The college basketball landscape is heating up, and at the top of the mountain right now, it’s Arizona and Michigan trading punches for the No. 1 spot in the national rankings. After a dominant win over Alabama, Arizona takes over the top spot in the Associated Press Top 25, while Michigan holds firm at No. 1 in the USA Today Coaches Poll for a second straight week. Two teams, two different polls, and one shared message: these programs are rolling.
Arizona Makes Its Case Loud and Clear
Arizona didn’t just beat Alabama on Saturday - they made a statement. A 96-75 win over a ranked SEC opponent isn’t just a résumé booster, it’s the kind of performance that turns heads in December.
That victory marked Arizona’s fifth win over a ranked team this season, which is no small feat this early in the year. They’ve already taken down Connecticut (currently ranked fifth in both polls), Auburn (No. 21 in the AP, No. 24 in the Coaches Poll), and Florida (No.
23 AP, No. 21 Coaches).
Add Alabama to that list, and you’ve got a team that’s not just winning - they’re winning against the best.
The AP voters took notice. Arizona pulled in 1,500 points and 42 first-place votes to claim the top spot.
Michigan, despite an impressive week themselves, came in second with 1,470 points and 15 first-place votes. But the Coaches Poll tells a slightly different story - Michigan holds onto No. 1 there with 759 points and 16 first-place votes, while Arizona is right on their heels with 755 points and 14 first-place nods.
Michigan Keeps Rolling
Let’s not overlook what Michigan’s doing. The Wolverines just wrapped up a 2-0 week and have now won seven straight games - all by at least 18 points.
That kind of consistency, especially in a sport where momentum can swing wildly from night to night, is impressive. They may have slipped to No. 2 in the AP, but the Coaches Poll still sees them as the top dog for now.
And with the way they’re handling business, it’s hard to argue.
Duke, Iowa State Right in the Mix
Right behind the top two, Duke and Iowa State continue to solidify their spots among the elite. Duke is sitting at No. 3 in both polls, pulling in three first-place votes in the AP and one in the Coaches Poll.
Iowa State is right behind at No. 4 in both rankings and even snagged a first-place vote in the AP - the only other team besides Arizona, Michigan, and Duke to do so. That’s a big nod of respect for the Cyclones, who are clearly turning heads with their early-season play.
Alabama Slides After Loss, Arizona’s Résumé Grows Stronger
Alabama took a tumble after the loss to Arizona, dropping four spots to No. 16 in both polls. But even in defeat, Alabama’s ranking helps underscore just how impressive Arizona’s win was. The Wildcats are stacking quality wins like a team that knows exactly what it's chasing - and how to get there.
What’s Next for Arizona?
Arizona’s got a busy stretch ahead, and they’ll be expected to hold serve as the top-ranked team. First up is Abilene Christian on Tuesday, followed by a Saturday night matchup against San Diego State in Phoenix. Neither opponent is ranked, but both games offer a chance for Arizona to keep building rhythm and confidence heading into conference play.
The Wildcats close their non-conference slate with games against Bethune-Cookman (Dec. 22) and South Dakota State (Dec. 29), before opening Big XII play on the road at Utah on January 3. The next true measuring stick? A road trip to face 10th-ranked BYU on January 26 - a matchup that could have serious implications for the top of the rankings.
Bottom Line
Arizona is playing like a team with something to prove - and they’re proving it, night after night. Michigan is right there with them, and the two programs are setting the pace for what’s shaping up to be a thrilling college basketball season.
With Duke and Iowa State lurking and plenty of ranked matchups on the horizon, the race for No. 1 is far from over. But for now, the Wildcats are sitting at the top - and they’ve earned every bit of it.