Duke ascends to top spot in Coaches Poll, Florida continues its climb as postseason approaches
CBS Sports
by
Will Backus
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Duke has claimed the top spot in this week's Coaches Poll, continuing its strong climb as college basketball approaches the postseason. The Blue Devils, led by standout freshman Cameron Boozer, who scored 18 points in a key win against Michigan, have solidified their position as a top contender. With only one loss since the start of the year (to rival North Carolina) and nine of their last 10 wins coming by at least 13 points, Duke is firmly positioning itself for a top seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Meanwhile, reigning national champion Florida continues to dominate in SEC play, despite an early stumble against a tough non-conference schedule. The Gators have surged to No. 7 in the poll, riding a seven-game winning streak and averaging a commanding 21.6-point margin of victory during that stretch. At 12-2 in conference play, Florida is distancing itself from its competitors, with Alabama, Arkansas, and Tennessee tied at 10-4. This strong performance has solidified the Gators' position as conference leaders.
Elsewhere, Michigan remains a powerhouse, sitting at No. 3 despite losing to Duke. The Wolverines have shown resilience, maintaining their high standing in the poll despite facing top-tier opponents. Other notable teams like Houston and Iowa State also hold strong positions, showcasing the depth of talent across college basketball.
As March approaches, these rankings highlight the competitive landscape and set the stage for an exciting postseason. For sports enthusiasts, tracking these top teams' progress offers insight into which programs are peaking at the right time and who could emerge as serious contenders for the national championship.
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/23/2026