Vanderbilt and Nebraska, both of whom entered the season unranked, have made a significant impact by remaining undefeated and climbing the ranks in the Top 25. Their recent performances have called for a reevaluation of their standings in college basketball.
Nebraska stands impressive at 16-0 and 5-0 in Big Ten play, recently securing back-to-back victories over strong competitors Indiana and Penn State. This remarkable success has given them one of the best resumes in college basketball, ranking first in wins above bubble and second in overall strength of record.
Vanderbilt, also at 16-0 but with a 3-0 record in the SEC, achieved a notable win against No. 13 Alabama and continues to shine in statistical metrics, holding the fifth position at KenPom and the third at Torvik. This solid performance has warranted moving Vanderbilt up to the sixth spot in recent rankings, while Nebraska is now positioned at No. 9.
As the rankings shift, considerations for mid-major teams are also on the rise. Mid-majors have faced challenges being recognized due to the disparity in schedule strengths compared to higher-tier programs. However, teams like Saint Louis and Utah State are pushing their cases forward. Saint Louis sits at 15-1, with a solitary loss attributed to an unlikely end-game scenario against Stanford, while Utah State (14-1) has dominated its conference games.
Kansas and SMU are also noteworthy mentions, with Kansas showcasing a solid average resume ranking despite recent losses, and SMU having faced unfortunate scheduling luck while maintaining competitiveness against top programs.
Arizona remains a leading contender, boasting a perfect 16-0 record, highlighted by offensive consistency and a robust defense, allowing them to win 11 consecutive games by double-digit margins. Iowa State has similarly established itself with an impressive start, led by Tamin Lipsey, who is on track to break the NCAA’s assist-to-turnover ratio record.
Michigan and Illinois continue to showcase their strengths, with Michigan experiencing a minor setback against Wisconsin while still maintaining the best defensive rating in the country. Illinois has exhibited a strong performance against top competition, successfully neutralizing key opponents.
Overall, the current landscape of college basketball is shaping up with exhilarating potential as different teams rise through the ranks, proving their mettle against formidable challenges. With Vanderbilt and Nebraska’s outstanding seasons, along with promising narratives from mid-majors and established programs alike, fans are in for thrilling contests as the season progresses.