Big Ten basketball preseason poll, predictions 2026-27: Michigan, Purdue overrated; USC, Iowa underrated

Getty Images The 2026-27 college basketball season begins in less than a month, which means preseason predictions and accolades are starting to trickle out before the start of the season on Nov. 1. Illinois was tabbed to win the Big Ten and received 18 first-place votes in the annual media poll conducted by The Columbus Dispatch. Last season, only two teams (Purdue and Michigan) received a first-place vote to win the Big Ten. That prediction ended up being the right one, as the teams met hours before Selection Sunday in the Big Ten title game. Purdue beat Michigan in the…