The Big Ten Conference has built a reputation as one of the fiercest battlegrounds in NCAA Hockey. Last season, Michigan State made history by becoming the first team ever to capture both the regular season and Big Ten Hockey Tournament titles in back-to-back seasons. Penn State shocked everyone with a Cinderella run from an 0-8-1 conference start all the way to their first-ever Frozen Four appearance. And with upsets all around, every team in the conference showed they could win on any given night. 

This season? The stakes are just as high, the talent is even deeper, and the storylines are absolutely loaded. 

This comprehensive preview breaks down every Big Ten Hockey team's outlook, highlights the key players to watch, and pinpoints the must-see matchups that will define the 2025-26 conference season. Let's drop the puck. 

Big Ten Hockey Preseason Power Rankings & Key Storylines 

Here's how the Big Ten Preseason Poll shakes out:

1. Michigan State 
2. Penn State 
3. Minnesota 
4. Michigan 
5. Wisconsin 
6. Ohio State 
7. Notre Dame 

But polls only tell part of the story. The 2025 NCAA rule change allowing CHL players into college hockey has already made waves, with Penn State landing Gavin McKenna, one of the most hyped prospects in recent memory. His presence instantly elevates an already dangerous Nittany Lions roster. 

Michigan State enters as the defending Big Ten Champion but faces a massive hole left by Hobey Baker Award winner Isaac Howard, whose four-point performances and clutch overtime heroics were the stuff of legend. Can Trey Augustine's elite goaltending and Matt Basgall's defensive mastery carry the Spartans to a three-peat? 

And don't sleep on Michigan. Despite being picked fourth, the Wolverines have roared out to a 6-0 start for the first time since 1979, looking every bit like a contender. 

Let's take a look at each squad. 

Team-by-Team Breakdown 

Michigan State: Can the Spartans Three-Peat? 

Last year: Michigan State captured both the Big Ten regular season and tournament titles for the second consecutive year, a feat no other team in conference history has accomplished. 

In the Big Ten Tournament championship game, the Spartans defeated Ohio State 4-3 in double overtime. Isaac Howard capped a four-point performance with his 26th goal of the season, cementing his legacy as one of the program's all-time greats. 

So far: The Spartans' statement moment? A commanding sweep of then-No. 1 Boston University, highlighted by Trey Augustine's season-high 49 saves in the series and Matt Basgall's overtime game-winner on October 18. 

Key Players: 

• Trey Augustine (G): Augustine is one of the best goalies in college hockey. A Richter Award Finalist and reigning Big Ten Goaltender of the Year, he posted a 2.07 goals-against average and .924 save percentage last season. His 49-save performance against Boston University and 38 saves in the double-overtime championship win showcase his ability to shine under pressure. 
• Matt Basgall (D): The defensive anchor who helped Michigan State become the toughest team to score on in the Big Ten last season. An AHCA/CCM Second Team All-American, Basgall delivered the game-winning overtime goal against Boston University last weekend and consistently shuts down opposing offenses. 

Outlook: Michigan State was selected first in the Big Ten Preseason Poll, and it's easy to see why. The Spartans will lean heavily on Augustine's elite goaltending and Basgall's defensive prowess. If they can get their offense rolling, a three-peat is within reach. 

Games to Watch: 

• vs. Michigan (December 5-6, February 6-7): In-state rivalry games that never disappoint. 
• vs. Ohio State (January 9-10, February 27-28): A rematch of last season's thrilling Big Ten Tournament championship. 

Penn State: The Offensive Juggernaut 

Last year: Penn State's season last year was nothing short of miraculous. After stumbling to an 0-8-1 start in Big Ten play, the Nittany Lions went on a 15-4-4 tear that culminated in their first-ever Frozen Four appearance. 

So far: An offensive onslaught. The Nittany Lions scored 27 goals in their first six games, which was good for third nationally in scoring offense. 

Key Players: 

• Charlie Cerrato (F): Off to a blistering start this season, Cerrato led the nation in points through last weekend. His speed and playmaking ability make him a nightmare for opposing defenses. 
• Aiden Fink (F): Penn State's first-ever Hobey Baker Top 10 Finalist, Fink was also a finalist for 2025 Big Ten Player of the Year. His two-way play and offensive instincts are crucial to the Nittany Lions' success. 
• Gavin McKenna (F): The No. 1 prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft, McKenna's arrival via the new CHL-to-NCAA rule has energized the program and given them a hockey superstar. 

Outlook: Selected second in the Big Ten Preseason Poll, Penn State ranked third nationally in scoring through week three and has already had three different players win Big Ten First Star honors this season. This team can score in bunches, and with McKenna's star power, they're a legitimate threat to win it all. 

Games to Watch: 

• vs. Ohio State (October 30-31, February 20-21): A rematch of the 2025 Big Ten Tournament Semifinal where the Buckeyes ended Penn State's run. 

Michigan: The Undefeated Dark Horse 

Last year: Michigan finished in the middle of the Big Ten pack and missed out on the NCAA Tournament. The Wolverines' offense struggled, scoring only 112 goals in 2024-25 (fifth in conference). 

So far: 2025-26 is a different story. Projected fourth in the preseason poll, the Wolverines burst out of the gates with a 6-0 start—their first since 1979—including a pair of wins over No. 7 Providence. Through three weeks, they led the nation with an average 6.67 goals per game and a 5.50 scoring margin. 

Key Players: 

• Michael Hage (F): Tied for fifth nationally with 1.83 points per game after six games, Hage has been an offensive dynamo. His vision and finishing ability make him one of the most dangerous forwards in college hockey. 
• Jack Ivankovic (G): Ivankovic has been an absolute brick wall, posting a 1.17 goals-against average that ranked third nationally after last weekend. His stellar play has been a huge reason for Michigan's hot start. 

Outlook: Going into conference play, Michigan led the nation in scoring offense, scoring defense, power-play percentage (.458), and scoring margin. That's not a typo—this team is balanced, lethal, and hungry. Never count out the Wolverines. 

Games to Watch: 

• vs. Western Michigan (October 23-24): A clash with the defending national champions. 
• vs. Michigan State (December 5-6, February 6-7): The in-state rivalry heats up as the Wolverines challenge the defending Big Ten champs. 

Minnesota: Reloading for Another Run 

Last year: Minnesota shared the 2025 Big Ten regular season title with Michigan State but fell in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Now, the Gophers face the challenge of replacing their top five scorers from last season. 

So far: The Gophers prepped for Big Ten play with a juggernaut non-conference schedule. They split with No. 8 North Dakota and took a shootout win from No. 10 Boston College.  

Key Players: 

• Luke Mittelstadt (D): A senior leader on the blue line known for his playmaking and defensive reliability. Mittelstadt led the Gophers with 13 assists in league play last year and recorded a career-high plus-23 rating. His experience will be vital as Minnesota integrates new talent. 
• Brody Lamb (F): The Gophers' returning points leader, Lamb leads the team with seven points early in the season. He'll need to step up as the primary offensive weapon, alongside... 
• Brodie Ziemer (F): He's second on the team with six points so far and is Minnesota's second-highest returning point scorer. 

Outlook: Projected third in the Big Ten Preseason Poll, Minnesota scheduled a brutal non-conference slate to prepare for the rigors of Big Ten Hockey. This team has championship pedigree, but they'll need to establish their reformed roster quickly. 

Games to Watch: 

• vs. Minnesota Duluth (October 24-25): In-state rivalry and ranked matchup. 
• vs. Denver (November 29): A tough test against a national power. 
• vs. Michigan State (January 23-24, March 5-6): Last year's Big Ten Champions go head-to-head. 

Ohio State: Rohlik's Rising Buckeyes 

Last year: After being picked to finish last in the 2024 preseason poll, 2025 Big Ten Coach of the Year Steve Rohlik led Ohio State to a third-place conference finish and an NCAA Tournament berth. The Buckeyes also reached the 2025 Big Ten Tournament championship game, where they fell to Michigan State in double overtime. 

So far: After losing playmaker Gunnarwolfe Fontaine, OSU was projected to finish second-to-last in the conference this year. However, the Buckeyes are now ranked No. 14 in the country after a 3-1 start. Looks like they could have consecutive years with underdog stories. 

Key Players: 

• Kristoffer Eberly (G): The Preseason All-Big Ten honoree saved 60 of 65 shots over two games against No. 12 UConn. After splitting action with Logan Terness last season, his ability to step into the full-time role will be crucial in 2025-26. 
• Riley Thompson (F): The team's top returning point scorer alongside David Burnside, Thompson had 33 points last season with 17 goals and 16 assists. One of three Buckeyes with three goals already, he'll anchor the OSU offense. 

Outlook: Can coach Rohlik work his magic for a second straight season? Between a balanced offense and an encouraging start from his netminder, it certainly seems like it. 

Games to Watch: 

• vs. Michigan State (January 9-10, February 27-28): A rematch of the 2025 Big Ten Tournament Championship game. 

Wisconsin: Coming up Clutch 

Recap: Wisconsin finished sixth last season but has already shown they're ready to climb the standings. The Badgers opened the season with two shootout victories over No. 20 Minnesota State, proving they can close out tight games. 

Key Players: 

• Quinn Finley (F): The team's leading scorer from last season and a Preseason All-Big Ten First Team selection, Finley is the go-to guy for Wisconsin's offense. He had 20 goals and 20 assists last season, and already came up clutch with a tally in the Badgers' comeback against the Mavericks. 
• Daniel Hauser (G): This freshman sensation has been exceptional, ranking in the top five nationally in both save percentage (.949) and goals-against average (1.20) after week three. Hauser's poise is beyond his years; he didn't allow a single shootout score on 11 attempts against Minnesota State. 
• Christian Fitzgerald (F): After last weekend, Fitzgerald was tied for third nationally in goals per game (1.00) and is one of three Badgers with five points. With four goals on the young season, he's proven to be their primary scoring threat so far. 

Outlook: Projected fifth in the preseason poll, Wisconsin could be a sleeper team this season. With Hauser's stellar goaltending and a few offensive pieces, the Badgers have the means to surprise in 2025-26. 

Games to Watch: 

• vs. Minnesota (October 30, November 1, January 30-31): This border battle never gets old. 

Notre Dame: New Coach, New Era 

Recap: Notre Dame pulled off an upset as the No. 7 seed against No. 2 Minnesota in the 2025 Big Ten Hockey Tournament. The Irish are now under new leadership with head coach Brock Sheahan taking the reins. 

Key Players: 

• Cole Knuble (F): Notre Dame's top scorer from last season, Knuble's playmaking will be essential. His 27 assists in 2024-25 were third in the Big Ten and 15th nationally. He's got the clutch gene too; his three game-winning goals last year led the team. 
• Sutter Muzzatti (F): A transfer from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Muzzatti could become an integral part of the Notre Dame offense. He currently leads the team in goals (3). 

Outlook: With a new coach and fresh talent, Notre Dame is looking to bounce back from a last-place finish. We’ll see if the combination of Sheahan’s new leadership, Knuble's experience, and fresh talent can bring the Irish success this season. 

Games to Watch: 

• vs. Minnesota (November 7-8, February 13-14): Can they recreate last year's tournament magic? 

The Big Ten Hockey Race is Off 

Michigan State enters as the team to beat, but Penn State's explosive offense and Michigan's blazing-hot start prove that nothing is guaranteed in Big Ten Hockey. Minnesota is reloading, Wisconsin's freshman goalie is locked in, Ohio State is exceeding expectations again, and Notre Dame is starting fresh. 

This season has it all: elite talent, fierce rivalries, and championship stakes. Every game matters. Every series could shift the standings. And by the time March rolls around, we'll have witnessed some of the best college hockey in the country.  Check out the Big Ten Hockey schedule here .

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