Monday’s NET rankings update offered a clearer picture of the early national landscape, and while Michigan continues to sit comfortably at No. 1, the gap behind the Wolverines is tightening quickly as conference play approaches. Here is last week's NET rankings. Now for the update:
Michigan Continues to Set the Standard
Michigan remains No. 1 at 10-0, and nothing in the data suggests that will change soon. The Wolverines have been dominant without needing dramatic finishes, pairing elite efficiency with consistent execution on both ends of the floor. Dusty May’s group has handled business every time out, and a home matchup with La Salle presents another opportunity to reinforce their top billing.
Duke Stays Perfect and Patient at No. 2
Duke holds steady at No. 2 with an unblemished 10-0 record. The Blue Devils continue to grow defensively, forcing tough shots late in possessions and limiting transition opportunities. While the schedule has been manageable so far, Duke’s consistency is keeping pressure on Michigan as the season moves deeper into December.
Gonzaga Jumps into the Top Three
The biggest move near the top belongs to Gonzaga, which climbed to No. 3 at 10-1. The Zags are once again flashing the offensive rhythm and interior dominance that has defined the program for more than a decade. Their upcoming matchup with Campbell may not move the needle much, but Gonzaga is trending in the right direction heading into more demanding tests.
Arizona and Iowa State Continue to Impress
Arizona moved up to No. 4, staying unbeaten at 9-0. The Wildcats have overwhelmed opponents with pace and athleticism, and their efficiency metrics remain among the best in the country.
Iowa State sits right behind them at No. 5, still perfect at 11-0. The Cyclones’ résumé continues to strengthen, built on elite defense and balanced scoring that travels well regardless of venue.
BYU and Vanderbilt Are Legitimate Factors
BYU checks in at No. 6 with a 9-1 record and continues to be one of the most analytically sound teams in the country.
Vanderbilt follows at No. 7, and the Commodores’ unbeaten start remains one of the season’s most compelling storylines. Their upcoming road trip to Memphis will be one of their most important tests to date.
Familiar Powers Round Out the Top 10
UConn remains solid at No. 8, Purdue sits at No. 9, and Michigan State rounds out the top 10. None of these teams are peaking yet, but all three profiles suggest programs built to improve as the season progresses rather than fade.
Risers and Fallers: Who Is Trending Up and Who Is Slipping
The latest NET update highlighted just how volatile December can be, especially outside the top two.
Gonzaga’s rise into the top three is the most obvious jump, fueled by improved offensive efficiency and stronger interior play. Nebraska continues to climb as well, now sitting at No. 12 with an unblemished 11-0 record. The Cornhuskers have paired strong defensive metrics with consistent scoring depth, earning the NET’s continued confidence.
Saint Mary’s also made a meaningful move back into the Top 25. The Gaels are once again controlling tempo and frustrating opponents with disciplined halfcourt defense.
On the other side, Vanderbilt slipped slightly despite remaining unbeaten, a reminder that the NET weighs opponent quality heavily. North Carolina and Virginia remain inside the Top 25 but have lost some ground as other teams have piled up stronger nonconference résumés.
Conference Breakdown: Where the Strength Lies
Big Ten
The Big Ten continues to look deep and dangerous. Michigan remains No. 1, while Purdue, Michigan State, Illinois, and Nebraska all sit comfortably inside the Top 15. The league’s depth is reflected in how many teams are clustered in strong NET territory.
Big 12
The Big 12 looks every bit like the nation’s deepest league. Iowa State, Arizona, and BYU all sit inside the Top 10, with Houston, Kansas, and Texas Tech also inside the Top 25. The league’s combination of elite defense, physicality, and high-end wins has translated cleanly to the NET.
SEC
The SEC has quietly built one of the strongest NET profiles in the country. Vanderbilt’s rise headlines the league, but Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee remain positioned to create significant movement once conference play begins.
ACC
Duke continues to carry the ACC banner at No. 2, while North Carolina and Virginia remain solidly in the mix. Louisville’s presence near the top adds intrigue, but the conference still needs depth wins to match the Big Ten and Big 12.
West Coast Conferences
Gonzaga’s climb has reenergized the West Coast profile, with Saint Mary’s once again delivering strong analytical results. The WCC remains top-heavy but dangerous, particularly at the top.
Full NET Top 25 (Updated December 14, 2025)
- Michigan
- Duke
- Gonzaga
- Arizona
- Iowa State
- BYU
- Vanderbilt
- UConn
- Purdue
- Michigan State
- Louisville
- Nebraska
- Illinois
- Alabama
- Houston
- Kansas
- Georgia
- Arkansas
- Iowa
- North Carolina
- Virginia
- Florida
- Saint Mary’s
- St. John’s
- Texas Tech