying their hold on the league with a 75-69 victory over Wisconsin over the weekend. It was the type of road win that displayed just how many ways this team can win - neither team shot the ball particularly well in a low-scoring, physical affair but Purdue's edge on the glass and in the paint helped them prevail. It also kicked off a month of February that looks very favorable for the Boilermakers, a month they could realistically go undefeated in if they continue their impressive play. They get Indiana and Minnesota at home, go on the road to Ohio State, and then Rutgers and Michigan to close out the month. It wouldn't be a surprise at all to see the Boilermakers enter the month of March with the league title and No. 1 seed just about locked up.

2. Wisconsin Badgers (16-6 overall, 8-3 Big Ten)

Previous Ranking: 2

A pair of losses over the last week has Wisconsin going back to the drawing board, but neither defeat should be cause for serious concern in Madison. They dropped a close contest on the road to Nebraska in a classic look-ahead spot and then gave Purdue all they could handle over 40 minutes at the Kohl Center before coming up just short. It will be back on the road over their next two games, but the Badgers still remain in strong position to battle their way into a 2-3 seed come Selection Sunday, assuming they can get back on track. That will require them to find their shooting stroke again from downtown after going a horrific 3-19 from downtown in the Purdue loss. Others will need to emerge beyond Max Klesmit, particularly A.J. Storr, who fell back to Earth with a rough showing over the weekend.

3. Illinois Fighting Illini (17-5 overall, 8-3 Big Ten)

Previous Ranking: 3

You could certainly make the case that Illinois deserves the second spot as they've ripped off three straight victories, but we'll need to wait until early March to get a definitive answer on whether the Illini or Badgers are the greatest threat to Purdue inside the league. The Illini certainly seem to be playing better offensively, hitting 80 points or above in five of their last six games, but they'll need to find some semblance of defense if they wish to continue their recent hot streak. That means others stepping up on that end of the court beyond big man Coleman Hawkins, who currently leads the team in both blocks and steals.

4. Nebraska Cornhuskers (16-7 overall, 6-6 Big Ten)

Previous Ranking: 5

One thing is becoming increasingly clear the deeper we get into the Big Ten season - Fred Hoiberg's Cornhuskers are legit. Despite several ugly results mixed into their record, notably road defeats to Rutgers and Maryland, the 'Huskers own one of the stronger resumes in the conference, with victories over Purdue and Wisconsin to their credit. The key now will be developing more consistency, and the schedule shapes up nicely to do just that. After traveling to Evanston to face off with Northwestern, the Cornhuskers get Michigan and Penn State back in Lincoln, two opportunities to improve their record and ensure they are on the right side of the bubble the closer we get to Selection Sunday.

5. Northwestern Wildcats (15-7 overall, 6-5 Big Ten)

Previous Ranking: 4

It was a frustrating past week for Northwestern, dropping a pair of hard-fought games that could have easily gone the other way. Losing to Purdue on the road in an overtime thriller is nothing to be ashamed of, but the Wildcats have to feel like they let one get away during this Saturday's defeat at the hands of Minnesota, leading by nine points deep into the second half. At this point, we know who Northwestern is - Boo Buie and their tremendous guard play gives them a chance in every game, but the lack of proven contributors on the interior leave them susceptible against the elite bigs they see on a regular basis in the Big Ten. Things go get easier with a stretch of games that includes Nebraska, Penn State, and Rutgers, but there's plenty of work to be done over the next month-and-half as the Wildcats hope to bolster their NCAA Tournament resume.

6. Minnesota Golden Gophers (15-7 overall, 6-5 Big Ten)

Previous Ranking: 8

After a surprising 3-1 start to Big Ten play, things seemed to be going south in a hurry for Ben Johnson's club, with four straight losses sinking them to the bottom half of the league standings. But, the Gophers have responded in a way that we just didn't see over the first two seasons of Johnson's tenure, beating Penn State, Northwestern, and Michigan State to get back over .500 in the conference. They remain frustratingly inconsistent, but there's plenty of reason for optimism as Minnesota prepares for the back half of the conference schedule. Dawson Garcia has evolved into a bonafide superstar, Elijah Hawkins is one of the most exciting players in the conference, and the Gophers have their deepest roster they've had in some time. They remain on the outside looking in when it comes to the NCAA Tournament but the Michigan State was a major resume-booster for a team that needed it, and the fact this team has anything to play for into February is a welcome change.

7. Michigan State Spartans (14-9 overall, 6-6 Big Ten)

Previous Ranking: 10

Another year in East Lansing, and the same old script seems to be repeating itself. The Spartans had a rough go of things in the non-conference and early portion of Big Ten play, but have been one of the league's best teams over the past month. They entered Tuesdays night winners of five of their last six games, with their lone loss coming to Wisconsin, but were unable to come out victorious in a hard-fought loss in the Twin Cities to Minnesota. Despite that defeat, Tom Izzo's team is clearly finding their rhythm at the right time as they've gotten healthier, and this is arguably the Big Ten's best roster top-to-bottom. They have two capable, experienced lead guards in Tyson Walker and A.J. Hoggard, a healthy Malik Hall as the glue guy, and a flaming hot Jaden Akins to pour it on from the outside. This is a team that nobody wants to play right now, but we'll learn a lot more over the next couple weeks, with the Spartans playing three of their next four on the road and getting a Top 10 Illinois in East Lansing.

8. Indiana Hoosiers (14-9 overall, 6-6 Big Ten)

Previous Ranking: 6

Indiana's Big Ten record was buoyed by winning three of their first four games in the conference, but they've faltered over the last several weeks and now find themselves desperately needing a momentum shift in early February. To be fair to the Hoosiers, the schedule has been absolutely brutal, with three ranked opponents over their last six, and it hasn't helped that star big man Kel'el Ware has been banged up. Yet, the problem remains clear in Bloomington - they star power and a trio of impressive frontcourt pieces, but they need more from the backcourt if they have any hopes of getting back on track. The continued poor health of guard Xavier Johnson has put a real strain on the entire roster - the veteran seemed to be working his way back, but has missed the last two games, including Tuesday night's win over Ohio State. If the Hoosiers have any hopes of a potential NCAA Tournament run, they need him back in action. 

9. Iowa Hawkeyes (13-9 overall, 5-6 Big Ten)

Previous Ranking: 7

Fran McCaffery's Hawkeyes remain a very difficult team to get a read on this winter. They appeared to be turning a corner with three straight wins through mid-January, but then have followed it up with three losses in their last four, including winnable games against Indiana and Maryland. As usual, Iowa hasn't had any issues putting the ball in the net, once again featuring one of the league's most explosive offenses, but defensive woes and turnover problems have made them awfully streaky. There's plenty of time for the Hawkeyes to flip the script before a treacherous late February and March slate, but time is quickly running out for this team to have any shot at another postseason berth.

10. Maryland Terrapins (13-10 overall, 5-7 Big Ten)

Previous Ranking: 9

Speaking of teams that are difficult to get a read on, Maryland comes in at ten in these rankings, despite the fact they could be much higher. They've had a frustrating go of it trying to close out games - their last three losses, prior to their Tuesday night defeat at the hands of Rutgers came by a combined 14 points. Kevin Willard needs to figure out some way to get this team to finish off strong, because the roster has plenty of weapons and College Park remains an exceptionally difficult place to play. That likely means somebody beyond Jahmir Young showing they can handle the offensive load, a consistent issue for a team whose average of 69.5 PPG ranks them 325th nationally.

11. Penn State Nittany Lions (11-11 overall, 5-6 Big Ten)

Previous Ranking: 12

Penn State almost certainly isn't going to be going to the postseason in Mike Rhoades' first season, but this team deserves a lot of credit for the season they've put together after an offseason of turnover. They've been a .500 team in one of the most balanced leagues in America and have proven they can go out and beat just about anybody on any given night, with a victory over Wisconsin to their credit. The Nittany Lions could easily be a spoiler down the stretch, as they face off with three straight opponents over the next several weeks aiming to bolster their NCAA Tournament resumes in Michigan State, Northwestern, and Nebraska. 

12. Rutgers Scarlet Knights (12-10 overall, 4-7 Big Ten)

Previous Ranking: 13

It's been a down season in Piscataway but one thing about Steve Pikiell-coached teams is that they never give up fighting. The Scarlet Knights have ripped off two straight road victories, bumping them up to 4-7 in the conference and giving them much-needed momentum as they prepare for the final stretch of the campaign. The offense continues to be an issue, although a healthy Mawot Mag has made a huge difference, but Pikiell seems just fine playing his typical grind it out style. With Wisconsin and Northwestern set to travel to Jersey Mike's Arena next, the Scarlet Knights could be a feisty foe to watch through the month of February.

13. Ohio State Buckeyes (13-10 overall, 3-9 Big Ten)

Previous Ranking: 11

It's becoming increasingly clear that Ohio State's shocking downfall in 2022-23 was not simply an aberration - the program has real problems they need to solve. Five straight losses have placed them near the bottom of the Big Ten standings, and the path forward isn't clear. The lone glimmer of hope is that they've played things tight over their last two, losing by two to Iowa and three to Indiana. Unfortunately, their reward? A back-to-back with Wisconsin and Purdue next week. They do play Maryland before then, an opportunity to get things right against another team not playing their best basketball, but the season appears lost at this point. It's not crazy to think head coach Chris Holtmann could be heading to the hot seat after an impressive run of consistency over his first five seasons at the helm. 

14. Michigan Wolverines (7-15 overall, 2-9 Big Ten)

Previous Ranking: 14

Did Michigan athletics sell their soul to win a National Title? As the Wolverine faithful watches Jim Harbaugh return to the NFL and take a host of assistants with him, the results on the hardwood have given them little reason for optimism. Juwan Howard's team has lost five straight games, including a 10-point defeat at home to Rutgers that felt like one of their final chances to steal away a conference win. The roster simply lacks any offensive explosiveness beyond Dug McDaniel, and with a tough stretch ahead of them, it's hard to imagine any significant turnaround coming in Ann Arbor.