This is the final NET update of 2025, and it feels like a true dividing line in the season. Nonconference resumes are mostly complete, conference games are ramping up, and the numbers are starting to reflect reality instead of projections. At this point, teams are no longer being rewarded for potential. They are being rewarded for what they have actually done on the floor.
Compared to last week, there were not massive shakeups at the very top, but there were important movements that help explain where teams are headed as January arrives.
Michigan Stays No. 1 After Another Clean Week
The Michigan Wolverines did not just hold onto the No. 1 spot; they reinforced it. The Wolverines stayed unbeaten at 11–0 and avoided the type of slip that often hits teams right before league play. Under Dusty May, Michigan continues to check every NET box: strong efficiency, no bad losses, and wins that travel.
There was no dramatic jump from last week because Michigan was already on top, but that is the point. Consistency is keeping them there.
Gonzaga and Duke Come Next
The Gonzaga Bulldogs moved to No. 2 after a blowout win over Pepperdine on Sunday. Mark Few’s group continues to look like itself. They did not need a blowout headline win to justify their spot. Their profile remains strong across neutral and road settings, which is why the NET has been comfortable keeping them right behind Michigan.
Duke Blue Devils held at No. 3. Duke did not move an inch from last week, but that stability is just what Duke wants. Jon Scheyer’s team has avoided bad losses and continues to post elite defensive numbers. That combination keeps Duke safely in the top tier heading into ACC play.
Arizona and Iowa State Keep the Big 12 Pressure On
Arizona Wildcats dropped to No. 4. Tommy Lloyd’s group continues to dominate the games it is supposed to win. The resume is already strong enough to survive any possible upcoming Big 12 losses.
Right behind them, Iowa State stayed at No. 5 and continues to look like one of the safest profiles in the country. The Cyclones are not flashy, but the numbers love them. That trend has been consistent from last week to this one.
Vanderbilt’s Climb Is Real, Not Just a Record
One of the more noticeable movers over the past two weeks has been the Vanderbilt Commodores, now sitting at No. 6. The Commodores were already at No. 6 last week but staying unbeaten and stacking quality wins has pushed them into legitimate top-10 territory.
This is not just about being 12–0. Vanderbilt’s efficiency and road results are strong enough that the NET is treating them like a real SEC threat, not a December curiosity.
Big Ten Traffic Jam Behind Michigan
While Michigan leads the way, the middle of the Big Ten remains packed. Purdue (No. 7) held steady, Illinois (No. 10) stayed in place, while Iowa (No. 11) and Nebraska (No. 12) continued to jockey just outside the top 10.
The takeaway is not movement, but congestion. These teams are close enough that one big road win or one bad home loss in early January will cause real swings. The NET is already signaling how tight the margins are going to be once league play fully hits.
Quiet Risers and Important Jumps
A few teams made small but meaningful moves this week. Texas Tech jumped up to No. 20 after sitting outside the top 25 last time, a reminder of how much clean road wins matter. Saint Louis climbed again to No. 26 and continues to build one of the better Atlantic 10 resumes in the country.
Utah State staying inside the top 20 at No. 19 also stands out. The Aggies did not move much, but holding position as conference play approaches is often just as valuable as jumping.
What This Final 2025 Update Really Tells Us
This NET update is not about crowning champions. It is about setting the board. Teams like Michigan, Gonzaga, Duke, and Arizona have built cushions that will protect them in January. Others are living closer to the edge, where every result will matter.
From here on out, the NET will react faster and harsher. Big wins will move teams quickly. Bad losses will linger. This is the last calm week before the numbers start swinging for real.
NET Rankings: Top 50 (Through Games Dec. 28, 2025)
Below is the complete Top 50 from the final NET update of 2025. This is the quick view of teams that will carry with them into conference play and the point of reference the committee will keep coming back to as January unfolds.
- Michigan Wolverines
- Gonzaga Bulldogs
- Duke Blue Devils
- Arizona Wildcats
- Iowa State Cyclones
- Vanderbilt Commodores
- Purdue Boilermakers
- UConn Huskies
- BYU Cougars
- Illinois Fighting Illini
- Iowa Hawkeyes
- Nebraska Cornhuskers
- Michigan State Spartans
- Houston Cougars
- North Carolina Tar Heels
- Kansas Jayhawks
- Louisville Cardinals
- Alabama Crimson Tide
- Utah State Aggies
- Texas Tech Red Raiders
- Villanova Wildcats
- Georgia Bulldogs
- Florida Gators
- Virginia Cavaliers
- Tennessee Volunteers
- Saint Louis Billikens
- Kentucky Wildcats
- Saint Mary's Gaels
- St. John's Red Storm
- Arkansas Razorbacks
- SMU Mustangs
- NC State Wolfpack
- Indiana Hoosiers
- UCF Knights
- Miami Hurricanes
- Clemson Tigers
- UCLA Bruins
- USC Trojans
- Baylor Bears
- LSU Tigers
- Butler Bulldogs
- Auburn Tigers
- Ohio State Buckeyes
- Seton Hall Pirates
- Tulsa Golden Hurricane
- McNeese Cowboys
- Boise State Broncos
- California Golden Bears
- Yale Bulldogs
- Oklahoma Sooners