We are witnessing one of the most compelling college basketball seasons in over a decade. The talent level is off the charts, fueled by a historic freshman class and an NIL landscape that keeps stars on campus longer. As the race for top seeds heats up, the latest rankings from Fox Sports analyst Casey Jacobsen highlight the movers and shakers. Here is a look at the top 10 teams dominating the hardwood this week.
10) Gonzaga Bulldogs
Jan 24, 2026; Spokane, Washington, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Tyon Grant-Foster (7) celebrates a three-pinter against the San Francisco Dons in the second half at McCarthey Athletic Center. Gonzaga Bulldogs won 68-66. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images
Stat line: Record: 21-1. Previously ranked: 11
Gonzaga remains a winning machine, but the loss of forward Braden Huff for the next two months casts a shadow over their title hopes. They managed to scrape by San Francisco in a tight two-point win, proving they can still grind out victories in the WCC. However, without their second-leading scorer, their margin for error just got razor-thin.
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9) BYU Cougars
Jan 24, 2026; Provo, Utah, USA; BYU Cougars forward AJ Dybantsa (3) celebrates with guard Robert Wright III (1) during the second half against the Utah Utes at Marriott Center. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Baker-Imagn Images
Stat line: Record: 17-2. Previously ranked: 9
BYU bounced back with a vengeance, sweeping their in-state rival Utah behind a legendary performance from AJ Dybantsa. The freshman phenom dropped 43 points in a display that fans will talk about for years. With Rob Wright III also averaging 22 points in conference play, the Cougars boast one of the most lethal backcourt duos in the nation.
8) Michigan State Spartans
Dec 16, 2025; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Denham Wojcik (10) passes the ball around Toledo Rockets center Austin Parks (25) during the second half at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Dale Young-Imagn Images
Stat line: Record: 18-2. Previously ranked: 12
The Spartans made a statement by absolutely dismantling Maryland, winning by 43 points in a laugher. Jeremy Fears Jr. was the maestro, dishing out an incredible 17 assists to go with his 17 points. When Tom Izzo’s squad is clicking like this, they look like a team capable of making a deep run in March.
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7) Houston Cougars
Dec 29, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars guard Mercy Miller (25) reacts with guard Ramon Walker Jr. (3) after scoring a basket during the second half against the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders at Fertitta Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Stat line: Record: 17-2. Previously ranked: 7
Houston suffered a rare defensive lapse, giving up 90 points in a loss to Texas Tech, but there is no reason to panic. It took a 42-point explosion from an opposing guard to take them down, an anomaly for Kelvin Sampson’s elite defense. The Cougars remain one of the toughest outs in the country, even when their armor shows a crack.
6) Iowa State Cyclones
Iowa State Cyclones guard Tamin Lipsey (3)celebrates with Iforward Joshua Jefferson (5) and forward Milan Momcilovic (22) after a three-point play during the second half on Jan. 2, 2026, at Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa.
Stat line: Record: 18-2. Previously ranked: 6
After a brief stumble, the Cyclones got right back on track with blowout wins over UCF and Oklahoma State. Milan Momcilovic has been unconscious from deep, hitting 17 three-pointers in his last three games. When their offense is clicking to match their suffocating defense, Iowa State looks like a legitimate Final Four contender.
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5) Nebraska Cornhuskers
Jan 21, 2026; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers guard Cale Jacobsen (31), guard Jamarques Lawrence (10) and forward Berke Buyuktuncel (9) react after a dunk by forward Pryce Sandfort (21) during the second half against the Washington Huskies at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
Stat line: Record: 20-0. Previously ranked: 8
The Huskers finally crack the top five, silencing doubters with a perfect 20-0 record. Their ability to find another gear in the second half against Minnesota showed the poise of a veteran team. With a massive test against Michigan looming, Nebraska has a chance to prove its undefeated run is no fluke.
4) Duke Blue Devils
Jan 10, 2026; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils players (left to right) Pat Ngongba II, Cameron Boozer, Cayden Boozer, and Caleb Foster huddle during the second half against the Southern Methodist Mustangs at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images
Stat line: Record: 18-1. Previously ranked: 5
Cameron Boozer continues to be the engine driving Duke, delivering a masterful 32-point performance against Wake Forest. While he may not have the flashiest highlights, his consistency and versatility are unmatched. He is shouldering a massive load for the Blue Devils and delivering every single night.
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3) UConn Huskies
Jan 24, 2026; Storrs, Connecticut, USA; UConn Huskies forward Jayden Ross (23) grabs the rebound against the Villanova Wildcats in the first half at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Stat line: Record: 19-1. Previously ranked: 2
The defending champs slide slightly despite winning, a reflection of how mortal they’ve looked in Big East play. Escaping Villanova in overtime marked their second close shave in three weeks. UConn is still elite, but they haven’t been crushing opponents with the same dominance we’ve come to expect from Dan Hurley’s squad.
2) Michigan Wolverines
Jan 2, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard L.J.C.ason (2) dribbles in the first half against the Southern California Trojans at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Stat line: Record: 18-1. Previously ranked: 3
Michigan jumps to No. 2, quietly taking care of business with double-digit wins over Indiana and Ohio State. They have arguably the highest ceiling in the country, playing a brand of basketball that feels untouchable when they are locked in. Their upcoming clash with undefeated Nebraska will be the ultimate litmus test for the top of the Big Ten.
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1) Arizona Wildcats
Dec 22, 2025; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Brayden Burries (5) and teammates celebrate at the bench during the second half of the game against the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats at McKale Memorial Center. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images
Stat line: Record: 20-0. Previously ranked: 1
Arizona holds the top spot, proving they are the nation’s pound-for-pound toughest team. Their win over Cincinnati wasn’t pretty, but it showcased their depth, with freshman Ivan Kharchenkov stepping up as a defensive menace. Physically and mentally, the Wildcats look like the team to beat as we head toward March.
The road ahead
Iowa State Cyclones guard Tamin Lipsey (3)celebrates with forward Joshua Jefferson (5) and forward Milan Momcilovic (22) after a three-point play during the second half on Jan. 2, 2026, at Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa.
With Nebraska facing Michigan and Arizona traveling to BYU, this week promises to shake up the rankings even further. As the calendar turns to February, the battles for seeding will only get more intense.
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