Mid-major college basketball continues to deliver one of the most compelling storylines of the season. From undefeated runs to dominant conference starts, these programs are building resumes that demand national attention. With league play in full swing, this week’s Top 10 shows off consistency, momentum, and strong NET positioning as teams push deeper into January.
Mid-Major Top 10 Rankings
As of games played through January 20
10. Belmont Bruins (16–3, NET: 63)
Belmont cracks the rankings riding a four-game winning streak. After back-to-back losses at Indiana State and at home to Southern Illinois, the Bruins responded with wins over Northern Iowa, Drake, Valparaiso, and Southern Illinois. Belmont now sits second in the conference standings behind Murray State. The Bruins are back home Sunday afternoon against Illinois State before heading to Valparaiso on January 28.
9. Utah State Aggies (15–3, NET: 26)
Utah State remains one of the Mountain West’s most dangerous teams despite dropping two straight games. Losses at Grand Canyon and at home to UNLV exposed some defensive issues, with the Aggies allowing 85 points per game in those contests. MJ Collins Jr. continues to lead the offense. Utah State looks to rebound Friday on the road at Colorado State, then returns home January 28 to face Wyoming.
8. Murray State Racers (16–3, NET: 67)
The NET rankings may be skeptical, but Murray State keeps winning. The Racers have taken a two-game lead in the conference and are riding a 12-game winning streak after edging Indiana State at home. That streak will be tested this week with road trips to Drake on Wednesday and Northern Iowa on Saturday.
7. New Mexico Lobos (13–4, NET: 41)
New Mexico slips one spot after a road loss at San Diego State snapped a four-game winning streak. The Lobos are now 5-2 in conference play, tied with Utah State, Nevada, and UNLV atop a crowded Mountain West race. New Mexico hosts Fresno State on Wednesday and Nevada on Saturday before seeing the Aztecs again later in February.
6. Yale Bulldogs (12–3, NET: 61)
Yale moves up thanks to steady play and timely wins. The Bulldogs have won back-to-back games over Cornell and Columbia and are tied atop the Ivy League standings at 3-1. James Jones’ group heads to Penn on Saturday, then prepares for a January 30 matchup against Dartmouth as the Ivy race tightens.
5. George Mason Patriots (17–1, NET: 62)
George Mason continues to impress with just one loss all season. The Patriots extended their winning streak to nine games with a 69–64 victory over George Washington. Kory Mincy has been the engine, averaging 16.4 points per game while logging heavy minutes. Up next is a road test at Rhode Island, followed by home dates against Davidson and a trip to St. Bonaventure.
4. Saint Mary's Gaels (17–3, NET: 32)
Saint Mary’s drops one spot after a road loss at Santa Clara but remains firmly in the national picture. The Gaels are chasing Gonzaga and Santa Clara in the league standings and are led by Paulius Murauskas at 19.2 points per game. Saint Mary’s hosts Oregon State on Wednesday before road games at Portland and a highly anticipated matchup with Gonzaga on January 31.
3. Miami (OH) RedHawks (17–0, NET: 49)
Miami (OH) continues its perfect season, moving up to No. 3 after rallying past Kent State. The RedHawks are 8-0 in MAC play and rank second nationally in scoring at 94.6 points per game. Brant Byers leads the way at 15.2 points per game. Miami returns home January 27 against UMass, then hosts Northern Illinois to close the month.
2. Saint Louis Billikens (18–1, NET: 22)
Saint Louis has been one of the season’s most consistent teams. The Billikens sit at 18–1 and have climbed into the top 25 of the NET. Their 12-game winning streak continued with a balanced effort against Duquesne, as three players scored 14 points. Saint Louis travels to St. Bonaventure before closing January with home games against George Washington and Dayton.
1. Gonzaga Bulldogs (19–1, NET: 4)
Gonzaga holds the top spot once again after winning its 12th straight game, a dominant 71–50 victory over Seattle. Graham Ike leads the Bulldogs at 18.1 points per game, while the team averages over 90 points offensively and allows just 67 per contest. Gonzaga hosts Pepperdine on Wednesday and San Francisco on Saturday, continuing to look like the nation’s premier mid-major program.
Dropped From the Rankings
- McNeese Cowboys (13–4)
Others in Consideration
- San Diego State Aztecs (13–4)
- Santa Clara Broncos (15–5)
- VCU Rams (13–6)
- Akron Zips (13–4)
Mid-major basketball remains as competitive as ever, with multiple conferences producing teams capable of making noise in March. As January winds down, conference play and road tests will shape the next set of rankings, but Gonzaga, Saint Louis, and Miami (OH) continue to set the tone.