Men’s college basketball feels like it’s arriving at a crossroads. The second half of January has produced the kind of results that separate contenders from pretenders, and this week’s Associated Press Top 25 reflects that dynamic.
Unbeaten and dominant at No. 1, the Arizona Wildcats remain the team everyone else is chasing. But behind them, the competition is fierce, unpredictable, and increasingly compelling.
Illinois’ Boom Week and Other Standout Performances
Perhaps the most talked-about result of the weekend was the stunning road victory by the Illinois Fighting Illini at Mackey Arena. The No. 9 Illini went into Purdue’s home building and walked out with an 88–82 win over the then-No. 4 Boilermakers, vaulted by an otherworldly 46-point performance from freshman guard Keaton Wagler.
Wagler’s night was historic in multiple ways, including setting the record for most points by an opponent at Mackey and the most by an Illinois freshman in a single game. Illinois’ ninth straight win has not only turned heads in the Big Ten but has injected belief into its postseason narrative.
Elsewhere, several ranked teams posted strong efforts in conference play. Michigan Wolverines continued to steamroll through the Big Ten with a solid win over Ohio State and several other quality wins this month, showing why they remain among the nation’s elite.
Duke Blue Devils also padded its resume with a convincing win over Wake Forest, continuing to build its case as a No. 1 seed contender. And undefeated Nebraska Cornhuskers held firm in the rankings as another unbeaten power that could play a major role in the rest of league play.
The Contender Trail Behind Arizona
Arizona’s perch atop the poll feels solid but far from immune to pressure. At 20-0, the Wildcats have shown they belong as a true national title favorite, blending efficient offense with versatile defense. Their upcoming matchup at No. 13 BYU is one of the first tests that could give a clearer picture of whether Arizona is truly “untouchable” heading into February.
Behind them, the chase pack is deep and balanced. UConn’s consistency places them comfortably at No. 2, relying on disciplined play and veteran leadership. Michigan sits at No. 3 with only one blemish, its ability to handle rivalry games and close contests proving critical. Duke and Nebraska have also inserted themselves firmly into the championship conversation, the former with ACC dominance and the latter with an undefeated Big Ten run that has quietly become one of the season’s biggest stories.
Further down, teams like Gonzaga Bulldogs, Michigan State Spartans and Iowa State Cyclones have shown they can hang with anyone on a given night. Even after a loss, the Houston Cougars remain dangerous, capable of disrupting any team’s rhythm with its defense and effort.
Big Games on Deck
This week’s schedule reads like a preview of March. Arizona’s road trip to BYU carries big-time Big 12 implications, while Michigan and Nebraska meet in a massive Big Ten showdown that feels like a conference championship preview. Duke’s stretch of tough ACC games continues, giving them a barometer for where the Blue Devils stand among the nation’s title contenders.
Other games with serious impact include Arkansas’ matchup in Oklahoma, Purdue’s rivalry clash with Indiana as the Boilermakers look to steady the ship after back-to-back losses, and Gonzaga’s continued push in West Coast Conference play.
AP Top 25 Men’s College Basketball Poll
Records through January 26, 2026
- Arizona Wildcats (20-0)
- UConn Huskies (19-1)
- Michigan Wolverines (18-1)
- Duke Blue Devils (18-1)
- Nebraska Cornhuskers (20-0)
- Gonzaga Bulldogs (21-1)
- Michigan State Spartans (18-2)
- Iowa State Cyclones (18-2)
- Illinois Fighting Illini (17-3)
- Houston Cougars (17-2)
- Texas Tech Red Raiders (16-4)
- Purdue Boilermakers (17-3)
- BYU Cougars (17-2)
- Kansas Jayhawks (15-5)
- Arkansas Razorbacks (15-5)
- North Carolina Tar Heels (16-4)
- Virginia Cavaliers (16-3)
- Vanderbilt Commodores (17-3)
- Florida Gators (14-6)
- Louisville Cardinals (14-5)
- Saint Louis Billikens (19-1)
- Clemson Tigers (17-4)
- Alabama Crimson Tide (13-6)
- Miami (OH) RedHawks (20-0)
- St. John's Red Storm (15-5)
The season is rounding into form, and the stakes continue to rise. Arizona’s perfection is the headline, but the conversations around teams like Illinois, Michigan, Duke, and Nebraska make this one of the most compelling points of the season to watch college hoops.