Duke back to No. 1 in AP men's basketball poll thanks to Michigan win - ESPN
ESPN
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Duke's dominant win against Michigan has once again placed them at No. 1 in the AP men's college basketball poll, marking their 148th appearance in this prestigious ranking. This milestone underscores the Blue Devils' consistent strength under fourth-year coach Jon Scheyer, who led Duke to a second straight season of top-tier success. With 56 out of 61 first-place votes, Duke solidified its position as the top team, displacing Michigan, which had briefly held the No. 1 spot but fell to No. 3.
The game against Michigan was not just any matchup; it was a clash of two of the top teams in the NCAA men's selection committee's preliminary top 16 seeds for March Madness. Duke's victory highlighted their impressive season, including a national-best 12 Quadrant 1 wins and nine victories over AP Top 25 teams. This performance has positioned them as strong contenders for the upcoming tournament.
Arizona rose to No. 2 after securing five first-place votes, while Michigan dropped to No. 3 following its brief reign at the top. The article also touches on other notable movements in the rankings, such as Florida's leap to No. 7 and Alabama's significant rise to No. 17. However, Duke's return to the pinnacle of the poll is a testament to their resilience and skill under Scheyer, continuing a legacy that began with legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski.
This ranking not only reflects Duke's current dominance but also holds significance for March Madness seeding. The alignment between the AP Top 25 and the NCAA committee's rankings highlights the consistency of these top teams. For sports fans, this story is compelling as it showcases the intense competition in college basketball and the ongoing legacy of one of the sport's most storied programs.
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Originally published on ESPN on 2/23/2026