Week 15 in men’s college basketball was anything but quiet. Six top-10 teams took losses, and the AP Top 25 poll responded with a major shakeup - including a new team at the top for the first time in over a decade.
Michigan Claims No. 1 for the First Time in 13 Years
Michigan is back on top of the college basketball world, climbing to No. 1 after dismantling UCLA 86-56. What started as a tight game - just a two-point lead at the half - turned into a statement win.
Yaxel Lendeborg led the charge with 17 points and eight rebounds, and the Wolverines used a dominant second half to make their case loud and clear. It’s been 13 years since Michigan last held the top spot, and they ended Arizona’s nine-week run at No. 1 in emphatic fashion.
Houston and Duke Keep Climbing
Houston continues to roll. The Cougars moved up to No. 2 after a convincing 78-64 win over Kansas State, improving to 23-2 on the season. Emanuel Sharp dropped 23 points, and Houston’s defense once again set the tone - a familiar formula for one of the nation’s most disciplined teams.
Duke also made a move, rising to No. 3 after taking care of then-No. 20 Clemson, 67-54.
Cameron Boozer put up 18 points in a game that showcased the Blue Devils’ balance and depth. With each passing week, Duke is looking more like a team built for a deep March run.
Arizona Slides After Back-to-Back Losses
Arizona’s grip on the top spot slipped away fast. After falling to Kansas without star guard Darryn Peterson, the Wildcats dropped a second straight - this time in overtime to Texas Tech.
That stumble sent them three spots down to No. 4.
It’s a rough patch, but Arizona’s talent is still undeniable. The question now is whether they can regroup in time to reclaim momentum before the postseason.
UConn Rounds Out the Top Five - But Hurley’s Not Happy
UConn climbed to No. 5 following a gritty 79-75 win over Georgetown. The Huskies are trending in the right direction on the court, but head coach Dan Hurley had some choice words for the home crowd, expressing frustration with the energy level in the building. It’s not often you hear a coach call out the fan base after a win, but Hurley clearly wants more from everyone - not just his players.
Iowa State, Purdue, and a Top 10 Shake-Up
Iowa State dropped just one spot to No. 6 despite a dominant 74-56 win over Kansas. It’s one of those rare cases where a team wins big but still slides - a reflection of how chaotic the rest of the top 10 was.
Purdue made the biggest leap, jumping six spots to No. 7 after knocking off Iowa. The Boilermakers are heating up at the right time and look like a team that could make serious noise in March.
Kansas moved up slightly to No. 8, while Nebraska and Illinois rounded out the top 10 at No. 9 and No. 10, respectively, after suffering setbacks.
Texas Tech Rising, Others Falling
Texas Tech continues to surge, climbing to No. 13 after that signature overtime win against Arizona. Meanwhile, Michigan State and North Carolina both took hits this week, each falling five spots as they try to regain their footing in a crowded field.
Teams to Watch as the Regular Season Winds Down
As we enter the final stretch of the regular season, the race for positioning is heating up. Clemson, Utah State, and Tennessee are among the teams just outside the Top 25, receiving votes and looking to make a late push.
There’s still plenty of basketball left, but Week 15 reminded us just how quickly things can change. With conference tournaments on the horizon, the pressure’s only going to ramp up from here.