AP Top 25: UConn falls as UNC heats up in college basketball rankings

February 10, 2026 - 05:05

The aftermath of a seismic weekend in the Atlantic Coast Conference has dramatically reshaped the latest Associated Press Top 25 men's college basketball poll. The University of Connecticut, the reigning national champion, has taken a significant fall after a decisive road loss to Creighton, dropping several spots from its previous perch near the top.

Meanwhile, the heated rivalry between Duke and North Carolina produced major movement. The Tar Heels, fueled by a commanding home victory over their archrival, have surged upward, solidifying their status as a premier national contender. Duke, conversely, absorbed a double-digit loss in that high-profile clash and has slipped in the rankings as a result.

The poll reflects a season defined by parity and weekly volatility. Houston retains its grip on the No. 1 position, continuing a strong campaign, while other traditional powers like Purdue and Kansas maintain their elite standing. However, the spotlight remains firmly on the ACC's shifting landscape, where a single rivalry game has proven powerful enough to recalibrate the national picture. The results underscore that in this unpredictable season, no team's ranking is safe from week to week, setting the stage for a thrilling final stretch before the postseason tournaments begin.