Arizona maintained its position as the top team in the AP Top 25 men’s college basketball poll by just a slim one-point margin over a rapidly improving Michigan, marking one of the closest contests for the top ranking in the poll’s nearly eight-decade history. With 32 of the 61 first-place votes and a total of 1,494 points, Arizona narrowly edged out Michigan, which received the remaining 29 votes.
This closely contested ranking is significant, keeping the first poll of 2026 from ending in a tie for No. 1. The only instance of a tie in this prestigious ranking occurred on January 26, 1981, when Oregon State and Virginia shared the top spot.
In the standings, the top six teams held their ground with Arizona and Michigan leading the charge, followed by an undefeated Iowa State, UConn, Purdue, and Duke. Notably, Houston surged past Gonzaga and BYU, while Nebraska made headlines by entering the top 10 for the first time in decades, riding an impressive 18-game winning streak that dates back to last season. The Huskers secured their spot with a hard-fought 58-56 victory against then-No. 9 Michigan State.
Vanderbilt’s progress is also noteworthy, reaching No. 11, the highest ranking for the Commodores since the 2011-12 preseason poll. Coach Mark Byington acknowledged the challenges ahead as they prepare for a crucial matchup against No. 13 Alabama.
Amidst these rankings, Michigan coach Dusty May reflected on the significance of the victories that have propelled his team forward, particularly their recent win over USC, which maintained their perfect season and showcased their competitive dominance. The Wolverines haven’t held the top spot since January 28, 2013, indicating a potential shift in balance for the upcoming games.
The AP poll featured a notable movement with Iowa climbing six spots to No. 19 and Georgia jumping five to No. 18. Conversely, Kansas and North Carolina both slipped five spots after recent defeats. Meanwhile, No. 24 SMU and UCF marked their return to rankings after several years, signaling a resurgence of competitive basketball in their respective programs.
The Big 12 conference showcased its strength with seven teams in the ranking, including four in the top 10, emphasizing its dominance thus far in the season. The continued excitement and close competition among these ranked teams create an exhilarating atmosphere for college basketball fans, hinting at an unpredictable and thrilling season ahead.