The first week of the 2026-27 college basketball regular season has concluded, and the projected AP Top 25 poll for Monday shows significant movement after several high-profile matchups. The top four remain unchanged: Florida, Duke, Illinois, and UConn all went 2-0. Florida earned a statement win over in-state rival Miami, while UConn defeated reigning national champion Michigan in a title-game rematch behind strong backcourt play from Silas Demary Jr. and Braylon Mullins.
Biggest Risers
UCLA, ranked No. 22 in the preseason, jumps to No. 8 after upsetting No. 5 Arizona 84-75 in Las Vegas. Freshman Nikola Kusturica, 17, announced his arrival with 29 points, six rebounds, three assists, and two blocks in a subsequent blowout over North Florida. Arizona, despite the loss, is projected to stay in the top 10 at No. 9 after bouncing back with a win over Cal Poly led by Motiejus Krivas' 30 points.
Virginia climbs from No. 9 to No. 7 following a 91-72 victory over No. 12 Arkansas, with four Cavaliers reaching double figures. Arkansas drops to No. 14 but avoids a steep fall for losing to a top-10 team.
Other Notable Moves
Michigan State rises to No. 5 as Jeremy Fears Jr. opens his national player of the year campaign with back-to-back near double-doubles. Texas holds at No. 6, while Tennessee slips to No. 10 as UCLA and Arizona leapfrog the Volunteers. Houston, Louisville, Gonzaga, St. John's, Kansas, Texas Tech, Miami, Alabama, Michigan, USC, Kentucky, Vanderbilt, and BYU round out the top 24. Saint Louis enters the rankings at No. 25 after a 90-84 win over Missouri, the preseason's top vote-getter outside the poll. Iowa State is the lone team projected to drop out.
