Michigan Claims No. 1 in AP Men’s Basketball Poll, Arizona Slides

A changing of the guard at the top of college basketball has occurred, with Michigan ascending to the No. 1 spot in the latest Associated Press (AP) men’s basketball Top 25 poll. This shift comes after Arizona suffered back-to-back losses, ending their previously undefeated season. Meanwhile, Wisconsin has surged in the rankings following impressive victories over ranked opponents.

New AP Top 25 Rankings (February 16, 2026)

1. Michigan 24-1 (60 first-place votes)
2. Houston 14-2 (1 first-place vote)
3. Duke 23-2
4. Arizona 23-2
5. UConn 24-2
6. Iowa State 22-3
7. Purdue 21-4
8. Kansas 19-6
9. Nebraska 22-3
10. Illinois 21-5
11. Gonzaga 25-2
12. Florida 19-6
13. Texas Tech 19-6
14. Virginia 22-3
15. Michigan State 20-5
16. North Carolina 20-5
17. St. John’s 20-5
18. Saint Louis 24-1
19. Vanderbilt 21-4
20. Arkansas 19-6
21. Louisville 19-6
22. Miami (OH) 25-0
23. BYU 19-6
24. Wisconsin 18-7
25. Alabama 18-7

Wisconsin’s Rise

Wisconsin experienced a significant jump in the rankings, moving from unranked to No. 24 after securing consecutive wins against Illinois and Michigan State.

Daniel Perez’s AP Ballot

Here’s the ballot submitted by Daniel Perez:

1. Michigan
2. Duke
3. Houston
4. Arizona
5. UConn
6. Iowa State
7. Florida
8. Kansas
9. Nebraska
10. Illinois
11. Gonzaga
12. Purdue
13. Texas Tech
14. Virginia
15. St. John’s
16. St. Louis
17. Michigan State
18. Arkansas
19. Vanderbilt
20. Miami, Ohio
21. Louisville
22. UNC
23. Utah State
24. Alabama
25. Wisconsin

Key Takeaways

• Michigan is the fourth team to hold the No. 1 ranking this season.
• Arizona’s loss to Kansas and Texas Tech ended their 23-game win streak.
• Miami (Ohio) remains the only undefeated team in the nation, with a 25-0 record.
• Wisconsin’s strong performance propelled them into the Top 25.