Men’s college basketball AP Poll: Michigan jumps to No. 1 after Arizona crashes with back-to-back losses

Arizona crashed — hard.

Here’s everything you missed in the 15th week of the regular season, and the latest Associated Press poll.

Michigan overtakes Arizona at No. 1

Arizona’s undefeated run through college basketball ended.

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The Wildcats, after starting the season on a 23-game win streak, lost back-to-back games this past week. Kansas handed Arizona its first loss of the season without the help of star Darryn Peterson, who missed that contest at Allen Fieldhouse with flu-like symptoms, on Feb. 9. Then Texas Tech went into Tucson and handed the Wildcats a second loss in overtime on Saturday night, thanks to 31 points from JT Toppin.

The two defeats dropped Arizona three spots in this week’s poll to No. 4. That paved the way for Michigan to take over the No. 1 spot. It also made Miami (Ohio) the last undefeated program in the country. The Redhawks, at 25-0, will take on UMass and Bowling Green on Tuesday.

The Wolverines improved to 24-1 last week after a 30-point blowout over UCLA. They’ve got No. 7 Purdue and No. 3 Duke up this week. Houston moved up a spot to No. 2 after Arizona’s skid, and UConn climbed to No. 5.

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It’s probably not time to panic about Arizona yet. The Wildcats were bound to slip eventually. No team has gone undefeated and won the national championship in half a century. And, Arizona has lost these two games by a combined seven points. But the Wildcats will have to rebound with No. 23 BYU — which has gone on a string of losses and is without star Richie Saunders after his ACL tear — and No. 2 Houston this week. A rematch with Kansas and Iowa State are still on the Wildcats’ schedule, too. Things could spiral quickly.

There is, though, plenty of time to rebound before the Big 12 tournament starts. Assuming this week goes well, there’s no reason to start doubting the Wildcats just yet.

Games to watch this week

All times ET | * denotes neutral site

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Monday, Feb. 16

No. 2 Houston at No. 6 Iowa State | 9 p.m. | ESPN

Tuesday, Feb. 17

No. 1 Michigan at No. 7 Purdue | 6:30 p.m. | Peacock
No. 22 Miami (Ohio) at UMass | 7 p.m. | ESPN+

Wednesday, Feb. 18

No. 23 BYU at No. 4 Arizona | 9 p.m. | ESPN

Friday, Feb. 20

Bowling Green at No. 22 Miami (Ohio) | 8:30 p.m. | CBSSN

Saturday, Feb. 21

No. 4 Arizona at No. 2 Houston | 3 p.m. | ABC
No. 1 Michigan at No. 3 Duke | 6:30 p.m. | ESPN*
No. 6 Iowa State at No. 23 BYU | 10:30 p.m. | ESPN

AP Top 25

The full Associated Press men’s basketball poll from Feb. 16, 2026.

1. Michigan (24-1)
2. Houston (23-2)
3. Duke (23-2)
4. Arizona (23-2)
5. UConn (24-2)
6. Iowa State (22-3)
7. Purdue (21-4)
8. Kansas (19-6)
9. Nebraska (22-3)
10. Illinois (21-5)
11. Gonzaga (25-2)
12. Florida (19-6)
13. Texas Tech (19-6)
14. Virginia (22-3)
15. Michigan State (20-5)
16. North Carolina (20-5)
17. St. John’s (20-5)
18. Saint Louis (24-1)
19. Vanderbilt (21-4)
20. Arkansas (19-6)
21. Louisville (19-6)
22. Miami (OH) (25-0)
23. BYU (19-6)
24. Wisconsin (18-7)
25. Alabama (18-7)

Others receiving votes: Clemson 55, Utah State 45, Tennessee 36, Villanova 29, Kentucky 15, Miami 10, Saint Mary’s 3, VCU 1

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