Starting Tuesday, the Big Ten Tournament brings together one of the nation’s toughest conferences as teams fight for the championship and March Madness positioning. MORE: 5 potential bracket-busting March Madness 2026 cinderella teams How to Watch 2026 Big Ten

Michigan coach Dusty May built the Big Ten Tournament’s No. 1 seeded-team with a lineup filled with the nation’s top transfer talent.

After taking over as Michigan State’s starting point guard, Fears averaged 7.2 points and 5.4 assists while helping lead the team to a Big Ten title and spot in the Elite Eight last season. When Tre Holloman surprisingly transferred to NC State just a couple days after the 30-win Spartans lost in Atlanta, Fears’ role became even more important.

The Illini are seeking their third Big Ten Tournament title in six years. Can they pull it off with the Wolverines looming?

Dusty May earns the 2026 Big Ten Coach of the Year award after leading Michigan to a 29-2 college basketball regular season record

Dusty May wanted his players, seniors included, to focus on the game. The ceremonies were delayed until after Michigan’s home game with Michigan State. As it turned out, it only led to a better celebration.