The midway point of January usually separates the contenders from the pretenders, and this week’s Coaches Poll reflects exactly that volatility. With a new team seizing the throne and a shocking number of unblemished records still standing, the hierarchy of college hoops is shifting fast. Here is a look at the top 10 teams defining the landscape as we barrel toward the heart of conference play.
10. Nebraska Cornhuskers
Jan 5, 2026; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Fred Hoiberg huddles with his team during the second half against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Value City Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
Record: 16-0 | Points: 534
The Huskers are playing some of the most inspired ball in the country, cracking the top 10 with a pristine record that seemingly emerged from nowhere. They’ve turned Lincoln into a fortress and are proving that their perfect start isn’t just a scheduling quirk, but a sign of real Big Ten contention.
9. Gonzaga Bulldogs
Jan 4, 2026; Spokane, Washington, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Adam Miller (23) celebrates after a three-pointer against the Loyola Marymount Lions in the second half at McCarthey Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images
Record: 17-1 | Points: 547
The Zags actually slipped a spot despite winning, a victim of the chaotic movement around them rather than their own performance. They continue to be an offensive juggernaut, quietly stacking up wins while the rest of the top 10 cannibalizes itself in high-profile matchups.
8. Vanderbilt Commodores
Jan 10, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores forward Ak Okereke (10) celebrates the win against the Louisiana State Tigers during the second half at Memorial Gymnasium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Record: 16-0 | Points: 557
Memorial Gymnasium is rocking again as Vandy surges into the top 10 with a zero in the loss column that demands respect. This isn’t just an underdog story anymore; the Commodores are playing with a defensive grit and cohesion that has the rest of the SEC on high alert.
7. Houston Cougars
Dec 29, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars guard Mercy Miller (25) reacts with guard Ramon Walker Jr. (3) after scoring a basket during the second half against the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders at Fertitta Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Record: 15-1 | Points: 579
Kelvin Sampson’s crew remains the standard for toughness in college basketball, holding steady at lucky number seven. They might not be undefeated, but their suffocating defense travels anywhere, making them the kind of team nobody wants to see in their bracket come March.
6. Duke Blue Devils
Jan 3, 2026; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Dame Sarr (7) celebrates making a three-point shot with guard Isaiah Evans (3) during the second half against the Florida State Seminoles at Donald L. Tucker Center. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images
Record: 15-1 | Points: 606
The Blue Devils are humming right now, sitting comfortably just outside the top five with only a single blemish on their resume. They have the talent to beat anyone in the country, and right now, they are finding ways to win the gritty games that toughen a team up for the tournament.
5. Purdue Boilermakers
Dec 29, 2025; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Purdue Boilermakers guard Omer Mayer (17) attempts to shoot the ball during the second half against the Kent State Golden Flashes at Mackey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
Record: 15-1 | Points: 634
The Boilers are a model of consistency, holding their ground in the top five while chaos reigns elsewhere. With a system that seems immune to off nights and a home-court advantage that is practically lethal, Purdue remains one of the safest bets to make a deep run.
4. UConn Huskies
Dec 31, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; UConn Huskies guard Silas Demary Jr. (2) drives to the basket against Xavier Musketeers forward Pape N’Diaye (22) in the second half at the Cintas Center. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images
Record: 16-1 | Points: 666
Dan Hurley’s squad is lurking right behind the unbeaten trio, boasting a resume that arguably matches anyone’s in the country. They play with a relentless intensity that wears opponents down, and sitting at number four feels like a coiled spring ready to snap back to the top spot.
3. Michigan Wolverines
Dec 21, 2025; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Elliot Cadeau (3) handles the ball against La Salle Explorers guard Truth Harris (4) during the second half at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bradshaw Sevald-Imagn Images
Record: 14-1 | Points: 671
Heavy is the head that wears the crown, and the Wolverines learned that the hard way this week, tumbling from the top spot after suffering their first loss. Still, dropping only to number three shows how much equity they’ve built; this is still a national title contender, just with a new scar to motivate them.
2. Iowa State Cyclones
Iowa State Cyclones guard Dominick Nelson (11) goes for a layup around Oklahoma State Cowboys forward Parsa Fallah (22) during the first half in the Big-12 men’s basketball on Jan. 10, 2026, at Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa.
Record: 16-0 | Points: 729 (1 First-Place Vote)
The Cyclones are breathing down Arizona’s neck, securing a first-place vote and inching closer to the summit with a defense that is historically stingy. Hilton Magic is alive and well, fueling a perfect run that has Ames dreaming of hanging a banner if they can keep this momentum rolling.
1. Arizona Wildcats
Arizona Wildcats guard Pelle Larsson (3) drives to the basket against Houston Cougars forward J’Wan Roberts (13) during the second half in the semifinals of the South regional of the men’s college basketball NCAA Tournament at AT&T Center. Credit: Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports
Record: 16-0 | Points: 773 (29 First-Place Votes)
There is a new king in the desert. The Wildcats vault into the number one spot with a near-unanimous consensus, rewarded for their unblemished record and high-octane play style. They have looked the part of a juggernaut all season, and now they have the target on their back to prove they can handle the pressure.
March is coming, and the madness is already hereDec 29, 2025; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Purdue Boilermakers guard Omer Mayer (17) attempts to shoot the ball during the second half against the Kent State Golden Flashes at Mackey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
With four undefeated teams still standing in the top ten, we are staring down the barrel of a historic conference season. The separation between one and ten is razor-thin, meaning every week is an elimination game for that coveted number one seed.