College Basketball Power Rankings: Michigan and Arizona Set the Pace Entering 2026

 

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As the calendar turns to 2026, more than one-third of the college basketball regular season has already passed. And one thing has become increasingly clear: Michigan and Arizona have separated themselves from the rest of the field.

In this week’s updated Power Rankings, the Wolverines and Wildcats once again claim the top two spots for the second straight update. While several strong contenders—including Iowa State, UConn, and Vanderbilt—continue to impress, Michigan and Arizona remain the standard everyone else is chasing.

Below is the latest look at the Top 16 teams, featuring stability at the top and plenty of movement throughout the rest of the rankings.

Michigan has been nothing short of dominant. Nine of its 12 victories have come by 20 points or more, including six wins by at least 40 points and one by 50. The Wolverines lead the nation in scoring margin at +30.3 and remain one of just six undefeated teams in Division I basketball.

2. Arizona (Last Week: 2)

Arizona sits at 13-0, marking its best start since the 2013–14 season. The Wildcats closed out 2025 with eight straight wins by 19 points or more and will begin Big 12 play on Saturday at Utah.

3. UConn (Last Week: 5)

UConn is quietly building momentum. The Huskies have won nine consecutive games and are now 13-1 after cruising past Butler, DePaul, and Xavier in conference play. Even so, it still feels like there’s another gear left to reach.

4. Iowa State (Last Week: 4)

The Cyclones completed nonconference play undefeated for just the third time in the modern era. Wins over St. John’s, Purdue, Iowa, and Creighton highlight an impressive resume. Iowa State opens Big 12 play Friday against West Virginia.

5. Vanderbilt (Last Week: 6)

Vanderbilt improved to 13-0 after closing nonconference action with a decisive win over New Haven. It’s only the second time in program history the Commodores have started 13-0. SEC play begins Saturday versus South Carolina.

6. Gonzaga (Last Week: 8)

Gonzaga’s nonconference schedule was as tough as any in the nation, featuring a program-record eight games against power-conference opponents. The Zags emerged 12-1 and now turn their attention to WCC play starting Friday.

7. Nebraska (Last Week: 7)

Nebraska enters 2026 undefeated at 13-0, the best start in school history. The Cornhuskers also carry a nation-leading 17-game winning streak dating back to last season and will face Michigan State on Friday.

8. BYU (Last Week: 9)

BYU opens Big 12 play at Kansas State for its first true road test of the season. The Cougars are 12-1 after strong nonconference wins over Wisconsin, Miami, Clemson, and Dayton.

9. Purdue (Last Week: 10)

Purdue’s position at No. 9 speaks volumes about the depth at the top of college basketball. The Boilermakers are 12-1 and loaded with talent inside and out, continuing a trend of fast starts under head coach Matt Painter.

10. Texas Tech (Last Week: Unranked)

Texas Tech has been inconsistent at times, but its upset win over Duke just before Christmas signaled growth. The Red Raiders (10-3) open Big 12 play at home against Oklahoma State.

11. Duke (Last Week: 3)

Duke takes a notable drop after cooling off from its early-season dominance. Losses to Texas Tech and a narrow escape against Georgia Tech suggest the Blue Devils are still searching for consistency.

12. Houston (Last Week: 13)

Houston enters Big 12 play at 12-1 with a six-game winning streak. Despite not yet playing its best basketball, the Cougars remain a serious threat to contend for another regular-season title.