The Top Teams in College Basketball So Far in the 25-26 Season

The college basketball 25-26 season has been off to a great start. A lot of teams are building momentum and chemistry, while others are still trying figure things out. That’s expected early in the season, and honestly, it’s better to deal with struggles now rather than face those same challenges later in March when everything matters most.

I think these are the top 4 teams in college basketball right now

Arizona Wildcats #1

Currently ranked #1 in the country, the University of Arizona is off to a dominant 18-0 start, making them one of the very few undefeated teams in college basketball. The Wildcats have been on fire all season and look like the best team in the nation so far with major wins over Auburn, #17 Alabama, and #3 UConn. Arizona is led by two of the top freshmen in this year’s class. Koa Peat ia averaging 14.7 points per game while shooting an efficient 56% from the field, and Brayden Burries is adding 14.3 points per game on 50% shooting. Their production as freshman has been extremely impressive. Veteran leadership has also been impressive. Senior Guard Jaden Bradley is averaging 14.1 points per game, providing stability and experience, while Forward Tobe Awaka has been a force in the paint, averaging about 10 points and 10.1 rebounds. Sitting at 5-0 in Big 12 play, Arizona is clearly the team to beat. If they continue playing at this level, the Wildcats are strong favorites to compete for a Big 12 championship and make a deep run in March Madness.

UConn Huskies #2

It’s no surprise to see #2 UConn rolling once again under legendary coach Dan Hurley. After winning back to back national championships in 2023 and 2024, but facing a tough loss to Florida the National champions in the Second Round, the Huskies are always on the radar in college basketball. UConn currently stands at 18-1, with their only loss coming in tight 67-71 game against #1 Arizona. They are dominating conference play, sitting at 8-0 in the Big East, and recently picked up a close win over previously ranked #25 Seton Hall. The Huskies returned most of their strong core from last year. Senior Center Tarris Reed Jr. is averaging 14.5 points and 8 rebounds per game, while Senior Foward Alex Karaban is adding 13.6 points per game. Lead guard Solo Ball has also been key, averaging 14.1 points per game and controlling the pace of the offense. UConn also added an important new piece with Freshman Guard Braylon Mullins, who has had an excellent start to his college career, averaging 11.6 points per game. With experience, leadership, and championship confidence, the Huskies are once again a serious threat to make a deep March run.

Michigan Wolverines #3

Previoulsly ranked #1 and now sitting at #3, the University of Michigan has been flat-out dominating college basketball this season. The Wolverines went on a stretch of nine straight games winning beating their opponents by an average of 35+ points, including impressive victories over Auburn, #8 Gonzaga, and USC. Coming off a solid season last year where they reached the Sweet 16, Michigan added several key pieces to elevate their roster. Transfer Fowards Morez Johnson Jr (Illinois) and Yaxel Lendeborg (UAB) are both averaging 14.1 points per game. They also brought in impactful transfers Aday Mara, a 7’3 Center from UCLA and Guard Elliot Cadeau from UNC. Despite having new faces, the Wolverines have quickly built chemistry. Although they suffered a surprising 88-91 loss to Wisconsin, they bounced back with key Big Ten wins over Oregon and Washington. Michigan currently stands at 6-1 in conference play. With their depth, size, and talent, Michigan looks extremely dangerous and is a team no one will want to face as the season goes on.

Duke Blue Devils (#4)

The #5 ranked Duke Blue Devils are off to a strong 17-1 start this season, led by a bunch of key returners and elite new talent However, this year has mainly been the Cameron Boozer show. The freshman phenom is averaging an incredible 23.2 points per game, while also leading in rebounds, assists, and steals. Boozer has looked nearly unstoppable and is already being discussed as a upcoming top 3 pick in the NBA draft. He isn’t doing it alone. Isaiah Evans has stepped into a bigger role this season, averaging 14.6 points per game and emerging as one of the team’s best shooters. Senior Guard Caleb Foster, now in his 3rd year with the program, has provided leadership and stability in the backcourt. Duke owns big wins over Kansas, Arkansas, Florida , and Michigan State, with their only setback being a tough loss to #19 Texas Tech. After falling short in last year’s Final Four, the Blue Devils are once again positioned to make a serious national title push.