The latest Associated Press men’s basketball poll delivered a new look at the very top, and unlike recent weeks, the margin between contenders is razor-thin. Arizona still sits at No. 1, but the race behind the Wildcats is crowded filled with teams capable of taking control before conference play settles in.
Here is last week's AP Top 25. Now the update:
Arizona Grabs the Top Spot
Arizona stayed at No. 1 after another dominant performance, earning 42 first-place votes and solidifying its position as the nation’s most consistent team to this point. The Wildcats remain unbeaten at 9-0 and continue to pair offensive firepower with defensive discipline, a combination that has traveled well regardless of venue.
A neutral court win at Alabama only strengthened Arizona’s case, especially as other contenders continue to exchange blows.
Michigan and Duke Lurking Just Behind
Michigan checks in at No. 2 and remains unbeaten at 10-0, staying firmly in the hunt after a convincing road win at Maryland. The Wolverines’ balance on both ends of the floor has made them one of the safest profiles in the country, even without a signature nonconference loss anywhere on the resume.
Duke holds steady at No. 3, also unbeaten at 10-0. The Blue Devils have not needed poll movement to make noise; instead quietly stacking wins while waiting for the schedule to offer higher-leverage opportunities.
Iowa State, UConn, and the Proven Contenders
Iowa State sits at No. 4 and remains perfect at 11-0. The Cyclones continue to thrive on physical defense and efficient scoring, two traits that the AP voters continue to reward.
UConn rounds out the top five at No. 5. While no longer unbeaten, the Huskies’ win over Texas reinforced their status as one of the most battle-tested teams in the country.
Purdue follows closely at No. 6 after dismantling Marquette, reaffirming its place among the nation’s most reliable halfcourt teams.
Movement, Momentum, and the Middle of the Poll
Gonzaga moved up to No. 7 after a strong win over UCLA, while Houston slid one spot to No. 8 despite remaining firmly within the top tier. Michigan State and BYU round out the top 10, both continuing to win without fully peaking.
The biggest upward momentum belongs to Nebraska, which surged eight spots to No. 15. At 11-0, the Cornhuskers are forcing voters to take their resume seriously after a road win at Illinois.
Vanderbilt and Arkansas also moved up after strong weeks, while Alabama slipped four spots following its loss to Arizona.
Conference Check-In: Where the Power Resides
Big 12
The Big 12 continues to look like the deepest league in the country. Arizona, Iowa State, Houston, BYU, Kansas, and Texas Tech all reside in the Top 20, with multiple teams capable of climbing higher once conference play begins.
Big Ten
Michigan, Purdue, Michigan State, Illinois, and Nebraska give the Big Ten both top-end strength and rising depth. Nebraska’s jump has added intrigue to a league that already features multiple national contenders.
SEC
The SEC remains loaded across the middle of the poll. Vanderbilt, Arkansas, Alabama, Tennessee, Auburn, Florida, and Georgia all appear in the rankings, creating one of the most competitive conference landscapes in the country.
ACC
Duke leads the ACC near the top, with North Carolina, Louisville, and Virginia providing additional presence. The league’s ceiling remains high, but depth will be tested as conference play approaches.
Big East and West Coast
UConn continues to anchor the Big East, with St. John’s joining the rankings. Gonzaga remains the standard-bearer for the West Coast, once again hovering near the top tier.
What We Will See Going Forward
With nonconference schedules thinning down and league play nearing, the men’s AP Top 25 is beginning to reflect resume quality over reputation. The gap between No. 1 and No. 10 is narrower than it has been all season, and December results are clearly shaping March expectations earlier than usual.
Men’s AP Top 25 (Released December 15, 2025)
- Arizona
- Michigan
- Duke
- Iowa State
- UConn
- Purdue
- Gonzaga
- Houston
- Michigan State
- BYU
- Louisville
- North Carolina
- Vanderbilt
- Arkansas
- Nebraska
- Alabama
- Kansas
- Illinois
- Texas Tech
- Tennessee
- Auburn
- St. John’s
- Florida
- Virginia
- Georgia