Men’s College Basketball Power Rankings: Arizona rides hot start to No. 1

It is arduous to maneuver a No. 1 crew down if it does not lose — particularly when that No. 1 crew simply went on the highway and knocked off one other top-five or top-six crew. It takes, frankly, a particular résumé.

However that is what Arizona has achieved by the primary 5 video games of its season, following Wednesday’s true highway win over UConn. Tommy Lloyd’s crew now has wins over Florida, UCLA and UConn, all away from house. In keeping with ESPN Analysis, the Wildcats are simply the third crew in AP Ballot historical past to have a number of wins over top-three opponents of their first 5 video games of the season — and the primary since Kansas did it within the 1989-90 season.

The Wildcats have essentially the most ranked wins within the nation and essentially the most spectacular catalog of wins away from house, and so they’ve proven the flexibility to beat groups enjoying totally different kinds and with totally different gamers carrying the load.

Purdue will look to spice up its personal profile and regain its perch atop the game in December when it faces Iowa State and Auburn, whereas Arizona has contests towards Auburn and Alabama on back-to-back weekends. Houston may additionally make an argument for the highest spot if it wins the Gamers Period Pageant subsequent week in Las Vegas.

For now, although, Arizona’s spectacular assortment of early wins provides the Wildcats the sting for No. 1.

Earlier rating: 4

Jaden Bradley growing into top-of-the-line level guards within the nation has been arguably the most important recreation changer in Arizona’s terrific begin to the season. He took over late within the wins over Florida and UCLA, scoring 10 straight and seven straight factors, respectively. In opposition to UConn, Bradley had a layup with 16 seconds left to place Arizona up 3. “When you may have some extent guard who’s selfless and likewise a baller and has sufficiently big cojones to take and make these photographs on the finish of a recreation, it is fairly particular,” Lloyd mentioned after the sport.

Subsequent seven days: vs. Denver (Nov. 24)

Earlier rating: 1

The return of Trey Kaufman-Renn has been a large increase for the Boilermakers, with the All-American candidate choosing up the place he left off final season. Kaufman-Renn was integral in final week’s win at Alabama (19 factors, 15 rebounds, 5 assists), then was once more the best participant on the ground towards Akron (17 factors, 15 rebounds). He now has grabbed 15 rebounds 3 times in his profession: in final season’s penultimate recreation and the primary two of this marketing campaign.

Subsequent seven days: Baha Mar Championship (vs. Memphis, vs. Texas Tech or Wake Forest)

Earlier rating: 2

Kingston Flemings wasn’t the highest-ranked of the Cougars’ freshmen heading into the season, however phrase out of Houston indicated he was more likely to be the best in 12 months 1 — and that is been true thus far. He is averaging 17.3 factors and 5.3 assists, taking pictures 40% from 3-point vary, and went for 22 factors, 5 rebounds and seven assists in Sunday’s win over Auburn. Per ESPN Analysis, he turned simply the fourth freshman previously 30 seasons to have 15 factors, 5 rebounds and 5 assists in consecutive video games for the AP No. 1 crew.

Subsequent seven days: vs. Rider (Nov. 20), Gamers Period Pageant (vs. Syracuse, vs. Tennessee)

Earlier rating: 6

A win, in Chicago, over Illinois, lower than two weeks after a win over St. John’s at Madison Sq. Backyard? Alabama is forward of schedule. Labaron Philon Jr. bounced again from his up-and-down efficiency towards Purdue to complete with 24 factors, 5 assists and simply 1 turnover, continually placing Illinois’ ball-screen protection in problematic conditions. And the X issue for Nate Oats’ crew Wednesday was Tarleton State switch Keitenn Bristow, who missed the primary three video games of the season with an ankle damage. Bristow got here off the bench to submit 10 factors and eight rebounds, giving the Tide an actual increase together with his motor.

Subsequent seven days: Gamers Period Pageant (vs. Gonzaga, vs. UNLV)

Earlier rating: 3

The absence of Tarris Reed Jr. was a transparent issue within the loss to Arizona on Wednesday, however the Huskies’ rebounding points towards the Wildcats weren’t essentially a brand new improvement. The Huskies additionally struggled to forestall BYU from attending to the offensive glass in Saturday’s win towards the Cougars and are sub-200 nationally in offensive rebounding proportion. That’s notable, given the Huskies have ranked within the high 25 nationally in offensive rebounding proportion in every of the previous six seasons.

Subsequent seven days: vs. Bryant (Nov. 23)

Earlier rating: 5

Amid all of the hype surrounding Mikel Brown Jr. and the Louisville guards, the Cardinals are additionally getting unbelievable mileage out of their unheralded frontcourt. Germany native Sananda Fru has been quietly top-of-the-line worldwide additions of the season, scoring in double-figures in three of 4 video games and averaging 11.3 factors and 6.3 rebounds by the primary couple weeks.

Subsequent seven days: at Cincinnati (Nov. 21), vs. Jap Michigan (Nov. 24), vs. NJIT (Nov. 26)

Earlier rating: 11

After Tuesday’s Champions Basic, Kansas coach Invoice Self was requested to check this 12 months’s Duke crew to final 12 months’s model, which the Jayhawks performed round this identical time a 12 months in the past. Whereas he acknowledged that the 2024-25 roster had “plain” expertise (see: Cooper Flagg), he had excessive reward for the 2025-26 group. “I truly thought this 12 months’s Duke crew was enjoying higher than final 12 months’s Duke crew in early November,” Self mentioned. “I truly thought their execution and ball motion and all that stuff was higher this time than it was final 12 months right now.”

Subsequent seven days: vs. Niagara (Nov. 21), vs. Howard (Nov. 23)

Earlier rating: 21

If Michigan State can shoot prefer it did in Tuesday’s win over Kentucky, look out, Massive Ten. The Spartans went 11-for-22 from 3-point vary after going simply 13-for-60 of their first three video games — they set a season-high in made 3s with greater than 26 minutes left within the recreation. Extra importantly, coach Tom Izzo obtained the wing manufacturing Michigan State regarded prefer it was missing getting into the season. Kur Teng had a breakout efficiency with 15 factors, whereas Trey Fort contributed 13.

Subsequent seven days: vs. Detroit Mercy (Nov. 21), Fort Myers Tip-Off (vs. East Carolina, vs. North Carolina)

Earlier rating: 9

As Florida’s guards proceed to get acclimated, the Gators’ frontcourt must proceed to hold them within the early season — and it has been extra than simply Thomas Haugh and Alex Condon. Beginning middle Rueben Chinyelu had top-of-the-line video games of his profession towards Miami this previous Sunday, ending with 16 factors, 10 rebounds and a couple of blocks lower than every week after a 10-point, 16-rebound efficiency towards Florida State.

Subsequent seven days: vs. Merrimack (Nov. 21)

Earlier rating: 8

There aren’t too many extra explosive offenses than Alabama, however Illinois confirmed some actual defensive deficiencies towards the Crimson Tide on Wednesday night time. Alabama scored greater than 1.14 factors per possession and created points with its ball-screen actions all through the sport. Illinois guard Kylan Boswell is a terrific particular person defender, however the majority of Brad Underwood’s rotation is not the quickest or most cell laterally at that finish of the ground. Labaron Philon Jr. is a particular participant, so caveats apply, however it’s one thing to watch.

Subsequent seven days: vs. LIU (Nov. 22), vs. UTRGV (Nov. 24)

Earlier rating: 7

Two of the large keys for BYU transferring ahead would be the statuses of Keba Keita and Kennard Davis Jr. Keita left this previous Saturday’s recreation towards UConn after a tough collision, whereas Davis was cited for driving beneath the affect and marijuana possession final week — he was held out of the matchup with the Huskies as a consequence of a violation of crew guidelines; his availability transferring ahead is in query. Upcoming video games towards Wisconsin, Miami and both Georgetown or Dayton will present stern checks, particularly if the Cougars are shorthanded.

Subsequent seven days: vs. Wisconsin (Nov. 21)

Earlier rating: 13

Mark Few remains to be determining his finest lineup, and he opted for a brand new beginning group on Monday towards Southern Utah. He went with freshman level guard Mario Saint-Supery as a substitute of Braeden Smith, who began the primary 4 video games, and opted for proficient scorer Tyon Grant-Foster over high defender Emmanuel Innocenti. The competitors wasn’t one of the best barometer, however Saint-Supery was terrific with 16 factors, 7 assists and 6 steals.

Subsequent seven days: Gamers Period Pageant (vs. Alabama, vs. Maryland)

Earlier rating: 10

Wednesday’s win towards Center Tennessee lastly introduced out the Yaxel Lendeborg that Michigan thought it signed up for when it landed the UAB switch. Lendeborg had gotten off to a gradual begin in Ann Arbor, averaging 11.7 factors and 6.3 rebounds in his first three video games. However on Wednesday, he regarded just like the extremely productive participant he had been the previous couple of seasons, ending with 25 factors, 12 rebounds and three assists, taking pictures 9-for-11 from the sphere and making a pair of 3s.

Subsequent seven days: Gamers Period Pageant (vs. San Diego State, vs. Auburn)

Earlier rating: 12

After St. John’s had issues getting constant playmaking and creation from its backcourt within the Nov. 8 loss to Alabama, Rick Pitino made a lineup change towards William & Mary final Saturday. Idaho State switch Dylan Darling, who missed that recreation towards the Tide with an damage, was given a beginning spot — he responded with a stellar efficiency of 13 factors, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 4 steals. Darling is not as explosive as Ian Jackson or Joson Sanon, however may present a greater halfcourt initiator.

Subsequent seven days: vs. Bucknell (Nov. 20), Gamers Period Pageant (vs. Iowa State, vs. Baylor)

Earlier rating: 14

Luke Bamgboye’s arrival at Texas Tech after transferring from VCU wasn’t met with an enormous quantity of hoopla, however the 6-foot-11 England native was thought-about one of many elite rim protectors within the nation final season. He missed the primary three video games of this marketing campaign with an damage however returned to play 13 minutes towards Milwaukee, blocking 4 photographs in his transient debut. Bamgboye, who ranked second nationally in block price final season, ought to dramatically improve Tech’s inside protection.

Subsequent seven days: Baha Mar Championship (vs. Wake Forest, vs. Purdue or Memphis), vs. New Orleans

Earlier rating: 16

North Carolina’s 12-point win over Navy on Tuesday was arguably the Tar Heels’ worst efficiency of the season up to now, however it was one other instance of Caleb Wilson’s unbelievable begin to his school profession. The freshman completed with 23 factors, 12 rebounds, 3 blocks and 4 steals, and was capable of singlehandedly hold the Midshipmen at bay after they had been reducing into the lead. He also can take flight.

Subsequent seven days: Fort Myers Tip-Off (vs. St. Bonaventure, vs. Michigan State)

Earlier rating: 18

Iowa State rolls into subsequent week’s Gamers Period Pageant enjoying a number of the finest protection of the T.J. Otzelberger period. Beneath Otzelberger, the Cyclones have routinely ranked close to the highest of the charts in defensive turnover proportion, however they’re taking it to a brand new degree this season — they now rank first nationally, forcing turnovers on 28.4% of their defensive possessions. And whereas it is boosted by a gentle early-season schedule, their finest efficiency in that space got here towards Mississippi State, which gave it away on 34.3% of its possessions.

Subsequent seven days: Gamers Period Pageant (vs. St. John’s, vs. Creighton)

Earlier rating: 20

Tennessee’s schedule is about to degree up after a gentle opening slate of video games. After Thursday’s recreation towards Tennessee State, the Volunteers head to the Gamers Period Pageant. They need to beat Rutgers, however then they face Houston and a to-be-determined third opponent in Las Vegas earlier than rolling into extra non-conference video games towards Syracuse, Illinois and Louisville. This stretch will probably be a chance for Nate Ament (19.8 PPG, 9.0 RPG) to cement his place among the many different stars in a loaded freshmen class.

Subsequent seven days: vs. Tennessee State (Nov. 20), Gamers Period Pageant (vs. Rutgers, vs. Houston)

Earlier rating: 17

Arkansas struggled to beat Samford and Winthrop this previous week, successful each video games by a mixed 5 factors and needing a livid final-minute comeback to beat the Eagles — not the best preparation for video games towards Duke and Louisville within the subsequent two weeks. The Razorbacks’ protection has been particularly porous, permitting Samford and Winthrop to make a mixed 25 3-pointers and rating a mixed 1.10 factors per possession.

Subsequent seven days: vs. Jackson State (Nov. 21)

Earlier rating: 19

Regardless of a detailed loss to Arizona on Friday, Bruins coach Mick Cronin opted for wholesale modifications to his beginning lineup towards Sacramento State. Solely Eric Dailey stored his place from Friday’s recreation. “The fellows that began the sport set the tone; that is what they did in apply yesterday after they gained by 20,” Cronin advised media after the sport. He nonetheless did not appear happy with sure sides of the 31-point win, notably on the defensive glass, so time will inform if he returns to his normal 5 transferring ahead.

Subsequent seven days: vs. Presbyterian (Nov. 21), at California (Nov. 25)

Earlier rating: 23

One other crew able to jumpstart its schedule is Wisconsin, which has confronted the No. 337 hardest slate thus far, in response to KenPom. However the Badgers now face a six-game stretch towards groups all ranked inside the highest 70 at KenPom: BYU, Windfall, Northwestern, Marquette, Nebraska and Villanova. Wisconsin remains to be more likely to be favored in all however one or two of these video games, however we’ll have a greater thought of Greg Gard’s crew one month from now.

Subsequent seven days: at BYU (Nov. 21)

Earlier rating: 24

It hasn’t taken lengthy for Darrion Williams to indicate why he was such a sought-after participant within the portal — and a important get for Will Wade and the Wolfpack. In his previous two video games, the Texas Tech switch has totaled 60 factors and 17 rebounds whereas taking pictures 21-for-34 from the sphere and 8-for-12 from 3-point vary. They had been the kind of performances Williams produced down the stretch of final season, when he led the Crimson Raiders to the Elite Eight and averaged 23.7 factors, 6.7 rebounds and three.0 assists in his last three tourney video games.

Subsequent seven days: Maui Invitational (vs. Seton Corridor within the quarterfinals)

Earlier rating: 22

By way of the primary 4 video games of the season, Keyshawn Corridor was trying like one of many elite transfers in school basketball. The well-traveled former UCF ahead averaged 23.3 factors and 11.0 rebounds in that stretch, tallying three double-doubles and scoring no less than 20 factors in every recreation. However he suffered what Steven Pearl known as a lateral ankle and foot sprain in Auburn’s loss to Houston and did not play in Wednesday’s win over Jackson State. His timetable to return is undetermined.

Subsequent seven days: Gamers Period Pageant (vs. Oregon, vs. Michigan)

Earlier rating: 15

Kentucky has been essentially the most disappointing crew within the nation by the primary two weeks of the season, particularly given the best way the Wildcats dealt with Purdue in an October exhibition recreation. Jaland Lowe’s damage has contributed to the struggles, however getting dominated in each aspect by Michigan State every week after trailing by as many as 20 factors towards Louisville does not come all the way down to absence of 1 participant. The offensive points are one issue, however the lack of struggle on the defensive finish and on the glass had been arguably extra regarding. Groups are merely getting too many open 3s, and Michigan State had its approach on the offensive glass on Tuesday.

Subsequent seven days: vs. Loyola Maryland (Nov. 21), vs. Tennessee Tech (Nov. 26)

Earlier rating: Unranked

We do not have the precise stats to show it, however there is a robust likelihood that is the primary time Georgetown has appeared in ESPN’s Energy Rankings in additional than a decade. The Hoyas are off to a 4-0 begin, full with a pair high quality wins on the highway at Maryland and at house towards Clemson. The early-season begin for Ed Cooley has been Arizona switch KJ Lewis, who’s averaging 19.0 factors, 7.0 rebounds and a couple of.5 steals and completed with 26 factors and 5 steals towards Clemson.

Subsequent seven days: vs. Wagner (Nov. 22)

Dropped out: Ohio State Buckeyes (No. 25)