As the non-conference schedule winds down and conference play looms on the horizon, the college basketball landscape is anything but settled. This week’s AP Top 25 release reflects a weekend of high-stakes drama, headlined by massive comebacks and a shakeup within the top five. From the undefeated juggernauts in the Big Ten and Big 12 to the surging programs finally cracking the rankings, the road to March is becoming clearer and significantly more competitive. Here are college basketball’s AP top 25 men’s rankings ahead of Week 8.
25. Iowa Hawkeyes
Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes guard Brendan Hausen (15) reacts with fans after the game against the Bucknell Bison at CaseyÕs Center. Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
The Hawkeyes finally broke into the rankings this week after a steady 10-2 start to the season. Their only stumbles have come against elite competition in Iowa State and Michigan State, proving they can handle everyone else. With a balanced scoring attack, they look like a dangerous sleeper as they prepare for the Big Ten gauntlet.
24. USC Trojans
Los Angeles, California, USA; UC Santa Cruz Banana Slugs forward Leo Wagner (13) and guard Thomas Conley (12) defend USC Trojans forward Jaden Brownell (33) as he goes up for a shot in the first half at Galen Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
The Trojans make their season debut in the Top 25 after quietly assembling an impressive 12-1 record. Their defensive length has been the story lately, stifling opponents in the paint and creating opportunities for transition. If their backcourt continues to shoot at this clip, they’ll be a tough out for anyone in the Big Ten.
23. Georgia Bulldogs
Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs head coach Mike White talks to Georgia Bulldogs forward Jake Wilkins (21) against the West Georgia Wolves in the second half at Stegeman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Mady Mertens-Imagn Images
Georgia has surged into the rankings on the back of a four-game winning streak that has the Athens crowd buzzing. They’ve put an early-season overtime heartbreaker against Clemson in the rearview mirror with much more disciplined play. Coach Mike White has this group playing with a grit that was noticeably absent during last year’s campaign.
22. Florida Gators
Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators center Rueben Chinyelu (9) dunks the ball against the Colgate Raiders during the second half at Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center. Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
The defending champions are currently weathering a bit of a mid-season grind, sitting at a respectable 8-4. Recent blowouts over inferior opponents have stabilized the ship, though the metrics suggest they are still finding their identity. Expect the Gators to climb quickly once they see the consistency that defined their title run last season.
21. Virginia Cavaliers
Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Virginia Cavaliers center Johann Grunloh (17) dunks the ball against the American University Eagles in the second half at John Paul Jones Arena. Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Virginia is officially on fire, combining their trademark stifling defense with a much-improved offensive output. They made short work of Maryland recently and look primed to be a top-tier threat in the ACC this year. The Cavaliers are moving the ball better than we’ve seen in years, making them much more than just a slow-paced defensive unit.
20. Illinois Fighting Illini
Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood reacts to a call during the second half against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
The Illini have slipped slightly after a tough loss to Nebraska, but they remain a physical force in the rankings. They’ve had a quiet week to rest up for their holiday rivalry showdown against Missouri. If they can clean up the turnovers that plagued them against the Huskers, they’ll be back in the top 15 in no time.
19. Tennessee Volunteers
Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers center Felix Okpara (34) dunks the ball against the Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs during the second half at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center. Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
The Volunteers desperately needed a signature win, and they got exactly that with a dominant performance over Louisville. Their defense remains their calling card, but the emergence of consistent perimeter shooting has changed their ceiling. They now have some breathing room to gear up for a massive SEC opener against a hungry Arkansas squad.
18. Arkansas Razorbacks
Newark, New Jersey, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks head coach John Calipari reacts during the first half against the Houston Cougars at Prudential Center. Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
Arkansas took a four-spot tumble this week following a high-octane loss to a very good Houston team. While the defeat stings, the Razorbacks demonstrated that they can compete with the nation’s elite in terms of pure athleticism. John Calipari’s squad has one more tune-up against James Madison before the real fireworks begin in 2026.
17. Kansas Jayhawks
Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Melvin Council Jr. (14) and guard Tre White (3) celebrate on the bench against the Davidson Wildcats during the second half of the game at Allen Fieldhouse. Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
The Jayhawks are currently riding a three-game winning streak, though they’ve dealt with more noise than usual this month. Bill Self is still tinkering with the rotation, seeking the right chemistry before the brutal Big 12 schedule kicks off. Despite the inconsistency, their talent level remains high enough to beat anyone in the country on a given night.
16. Louisville Cardinals
Louisville, Kentucky, USA; Louisville Cardinals head coach Pat Kelsey calls out instructions during the first half against the Montana Grizzlies at KFC Yum! Center. Louisville defeated Montana 94-54. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images
Louisville is the week’s biggest faller, dropping five spots after being physically overwhelmed by Tennessee. The Cardinals’ 10-2 record remains impressive, but the loss has exposed some depth issues that need to be addressed. They get a much-needed break now before embarking on a challenging road trip to face California and Stanford.
15. Texas Tech Red Raiders
New York, New York, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Donovan Atwell (12) and forward JT Toppin (15) celebrate after defeating the Duke Blue Devils at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
The Red Raiders are the talk of the country after erasing a 17-point deficit to stun Duke at Madison Square Garden. Christian Anderson was spectacular, dropping 23 of his 27 points in the second half to seal the program’s 15th top-five win. This team plays with an infectious energy that makes them one of the most entertaining teams to watch in the Big 12.
14. Alabama Crimson Tide
Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide guard Labaron Philon (0) shoots the ball over South Florida Bulls forward Izaiyah Nelson (35) during the second half at Coleman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: David Leong-Imagn Images
Alabama stays firmly in the top 15 despite three losses, mainly because those defeats came against Arizona, Purdue, and Gonzaga. The Tide’s “anywhere, anytime” scheduling philosophy continues to pay dividends in the eyes of the pollsters. When their shots are falling from deep, Nate Oats has a team that can potentially outscore anyone in this field.
13. Nebraska Cornhuskers
Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers guard Jamarques Lawrence (10) and forward Berke Buyuktuncel (9) celebrate after a three-point basket by Lawrence during the second half against the North Dakota Fighting Hawks at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
Still perfect at 12-0, the Huskers continue to live off the momentum of their statement victory over Illinois. It is a surreal sight for many fans, but Nebraska basketball is currently one of the most efficient units in the country. The real test of their staying power arrives in early January when they host a surging Michigan State team.
12. North Carolina Tar Heels
Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Jonathan Powell (11), forward Caleb Wilson (8), and guard Derek Dixon (3) react during the second half against the East Carolina Pirates at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images
The Tar Heels are starting to look like a well-oiled machine, recently picking up a solid win over Ohio State. Their transition game is arguably the fastest in the nation, putting immense pressure on opposing backcourts. As they head into ACC play, they look like the clear favorites to take the regular-season conference crown.
11. Vanderbilt Commodores
Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores guard Frankie Collins (1) looks to pass the ball against the Memphis Tigers during the second half at FedExForum. Credit: Wesley Hale-Imagn Images
Vanderbilt is off to its best start since the 2007-08 season, sitting at a perfect 12-0 under the radar. While they haven’t faced a gauntlet yet, their offensive efficiency numbers are among the best in the nation. They are knocking on the door of the top ten, and a few more wins will make them impossible to ignore.
10. BYU Cougars
New York, New York, USA; BYU Cougars forward AJ Dybantsa (3) looks to drive past Clemson Tigers forward Jake Wahlin (10) in the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
BYU rounds out the top ten after freshman AJ Dybantsa put on a clinic with a career-high 35 points against Abilene Christian. The Cougars are ripping through their schedule with a balanced attack that features elite shooting and size. They have a final non-conference tune-up before they dive into what looks like a historically deep Big 12.
9. Michigan State Spartans
East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo pulls Michigan State Spartans guard Jeremy Fears Jr. (1) aside for a moment and shares some wisdom during the second half at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Dale Young-Imagn Images
The Spartans remained at No. 9 this week, although their recent win over Oakland was far from a masterpiece. Jaxon Kohler has been the anchor, recording three consecutive double-doubles to keep the Spartans afloat. Tom Izzo will likely use the holiday break to sharpen a defense that has looked uncharacteristically leaky at times.
8. Houston Cougars
Newark, New Jersey, USA; Houston Cougars guard Ramon Walker Jr. (3) reacts after making a shot against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the second half at Prudential Center. Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
Houston continues to be the gold standard for defensive intensity, recently suffocating Arkansas in a 94-85 win. Under Kelvin Sampson, the Cougars are now a perfect 37-0 when they manage to score 90 or more points. Their ability to control the glass and force turnovers makes them a nightmare matchup for teams that rely on finesse.
7. Gonzaga Bulldogs
Spokane, Washington, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Braden Huff (34) reacts after a play against the Campbell Fighting Camels in the second half at McCarthey Athletic Center. Gonzaga Bulldogs won 98-70. Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images
The Zags are off to their best start in five years, having already notched nine games with 90 or more points. Their offensive versatility is staggering, with multiple players capable of leading the team in scoring on any night. They remain the heavy favorites in the West Coast Conference as they prepare for a road test at Pepperdine.
6. Duke Blue Devils
New York, New York, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer talks to Duke Blue Devils forwards Cameron Boozer (12) and Maliq Brown (6) and guard Cayden Boozer (2) during the second half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Duke fell three spots after blowing a massive lead to Texas Tech in a thriller at the “World’s Most Famous Arena.” The loss snapped a 69-0 streak for Jon Scheyer when leading by 15-plus points, serving as a major wake-up call. The Blue Devils have the talent to bounce back, but their late-game execution will be under the microscope moving forward.
5. Purdue Boilermakers
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Purdue Boilermakers guard Braden Smith (3) celebrates after a play during the second half against the Auburn Tigers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
Braden Smith is playing at an All-American level, recently notching 14 assists in a gritty win over Auburn. Purdue’s ability to win games in multiple ways, both through the post and the perimeter, makes them incredibly dangerous. They move up one spot this week and appear to be the most complete team in the Big Ten.
4. UConn Huskies
Chicago, Illinois, USA; UConn Huskies forward Alex Karaban (11) shoots against DePaul Blue Demons during the second half at Wintrust Arena. Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
The Huskies are off to their best start since their 2023 title run, and Alex Karaban is currently playing the best basketball of his career. UConn’s ball movement and spacing are clinic-level, making them nearly impossible to scout effectively. They move up to No. 4 this week and remain the primary threat to repeat as Big East champions.
3. Iowa State Cyclones
Iowa State Cyclones guard Tamin Lipsey (3) drives with the ball around Long Beach State guard Isaiah Lewis (12) during the first half in the NCAA men’s basketball on Dec. 21, 2025, at Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa. Credit: Nirmalendu Majumdar/Ames Tribune / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Iowa State is arguably the most dominant team in the country right now, winning seven games by 25 or more points. Their no-way-out defense has absolutely smothered opponents, leading to easy transition buckets. They’ve officially jumped into the top three, and many believe they have the highest floor of any team in the nation.
2. Michigan Wolverines
College Park, Maryland, USA; Michigan Wolverines forward Yaxel Lendeborg (23) controls the ball against the Maryland Terrapins at Xfinity Center. Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images
The Wolverines are an offensive juggernaut, leading the nation with six 100-point games already this season. They recently dismantled La Salle by 52 points, tying a Big Ten record for most 40-point victories in a season. While they didn’t move up this week, they earned plenty of first-place votes and look like a true national title contender.
1. Arizona Wildcats
Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Ivan Kharchenkov (8) high-fives fans after they secure the win against the Abilene Christian Wildcats at the end of the game at McKale Memorial Center. Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images
Arizona retains the top spot for another week, continuing a dominant 11-0 run where they’ve won six straight by 20+. The Wildcats are deep, athletic, and playing with a level of confidence that is currently unmatched in the college game. While the margin at the top is thinning, Arizona remains the team to beat as we head into the new year.
Conclusion
Week 7 has proven that no lead is safe and no ranking is permanent in this unpredictable season. The rise of programs like Texas Tech and Nebraska alongside the sustained dominance of Arizona and Michigan suggests we are heading toward one of the most wide-open NCAA Tournaments in recent memory. As the calendar turns to 2026, the intensity will only ramp up in Week 8, and every game will carry the weight of postseason implications.