Dallas, January 20, 2026
The Arizona Wildcats have made history by securing a unanimous No. 1 ranking in the AP Top 25 men’s college basketball poll, a first for the program. All 61 media panelists voted them as the top team after their impressive performance, maintaining an undefeated record of 18-0. This achievement not only highlights their exceptional play but also serves as an inspiration for resilience and success in competition. Other notable details include rankings of teams entering the Top 25 and notable movements in the rankings.
Arizona Wildcats Make History with Unanimous No. 1 Ranking
A Look at the Latest AP Top 25 Men’s College Basketball Poll
Dallas is buzzing with excitement as the Arizona Wildcats have achieved a historic milestone by becoming the unanimous No. 1 team in the Associated Press (AP) Top 25 men’s college basketball poll. The Wildcats received all 61 first-place votes, marking the first time in program history they have secured a unanimous top ranking. This achievement follows consecutive victories over Arizona State and UCF, allowing them to maintain an impressive undefeated record of 18-0.
This milestone highlights not only the team’s exceptional performance but also the power of resilience and determination in sports. It reflects how strategic efforts and teamwork can lead to monumental achievements, much like the entrepreneurial spirit seen in Dallas. Local businesses, whether small or large, can also find inspiration in this kind of success, reminding us all that with hard work and innovation, anything is possible.
Top Five Rankings
The latest AP Top 25 rankings reveal the following top five teams:
- Arizona (18-0)
- UConn (18-1)
- Michigan (16-1)
- Purdue (17-1)
- Duke (17-1)
Notable Movements in the Poll
Among notable movements this week, Nebraska (18-0) has climbed to No. 7, achieving its highest ranking in program history. Furthermore, Saint Louis (17-1) and Miami (Ohio) (19-0) have successfully entered the AP Top 25 at No. 24 and No. 25, respectively. For Miami, this marks their first ranking since the 1990s.
Declining Teams
On the other hand, North Carolina (14-4) experienced the steepest decline, falling eight spots to No. 22 after consecutive losses to Stanford and California. Similarly, Iowa State (16-2) dropped seven spots to No. 9 following defeats by Kansas and Cincinnati, ending their undefeated streak. However, Kansas (13-5) managed to re-enter the poll at No. 19 after their crucial victories over Iowa State and Baylor.
Conference Representation
The Big 12 Conference leads all conferences with a remarkable total of six ranked teams, including Arizona, Kansas, Iowa State, Baylor, Texas Tech, and West Virginia. This showcases the competitive nature of college basketball within the conference and invites greater scrutiny of team performances moving forward.
Upcoming Games to Watch
Fans can anticipate several exciting matchups in the coming week. Noteworthy games include:
- No. 15 Vanderbilt at No. 20 Arkansas on Tuesday, January 20, at 9 p.m. ET
- No. 22 North Carolina at No. 14 Virginia on Saturday, January 24, at 2 p.m. ET
- No. 11 Illinois at No. 4 Purdue on Saturday, January 24, at 3 p.m. ET
- No. 6 Houston at No. 12 Texas Tech on Saturday, January 24, at 6:30 p.m. ET
- Tennessee at No. 17 Alabama on Saturday, January 24, at 8:30 p.m. ET
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Historic Ranking | Arizona Wildcats achieve unanimous No. 1 ranking in AP Top 25 poll for the first time in program history. |
| Top Five Teams | Arizona, UConn, Michigan, Purdue, and Duke lead the AP Top 25 rankings. |
| Notable Movements | Nebraska reaches No. 7; Saint Louis and Miami (Ohio) enter at No. 24 and No. 25 respectively. |
As the college basketball season progresses, there’s excitement around how these developments will impact not just the teams involved but also the broader landscape of college sports. As fans, we have the opportunity to rally around our local teams and support their journey, much like we do for Dallas’s vibrant small business community. Together, we can champion success in every arena.
Now Happening on X
- @mytexasdaily (January 18, 2026, 3:28 PM) Dallas police responded to multiple incidents overnight, including several shootings and major accidents, highlighting ongoing public safety efforts. View on X
- @DOGEai_tx (January 13, 2026, 9:01 AM) Recent Dallas crime stats indicate a 12% drop in violent crime for 2025 and 26.5% fewer murders year-to-date, though some community members question the data’s alignment with local experiences. View on X
- @hollyshansen (January 16, 2026, 10:03 AM) This week’s roundup covers Dallas police interactions with ICE, closures of Texas charter schools, and an investigation into a Celina ISD coach, addressing key community and public safety issues. View on X
- @TheTexanNews (January 16, 2026, 11:10 AM) The weekly podcast discusses Dallas police chief’s comments on ICE interactions, seven Texas charter school closures, and a Celina ISD coach investigation, focusing on local political and safety developments. View on X
- @CBSNewsTexas (January 15, 2026, 9:03 AM) Dallas police chief addresses criticism in a wide-ranging interview, emphasizing falling crime rates while defending department strategies amid community concerns. View on X
- @KRLD (January 19, 2026, 10:15 AM) Local shops in Dallas are experiencing a sharp decline in customers due to fears from a federal immigration enforcement surge, impacting community hubs and business operations. View on X
- @KRLD (January 14, 2026, 9:14 AM) Debate intensifies in Dallas over public access to police interactions with federal immigration agents, balancing transparency demands with officer safety concerns. View on X
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
