College Basketball Rankings: Coaches Poll Top 25 updated after Week 12

The USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll Top 25 has been refreshed following the twelfth week of the season. The latest update reflects a landscape filled with impressive wins and ascending pressure as conference play intensifies.

Several contenders continued to separate themselves this past week. Meanwhile, others were forced to respond after brutal tests. With road challenges and ranked matchups continuing, the race for positioning at the top of the poll is only getting closer.

All told, the Coaches Poll Top 25 is certain to see plenty of fluctuations throughout the remainder of the regular season. For now, here’s how things stack up after Week 12. This week’s updated rankings are below.

1. Arizona

Arizona stayed perfect with wins over Cincinnati and West Virginia, continuing to look like one of the most complete teams in the country. The Wildcats are now 20-0 and have shown the ability to win both grind-it-out games and up-tempo battles.

Freshman forward Koa Peat has been the centerpiece, averaging 14.7 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.7 assists while playing well beyond his years. A brutal road week awaits with trips to BYU and Arizona State.

2. Michigan

Michigan kept rolling with wins over Indiana and Ohio State, improving to 18-1 on the season. The Wolverines have been steady on both ends, rarely beating themselves.

Senior forward Yaxel Lendeborg anchors the frontcourt with 14.4 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. A rivalry-heavy week awaits with Nebraska at home and Michigan State on the road.

3. UConn

UConn continued its dominance with a win over Villanova, pushing its record to 19-1. The Huskies remain disciplined defensively while finding timely scoring across the lineup.

Junior guard Solo Ball has been a reliable presence, averaging 14.6 points per game. They’re home against Providence before a road trip to Creighton to test UConn’s consistency.

4. Duke (+1)

Duke handled business against Wake Forest to move to 18-1 overall. The Blue Devils continue to be driven by freshman phenom Cameron Boozer, who is averaging 23.7 points and 9.9 rebounds per game.

His efficiency and versatility have accelerated Duke’s ceiling significantly. Matchups with Louisville and Virginia Tech headline another busy ACC week.

5. Nebraska (+2)

Nebraska remains one of the nation’s surprises, improving to 20-0 with wins over Washington and Minnesota. The Cornhuskers have consistently found ways to close games late.

Junior forward Pryce Sandfort leads the charge at 17.3 points per game. A road showdown at Michigan followed by Illinois at home will test Nebraska’s unbeaten run.

6. Gonzaga (+2)

Gonzaga cruised past Pepperdine and San Francisco to move to 19-1 on the season. The Bulldogs continue to look polished and efficient on offense.

Senior forward Graham Ike has been a steady interior force, averaging 18.1 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. A home showdown with Saint Mary’s headlines the week.

7. Houston (-1)

Houston suffered a setback with a loss to Texas Tech but still sits at a strong 17-2 overall. The Cougars’ physical style remains intact, even as they continue to integrate young pieces.

Freshman guard Kingston Flemings has emerged as a leader, averaging 17.0 points and 5.4 assists per game. They’re on the road at TCU and home against Cincinnati, giving Houston a chance to rebound quickly.

8. Michigan State (+2)

Michigan State added two more quality wins over Oregon and Maryland, pushing its record to 18-2. The Spartans are thriving behind strong guard play and defensive intensity.

Sophomore Jeremy Fears Jr. continues to control the tempo, averaging 8.9 assists per game. They’re on the road at Rutgers and home against Michigan for a pivotal stretch.

9. Iowa State

Iowa State bounced back nicely with wins over UCF and Oklahoma State to steady itself at 18-2 overall. The Cyclones continue to thrive behind senior forward Joshua Jefferson, who fills the stat sheet with 17.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game.

Iowa State’s balance and physicality remain major strengths in Big 12 play. Tests against Colorado at home and Kansas State on the road loom this week.

10. Illinois (+1)

Illinois picked up massive momentum with wins over Minnesota and Purdue. At 17-3, the Illini are playing with confidence on both ends of the floor.

Freshman guard Keaton Wagler has been electric, averaging 17.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game. Games against Washington and Nebraska will test Illinois’ staying power.

11. Texas Tech (+1)
12. Purdue (-8)
13. BYU
14. Kansas (+5)
15. Vanderbilt (-1)
16. Arkansas (+4)
17. Virginia (-2)
18. North Carolina (+6)
19. Clemson (-1)
20. Louisville (+1)
21. Florida (-5)
22. Saint Louis (-1)
23. Alabama (-6)
24. Miami (OH) (NR)
25. Iowa (NR)

Dropped Out: No. 22 Georgia

Others Receiving Votes: Georgia 33; Tennessee 30; Texas A&M 19; Villanova 15; Saint Mary’s 9; SMU 4; Kentucky 3; Utah State 2; Liberty 1