Arizona once again stands alone at the top of the college basketball world, reclaiming the No. 1 spot in the latest Associated Press Top 25 poll and reinforcing its status as the nation’s most consistent force early in the season. While the Wildcats tightened their grip on the top ranking, the rest of the poll reflected subtle shifts, rising contenders, dramatic falls, and compelling storylines that continue to shape the national title conversation.
The top 10 remained largely stable from last week, with only minor movement among the elite. Gonzaga and Houston swapped positions, landing at No. 7 and No. 8 respectively, marking the only shuffle within the upper tier. Duke and Iowa State, however, made plenty of noise. The Blue Devils checked in at No. 3 and earned three first-place votes, while No. 4 Iowa State secured one—clear signs that voters see both programs as legitimate challengers to Arizona’s throne.
Rounding out the top half of the poll, UConn and Purdue followed closely behind Iowa State, continuing to build strong résumés as the season progresses. Michigan State and BYU completed the top 10, each maintaining steady momentum and positioning themselves as teams no contender wants to face come March.
The biggest headline-maker outside the top 10 was Nebraska. The Cornhuskers delivered the most dramatic rise of the week, soaring eight spots after a thrilling road win at then-No. 13 Illinois. The victory came courtesy of a buzzer-beating three-pointer that capped an emotional and defining moment for the program. Now sitting at 11-0 and ranked No. 11, Nebraska has reached its highest position since March 1991, a milestone that underscores just how special this start has been for the Cornhuskers and their fans.
On the flip side, Illinois and Florida experienced the steepest drops. Both teams slid five spots, with Illinois falling to No. 18 and Florida landing at No. 23. The losses exposed vulnerabilities that voters were quick to penalize, emphasizing how unforgiving the rankings can be as conference play approaches.
Georgia emerged as the lone newcomer to the poll, claiming the No. 25 spot and pushing UCLA out of the rankings. It’s a notable achievement for the Bulldogs, who have steadily built momentum and finally earned national recognition.
Meanwhile, one of the most closely watched storylines continues to unfold in Lawrence, Kansas. Jayhawks head coach Bill Self addressed ongoing concerns surrounding star guard Darryn Peterson, whose early college career has already been marked by both brilliance and frustration. Peterson was forced to exit Saturday’s win over NC State late in the game, just weeks after returning from a month-long absence due to a hamstring injury.
Self was quick to clarify that the latest setback was not a re-injury of the hamstring, but rather quad cramping. Still, the concern is evident.
“It’s been frustrating,” Self admitted. “He gets out there and he can’t move. And if you can’t move like you normally do, you become cautious. We’ve got to figure that out, and we certainly haven’t yet.”
Peterson missed seven games earlier in the season, returned against Missouri, and showed flashes of his elite potential before the latest issue surfaced. Against NC State, it was apparent that he wasn’t moving with his usual explosiveness, a limitation that affects not just his performance but the entire offensive rhythm.
As Kansas prepares to host Towson, Peterson’s availability remains uncertain. Self acknowledged he simply doesn’t know whether his star guard will be ready to go, highlighting the delicate balance between patience and urgency when managing a player of Peterson’s caliber.
A projected top NBA draft pick and the No. 2 recruit in the SC Next 100, Peterson wasted no time announcing himself at the college level. He averaged 21.5 points in his first two games, showcasing the scoring ability and poise that made him one of the most anticipated freshmen in the country. Since returning, he’s continued to produce when healthy, but his inability to stay on the floor has forced Kansas to adapt.
In Peterson’s absence, sophomore guard Jamari McDowell has stepped into a larger role, starting multiple games and providing reliable perimeter shooting. Self has also leaned heavily on St. Bonaventure transfer Melvin Council, who delivered one of the most electrifying performances of the season against NC State. Council poured in 36 points, grabbed seven rebounds, dished out four assists, and drilled nine three-pointers, carrying the Jayhawks when they needed it most.
Despite the challenges, Kansas climbed to No. 17 in the latest poll, a testament to both resilience and strength of schedule. The Jayhawks’ three losses have come against elite competition—Duke, UConn, and North Carolina—all ranked teams that underscore Kansas’ battle-tested profile.
As Arizona continues to lead, contenders jockey for position, and stars fight through adversity, the landscape of college basketball remains as compelling as ever. With marquee matchups looming and conference play on the horizon, the race for supremacy is only just beginning.
