The volatility of modern college basketball has never been more obvious than it is in the NIL era. With player movement at an all-time high and the transfer portal serving as a revolving door, programs are expected to rebuild fast, win faster, and justify every investment made into blue-chip rosters. While this new ecosystem has already created chaos in football—Lane Kiffin’s Ole Miss–LSU saga and Curt Cignetti’s quick Indiana turnaround being prime examples—the hardwood hasn’t reached that same level of frenzy. But Week 6 may be the closest we’ve come.
Kentucky fans, one of the sport’s most demanding and passionate groups, made their feelings clear after Friday’s blowout loss to Gonzaga in Nashville—a defeat so lopsided it knocked the Wildcats out of the AP Top 25. The boos were unmistakable. The frustration was palpable. And for head coach Mark Pope, the honeymoon is unquestionably over.
Still, Week 6 wasn’t just about disappointment. It was also a showcase for rising powers, statement victories, and surprising early-season dominance. Here’s a full breakdown of the biggest risers and fallers heading into the heart of December basketball.
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STOCK RISERS
IOWA STATE – A PROGRAM MAKING A NATIONAL STATEMENT
Few results this season have resonated the way Iowa State’s destruction of No. 1 Purdue did. Not only did the Cyclones walk into Mackey Arena—one of America’s toughest venues—and win, they dominated the top-ranked Boilermakers by 23 points. It was Purdue’s worst non-conference home loss ever for a No. 1 team.
At 9-0, T.J. Otzelberger’s squad now looks like the early favorite in the Big 12, especially with Houston starting slower than expected. The résumé already includes impressive wins over Creighton, Mississippi State, and St. John’s. Their rise to No. 4 in the national polls (with a first-place vote to boot) is no fluke. With their rivalry showdown against Iowa looming, the Cyclones are positioning themselves as a legitimate Final Four contender.
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DUKE – SHOWING THE MARKS OF A CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM
Winning in different styles is often the hallmark of elite teams, and Duke proved exactly that last week. Against Michigan State in East Lansing, the Blue Devils clawed through a gritty, defensive slugfest and emerged with a composed six-point victory. Earlier in the week, they handled Florida in the ACC/SEC Challenge.
Jon Scheyer’s team sits at 10-0 with four ranked wins already—and another major test against Texas Tech awaits at Madison Square Garden. With elite defensive consistency and balanced scoring, Duke continues to check every box of a top national title threat.
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THE ACC – THE NARRATIVE IS CHANGING
After several seasons of national skepticism, the ACC is quietly rebuilding its reputation. A 7–9 record in the ACC–SEC Challenge might not sound dominant, but it showcased depth the league has been missing. Behind the headliners—Duke, Louisville, and North Carolina—the middle tier has stepped up.
Syracuse’s upset of Tennessee, Notre Dame and Miami defeating 2024 tournament teams, and a resurgent Virginia climbing into the Top 25 give the conference real momentum. With nine teams receiving AP poll votes, the ACC could push for six or more NCAA Tournament bids.
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SAINT MARY’S – A QUIET WEST COAST THREAT
While Gonzaga still commands the West Coast spotlight, Saint Mary’s is quietly putting together a campaign worthy of national attention. At 9-1 and ranked 31st in KenPom, the Gaels have built their success on elite defense—currently the 20th-most efficient unit in the nation.
Their lone loss came to a surging Vanderbilt squad, but upcoming non-conference games against FAU, Boise State, and Northern Iowa give them ample opportunity to earn a ranking by the time WCC play begins. Randy Bennett’s group is built for March, and the sooner opponents take notice, the better.
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STOCK FALLERS
KENTUCKY – A BLUEBLOOD ON THE BRINK
The situation in Lexington is deteriorating quickly. Kentucky hasn’t beaten a ranked opponent all season, and the 40-point loss to Gonzaga was the breaking point for many fans. Injuries have played a role—Jaland Lowe only recently returned and Jayden Quaintance remains sidelined—but talent is not the issue. Effort, cohesion, and toughness are.
Former Wildcat DeMarcus Cousins publicly questioned the team’s heart, and the pressure on Mark Pope is now immense. Saturday’s matchup with Indiana—the first regular-season meeting since 2011—has become a must-win for the Wildcats’ morale and for Pope’s credibility.
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THE SEC – FROM DOMINANT TO DECENT
Last season, the SEC was arguably the nation’s premier basketball conference. This year, it’s struggling to find its footing. A 9–7 performance in the ACC–SEC Challenge exposed several flaws, and outside of Alabama, there have been few signature wins.
Kentucky, Florida, and Tennessee have all faltered. While Vanderbilt and Georgia have overachieved, the league’s top tier looks far less imposing. The SEC should still snag a strong tournament presence, but a Final Four bid—after sending two teams last season—looks far less certain.
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UNBEATEN TEAMS – THE FIELD SHRINKS FAST
Entering December, 24 teams were undefeated. Just one week later, only eight remain. Heavyweights like Purdue, Louisville, and Michigan State all suffered their first losses. Even powerhouse No. 2 Michigan, though still perfect, faces a grueling Big Ten schedule that makes the dream of an undefeated season nearly impossible.
College basketball hasn’t seen an unbeaten champion since Indiana in 1976, and Week 6 made it clear that streak isn’t ending this year.
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PURDUE – A WARNING SIGN, NOT A PANIC BUTTON
Iowa State didn’t just beat Purdue—they outclassed them. The nation’s top-ranked offense shot just 41% overall and 4-for-18 from deep, raising concerns about how the Boilermakers fare against elite defensive teams. Their drop to No. 6 in the polls is deserved, but the sky isn’t falling.
Still, the performance was troubling for a program desperate to end the Big Ten’s 25-year national title drought. Purdue needs to prove that Saturday was a blip—not an exposed flaw.
