College basketball rankings: Duke rises to No. 1 after thrilling win over Michigan on neutral court
CBS Sports
by
Gary Parrish
February 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Duke rose to No. 1 in college basketball rankings after a thrilling 68-63 win over Michigan on a neutral court, solidifying its position as a top contender for the NCAA Tournament. The game, attended by thousands and deemed a must-watch showdown between two powerhouse teams, showcased Duke's resilience despite both teams struggling offensively. Cameron Boozer, a standout freshman, led the Blue Devils with 18 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, and two blocks, cements his status as a key player in the race for the CBS Sports National Player of the Year award.
The victory not only secured Duke's top ranking but also positioned it as a potential top overall seed in the NCAA Tournament. Michigan, meanwhile, remained No. 2, reflecting its strong performance throughout the season. The rankings highlight the importance of consistent body of work over isolated game outcomes, with teams like Iowa State and Houston retaining their spots in the top five despite recent losses to BYU and Arizona, respectively.
The article also touches on the alignment between the Top 25 And 1 rankings and the NCAA Tournament bracket preview, which featured 15 of the same teams. This similarity underscores the reliability of the rankings in predicting tournament seeding. While Duke's rise to No. 1 is a significant achievement, it also signals the ongoing竞争 for supremacy in college basketball.
As Selection Sunday approaches, Duke's dominance and Boozer's stellar performance will likely keep them at the forefront of discussions. The article emphasizes how individual matchups, combined with overall team strength, shape both rankings and tournament expectations, making this season one of the most closely watched in recent memory.
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/22/2026