After another exciting and chaotic conference week filled with several top-10 matchups, only two teams remain unbeaten in Arizona and Miami (OH). Arizona and UConn continue to hold the top spots in the rankings, while formerly unbeaten Nebraska took a significant hit after back-to-back losses. Elsewhere, Kansas knocked off BYU to headlined one of many marquee showdowns featuring potential top picks Darryn Peterson and AJ Dybantsa in the upcoming 2026 NBA Draft. With teams now deep in the heart of their conference schedules, this stretch has become less about quick bursts and more about endurance, separating those built to run a marathon from those fading under sustained pressure. With just a month until March Madness, here’s how the Power 16 currently stacks up.
1. Arizona Wildcats (22-0)
The Wildcats continue their dominance of the Big 12, extending their unbeaten streak to a program-record 22 games with wins over No. 13 BYU (86–83) and in-state rival Arizona State (87–74). Arizona’s backcourt of senior Jaden Bradley and freshman Brayden Burries (pictured) powered the win over the Cougars, while freshman forward Koa Peat led the way against the Sun Devils. With nearly half of the rotation made up of freshmen, the Wildcats’ chemistry and composure have been especially impressive. Arizona will look to stay red hot with a Feb. 9 matchup against Oklahoma State before entering a demanding stretch that includes No. 14 Kansas, No. 11 Texas Tech, and No. 13 BYU.
2. UConn Huskies (21-1)
The Huskies have stayed right on Arizona’s heels since their lone home loss to the Wildcats, continuing that pursuit with comfortable wins over Providence (87–81) and Creighton (85–58). Senior big Tarris Reed Jr. has anchored the interior, while freshman guard Braylon Mullins continues to emerge as a reliable perimeter marksman. With Mullins sidelined to begin the week, UConn also showcased its depth, receiving quality contributions from senior guard Malachi Smith and freshman big Eric Reibe. That bench production will be important to sustain as the Huskies face Xavier on Tuesday before a ranked showdown with No. 25 St. John’s on Feb. 6.
3. Duke Blue Devils (20-1)
The Blue Devils opened the week with a statement 83–52 win over No. 20 Louisville before closing it out with a 72–58 victory against Virginia Tech. Freshman forward Cameron Boozer continues to strengthen his case in the national player of the year conversation, pairing elite offensive consistency with an expanding two-way impact. Duke’s defense has also taken a noticeable step forward, led by freshman guard Dame Sarr and junior guard Caleb Foster. The Blue Devils will look to maintain that balance as they host Boston College on Tuesday before traveling to face No. 16 North Carolina.
4. Michigan Wolverines (20-1)
After a loss to Wisconsin in early January, the Wolverines have responded in emphatic fashion, carrying that momentum into two ranked wins to close the month. Michigan edged No. 5 Nebraska 75–72 on Tuesday before delivering a convincing 83–71 victory over No. 7 Michigan State. While the Wolverines aren’t posting the eye-popping offensive numbers they flashed earlier in the season, they’ve shown an ability to win ugly and grind out results. Senior forward Yaxel Lendeborg snapped a scoring lull, while junior guard Elliot Cadeau has remained a steady presence from beyond the arc. Michigan will look to keep stacking wins as it prepares for matchups against Penn State and Ohio State this week.
5. Houston Cougars (19-2)
Despite picking up wins over TCU (79–70) and Cincinnati (76–54), the Cougars slide slightly this week as their continued struggles to close games—most notably against No. 11 Texas Tech—raise some concern. Houston has also had difficulty generating consistent offense beyond its primary options. Freshman big Chris Cenac Jr. flashed promising perimeter touch, while Isiah Harwell found his rhythm from deep against the Bearcats. There’s no questioning Houston’s defensive ceiling, with its young core serving as a major strength on that end of the floor, but the Cougars will need to find another gear offensively as they prepare for UCF on Wednesday and a Saturday night showdown with No. 13 BYU.
6. Iowa State Cyclones (20-2)
Much like Michigan, the Cyclones have rebounded from a pair of January losses, ripping off four straight wins capped by dominant performances against Colorado (97–67) and Kansas State (95–61). Junior forward Milan Momcilovic has emerged as one of the nation’s most reliable three-level scorers, while senior guard Tamin Lipsey continues to settle into a steady, controlled rhythm. Freshman guard Jamarion Batemon has also provided a spark off the bench, flashing shot-making ability from deep. Iowa State will look for continued growth from its depth as it prepares for a Saturday matchup against Baylor.
7. Gonzaga Bulldogs (22-1)
The Bulldogs remain without junior forward Braden Huff, but it hasn’t slowed them down, as they secured a gritty 73–65 win over Saint Mary’s. Senior big Graham Ike returned to action and immediately reasserted his dominance in the paint while continuing to showcase an expanding three-point range. Gonzaga’s ultimate ceiling likely won’t be realized until Huff is back in the lineup, but in the meantime, freshman guard Mario Saint-Supery has emerged as a steady, all-around offensive playmaker off the bench. The Bulldogs will look for additional perimeter production to complement Ike as they head into a road stretch against Portland and Oregon State.
8. Illinois Fighting Illini (19-3)
Since suffering their third loss of the season to No. 5 Nebraska, the Fighting Illini have surged, rattling off 11 straight wins and most recently avenging that loss with a pivotal 78–69 victory on Sunday. Sparked by the midseason breakout of freshman guard Keaton Wagler, Illinois’ depth has continued to expand as the season has progressed. Freshman forward David Mirkovic has emerged as a productive young contributor, while Tomislav Ivisic’s high basketball IQ continues to stand out. Illinois’ rapid ascent shows no signs of slowing as it prepares for a Feb. 7 road battle against No. 7 Michigan State.
9. Nebraska Cornhuskers (20-2)
After opening the season with 20 straight wins, the Cornhuskers hit unfamiliar territory with back-to-back ranked losses to No. 3 Michigan and No. 9 Illinois. Shorthanded against the Wolverines, Nebraska still turned in a gritty performance led by junior forward Pryce Sandfort and senior guards Jamarques Lawrence and Sam Hoiberg. The Huskers regained much of their depth against Illinois, but senior Rienk Mast’s struggles in his return overshadowed the perimeter shooting success of freshman forward Braden Frager. Nebraska will look to regroup as it hosts Rutgers on Saturday before a tough road test against No. 12 Purdue next week.
10. Michigan State Spartans (19-3)
The Spartans survived an 88–79 overtime scare against Rutgers, but that momentum didn’t carry over in a loss to No. 3 Michigan on Friday. In both contests, Michigan State started slowly on the offensive end, with its defense also falling short of its usual standard. Sophomore guard Jeremy Fears Jr. was the clear bright spot, emerging as a dynamic scorer and proving he’s more than just the primary facilitator of the Spartans’ offense. Michigan State will need more consistent production from its frontcourt in marquee matchups, but signs of offensive growth could pay dividends as it faces Minnesota on Wednesday before a showdown with No. 9 Illinois on Saturday.
11. North Carolina Tar Heels (17-4)
After back-to-back losses to California and Stanford a few weeks ago, the Tar Heels have settled back into rhythm, most recently cruising to a 91–75 win over Georgia Tech. The frontcourt tandem of freshman forward Caleb Wilson and junior big Henri Vessaar continues to flourish, controlling the glass and converting efficiently around the rim. Senior guard Seth Trimble has emerged as a consistent difference-maker, scoring in single digits just once since his return in December, while freshman guard Luka Bogavac has found a productive role off the bench. North Carolina will look to sustain this momentum as it prepares for a Feb. 7 showdown with No. 4 Duke.
12. Kansas Jayhawks (16-5)
The Jayhawks reenter the rankings after handing No. 13 BYU a 90–82 loss, marking their strongest stretch of play in recent weeks. Kansas has looked far more connected since its win over Iowa State, with Darryn Peterson’s return to the starting lineup serving as the primary catalyst. Alongside Peterson, senior guards Tre White and Melvin Council Jr. have provided efficient, high-volume production at all three levels. The Jayhawks’ frontcourt has also trended upward, with sophomore big Flory Bidunga and freshman forward Bryson Tiller making an impact through physicality and offensive versatility. Kansas will look for continued elevation around Peterson as it faces a stiff test tonight against No. 11 Texas Tech.
13. Texas Tech Red Raiders (16-5)
Fresh off the high of knocking off No. 10 Houston, the Red Raiders stumbled in what appeared to be a favorable spot, falling to UCF in an 88–80 upset. Offensively, Texas Tech largely did its part, with junior big JT Toppin providing his usual scoring punch and sophomore guard Christian Anderson effectively steering the offense. Defensively, however, the Red Raiders struggled to contain UCF’s efficiency, allowing the Knights to dictate the tempo. While there’s little concern about Texas Tech’s ability to score, its defensive inconsistency in losses has become a growing issue. That will need to be addressed quickly as the Red Raiders prepare to face a surging No. 14 Kansas offense tonight.
14. BYU Cougars (17-4)
The Cougars opened the season with just one loss, coming against No. 2 UConn, but have hit a rough patch over the past few weeks, dropping three of their last four games. That stretch includes back-to-back losses this week to No. 1 Arizona (86–83) and No. 14 Kansas (90–82). Star freshman forward AJ Dybantsa continues to showcase an elite ability to draw contact and live at the free-throw line, though his efficiency has dipped as whistles have become less favorable. Senior guard Richie Saunders has recently emerged as a reliable perimeter threat, providing much-needed offensive spacing. Fellow guard Robert Wright will need to follow suit as BYU looks to regroup against Oklahoma State on Wednesday before a Saturday matchup with No. 10 Houston.
15. Virginia Cavaliers (18-3)
After a loss to No. 16 North Carolina, the Cavaliers narrowly escaped with hard-fought wins over Notre Dame (100–97) and Boston College (73–66). Freshman forward Thijs de Ridder has surged for Virginia, using his size to punish the paint while consistently earning and converting trips to the free-throw line. Senior Malik Thomas has cooled off from deep, but freshman guard Chance Mallory has stepped up off the bench to help offset those struggles. Virginia will look for Thomas to rediscover his shooting touch as it prepares for matchups against Pittsburgh and Syracuse this week.
16. Vanderbilt Commodores (19-3)
The Commodores climb back into the rankings following back-to-back wins over Kentucky (80–55) and Ole Miss (71–68). Even without senior guard Duke Miles, Vanderbilt has adjusted on the fly, with sophomore Tyler Tanner taking full control of the offense. In the frontcourt, senior Tyler Nickel has emerged as a reliable scoring option, while senior AK Okereke continues to provide interior production, earning trips to the line and supplying high-energy minutes. Vanderbilt will look for additional contributors to step up as it prepares for a Saturday matchup against Oklahoma.
Next Five: Purdue (18-4), Arkansas (16-6), Florida (16-6), Saint Louis (21-1), Miami (OH) (22-0)
Players of the Week:
Brayden Burries, Arizona
Burries has been a constant for an unbeaten Arizona team all season, and that trend continued this week. He poured in 29 points while adding five rebounds, four assists, three steals, and two blocks, capped by a game-saving rejection to clinch a win over No. 13 BYU. Coming off the Jan. 24 wave of freshman scoring outbursts around the country, Burries made it clear he wanted in on the fun, delivering one of the most complete performances by a first-year guard this season. His all-around impact continues to highlight the poise and maturity of this young Wildcats roster.
Graham Ike, Gonzaga
Ike returned to action this week and immediately made his presence felt, powering Gonzaga’s win over Saint Mary’s with 30 points on 11-of-20 shooting and 3-of-5 from three. While he isn’t the most fluid mover, Ike consistently finds ways to impact the game through sheer energy, physicality, and improved skill. The expansion of his offensive arsenal has been notable, as he’s already nearing last season’s total made threes while anchoring another dominant WCC run for the Bulldogs.
Alex Condon, Florida
Condon made his impact felt through activity and feel rather than polished scoring, starting the week with a near triple-double of 10 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists before flashing some surprising offensive pop against Alabama. In that win, he finished with 25 points, seven rebounds, six assists, two blocks, and two steals on an efficient 11-of-15 shooting night. While he still lacks a refined perimeter game and remains inconsistent at the free-throw line, his mobility, passing instincts, and willingness to play within the flow continue to elevate his overall effectiveness.
Jeremy Fears Jr., Michigan State
After earning recognition last week, Fears Jr. returns to the list behind his continued command of the Spartans’ offense and two explosive scoring performances. He totaled 29 points and nine assists in a comeback win over Rutgers, then followed with 31 points, seven assists, and four steals in a loss to Michigan. His growing effectiveness attacking the rim underscores the real-time evolution of his offensive game.
Trey Green, Saint Louis
Green has emerged as a bona fide perimeter weapon to open conference play, scoring 23 points on 6-of-10 shooting from three before matching that output with another 23 points on 7-of-10 from deep. As Saint Louis steadily climbs the rankings, Green’s 48.2 percent shooting from beyond the arc continues to highlight the impact of the Billikens’ transfer class.
Play of the Week:
Robbie Avila Game Winner vs George Washington
https://x.com/MarchMadnessMBB/status/2016349805111308670?s=20
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