As another week of competition wrapped up, the national picture continues to evolve. Duke suffered its first loss, thinning the ranks of the unbeaten, while Texas Tech announced its return to relevance with a statement win over the Blue Devils. With Christmas approaching and schedules lightening across the country, there will be less opportunities for major movement in the coming week. Still, with conference play looming and momentum swinging nationally, here’s how the Power 16 stacks up after the seventh week of the season.
1. Arizona Wildcats (11–0)
The Wildcats kept their undefeated season rolling for another week, dismantling Abilene Christian in a 96–62 win before following it up with a convincing 68–45 victory over San Diego State, completely shutting down the Aztecs’ offense. Freshman guard Brayden Burries continues to flash elite upside as a reliable guard, while Motiejus Krivas and Tobe Awaka have controlled the glass all season for an Arizona defense that has flourished at every level. Until conference play begins in January, the Wildcats should continue riding the momentum built against a strong non-conference slate.
2. Michigan Wolverines (11–0)
Michigan had a light week, pummeling La Salle 102–50. Powered by a deep rotation, the Wolverines’ offense continues to evolve into one of the nation’s best, scoring 100-plus points in five of their last six games. The transfer additions have blended seamlessly, while freshman guard Trey McKenney has emerged as a valuable impact contributor off the bench. McKenney could take another step as Michigan opens conference play against USC on Jan. 2.
3. Iowa State Cyclones (12–0)
The Cyclones remained unbeaten with a 91–60 win over Long Beach State. Once again, the story was the dominant frontcourt pairing of junior Milan Momcilovic and senior Jordan Jefferson. The increased production from junior big Blake Buchanan has also been critical to Iowa State’s success. With the frontcourt carrying the load, guards Tamin Lipsey and Killyan Toure have been able to focus on playmaking, helping Iowa State sustain its balanced, complementary style heading into conference play.
4. UConn Huskies (12–1)
Entering conference play, UConn dominated Butler (79–60) and DePaul (72–54) in two defensive-minded wins. The steady frontcourt play of Alex Karaban and Tarris Reed Jr. remains a constant, while the Huskies’ guard play has become more polished behind Braylon Mullins’ perimeter shooting and Silas Demary Jr.’s lead initiation. That cohesion sparked junior Solo Ball’s most complete game of the season against Butler, a level UConn will need as Big East play intensifies.
5. Duke Blue Devils (11–1)
Duke opened the week undefeated with a dominant 97–73 win over Lipscomb before suffering its first loss in a heartbreaking 82–81 defeat to No. 19 Texas Tech. While Duke’s veterans struggled to consistently assert themselves, meaningful production came from freshmen Cameron Boozer, Cayden Boozer, and Dame Sarr off the bench. Sophomore guard Isaiah Evans’ inconsistency stood out, further cementing him as a swing factor for the Blue Devils as ACC play begins Dec. 31.
6. Purdue Boilermakers (11–1)
Purdue delivered one of the week’s most impressive performances, routing No. 21 Auburn 88–60. Senior forward Trey Kaufman-Renn dominated inside, while senior guard Braden Smith orchestrated the offense and created quality looks throughout the lineup. Purdue’s trio of underclassmen guards—CJ Cox, Jack Benter, and Gicarri Harris, caught fire from deep, making up for an off night from Fletcher Loyer. The Boilermakers’ shooting depth continues to separate them as conference play approaches.
7. Houston Cougars (11–1)
Houston earned a statement 94–85 win over No. 14 Arkansas behind strong guard play from Kingston Flemings, Emanuel Sharp, and Milos Uzan. Flemings consistently attacked the rim and disrupted passing lanes, while Sharp provided offensive punch. That balance allowed the Cougars’ frontcourt, led by junior forward Joseph Tugler, to focus on creating defensive chaos. Houston will look to replicate that formula when conference play heats up against Texas Tech on Jan. 6.
8. Gonzaga Bulldogs (12–1)
Gonzaga survived a scare in a 91–82 win over Oregon. Junior forward Braden Huff and senior big Graham Ike carried the offense through efficiency and foul pressure, respectively. Meanwhile, junior bench guard Braeden Smith delivered his best performance of the season, while junior guard Steele Venters was lights-out from three. While the Ike-Huff tandem remains the focal point, Gonzaga’s improving guard play continues to ease the offensive burden.
9. Nebraska Cornhuskers (12–0)
Nebraska’s impressive undefeated run continued with a convincing 78–55 win over North Dakota, further validating the Cornhuskers’ early-season surge. The frontcourt has been a steady foundation, anchored by junior big Berke Buyuktuncel, while freshman wing Braden Frager has injected energy and athleticism off the bench. Nebraska’s depth, versatility, and cohesion have consistently shown up across different game scripts, and those complementary pieces are positioning the Cornhuskers to carry real momentum as Big Ten play approaches in 2026.
10. BYU Cougars (11–1)
Following last week’s breakout, freshman star AJ Dybantsa continued his rise, leading wins over Pacific and Abilene Christian. Dybantsa presents a matchup nightmare with his athleticism, and his emergence has elevated BYU’s ceiling. Confidence also grew as Richie Saunders bounced back from inefficiency and sophomore guard Robert Wright III continued to solidify his role. BYU’s true test arrives with the gauntlet of conference play later in January.
11. Michigan State Spartans (11–1)
Michigan State opened the week with a 92–69 win over Toledo but struggled to separate in a 79–70 victory against Oakland. Despite the uneven play, the Spartans have found an identity through senior forward Jaxon Kohler’s interior dominance. Junior wing Coen Carr flashed offensive upside, and if he can consistently translate athleticism into production, Michigan State’s lineup could take another leap ahead of a Jan. 2 matchup with No. 15 Nebraska.
12. North Carolina Tar Heels (11–1)
North Carolina handled East Tennessee State before surviving a 71–70 battle with Ohio State. Freshman forward Caleb Wilson and junior big Henri Veesaar continue to form one of the nation’s most reliable frontcourt tandems. Guard play remains a concern, even with Seth Trimble’s return, as Luka Bogavac has been inconsistent and Kyan Evans has yet to make an impact. Solutions will be needed with ACC play approaching.
13. Vanderbilt Commodores (12–0)
Vanderbilt narrowly avoided its first loss with a clutch overtime win over Memphis before cruising past Wake Forest 98–67. Senior guard Duke Miles and senior forward Jalen Washington delivered in key moments, while the Commodores’ perimeter defense, led by Tyler Tanner—continued to dictate games. Tyler Nickel’s shooting surge has added another dangerous dimension as Vanderbilt prepares for SEC play and a Jan. 7 matchup against No. 16 Alabama.
14. Louisville Cardinals (10–2)
After a 7–0 start, Louisville’s momentum stalled following an 83–62 loss to No. 20 Tennessee. With Mikel Brown Jr. sidelined, senior guard Ryan Conwell has carried the offensive load. Adrian Wooley must find consistency, while Isaac McKneely and J’Vonne Hadley need to provide steadier veteran leadership. Junior big Sananda Fru has been solid inside, but depth remains a major concern with No. 3 Duke looming.
15. Arkansas Razorbacks (9–3)
Arkansas opened the week with a blowout win over Queens before falling to No. 8 Houston. Freshman guard Darius Acuff Jr. continues to emerge as one of the nation’s top young guards, but the Razorbacks’ frontcourt struggled under Houston’s pressure. Senior big Malique Ewin provided a spark off the bench, while sophomore wing Billy Richmond showed improved three-level scoring. Arkansas will need easier scoring opportunities as it faces No. 20 Tennessee on Jan. 3.
16. Texas Tech Red Raiders (9–3)
Texas Tech closed the week with a statement 82–81 win over No. 3 Duke. While forward JT Toppin remains the anchor, sophomore guard Christian Anderson has fueled the offense with his shooting. Transfers LeJuan Watts and Donovan Atwell have also taken meaningful steps in a high-paced, low-pressure system. Texas Tech will need that balance to hold as it prepares for a Jan. 6 matchup with No. 8 Houston.
Next Five: Alabama, Kansas, Illinois, Tennessee, UCLA
Players of the Week:
AJ Dybantsa, BYU
Dybantsa has taken enormous leaps since his collegiate debut, elevating his play significantly over the past couple of weeks. After posting 23 points and 10 rebounds in BYU’s win over Pacific on Tuesday, the freshman phenom followed it up with a career-high 35-point performance on elite efficiency in a win over Abilene Christian. Dybantsa dominated in all phases, leveraging his athletic mismatch to consistently attack the rim and draw fouls, earning 20 free-throw attempts. As he continues to develop, Dybantsa is pushing the limits of his already elite athletic profile.
Christian Anderson, Texas Tech
Anderson delivered one of the week’s most clutch performances, making every big play needed to lift Texas Tech to an 82–81 win over Duke. Playing all 40 minutes, he scored 27 points on outstanding efficiency, shooting 64.3 percent from the field and 55.6 percent from three, while adding five assists and three steals. He repeatedly answered Duke’s runs with timely shot-making and composure, then sealed the victory by going 1-of-2 at the free-throw line in the final moments. Anderson’s poise and two-way impact were central to the Red Raiders’ comeback and highlighted his growing role as a closer in late-game situations.
LeJuan Watts, Texas Tech
Watts has put together the best stretch of games in his Texas Tech career, and he delivered at a crucial moment for the Red Raiders. Earlier in the week, Watts erupted for a career-high 36 points on an absurdly efficient 12-of-13 shooting performance, nearly going perfect from the field. He followed that up with a 20-point outing in Texas Tech’s statement win over Duke. With the Red Raiders’ offense catching fire, Watts has elevated his impact as a valuable complement alongside the two-man tandem of Toppin and Anderson.
Braden Huff, Gonzaga
Huff exploded for a career-high 37 points on 16-of-18 shooting against Campbell this past Wednesday. Continuing his strong start to the season, he showcased his dominant paint presence and emerging offensive hub potential. By halftime, Huff had already reached his career high, repeatedly swinging momentum in Gonzaga’s favor. With Huff and Ike controlling the interior, it’s difficult to envision the Bulldogs being physically overmatched.
Solo Ball, UConn
After a rocky start to his junior season, Ball has steadily improved game by game. This week marked another step forward, as he posted a career-high 26 points on 8-of-14 shooting from the field and 3-of-6 from beyond the arc. Ball began to show expanded offensive versatility, allowing the Huskies to deploy him both as an off-ball scorer and a reliable secondary ball handler behind Demary Jr.
Skyy Clark, UCLA
Clark has provided UCLA with a major offensive spark, delivering two outstanding performances this week. In the Bruins’ win over Arizona State, Clark finished with 18 points while knocking down 6-of-10 attempts from deep. He stayed hot in UCLA’s victory over Cal Poly, pouring in 30 points on 10-of-19 shooting and 6-of-12 from three. As transfer guard Donovan Dent continues to grow more comfortable in the system, Clark has elevated his game to another level, emerging as a high-volume perimeter sniper.
Play of the Week
AJ Dybantsa Putback Slam vs. Abilene Christian
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