College Basketball Rankings Update: UNC Holds Firm, Texas Women Surge, and More from the Latest AP Polls
Thanksgiving week in college hoops always delivers - and this year was no different. With early-season tournaments and multi-team events lighting up the schedule, fans got a front-row seat to some of the most high-profile matchups we’ll see before conference play kicks into gear.
Now, as we transition into December, the action doesn't slow down just yet. The ACC-SEC Challenge brings another loaded slate of non-conference battles this week, including marquee games featuring both North Carolina squads.
But before we look ahead, let’s break down where things stand after last week’s chaos - starting with the latest AP Top 25 rankings.
Men’s AP Top 25: Purdue Stays on Top, Michigan Makes a Statement
Top Five: 1.
Purdue (40 first-place votes)
2.
Arizona (6)
3.
Michigan (15)
4.
Duke
5.
UConn
Purdue keeps its grip on the top spot with 40 first-place votes, but Michigan is making noise - and fast. The Wolverines jumped up to No. 3 in the poll, now holding the second-most first-place votes after dismantling both Auburn and Gonzaga in dominant fashion. That’s the kind of week that turns heads in December.
UNC Men Hold Steady at No. 16
Despite taking their first loss of the season - a defeat at the hands of Michigan State at the Fort Myers Tip-Off - the Tar Heels didn’t budge in the rankings. They stay put at No. 16, thanks in part to a solid resume and the Spartans being a legit squad themselves. It’s a sign that voters aren’t overreacting to one stumble, especially against quality competition.
Biggest Climbers: Vanderbilt Rockets Up
Vanderbilt is quietly putting together one of the season’s early surprise runs. After winning the Battle 4 Atlantis and improving to 8-0, the Commodores leapt seven spots - the biggest jump of the week. They’re now sitting at No. 17 and showing no signs of slowing down.
Biggest Fall: St. John’s Slides After Third Loss
St. John’s took a hit this week after dropping a game to Auburn - their third loss of the season.
All three defeats have come against Top 25 opponents, which helps soften the blow, but the Red Storm still fell to No. 23.
Conference Breakdown (Men’s Top 25):
- SEC: 7 teams
- Big 12: 6 teams
- ACC: 3 teams
- Big East: 2 teams
- WCC: 1 team
Women’s AP Top 25: UConn Leads, Texas Rises, UNC Women Climb to No. 11
Top Five: 1.
UConn (22 first-place votes)
2.
Texas (10)
3.
South Carolina
4.
UCLA
5.
LSU
The top of the women’s poll got a shake-up this week. Texas climbs from No. 4 to No. 2 after a pair of statement wins over previous No.
2 South Carolina and No. 3 UCLA.
That’s the kind of one-two punch that vaults you into the national title conversation.
UNC Women on the Rise After Cancun Sweep
The Tar Heel women had themselves a week at the Cancun Challenge, and the poll voters took notice. UNC rolled through South Dakota State, Kansas State, and Columbia - all 2025 NCAA Tournament teams - by a combined 64 points.
That dominant showing bumped them up one spot to No. 11.
It’s not just the wins - it’s how convincingly they’re doing it.
Biggest Drop: Tennessee Tumbles
Tennessee took the biggest hit in the women’s poll this week. A 22-point loss to UCLA sent the Lady Vols down five spots. It’s a reminder that the margin for error is slim when you’re playing top-tier opponents.
Conference Breakdown (Women’s Top 25):
- Big Ten: 8 teams
- SEC: 8 teams
- Big 12: 5 teams
- ACC: 3 teams
- Big East: 1 team
Can’t-Miss Matchups This Week
Men’s:
- #16 North Carolina (6-1) at #18 Kentucky (5-2)
Tonight, 9:30 PM ET on ESPN
Blue bloods collide in a classic ACC-SEC Challenge showdown.
Expect fireworks.
- #4 Duke (8-0) at #7 Michigan State (7-0) Saturday, 12:00 PM ET on FOX Two undefeated powerhouses meet in what could be a Final Four preview.
- #10 Iowa State (7-0) at #1 Purdue (7-0) Saturday, 12:00 PM ET on CBS A top-10 clash with the No. 1 spot on the line? Sign us up.
As we head into December, the early-season jitters are fading, and teams are starting to show who they really are. The rankings are shifting, the matchups are heating up, and both UNC squads are right in the thick of it. Stay tuned - this season’s just getting started.