2025 Big Ten Regular Season Conference Winner: Michigan New Favorites After Upsetting Purdue

The Big Ten is looking competitive with six programs featured in the AP Poll. A pair of consecutive unexpected conference losses has dropped Michigan State, former favorite, on the oddsboard. Now, Michigan are the new +105 favorites to be the Big Ten regular season conference winner at FanDuel. The Wolverines recently eclipsed double-digits in their conference win column and have suffered just two losses, the fewest among Big Ten conference records.

big ten regular season conference winner Odds

Odds as of February 13 at  Sportsbook

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big ten conference winner Favorite: Michigan wolverines (+105)

Michigan were always Big Ten contenders. When they got the chance to prove why they should be the favourite, they pounced on it. In a relentless back-and-forth campaign, the Wolverines sunk the extra two points to defeat the Boilermakers. 

Dusty May's team sits in the top 25 in the KenPom offensive and defensive ratings. But, what I appreciate the most about this team is that they're tenacity in the latter half of the season is a threat. In their last five outings, the Wolverines have won by four-points or fewer. Yes, that does cause concern for how they secure their own zone. But, they're relentlessly battling and a hungry team is a dangerous thing. 

big ten conference winner contender: Purdue boilermakers (+140)

Six losses this season sure doesn't look good for Purdue. Yet, the Boilermakers offensive rating sits eighth at KenPom, making them the most threatening offense in the conference.

Unlike Michigan State's balanced attack, Purdue has a trio of stars with Trey Kaufman-Renn's 19.0 PPG shining on the team statistics. In 14 of his 25 performances, the junior shot 60% or better from the field. Standing at 6-foot-9, Kaufman-Renn has been using his body better, averaging 22.5 points and 7 rebounds in seven meetings between over the last month.

Purdue's pair of conference losses tough upsets to the Nittany Lions (+2) and Buckeyes (-10). However, it was the Boilermakers recent devastation to Michigan, 75-73, scratched up their odds to win the Big Ten. But, those notable wins over No. 1 Alabama, No. 23 Ole Miss and No. 13 Oregon can't be overlooked too easily.

Purdue's 38.3 3PT% is the best of all the schools on the Big Ten oddsboard. The remaining schedule only features conference matchups against Michigan State, Wisconsin and Illinois. I'm appreciating the Boilermakers experience against top ranked programs this season and would think the preparation would carry over into the latter half of their schedule.

Last 10 big ten regular season conference winners

Of the last decade, the Purdue Boilermakers have been the Big Ten regular season conference winners three times. Courtesy of Zach Edey's legacy, the Boilermakers picked up consecutive regular season bragging rights in 2023 and 2024.