Michigan Rockets to No. 3 as AP Top 25 Unveils Mid-Season Shakeup

The newest release of the Associated Press Top 25 men’s college basketball poll brings notable shifts — most prominently, Michigan leaps to No. 3 following a commanding performance at the Players Era Championship. AP News+2ESPN+2

At the top, Purdue Boilermakers retain their No. 1 ranking, collecting 40 first-place votes from a 61-member media panel. ESPN+1 Behind them, Arizona Wildcats hold steady at No. 2, while Michigan climbs from seventh to third, earning 15 first-place votes. News-Press NOW+2ESPN+2

The top five is rounded out by Duke Blue Devils at No. 4 and UConn Huskies at No. 5 — both holding their positions from last week. News-Press NOW+1

Two teams saw big jumps into the top 10. Michigan State surged to No. 7 after a strong start to the season, while Iowa State vaulted to No. 10 following solid showings at the Players Era event. AP News+2KCCI+2

On the flip side, some teams struggled in the rankings. St. John’s Red Storm suffered the largest drop among teams still ranked — sliding nine places to No. 23 after a rough week. AP News+1

This reshuffling reflects the early-season volatility as teams jostle for position — and for many, it’s shaping hypotheses about who might contend when March Madness rolls around.