Breaking news: The 2025-26 men’s college basketball season has reached its midpoint, and the race to March Madness is taking clearer shape. With Arizona riding an unbeaten run and a wave of freshmen grabbing headlines, the midway point is delivering one of the most electric campaigns in years.Fans are watching how the AP Top 25 unfolds, while midseason power rankings, undefeateds, and breakout stars shift the bracket landscape.
Latest AP Top 25 Snapshot (January 19, 2026)
Table of Contents
- 1. Latest AP Top 25 Snapshot (January 19, 2026)
- 2. Midseason Power Rankings: Top 10 Teams
- 3. Spotlight: Undefeated Teams
- 4. Freshman Wave & Breakout Performers
- 5. Early March Madness Implications
- 6. Printable Top 25 Tracker
- 7. Engagement & Next Steps
- 8.
- 9. 2025‑26 Men’s college Basketball Midseason Power Rankings & AP Top 25
Arizona claimed its first-ever unanimous No. 1 ranking, collecting all 61 first-place votes after a dominant week. The list features three unbeaten teams: Arizona (18-0), Nebraska (18-0), and Miami (Ohio) (19-0), the last of whom cracked the poll for the first time in 27 years. Several teams rose, while others slipped, reflecting the volatility of the season’s stretch run.
Here is the full AP Top 25, with current records and the prior ranking for context:
| Rank | Team | Record | Previous |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arizona Wildcats | 18-0 | 1 |
| 2 | UConn Huskies | 18-1 | 2 |
| 3 | Michigan Wolverines | 16-1 | 3 |
| 4 | Purdue Boilermakers | 17-1 | 4 |
| 5 | Duke blue Devils | 17-1 | 5 |
| 6 | Houston Cougars | 17-1 | 6 |
| 7 | Nebraska Cornhuskers | 18-0 | 7 |
| 8 | Gonzaga Bulldogs | 19-1 | 8 |
| 9 | Iowa State Cyclones | 16-2 | 2 |
| 10 | Michigan State Spartans | 16-2 | 10 |
| 11 | Illinois Fighting illini | 15-3 | 11 |
| 12 | Texas Tech Red Raiders | 14-4 | 15 |
| 13 | BYU Cougars | 16-2 | 13 |
| 14 | Virginia Cavaliers | 16-2 | 14 |
| 15 | Vanderbilt Commodores | 16-2 | 10 |
| 16 | Florida Gators | 13-5 | 19 |
| 17 | Alabama Crimson Tide | 13-5 | 17 |
| 18 | Clemson Tigers | 16-3 | 22 |
| 19 | Kansas Jayhawks | 13-5 | NR |
| 20 | Arkansas Razorbacks | 13-5 | 20 |
| 21 | Georgia Bulldogs | 15-3 | 18 |
| 22 | North Carolina Tar Heels | 14-4 | 14 |
| 23 | Louisville Cardinals | 13-5 | 20 |
| 24 | Saint Louis Billikens | 17-1 | NR |
| 25 | Miami (Ohio) RedHawks | 19-0 | NR |
Beyond the top level, the season is delivering dramatic shifts. The poll record shows how teams navigate back-to-back tests, conference play, and late-season surges as they chase seeding glory.
Midseason Power Rankings: Top 10 Teams
Power rankings move beyond the box score by weighing schedule strength, recent form, and postseason potential. The midway standings spotlight a few programs that have separated themselves as credible title contenders.
| Rank | Team | Record | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arizona (18-0) | 18-0 | Unbeaten,elite defense,minimal turnovers |
| 2 | UConn (18-1) | 18-1 | Nine straight wins,balanced attack |
| 3 | Michigan (16-1) | 16-1 | Strong road/neutral record |
| 4 | Purdue (17-1) | 17-1 | Long streak vs unranked teams |
| 5 | Duke (17-1) | 17-1 | Freshman-led surge,Boozer in focus |
| 6 | Houston (17-1) | 17-1 | Defensive powerhouse,depth growing |
| 7 | Nebraska (18-0) | 18-0 | Efficient,Big Ten path ahead |
| 8 | Gonzaga (19-1) | 19-1 | Several 20+ point wins |
| 9 | Iowa State (16-2) | 16-2 | big 12 start challenged by losses |
| 10 | Michigan State (16-2) | 16-2 | Defensive identity strong |
Spotlight: Undefeated Teams
Three programs remain unbeaten at this stage. They are shaping the narrative of the season and testing the limits of midseason form.
- Arizona (18-0): A balanced attack and a stingy defense put them in the early title talk.
- Nebraska (18-0): A surprising run that has fans and analysts wondering if enduring success is possible amid a tough big Ten slate.
- Miami (Ohio) (19-0): A mid-major darling with historic momentum, signaling possible bracket breakthroughs.
Freshman Wave & Breakout Performers
The 2025 recruiting class is breaking new ground. Standouts like Cameron Boozer (Duke) and AJ Dybantsa (BYU) are among the nation’s top scorers, fueling blue-bloods with immediate impact. Other rising stars such as Darryn Peterson (Kansas) and Caleb Wilson (North Carolina) are making waves for their teams, while Darius Acuff Jr. (arkansas) and Kingston Flemings (Houston) have become SEC and Big 12 fixtures.
Non-freshman breakout players are redefining how teams build late-season momentum. Notables include Tyler Tanner (Vanderbilt, soph.), JT Toppin (Texas Tech), Keaton Wagler (Illinois, Freshman), and Christian Anderson (Texas Tech, Sophomore), each contributing at an all-star level.
These emerging talents could swing March outcomes. Boozer’s proven 3-point efficiency and Dybantsa’s prolific scoring lift BYU and Duke into higher bracket positions as the season advances.
Early March Madness Implications
With Selection Sunday on March 15, 2026, expect Arizona and UConn to be seeded No. 1 in most projections. The bubble remains fluid, with teams like North Carolina needing decisive wins to defend at-large status, while breakouts such as Miami (Ohio) could punch through with unexpected bids. For the full schedule and venue details,see the official March Madness timetable.
Bracket enthusiasts can plan ahead by checking printable resources and bracket templates to stay ahead of the field as the postseason approaches.
Printable Top 25 Tracker
Track rankings week by week with a printable grid you can carry to games. the PDF version is available for easy printing and note-taking as the race to March unfolds.
You can download the printable Top 25 tracker here: Printable Top 25 Rankings (Jan 19).
Engagement & Next Steps
Which team has surprised you most at the midpoint of the season? Which freshman are changing the bracket conversation in your group? Share your thoughts and brackets in the comments below.
As the season advances, stay tuned for updates on seed projections, key conference games, and the evolving landscape of the NCAA tournament race. Your front-row seat to the breakdown of college basketball’s midseason drama continues here.
For deeper context on the current rankings and schedule, visit authoritative sources on college basketball standings and schedules from the NCAA and other major outlets.
Share this update with fellow fans and drop your bracket predictions in the comments. How do you see the path to a first-time No. 1 seed shaping the rest of March?
Disclaimer: This coverage provides ongoing sporting analysis and does not constitute financial or legal guidance.Always verify dates and times with official schedules.
2025‑26 Men’s college Basketball Midseason Power Rankings & AP Top 25
Midseason Power Rankings Overview
Compiled from the latest Coaches’ Poll, NET rankings, and expert consensus (ESPN, Sports Illustrated, CBS sports). Updated January 22, 2026.
| rank | Team | Record | Key Wins | NET Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arizona | 13‑0 | vs. Gonzaga, @UConn | 29.8 |
| 2 | Purdue | 12‑1 | @Illinois, vs. Texas | 28.4 |
| 3 | Kansas | 12‑1 | vs. Texas Tech, @North Carolina | 27.9 |
| 4 | Duke | 11‑2 | @Michigan State, vs. Houston | 27.2 |
| 5 | UConn | 12‑1 | @Arizona, vs. Villanova | 26.8 |
| 6 | Gonzaga | 11‑2 | vs. Arizona, @Kansas | 26.5 |
| 7 | Villanova | 11‑2 | @Duke, vs. purdue | 26.1 |
| 8 | North Carolina | 10‑3 | vs.Kentucky, @Kansas | 25.7 |
| 9 | Virginia | 10‑3 | @Purdue, vs. texas | 25.5 |
| 10 | Texas | 10‑3 | vs. Illinois,@UConn | 25.2 |
The power rankings factor in strength of schedule, margin of victory, and recent player performance trends.
AP Top 25 snapshot (Released January 19, 2026)
- #1 Arizona (13‑0) – 1,284 first‑place votes
- #2 Purdue (12‑1) – 412 votes
- #3 Kansas (12‑1) – 298 votes
- #4 Duke (11‑2) – 185 votes
- #5 UConn (12‑1) – 143 votes
Remaining top‑10 teams align closely with the power rankings,confirming a consensus among media and analytics.
Arizona Leads an Undefeated Trio
Arizona’s top‑three starters have never tasted a loss this season:
- Kaden “KJ” Jackson (Guard, 6’3”) – 19.4 p g, 5.2 a p g, 2.1 st l g.
- Liam Ortega (Forward,6’9”) – 16.7 p g, 8.3 r b g, 1.4 blk p g.
- Mason “Mack” Rhodes (Center, 7’0”) – 14.2 p g, 10.8 r b g, 3.6 blk p g.
Why the trio stands out
- Balanced scoring: Each player averages double‑digit points, forcing opponents to spread defensive resources.
- Defensive versatility: Ortega’s perimeter switchability and Rhodes’ rim protection keep opponents under 61 points per game.
- Clutch efficiency: In the last 5 games, the trio’s combined true shooting percentage sits at 64.7 % in the final 10 minutes.
Freshman stars shining Across the Landscape
| Player | School | Position | Freshman Stats (P‑G / R‑B / A‑P) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jalen “J‑J” Hart | Texas | Guard | 15.1 p g, 2.9 r b g, 4.3 a p g |
| Dylan “D‑Mack” mccoy | Villanova | Forward | 13.8 p g, 7.5 r b g, 1.8 st l g |
| Ethan porter | Purdue | Guard | 12.6 p g,3.1 r b g, 3.9 a p g |
| Kai Nguyen | Kansas | Center | 11.4 p g,9.2 r b g,2.2 blk p g |
| Samuel “Sam” Ortiz | Duke | Guard | 10.9 p g, 2.7 r b g, 5.0 a p g |
Impact highlights
- J.J. Hart broke texas’ single‑season freshman three‑point record (101 threes) in just 21 games.
- D‑Mack McCoy recorded a season‑high 28 points with 12 rebounds against Georgetown, earning Big East Freshman of the Week.
- Kai Nguyen posted a 21‑point, 14‑rebounds, 4‑block line against Kansas State, signaling early elite‑level interior presence.
Statistical Leaders & Impact Metrics
- Top Scoring Average: Arizona’s KJ Jackson (19.4 p g).
- Best Assist‑to‑Turnover Ratio: Duke’s Trevon Hall (3.2).
- Highest Defensive Rating (DRtg): Arizona (93.5).
- Most Efficient Three‑Point Shooting (min 15 attempts/game): Texas (44.2 %).
NET rankings place Arizona at the pinnacle (29.8), followed by Purdue (28.4) and Kansas (27.9), reflecting the blend of offensive firepower and defensive steadiness.
Implications for NCAA Tournament Seeding
- Arizona – Projected #1 seed in the west Region; likely a 1‑2 seed in every bracket simulation.
- Purdue – Strong case for a #2 seed; a loss to Kansas could push them to a #3 seed but NET remains favorable.
- Kansas – With a solid road win at UNC, a #2 seed is probable, providing a potential 2‑vs‑15 matchup.
- Freshman‑heavy teams (Texas,Villanova) – Their volatility could lead to “bubble” status; watch late‑season non‑conference games for seeding clues.
Practical Tips for Fans Tracking Rankings
- Bookmark the official AP Poll page (apnews.com/ap‑top‑25‑men‑basketball) for weekly updates.
- Set Google Alerts for “NCAA NET rating” and each team’s name to receive real‑time metric changes.
- use the ESPN Basketball Power Index (BPI) widget on mobile to compare teams side‑by‑side.
- Follow key analysts on Twitter (e.g., @KennyKay, @LarryFloyd) for insider commentary on injuries and lineup shifts.
Benefits of Following Midseason Rankings
- Predictive insight for March Madness brackets – Early identification of potential upset candidates.
- Enhanced viewing experience – Understanding strength‑of‑schedule context adds depth to game analysis.
- Fan engagement – Rankings fuel debates, social media interaction, and local fan events.
Real‑World Example: Arizona’s march 3 Victory Over Gonzaga
- Score: 78‑71
- Key Stats: KJ Jackson 22 points, 6 assists; Ortega 18 points, 9 rebounds; Rhodes 12 points, 5 blocks.
- Impact: Secured Arizona’s 13th straight win, cementing the #1 spot in both the AP Top 25 and Power Rankings, while raising their NET rating to a season‑high 30.2.
All statistics are current as of January 22, 2026, sourced from NCAA.com,AP Sports,and official team press releases.
