SALT LAKE CITY – The latest AP Top 25 has recognized a pair of Utah men’s basketball teams, showcasing their performances and progress this season. BYU has slipped just outside the Top 10, falling to No. 11 after a pair of significant victories. Meanwhile, Utah State has made its debut in the rankings at No. 23.
The 15-1 BYU Cougars had a strong week, securing a dominant win over Arizona State with a score of 104-76 in Provo, followed by a thrilling rivalry triumph against Utah, finishing 89-84 in Salt Lake City. This is the first time this season that BYU has dropped out of the Top 10, as they fell two spots following their recent successes. Teams like Nebraska and Vanderbilt, both boasting undefeated records, have moved ahead in the rankings, with Nebraska recently extending its impressive winning streak to 20 games after coming back from a 16-point deficit to defeat Indiana.
In contrast, Utah State has been making waves on a seven-game winning streak, the latest victory coming against Boise State, where they triumphed 93-68 on the road. The Aggies, who hold an impressive 13-1 record this season, are now recognized as a top-25 team — a reflection of their performance that has long been signaled by predictive analytics. Currently ranked No. 13 in the NCAA NET and No. 20 in KenPom, Utah State looks to further enhance its NCAA resume with upcoming games against Nevada and Grand Canyon.
As BYU prepares to host TCU at the Marriott Center, followed by a road challenge against No. 15 Texas Tech in Lubbock, both teams are showcasing the competitive spirit of Utah basketball this season. The AP Top 25 for January 12, 2026, includes:
1. Arizona
2. Iowa State
3. UConn
4. Michigan
5. Purdue
6. Duke
7. Houston
8. Nebraska
9. Gonzaga
10. Vanderbilt
11. BYU
12. Michigan State
13. Illinois
14. North Carolina
15. Texas Tech
16. Virginia
17. Arkansas
18. Alabama
19. Florida
20. Louisville
21. Georgia
22. Clemson
23. Utah State
24. Tennessee
25. Seton Hall
Both teams’ performances are not only strong individually but reflect the growing competitiveness of Utah basketball on the national stage. As the season progresses, fans have much to look forward to from these programs.