The college basketball landscape shifted this week as Michigan claimed the No. 1 spot in the AP Top 25 poll. This change comes after Arizona suffered two losses last week, ending their previously undefeated season.
A Novel Leader Emerges
Michigan (24-1) now holds the top ranking, receiving 60 of 61 first-place votes. Houston (1402 points, 1 first-place vote) follows in second place, with Duke (23-2) rounding out the top three. Arizona (23-2) fell to No. 4.
The Top 25 is completed as follows: UConn (5), Iowa State (6), Purdue (7), Kansas (8), Nebraska (9), Illinois (10), Gonzaga (11), Florida (12), Texas Tech (13), Virginia (14), Michigan State (15), North Carolina (16), St. John’s (17), Saint Louis (18), Vanderbilt (19), Arkansas (20), Louisville (21), Miami (OH) (22), BYU (23), Alabama (24) and Wisconsin (25).
Expert Perspective
Wisconsin similarly made gains this week, earning a spot back on the ballot after defeating both Illinois and Michigan State. Utah State also earned a place on the ballot, with a 22-3 record and a seven-game winning streak.
Looking Ahead
Michigan will face Purdue on the road and Duke in a neutral site clash this week. Arizona will play BYU and Houston. It remains to be seen if Michigan can maintain its position at the top, or if another team will rise to challenge them in the coming weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the change at the top of the AP poll?
Arizona lost two games last week, which opened the door for another team to take the No. 1 ranking.
Who is currently ranked No. 1?
Michigan is currently ranked No. 1 in the AP Top 25 poll.
What is Wisconsin’s current ranking?
Wisconsin is currently ranked No. 25 in the AP Top 25 poll.
With March Madness on the horizon, will these rankings hold, or will we see further shifts in the college basketball power structure?
