College Basketball Power Rankings Update: Illinois Surge, Arizona Stays No. 1 as Contenders Separate

Illinois surge into the national spotlight headlines this latest college basketball power rankings update as several contenders separate themselves entering the heart of conference play, with performance metrics and on court results beginning to define the postseason picture.

Illinois has emerged as one of the most complete teams in the country after last season’s midyear collapse raised questions about sustainability. Brad Underwood’s current group answers those concerns with the most efficient offense ever recorded by KenPom since 1996, a nine game winning streak, and three narrow losses against elite competition. The Illini combine size, offensive rebounding, perimeter shooting, and disciplined defense, positioning them as a legitimate Final Four threat despite the temporary absence of Kylan Boswell.

1. Arizona Wildcats

Arizona remains the standard nationally at 21 and 0, pairing physical defense with elite guard play from Jaden Bradley and Brayden Burries. Tommy Lloyd’s roster has proven it can win tough road games, and the Wildcats ability to disrupt perimeter offenses gives them the highest floor in the country.

2. UConn Huskies

UConn continues to win close games behind the best defense in the Big East, but offensive efficiency and rebounding slippage have narrowed their margin. Dan Hurley’s group still profiles as a championship contender, though upcoming road tests will determine their staying power.

3. Michigan Wolverines

Michigan’s early season dominance was fueled by pace and transition scoring, but recent success has come through half court execution. That adaptability keeps the Wolverines firmly in the top tier as Big Ten play intensifies.

4. Duke Blue Devils

Duke’s defense has surged into elite territory, limiting recent opponents to well under 1 point per possession. Jon Scheyer’s group continues to defend at a championship level, and offensive consistency remains the final variable.

5. Nebraska Cornhuskers

Nebraska’s first loss did little to diminish its profile, as the Cornhuskers competed at Michigan while shorthanded. Their efficiency metrics and physical play suggest they are built for sustained Big Ten success.

6. Illinois Fighting Illini

Illinois offensive ceiling separates them from the pack, with Keaton Wagler emerging as a national breakout star. The Illini size and versatility allow them to win in multiple styles, a key indicator for March success.

7. Michigan State Spartans

Michigan State is driven by Jeremy Fears Jr., who has elevated into All American territory with his control of tempo and late game execution. Tom Izzo’s team continues to show resilience in contrasting game scripts.

8. Iowa State Cyclones

Iowa State’s rise is fueled by Milan Momcilovic’s historic shooting efficiency and consistent defensive pressure. The Cyclones remain one of the most analytically sound teams in the Big 12.

9. Gonzaga Bulldogs

Despite injuries to key front court players, Gonzaga continues to win behind roster depth and player development. Mark Few’s rotation flexibility has stabilized production during adversity.

10. Texas Tech Red Raiders

Texas Tech’s offense has surged against elite defenses, highlighted by wins over Houston and Baylor. The Red Raiders balanced scoring attack has raised their national ceiling.

11. Houston Cougars

Houston’s defensive identity has slipped slightly, but Kingston Flemings emergence as a primary scorer provides optimism. Kelvin Sampson’s teams traditionally peak late, keeping the Cougars firmly in the mix.

12. Vanderbilt Commodores

Vanderbilt’s defensive resurgence and turnover creation have powered statement wins over Mississippi State and Kentucky. Tyler Tanner’s return to form stabilizes the backcourt.

13. Kansas Jayhawks

Kansas has tightened defensively during its recent winning streak, with improved interior efficiency and ball security. Bill Self’s rotation adjustments are beginning to pay dividends.

14. BYU Cougars

BYU’s lack of Quad 1A wins remains the primary concern, though narrow losses to Arizona and UConn show competitive parity. Upcoming opportunities will define their tournament résumé.

15. Purdue Boilermakers

Purdue’s defensive regression and supporting cast inconsistency have surfaced during a three game skid. Fixing perimeter scoring balance is critical moving forward.

16. Arkansas Razorbacks

Arkansas continues to benefit from freshman impact, with Meleek Thomas solidifying the starting lineup. John Calipari’s young roster is trending upward entering February.

17. Florida Gators

Florida’s rise is anchored by Rueben Chinyelu’s dominance on the glass and interior efficiency. His production places the Gators among the SEC’s most physically imposing teams.

18. North Carolina Tar Heels

North Carolina has stabilized defensively after a poor perimeter stretch, with Jarin Stevenson providing a scoring spark. Improved shooting defense restores their ACC contender profile.

19. Virginia Cavaliers

Virginia remains elite when Sam Lewis produces efficiently, underscoring their reliance on perimeter consistency. Tony Bennett’s system continues to limit volatility.

20. Alabama Crimson Tide

Alabama’s reintegration of Charles Bediako has strengthened interior defense and rim protection. Nate Oats’ rotation appears more balanced entering SEC play.

21. Saint Louis Billikens

Saint Louis’ 14 game winning streak reflects elite shooting and late game execution. Trey Green’s perimeter scoring has elevated the Billikens into national relevance.

22. Tennessee Volunteers

Tennessee’s surge is driven by Ja’Kobi Gillespie’s scoring and Nate Ament’s emergence as a primary option. Rick Barnes’ group is peaking at the right time.

23. St John’s Red Storm

St John’s consistency since adjusting the starting lineup has made them UConn’s closest Big East challenger. Dillon Mitchell’s all around impact anchors their recent success.

24. Louisville Cardinals

Louisville remains significantly better with Mikel Brown Jr. healthy, but structural issues persist defensively. Addressing depth and shot selection will determine their ceiling.

25. Miami Ohio RedHawks

Miami Ohio’s unbeaten record reflects resilience and late game execution. Travis Steele’s group continues to pass every test, though upcoming road games loom large.

Honorable mentions include Clemson, Georgia, Baylor, Creighton, Dayton, Auburn, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, Wisconsin, and Cincinnati, all of whom remain positioned to enter the rankings with sustained conference success.

The outlook over the next several weeks will hinge on road performance, roster health, and efficiency against Quad 1 opponents. As conference races tighten, this power ranking is positioned to evolve rapidly as teams define their postseason trajectories.