February is here, and the NCAA Men’s Basketball NET Rankings have officially entered the stretch run phase. With conference races tightening and resume-defining wins stacking up, the latest update through games of February 1, 2026, brought some movement at the very top and critical separation across multiple leagues. The margins are thinner now. Every road win matters. Every Quad 1 opportunity can change the postseason outlook in a hurry.
The biggest takeaway from this update is clarity. The elite tier is starting to separate itself, while the middle of the bracket picture remains volatile. Power conferences are cannibalizing each other, mid-majors are protecting home floors, and several teams are quietly building profiles that demand national attention.
Duke Moves to the Top as Arizona Stays Perfect
The new No. 1 belongs to the Duke Blue Devils. At 20-1 overall, Duke’s balance across efficiency metrics, road wins, and conference dominance in the ACC pushed them past Arizona this week. The Blue Devils have stacked nine Quad 1 wins already and continue to look good away from Cameron Indoor, a key separator at the top of the NET.
Arizona remains unbeaten at 22-0 and firmly locked in at No. 2. The Wildcats continue to dominate the Big 12 schedule with no signs of slipping, and their spotless record still gives them one of the strongest profiles in the country. Arizona’s growing collection of Quad 1 wins keeps them firmly in the national title conversation. The Wildcats are 9-0 in Quad 1 games.
Michigan sits right behind them at No. 3, quietly putting together one of the most complete seasons in the nation. The Wolverines’ consistency in Big Ten play, paired with elite efficiency numbers, has kept their NET profile remarkably stable.
Biggest Movers: Who Is Climbing and Who Is Slipping
Several teams made notable jumps inside the Top 25 and just outside it. Nebraska, despite two losses this week remains in the Top 10. They are 12-1 at home, and 6-2 in Quad 1 games. They check in at #10 in the rankings.
Saint Louis remains one of the most impressive climbers overall. The Billikens are at No. 16 with a 20-1 record. They are maximizing every opportunity, avoiding bad losses, and quietly building one of the cleanest profiles in the country.
On the flip side, a few programs are starting to feel the pressure. Alabama and Arkansas remain in the Top 25, but both have slid slightly due to inconsistent road play. The Crimson Tide are 3-2 on the road and Arkansas is 2-3. Iowa’s positioning at #20 shows improved metrics, but limited Quad 1 volume keeps the Hawkeyes from climbing higher. Thy are just 1-4 in Quad 1 games.
Quad 1 Wins Becoming the Separator
At this stage of the season, Quad 1 wins are beginning to tell the real story. Duke, Arizona, Michigan, Illinois, and Iowa State all boast strong Quad 1 resumes, which explains their firm grip on top-tier NET spots.
Illinois continues to impress with its ability to win tough road games, while Iowa State’s defensive identity has translated into consistent results against quality opponents. The Illini have back-to-back road wins at Purdue and Nebraska. Houston remains elite in this area as well, with its wins coming against teams that continue to rise in the rankings. The Cougars are 9th in the latest rankings.
Teams hovering near the bubble line, including Florida, Tennessee, and North Carolina, are seeing their NET positions change week to week, largely based on Quad 1 and Quad 2 outcomes. A single road win can move the needle dramatically right now.
Big 12 Still the Deepest Conference in the Country
No conference places more teams in the Top 25 than the Big 12, and this update reinforces why. Arizona, Iowa State, Houston, Kansas, BYU, and Texas Tech all remain firmly in the upper tier.
Iowa State’s climb to No. 4 stands out. The Cyclones have absorbed tw losses but continue to rack up quality wins, especially at home, and their defensive profile remains elite. Houston, now No. 9, remains one of the toughest outs in America despite a narrow margin for error in league play.
Kansas and BYU remain dangerous, while Texas Tech’s resume shows ten Quad 1 games already and a game against Kansas set for Monday. The Red Raiders are 19th.
Big Ten Powerhouses Jostling for Position
The Big Ten remains stacked near the top. Michigan, Illinois, Purdue, Nebraska, Michigan State, and Iowa all land inside the Top 20.
Illinois at No. 6 continues to be one of the most dangerous teams in the country with its ability to win both at home and on the road. Nebraska’s spot at 10 is just ahead of Tom Izzo and the Spartans.
Purdue and Michigan State remain rock solid, while Iowa’s NET jump reflects improved efficiency metrics despite some uneven results in conference play.
SEC and ACC Gaining Shape
The SEC places six teams inside the Top 25, led by Vanderbilt at No. 13. The Commodores continue to stack wins and are proving they belong in the upper tier. Florida, Tennessee, Alabama, and Arkansas are all hovering near key resume thresholds, with Quad 1 wins likely to define their ceilings.
In the ACC, Duke leads the way, but Virginia and North Carolina are trending upward at the right time. Louisville’s position at No. 17 highlights how quickly perception can change with strong conference play and a growing list of quality victories.
Mid-Major Watch: Saint Louis Leading the Charge
Saint Louis remains one of the most impressive stories outside the power conferences. Sitting at No. 16 with a 20-1 record, the Billikens have dominated their schedule, protected home court, and avoided damaging losses.
Gonzaga at No. 5 continues to carry the WCC banner, while Saint Mary’s and Santa Clara remain firmly inside the Top 50, keeping multiple leagues in play for at-large consideration.
Full NET Top 25 Through February 1, 2026
- Duke Blue Devils (20-1)
- Arizona Wildcats (22-0)
- Michigan Wolverines (20-1)
- Iowa State Cyclones (20-2)
- Gonzaga Bulldogs (22-1)
- Illinois Fighting Illini (19-3)
- UConn Huskies (21-1)
- Purdue Boilermakers (18-4)
- Houston Cougars (19-2)
- Nebraska Cornhuskers (20-2)
- Michigan State Spartans (19-3)
- Florida Gators (16-6)
- Vanderbilt Commodores (19-3)
- Kansas Jayhawks (16-5)
- BYU Cougars (17-4)
- Saint Louis Billikens (20-1)
- Louisville Cardinals (15-6)
- Virginia Cavaliers (18-3)
- Texas Tech Red Raiders (16-5)
- Iowa Hawkeyes (16-5)
- Tennessee Volunteers (15-6)
- Alabama Crimson Tide (14-7)
- Arkansas Razorbacks (16-6)
- St. John’s Red Storm (16-5)
- North Carolina Tar Heels (17-4)
With February underway, NET movement will only intensify. Road games, rivalry matchups, and conference races will dictate everything from seeding to survival. The top is taking shape, but the fight underneath it is just getting started.