There wasn’t much significant movement this week as teams used the holiday break to rest and reset before conference play ramps up for the nation’s top programs. The brief pause effectively splits the season in two, giving teams a short intermission to regroup, refine rotations, and address early weaknesses before the heart of the schedule begins. While there were still a few entertaining matchups on Sunday, the upcoming conference slate will present a far greater challenge for teams in the weeks ahead. Here’s how the Power 16 stacks up entering Week 9.
1. Arizona Wildcats (11-0)
The Wildcats quickly took control in a 107–71 win over Bethune-Cookman, posting a season high in points. Arizona leaned heavily into its depth, with eight players reaching double figures, including versatile contributions from freshmen Brayden Burries, Dwayne Aristode, and Ivan Kharchenkov. That balanced attack continues to be a defining strength as the Wildcats look to carry their momentum into a matchup with South Dakota State before opening conference play against Utah on Jan. 3.
2. Michigan Wolverines (11-0)
Michigan did not play during the holiday week, using the break to prepare for the start of conference play. With the Wolverines’ depth becoming a defining feature of their undefeated start, the program’s lofty expectations are set to be tested as Big Ten action begins. Senior forward Yaxel Lendeborg will have an opportunity to further cement his case as one of the nation’s top players when Michigan opens conference play on Jan. 2 against No. 24 USC.
3. Iowa State Cyclones (12-0)
Iowa State did not take the floor this week, using the break to prepare for the start of conference play. The Cyclones will lean on their core trio of junior forward Milan Momcilovic, senior forward Joshua Jefferson, and senior guard Tamin Lipsey to elevate their play as Big 12 action begins. Iowa State’s disciplined, low-mistake approach has been a defining strength, and they will look to carry that identity forward, starting with Houston Christian before opening conference play against West Virginia on Jan. 2.
4. UConn Huskies (12-1)
As a veteran-laden group, UConn enters the heart of conference play with confidence. The Huskies’ frontcourt is anchored by reliable senior contributors Alex Karaban and Tarris Reed Jr., providing consistency on both ends of the floor. In the backcourt, junior Solo Ball has led the way, flashing impact play despite occasional inconsistency. Riding a strong start to the season, UConn will look to carry that momentum into a Dec. 31 matchup against Xavier.
5. Duke Blue Devils (11-1)
Duke enters conference play coming off a setback against No. 15 Texas Tech, but the Blue Devils will look to quickly move past that result and refocus on the résumé-building wins they’ve already secured. Sophomore guard Isaiah Evans will need to elevate his level of consistency alongside freshman star Cameron Boozer, as Duke’s offensive balance remains a key swing factor. With ACC play opening Dec. 31 against Georgia Tech, followed shortly by a matchup with No. 16 Louisville, the Blue Devils face an immediate opportunity to reassert themselves.
6. Purdue Boilermakers (11-1)
Purdue appears poised to battle Michigan for the top spot throughout Big Ten play. The Boilermakers lean into their strengths, consistently imposing physicality through frontcourt anchors Trey Kaufman-Renn and Oscar Cluff. In the backcourt, the steady duo of Braden Smith and Fletcher Loyer continues to generate quality looks and control tempo. Purdue will look to carry that identity forward as it closes non-conference play against Kent State before opening Big Ten action with a Jan. 3 matchup against Wisconsin.
7. Houston Cougars (11-1)
Houston used the week to regroup after a hard-fought win over No. 18 Arkansas. The guard trio of senior Emanuel Sharp, freshman Kingston Flemings, and senior Milos Uzan has continued to provide steady production, while junior Joseph Tugler and freshman Chris Cenac Jr. anchor an energetic and disruptive frontcourt. The Cougars will need that same collective consistency and intensity across the lineup as conference play opens with a Jan. 6 matchup against No. 15 Texas Tech.
8. Gonzaga Bulldogs (13-1)
Gonzaga did not slow down during the holiday stretch, cruising to a dominant 96–56 win over Pepperdine. The Bulldogs’ guards made a notable impact, with junior Braeden Smith providing steady facilitation that elevated the starting unit, while senior Tyon Grant-Foster emerged as an energetic spark. With the ability to balance production from its dominant bigs and versatile guard play, Gonzaga appears well positioned to continue overwhelming opponents as conference play gets underway.
9. Nebraska Cornhuskers (12-0)
Nebraska enters conference play unbeaten, driven by the three-level scoring of its frontcourt tandem, junior Pryce Sandfort and senior Reink Mast. The Cornhuskers have consistently found success through efficient long-range shooting and offensive balance. With their top players expected to carry the load, Nebraska will be tested immediately as Big Ten play opens with a ranked showdown against No. 9 Michigan State on Jan. 2.
10. BYU Cougars (12-1)
BYU opened the week with a dominant 109–81 win over Eastern Washington, continuing to build momentum heading into conference play. The starting lineup, led by freshman forward AJ Dybantsa, remains the Cougars’ greatest strength. As Dybantsa continues to find his footing, junior wing Richie Saunders and sophomore guard Robert Wright III have proven to be ideal complementary pieces. BYU will look for further growth from this group as it opens Big 12 play against Kansas State on Jan. 3.
11. Michigan State Spartans (11-1)
Michigan State had a brief pause in action as conference play approaches later in the week. The Spartans have managed to survive several close finishes, leaning on their athleticism, particularly the growing impact of junior wing Coen Carr, who has become a reliable source of energy and production. Michigan State will need even more from that athletic core as it opens Big Ten play with a Jan. 2 matchup against No. 13 Nebraska.
12. North Carolina Tar Heels (12-1)
North Carolina found answers in a dominant 99–51 win over East Carolina. Freshman forward Caleb Wilson (pictured) continues to elevate his play each week, while senior guard Seth Trimble appears to be the missing piece needed to stabilize the lineup. The Tar Heels will look to build further comfort and continuity as conference play opens with a Dec. 30 matchup against Florida State.
13. Vanderbilt Commodores (12-0)
Vanderbilt used the break to reset after its undefeated start to the season. Led by the guard tandem of sophomore Tyler Tanner and senior Duke Miles, the Commodores feature a versatile and well-balanced group that has consistently stepped up in key roles. Vanderbilt will look to assert control in SEC play as it prepares for a Jan. 7 matchup against No. 14 Alabama.
14. Louisville Cardinals (10-2)
Louisville opens conference play Tuesday against California in what shapes up as an intriguing early test. Without freshman guard Mikel Brown Jr., the Cardinals have struggled to find consistency, and until that steadiness returns, little can be taken for granted. Louisville will be challenged immediately by two conference opponents playing above preseason expectations in California and Stanford before a much stiffer test arrives against No. 6 Duke on Jan. 6.
15. Arkansas Razorbacks (9-3)
Arkansas did not see game action this week, but the Razorbacks will be tested immediately as conference play begins. Freshman guard Darius Acuff Jr. continues to settle into a rhythm as a primary creator, while senior big Trevon Brazile has shown encouraging development as a perimeter shooter. Arkansas will look to carry that shooting confidence into SEC play, opening with a Jan. 3 matchup against No. 19 Tennessee.
16. Texas Tech Red Raiders (10-3)
Texas Tech closed the week with a convincing 87–57 win over Winthrop. Sophomore guard Christian Anderson continues to emerge as a go-to scorer and is quickly turning into a star, while junior forward JT Toppin has found an ideal fit alongside him, forming one of the nation’s most dangerous duos. As that connection continues to grow, the Red Raiders will need consistent production from both as they prepare for a Jan. 6 matchup against No. 8 Houston, following a Jan. 3 contest with Oklahoma State.
Next Five: Alabama Crimson Tide (9-3), Kansas Jayhawks (10-3), Illinois Fighting Illini (9-3), Tennessee Volunteers (9-3), Virginia Cavaliers (11-1)
Players of the Week:
AJ Dybantsa, BYU
Dybantsa continued his dominant progression toward college superstardom this week with an all-around triple-double performance against Eastern Washington. The freshman finished with 33 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists on an incredible 11-of-13 shooting night. He applies relentless pressure on defenses and showcases a level of versatility and talent that few players possess at his age and frame.
Caleb Wilson, North Carolina
Much like Dybantsa, Wilson continued his ascent as North Carolina’s top option. He recorded 21 points, 12 rebounds, three steals, and four blocks on 7-of-11 shooting against East Carolina. Wilson’s nonstop motor and defensive impact are major reasons he has emerged as one of the biggest freshman risers since the season began.
Ebuka Okorie, Stanford
Throughout the season, Okorie has been a player focused on filling the stat sheet, and that trend continued this week. He poured in 30 points in back-to-back games, including a 30-point outing on 9-of-18 shooting and 4-of-9 from three. Stanford has started the season strong, and as a freshman, Okorie has already established himself as a versatile offensive option and, at times, the team’s most reliable scoring presence.
Thijs de Ridder, Virginia
De Ridder is another example of a freshman reshaping a team’s outlook. He was outstanding in Virginia’s win over American, finishing with 27 points and eight rebounds on 11-of-15 shooting while knocking down 4-of-9 attempts from beyond the arc. His ability to stretch the floor has added an element that has been missing from recent Cavaliers rosters.
Kam Williams, Kentucky
Williams provided a major spark off the bench in a bounce-back win for Kentucky, pouring in 26 points on 8-of-10 shooting from three-point range. Despite the Wildcats’ slow start and abundance of talent, Williams had not been heavily relied upon until last Tuesday. With his shooting heating up, Kentucky’s transfer investment appears to be paying off, and his emergence raises the team’s ceiling as it continues to get healthier.
Play of the Week:
https://x.com/MarchMadnessMBB/status/2005371853397955009
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