Men’s college basketball Power Rankings: A whole new list after two weeks of games

The 2026-27 men’s college basketball season has barely begun, but several high-profile matchups have already reshaped the national picture. After just 10 days of competition and seven games between ranked teams, the first in-season Power Rankings feature significant movement, with Kansas and UCLA emerging as two of the biggest early risers.

Florida retains the No. 1 position after opening the campaign with three consecutive victories, while UConn and Michigan State have strengthened their credentials as national championship contenders. Kansas has climbed dramatically following its impressive victory over Kentucky, and UCLA has made an equally notable jump after defeating Arizona on opening night.

Meanwhile, Duke and Illinois have slipped from their preseason positions as they work through early-season challenges. Injuries, roster availability and ongoing eligibility disputes have also influenced the opening weeks, adding another layer of uncertainty to the 2026-27 campaign.

Florida remains No. 1 as UConn and Michigan State move into title contention

Florida has maintained its position at the top of the rankings after winning its first three games. Head coach Todd Golden appears to have established a consistent eight-man rotation, giving the Gators an early sense of structure and continuity.

UConn has climbed from fifth to second after an impressive start, including a significant victory over Michigan. Michigan State has also moved into the top three after defeating Duke in the Champions Classic, with its defensive performance attracting considerable attention.

Kansas and UCLA are among the biggest success stories of the opening 10 days. The Jayhawks have moved from No. 19 to No. 4, while the Bruins have risen from No. 24 to No. 5. Both teams have delivered early victories that have changed expectations for the season.

2026-27 Men’s College Basketball Power Rankings: Top 25

1. Florida Gators (3-0)

Preseason ranking: 1

Recent results: Defeated Miami 77-67 on November 2, Jacksonville 88-57 on November 5, and Florida State 81-72 on November 10.

Upcoming games: Merrimack on November 13; Notre Dame in Las Vegas on November 17.

Florida has started the season with three consecutive wins, and one of the biggest developments has been the speed with which Todd Golden has established his rotation. The five starters, along with reserves Urban Klavzar, Domen Petrovic and Isaiah Brown, accounted for 199 of 200 available player-minutes in the opening victory over Miami.

The same eight players covered all 200 minutes in the win against Florida State. Although several deeper reserves received opportunities during the Jacksonville blowout, Golden’s preferred rotation is already becoming clear. That consistency could help the Gators maintain their early momentum as the schedule becomes more demanding.

2. UConn Huskies (3-0)

Preseason ranking: 5

Recent results: Defeated Gardner-Webb 86-46 on November 2, Michigan 85-77 on November 6, and Wagner 83-41 on November 9.

Upcoming games: Ohio State on November 13; at Arizona on November 18.

UConn has made an early statement with three convincing victories, including its 85-77 win over Michigan in Boston. Senior guard Silas Demary Jr. and Braylon Mullins were particularly influential in that matchup, outperforming Michigan’s Elliot Cadeau and Trey McKenney.

Demary has returned to full health after dealing with an ankle injury during the NCAA tournament. He is averaging 14.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 3.7 steals per game. Mullins has also made an immediate impact, reaching 20 points in each of his first two appearances.

The combination has given UConn a productive backcourt and strengthened its position among the early national championship contenders.

3. Michigan State Spartans (3-0)

Preseason ranking: 6

Recent results: Defeated Quinnipiac 96-59 on November 2, Toledo 91-61 on November 5, and Duke 79-73 on November 10.

Upcoming games: Northern Iowa on November 13; at Tennessee on November 17.

Michigan State’s victory over Duke in Chicago was one of the biggest results of the opening period. Sophomore forward Jordan Scott played a crucial role, delivering an outstanding defensive performance that helped the Spartans control the game.

Scott recorded nine defensive rebounds, six blocks and two steals, disrupting Duke’s offense throughout the first half. His contribution was particularly impressive considering he had scored only five points in the previous game while shooting 2-for-7 from the field.

Duke head coach Jon Scheyer praised Scott after the contest, saying, “He just really impacts winning.” Michigan State’s defensive strength has become one of the defining features of its early-season performance.

4. Kansas Jayhawks (3-0)

Preseason ranking: 19

Recent results: Defeated Fordham 95-65 on November 2, Middle Tennessee 89-45 on November 6, and Kentucky 89-69 on November 10.

Upcoming games: UNLV in Las Vegas on November 17.

Kansas has delivered one of the most impressive early-season performances, climbing from No. 19 to No. 4. The arrival of former Purdue star Trey Kaufman-Renn had already strengthened expectations around the Jayhawks, but their 89-69 victory over Kentucky provided an even stronger indication of their potential.

Bill Self’s team produced an impressive offensive display in the Champions Classic, combining transition scoring with effective half-court execution. Kansas recorded 24 assists on 32 made field goals and held a commanding 22-0 advantage in points off turnovers.

The performance has raised expectations for the Jayhawks, who could develop into a major championship contender if their players remain eligible and healthy.

5. UCLA Bruins (3-0)

Preseason ranking: 24

Recent results: Defeated Arizona 84-75 on November 2, North Florida 114-63 on November 6, and Arkansas-Pine Bluff 106-37 on November 11.

Upcoming games: Long Beach State on November 16; Cal State Fullerton on November 18.

UCLA has enjoyed an impressive start under Mick Cronin, moving from No. 24 to No. 5 after three consecutive victories. Its opening-night win over Arizona was an important result, while subsequent offensive performances have offered further encouragement.

Freshman Nikola Kusturica has quickly attracted attention after scoring 29 points against North Florida on 10-of-12 shooting. Texas Tech transfer Jaylen Petty has also settled in effectively, averaging 17 points and 4.3 assists while shooting close to 48% from three-point range.

Trent Perry and Eric Dailey have added valuable contributions, giving UCLA several offensive options. The early results suggest Cronin has assembled a team capable of producing points in different ways without sacrificing the defensive intensity that has defined his coaching approach.

6. Duke Blue Devils (2-1)

Preseason ranking: 2

Recent results: Defeated Army 84-50 on November 2 and Coastal Carolina 113-52 on November 5; lost to Michigan State 79-73 on November 10.

Upcoming games: SIUE on November 13; Illinois on November 17.

Duke has dropped from second to sixth after suffering its first defeat of the season against Michigan State. The 79-73 loss was notable because it marked the first time since the 2023-24 season that the Blue Devils were neither leading nor within one possession during the final minute of a game.

Michigan State controlled much of the contest, with Jeremy Fears Jr. playing an important role in the Spartans’ performance. Duke struggled to deal with the physical defence and had difficulty creating efficient offensive opportunities.

The Blue Devils shot just 26% from the field in the first half, their lowest first-half shooting percentage of the Jon Scheyer era. Their 41.9% shooting on two-point attempts was also their worst mark since the 2025 Final Four defeat against Houston.

With new primary offensive options still developing, Duke may need additional time before reaching its expected level.

7. Virginia Cavaliers (4-0)

Preseason ranking: 13

Recent results: Defeated Drexel 89-60 on November 3, Northeastern 97-72 on November 6, Arkansas 91-72 on November 8, and Bucknell 95-61 on November 10.

Upcoming games: At Maryland on November 13; Old Dominion on November 17.

Virginia has climbed six places after opening the season with four consecutive victories. Head coach Ryan Odom has benefited from a combination of returning players and new additions who have helped establish a balanced starting lineup.

Thijs De Ridder, Sam Lewis and Johann Grunloh have returned from last season’s team, while Chance Mallory has moved into the starting point guard role after previously serving as one of the country’s leading sixth men.

Nolan Adekunle has secured the remaining starting position. The Germany-born player has provided defensive strength and three-point shooting, averaging 13.5 points across his last two games while making six of 11 attempts from beyond the arc.

8. Texas Tech Red Raiders (3-0)

Preseason ranking: 9

Recent results: Defeated Jackson State 76-42 on November 2, Bethune-Cookman 76-58 on November 5, and Illinois 84-78 on November 10.

Upcoming games: Stonehill on November 14; LSU New Orleans on November 18.

Texas Tech has maintained an unbeaten record and added a significant victory over Illinois to its opening results. Much of the early attention surrounding the Red Raiders focused on JT Toppin’s injury situation and eligibility questions involving several players.

However, the performances of incoming transfer guards Cruz Davis and Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn have also become important. The pair combined for 35 points and eight assists against Illinois after producing 40 points and five assists in the previous victory over Bethune-Cookman.

Texas Tech’s ability to defeat Illinois despite limited offensive production from Darrion Williams was another encouraging sign. Williams, a former All-Big 12 player, is averaging 3.7 points through the opening games and has made a field goal in only one contest.

9. Illinois Fighting Illini (2-1)

Preseason ranking: 3

Recent results: Defeated Fairleigh Dickinson 120-45 on November 2 and Penn 112-70 on November 5; lost to Texas Tech 84-78 on November 10.

Upcoming games: Sam Houston State on November 13; at Duke on November 17.

Illinois has fallen from third to ninth following its first defeat of the season. The loss against Texas Tech exposed some issues that had not been as visible during the team’s opening victories.

The Illini remained highly efficient inside the three-point line, converting nearly 77% of their two-point attempts. However, they struggled from the perimeter and committed 16 turnovers, limiting their ability to keep pace with the Red Raiders.

Illinois recorded 1.05 points per possession, a figure that would have ranked as its third-lowest single-game performance from the previous season. The upcoming meeting with Duke will provide another opportunity to assess how the team responds to its first major setback.

10. Texas Longhorns (3-0)

Preseason ranking: 7

Recent results: Defeated Chicago State 109-59 on November 2, Gardner-Webb 98-50 on November 5, and Grambling 93-62 on November 9.

Upcoming games: Baylor in San Antonio on November 15.

Texas has started the campaign with three convincing victories, and Matas Vokietaitis has emerged as one of the team’s most productive players. The seven-foot Lithuanian is averaging 21.3 points and 7.3 rebounds while shooting better than 79% from the field.

He has produced those numbers in slightly more than 22 minutes per game, giving the Longhorns a strong inside scoring option. However, the team’s early opponents have not provided the toughest examination, and the upcoming matchup against Baylor should offer a clearer indication of its potential.

11. St. John’s Red Storm (3-0)

Preseason ranking: 10

Recent results: Defeated Monmouth 78-63 on November 2, Iona 104-65 on November 8, and Colgate 90-59 on November 11.

Upcoming games: Syracuse on November 15; Siena on November 18.

St. John’s has maintained its unbeaten record, with Quinn Ellis making an immediate impact after joining Rick Pitino’s program. The guard arrived with significant expectations following his recruitment, which reportedly attracted interest from major college basketball programmes including Duke and Louisville.

Ellis has delivered impressive performances through his first three college games. Against Colgate, he recorded nine assists, six rebounds and four steals without committing a turnover.

Across his first three appearances, Ellis has accumulated 27 assists and 12 steals while recording only two turnovers. His ability to create opportunities and protect possession has given St. John’s an encouraging foundation.

12. Louisville Cardinals (2-0)

Preseason ranking: 15

Recent results: Defeated Chattanooga 84-70 on November 2 and Morehead State 107-57 on November 7.

Upcoming games: At Memphis on November 15.

Freshman centre Obinna Ekezie Jr. could become an important part of Louisville’s plans as the season develops. After attracting attention during an October exhibition against Kansas, he had a relatively quiet regular-season debut, scoring five points in nine minutes.

He responded strongly against Morehead State, recording 25 points, 13 rebounds and two blocks while making three of six attempts from three-point range.

Ekezie’s potential partnership with Flory Bidunga could give head coach Pat Kelsey an effective interior combination. The two have shared the court for only 11 possessions through Louisville’s first two games, according to EvanMiya.com, but a larger role together could offer additional options.

13. Arizona Wildcats (2-1)

Preseason ranking: 4

Recent results: Lost to UCLA 84-75 on November 2; defeated Cal Poly 104-84 on November 5 and Northern Arizona 90-59 on November 10.

Upcoming games: At Auburn on November 13; UConn on November 18.

Arizona has dropped from fourth to 13th after losing its opening matchup against UCLA. However, Ivan Kharchenkov has emerged as one of the team’s biggest positives and has delivered several impressive individual performances.

Kharchenkov opened the season with 38 points and 10 rebounds against UCLA despite the defeat. He followed that performance with 16 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists against Cal Poly, before recording 20 points, seven rebounds and seven assists against Northern Arizona.

His all-around production has placed him near the top of KenPom’s early Player of the Year standings, where he is listed at No. 2. Arizona will face a challenging test against Auburn before hosting UConn.

14. Tennessee Volunteers (2-0)

Preseason ranking: 8

Recent results: Defeated Wofford 90-59 on November 3 and Radford 70-47 on November 9.

Upcoming games: Tennessee State on November 13; Michigan State on November 17.

Tennessee has won both of its opening games, but its offensive rhythm remains a work in progress. Head coach Rick Barnes has already used eight different starters across the two contests, suggesting that he is still evaluating the most effective combinations.

The Volunteers managed only 0.98 points per possession against Radford, despite the opponent having allowed 1.14 points per possession in its previous two games against San Francisco and California.

Wake Forest transfer Juke Harris, who averaged 21.4 points per game last season and ranked among the country’s top 20 scorers, has recorded only 13 points through his first two appearances. Tennessee will need its offensive options to become more productive as the competition improves.

15. Houston Cougars (3-0)

Preseason ranking: 18

Recent results: Defeated La Salle 94-55 on November 2, Cal 86-68 on November 8, and Jacksonville State 92-46 on November 11.

Upcoming games: Rutgers in Las Vegas on November 17.

Houston has moved up three places after winning its first three games, with transfer point guard Dedan Thomas Jr. providing a major boost to Kelvin Sampson’s offence.

Thomas arrived after an injury-limited season at LSU, where he appeared in only 16 games as a junior. His early performances in Houston have suggested that he could become another productive guard under Sampson.

He is averaging 17.7 points and 6.7 assists while committing only three turnovers across three games. Houston has also scored at least 85 points in each of its first three contests, a run that has occurred only once before during Sampson’s tenure, according to ESPN Research.

16. USC Trojans (3-0)

Preseason ranking: 17

Recent results: Defeated Milwaukee on November 3, Wichita State 93-86 on November 9, and California 77-65 on November 11.

Upcoming games: Arkansas-Pine Bluff on November 15.

USC’s opening performances have been driven by the scoring combination of Rodney Rice and Alijah Arenas. Rice is averaging 21.7 points and seven assists, while Arenas has contributed 23.3 points and 6.3 rebounds per game.

However, Jacob Cofie’s performance against California could prove equally important. After dealing with an injury during the first two games, Cofie returned with 13 points, 15 rebounds, six assists, three blocks and two steals.

He played all but 28 seconds of the contest, demonstrating his value on both ends of the floor. His return gives head coach Eric Musselman another versatile contributor as USC continues its unbeaten start.

17. Gonzaga Bulldogs (2-0)

Preseason ranking: 14

Recent results: Defeated Purdue 78-72 on November 2 and New Mexico State 109-68 on November 7.

Upcoming games: LSU on November 14; Montana State on November 17.

Gonzaga has opened the season with two victories, and sophomore wing Davis Fogle has quickly become one of its most productive players. The former top-100 recruit had a limited role during the first half of last season but gained more opportunities after Braden Huff suffered an injury.

Fogle responded by scoring in double figures in eight of his final 16 games and has carried that momentum into the new campaign. He has scored 22 points in each of Gonzaga’s first two contests and also recorded six assists against New Mexico State.

18. BYU Cougars (3-0)

Preseason ranking: 20

Recent results: Defeated Ohio State 94-83 on November 2, Omaha 108-67 on November 6, and Queens 98-82 on November 10.

Upcoming games: Montana State on November 12; Northern Colorado on November 18.

BYU has started the season with three wins and appears to have assembled an effective shooting group under head coach Kevin Young. Point guard Robert Wright III has been particularly impressive, averaging 25 points and four assists while committing only two turnovers.

Wright has also produced a 35-point performance during the opening stretch. Bruce Branch III has shown the potential to become a high-level prospect, while Jaxon Kohler offers an inside-outside scoring threat and rebounding ability.

Collin Chandler is averaging 15 points, while Syracuse transfer Tyler Betsey has emerged as an unexpected shooting weapon. The 6-foot-9 forward has made 12 of 19 attempts from three-point range through his first three games.

19. Miami Hurricanes (2-1)

Preseason ranking: 11

Recent results: Lost to Florida 77-67 on November 3; defeated Wagner 83-57 on November 6 and North Florida 89-51 on November 9.

Upcoming games: North Alabama on November 13; Rider on November 17.

Miami has experimented with larger lineups during the opening games under head coach Jai Lucas. Acaden Lewis, Shelton Henderson, Caleb Gaskins, Malik Reneau and Somto Cyril have started all three contests together and have played significantly more possessions as a group than any other five-player combination.

The lineup struggled to generate consistent half-court opportunities against Florida and has made only 14 three-pointers in three games, shooting 22.2% from beyond the arc. That percentage places Miami near the bottom of the national rankings.

However, the group has performed well defensively, giving Lucas a reason to continue using his most talented players together while working to improve the team’s perimeter shooting.

20. Alabama Crimson Tide (3-0)

Preseason ranking: 21

Recent results: Defeated Sam Houston State 96-74 on November 3, Arkansas State 101-86 on November 6, and Oakland 109-68 on November 9.

Upcoming games: Seton Hall on November 13; Kennesaw State on November 17.

Alabama has maintained an unbeaten record through three games, with three-point shooting becoming a defining feature of its offence. The Crimson Tide are averaging 16.3 made three-pointers per game and lead the country in attempts from beyond the arc, taking an average of 42.3 per contest.

The team demonstrated its shooting potential by making 24 three-pointers against Oakland. Alabama was also remarkably efficient inside the arc, missing only one two-point attempt in that game.

However, its defensive approach still requires attention. Sam Houston State and Arkansas State each made 15 three-pointers against the Crimson Tide, highlighting an area opponents could target as the schedule becomes more competitive.

21. Vanderbilt Commodores (3-0)

Preseason ranking: 23

Recent results: Defeated Bellarmine 93-47 on November 2, Wake Forest 74-51 on November 5, and Memphis 105-81 on November 10.

Upcoming games: Prairie View A&M on November 13; Eastern Illinois on November 17.

Vanderbilt has made an unbeaten start, with point guard Tyler Tanner emerging as one of its most productive players. Although his three-point shooting has been inconsistent, he is averaging 18 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.7 steals through three games.

Tanner has committed only two turnovers, demonstrating his ability to contribute without giving away possession. Washington State transfer Ace Glass has also made a strong impression, averaging 17 points while shooting 42.3% from three-point range.

The performances of Tanner and Glass have helped Vanderbilt establish a productive backcourt combination early in the season.

22. Arkansas Razorbacks (2-1)

Preseason ranking: 12

Recent results: Defeated Arkansas-Pine Bluff 106-61 on November 3; lost to Virginia 91-72 on November 8; defeated Robert Morris 76-53 on November 11.

Upcoming games: Central Arkansas on November 13; Indiana in New York on November 17.

Arkansas has dropped 10 positions after struggling defensively against Virginia. The Razorbacks allowed the Cavaliers to score 1.34 points per possession, one of the most difficult defensive performances of the John Calipari era in Fayetteville.

Virginia also controlled the offensive glass, collecting 47.5% of its missed shots, and made 12 three-pointers. Arkansas had been particularly vulnerable in both areas, which contributed to the scale of the defeat.

The Razorbacks responded with a more convincing performance against Robert Morris, but their upcoming matchup against Indiana will offer another opportunity to assess their progress.

23. Saint Louis Billikens (3-0)

Preseason ranking: Not ranked

Recent results: Defeated Lehigh 92-67 on November 2, Missouri 90-84 on November 6, and Northern Kentucky 125-63 on November 10.

Upcoming games: High Point on November 15.

Saint Louis has entered the top 25 after winning all three opening games, including an impressive rivalry victory over Missouri. The Billikens have shown that they can produce strong offensive performances even without former star Robbie Avila, who has been held out of the last two games because of a roster-limit issue.

Avila received a preliminary injunction the previous week, but his availability has remained unresolved. In his absence, Saint Louis has continued to score effectively, making 32 three-pointers across its last two victories while shooting better than 56% from beyond the arc.

24. Michigan Wolverines (2-1)

Preseason ranking: 22

Recent results: Defeated Oakland 84-68 on November 2; lost to UConn 85-77 on November 6; defeated Marquette 84-70 on November 11.

Upcoming games: William & Mary on November 15.

Michigan has moved down two positions after losing to UConn but responded with a victory over Marquette. Head coach Mike Boynton has continued to focus on building a strong frontcourt through transfer additions and young players.

J.P. Estrella has averaged 17.3 points and 9.7 rebounds, while Moustapha Thiam bounced back from a difficult debut against UConn with nine points, 12 rebounds and three blocks against Marquette.

Boynton has also experimented with a larger lineup featuring 6-foot-10 freshman Quinn Costello alongside Thiam and Estrella. Costello responded by making five three-pointers against Marquette, and the combination finished plus-22 during a stretch of 10 minutes and 20 seconds, according to Basket Under Review.

25. Nebraska Cornhuskers (3-0)

Preseason ranking: Not ranked

Recent results: Defeated Le Moyne 106-64 on November 2, Providence 67-58 on November 7, and Lindenwood 94-60 on November 11.

Upcoming games: Boise State in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on November 15; South Dakota on November 18.

Nebraska has secured the final position in the first in-season top 25 after winning its opening three games. The Cornhuskers were just outside the preseason rankings but strengthened their case with a convincing victory over Providence.

Pryce Sandfort has been the team’s leading offensive contributor, averaging 22.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists. He has scored at least 20 points in every game so far and made six of 12 three-point attempts against Lindenwood.

Nebraska’s unbeaten start has earned it a place among the country’s top 25 teams, although its upcoming games will provide further opportunities to demonstrate its consistency.

Missouri and Kentucky drop out of the top 25

The latest rankings have also brought changes to the teams outside the top 25. Missouri and Kentucky are the two programmes that have dropped out of the list following the opening results.

• Missouri Tigers: Previously ranked No. 16, Missouri has fallen out of the rankings after losing to Saint Louis.
• Kentucky Wildcats: Previously ranked No. 25, Kentucky has also dropped out following its 89-69 defeat against Kansas in the Champions Classic.

Kansas’ victory over Kentucky was particularly significant because it demonstrated the Jayhawks’ offensive potential while contributing to a major shift in the early rankings.

Key storylines shaping the 2026-27 college basketball season

Several developments beyond the rankings are already influencing the national conversation. Injuries have affected teams such as Illinois, while eligibility disputes and legal proceedings have created uncertainty around player availability at several programmes.

Arizona is still awaiting a decision involving forward RJ Godfrey. Kansas and Texas Tech have also benefited from players taking the court under injunctions or temporary restraining orders, making eligibility questions an important part of the early-season discussion.

The next week could bring further changes, with the Players Era 8 tournament in Las Vegas and several major non-conference matchups scheduled. Illinois will visit Duke, Michigan State will travel to Tennessee, and UConn will face Arizona on the road.

What to watch next in men’s college basketball

The first in-season rankings provide an early picture of the teams building momentum, but the opening 10 days are only the beginning of a long campaign. Florida will look to protect its No. 1 position, while UConn and Michigan State will attempt to maintain their strong starts against increasingly difficult opponents.

Kansas and UCLA have already demonstrated why they deserve greater attention after moving sharply upward from their preseason positions. Their early victories have changed the expectations surrounding both programmes, although consistency across the coming weeks will be essential.

Duke and Illinois will also be under scrutiny as they attempt to respond to their early defeats and address the issues exposed by stronger opponents. With major matchups approaching and player availability still uncertain at several programmes, the national Power Rankings could look very different after another week of college basketball.