Arizona Maintains Top Spot as Nebraska Surges in Latest AP Poll

Arizona has cemented its position as the No. 1 team in the Associated Press men’s basketball Top 25 for the fifth consecutive week, earning 42 of 61 first-place votes after a week that included a dominant 96-75 win over No. 16 Alabama. The Wildcats, one of seven undefeated teams remaining in Division I, have already compiled an impressive resume with five wins over high-major opponents.

Little Movement in Top 10, Nebraska skyrockets

There was little movement in the top 10, with Michigan (10-0), Duke (10-0), Iowa State (11-0), and UConn (10-1) retaining their spots at Nos. 2-5, respectively. The only adjustment in the top 10 saw No. 7 Gonzaga (10-1) swap places with No. 8 Houston (10-1) following their victory over UCLA on Saturday.

The greater shift occurred between Nos. 10-25. Nebraska (11-0) experienced the most significant rise, climbing eight spots to No. 15 after a thrilling 83-80 buzzer-beating win over No. 18 Illinois. The Huskers, the lone power-conference team to never win an NCAA Tournament game, achieved their highest ranking since the 1990-91 season, when they finished at No. 11.

HE HIT IT‼️

Jamarques Lawrence’s 3-pointer right before the buzzer sends No. 23 @HuskerMBB to a dramatic win at No. 13 Illinois.

Big Ten Network

Illinois (8-3) and No. 23 Florida (6-4) suffered the most significant drops, each falling five spots. Georgia (9-1) entered the poll at No. 25, while UCLA (7-3) fell out of the rankings.

Arkansas keeps climbing, Iowa on the verge

Arkansas has been steadily rising in the rankings, and I moved them up to 14th this week, just one spot shy of where I had them in the preseason. Coach John Calipari’s team is deeper and more talented than last year’s group that reached the Sweet 16, led by NBA-level point guard Darius Acuff and a trio of promising big wings.

Iowa has yet to crack the AP Top 25, but I’ve ranked them the last three weeks and believe their case is strengthening. The Hawkeyes, led by coach Ben McCollum, are a tough out in transition andschrift half-court offense, and they are poised to gain a signature win when they host UCLA on Jan. 3.

Key Takeaways & FAQs

Who is the current No. 1 team in the AP Poll?

Arizona Wildcats (9-0)

Which team had the biggest rise in this week’s poll?

Nebraska Huskers (11-0), jumping eight spots to No. 15

What game should fans look forward to in the near future?

UCLA Bruins @ Iowa Hawkeyes on Jan. 3

Pro Tip

Keep an eye on Arkansas Razorbacks and Iowa Hawkeyes as they continue to prove their Power 5 prowess and potential NCAA Tournament success.

Call-to-Action

Stay tuned to 247Sports for more in-depth news expansion and analysis on college basketball’s top stories. Join the conversation by commenting below and sharing your thoughts on this week’s AP Poll and beyond.