The landscape of men’s college basketball has been shaken up in spectacular fashion, and fans are buzzing about the dramatic changes at the top of the rankings. Arizona, previously lurking in the No. 2 spot, has surged to claim the throne after Michigan’s stunning defeat at the hands of Wisconsin. The Wildcats’ unblemished 16-0 record and their dominance in Big 12 play have made them the clear favorite in both the USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll and the Associated Press Top 25.
How did this all unfold? On January 10, 2026, Michigan—then the nation’s top-ranked and undefeated team—was upended in a 91-88 thriller by Wisconsin. That loss not only ended the Wolverines’ perfect run but also sent shockwaves through the rankings. Arizona wasted no time capitalizing on the opportunity, securing the No. 1 spot after racking up three consecutive double-digit wins against Utah, Kansas State, and TCU to start Big 12 play 3-0. In the latest Associated Press poll, the Wildcats garnered 60 out of 61 first-place votes, a testament to their growing national respect and dominance.
Arizona’s rise isn’t the only headline. Iowa State, also undefeated at 16-0, has climbed to No. 2 in both major polls, matching the highest ranking in school history. The Cyclones have been propelled by a seasoned starting lineup featuring multi-year stalwarts Joshua Jefferson, Milan Momcilovic, and Tamin Lipsey—currently the team’s top three scorers. Their consistency and leadership have been crucial in navigating a challenging schedule and maintaining their perfect record. According to the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll, Iowa State even managed to snag a first-place vote, showing that the race at the top is still wide open.
Meanwhile, Michigan’s tumble from grace has been swift but not catastrophic. The Wolverines now sit at No. 4 in the AP poll and No. 3 in the coaches poll, holding a 14-1 record. The loss to Wisconsin exposed some vulnerabilities, but the Wolverines remain a formidable force in the Big Ten. Purdue, another Big Ten powerhouse, has quietly moved up to round out the top five, boasting an impressive 15-1 record. UConn, currently 16-1 and undefeated in Big East play, has also climbed into the top three, signaling a return to elite status under coach Dan Hurley.
There’s more movement in the top 10 worth noting. Vanderbilt’s remarkable unbeaten season has propelled the Commodores into the top 10 for the first time since the 2011-12 preseason poll, according to the AP. Their 16-0 record, highlighted by a ranked win over Alabama and a double-digit victory against LSU, has made them the team to beat in the SEC. Nebraska, too, is making waves, matching its all-time highest ranking at No. 8 and boasting a resume that includes nine top-100 wins and two victories over currently ranked teams.
In the ACC, Duke remains the standard-bearer. The Blue Devils are holding steady at No. 6 in both the AP and coaches polls after a perfect 4-0 start to conference play. Their recent wins over ranked opponents Louisville (84-73) and SMU (82-75) showcased their resilience—especially the comeback against Louisville, where Duke outscored the Cardinals 46-26 in the second half. With a 15-1 overall record and a slew of analytics sites ranking them in the nation’s top 10, Duke is poised for a tough West Coast swing with upcoming games against Cal and Stanford.
Other teams are making notable climbs as well. Virginia leapt seven spots to No. 16 in the AP poll after strong performances against Cal and Stanford. Florida, after consecutive wins over Georgia and Tennessee, returned to the top 20. Clemson, Utah State, and Seton Hall all broke into the Top 25, while teams like Iowa, Kansas, SMU, and UCF dropped out, reflecting the volatility and competitiveness of this season.
Let’s not overlook some of the analytics and advanced metrics that continue to shape perceptions. Duke, for instance, moved up to No. 4 in the latest NCAA Evaluation Tool (NET) rankings, trailing only Michigan, Arizona, and Iowa State. The Blue Devils also sit at No. 8 in KenPom and No. 6 in EvanMiya’s rankings, further cementing their status as a legitimate contender. Illinois, while outside the top 10 in most polls, is ranked as the third-best team in college basketball by Bart Torvik since making a key lineup change, and sits at No. 7 on KenPom.
What about the teams that have fallen? Michigan’s drop, while significant, is less severe than the plummeting fortunes of others. Iowa and SMU, both previously ranked, have tumbled out of the Top 25 after suffering crucial losses. Kansas, once a perennial top-10 fixture, also finds itself on the outside looking in. These shifts underscore just how quickly fortunes can change in the world of college basketball.
Looking ahead, the tension is mounting. Arizona and Iowa State, both undefeated and now sitting atop the polls, are on a collision course that could define the season. Will the Wildcats maintain their grip on No. 1, or will the Cyclones’ veteran leadership and balanced attack be enough to dethrone them? And can Michigan regroup and reclaim its early-season dominance, or will Purdue and UConn continue their ascent?
Fans should also keep an eye on Vanderbilt and Nebraska, two programs enjoying historic seasons. The Commodores’ resurgence has energized their fan base and injected new life into SEC basketball, while Nebraska’s steady climb signals that the Huskers are no longer a dark horse but a real contender. Meanwhile, Duke’s consistency in the ACC and their upcoming road tests will provide more clarity on their championship aspirations.
As the season barrels forward, the only certainty is that nothing is certain. The top of men’s college basketball is as competitive and unpredictable as ever, with new storylines emerging every week. The next round of conference matchups promises more drama, more upsets, and perhaps another shakeup at the summit. For now, Arizona stands tall at No. 1, but with so many hungry challengers, the chase for college basketball’s ultimate prize is just heating up.
