Michigan makes case to jump Arizona for the No. 1 spot in next AP Top 25 poll after dominant win over UCLA
CBS Sports
by
Cameron Salerno
February 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Michigan is making a strong case to overtake Arizona for the No. 1 spot in the upcoming AP Top 25 poll after a dominant 86-56 victory over UCLA, which came on the heels of a 10-game winning streak since its only loss to Wisconsin earlier this season. The Wolverines have an impressive 18-1 record against Quad 1/2 opponents and are leading the Big Ten conference by a 2.5-game margin. Their latest win over UCLA was part of a series of convincing performances, including an 18-point comeback against Northwestern earlier in the week.
Arizona’s first loss to Kansas this season has opened the door for Michigan to challenge for the top spot. While Arizona still boasts a strong resume with 15 wins against Quad 1/2 opponents, Michigan’s dominance and consistent performance have positioned it as a serious contender for the No. 1 ranking. The Wolverines’ remaining schedule includes tough matchups like No. 8 Illinois and Purdue, but their overall strength of schedule pales in comparison to Arizona’s upcoming challenges, which include five ranked opponents before the Big 12 Tournament.
The outcome of next week’s poll could hinge on Michigan’s ability to maintain its momentum and continue building a resume that matches up well with any team heading into the NCAA Tournament. With key games against Duke and Purdue looming, Michigan will need to solidify its position as the top contender in the Big Ten while keeping an eye on Arizona’s performance against Texas Tech.
This potential shift at the top of the rankings matters because it reflects the evolving landscape of college basketball and could influence seeding in the NCAA Tournament. Michigan’s ability to secure a No. 1 overall seed hinges on its remaining games, which will determine whether it can separate itself further from the pack or if Arizona can reclaim its spot at the top. The upcoming matchups between these teams and others like Texas Tech and Houston will be crucial in shaping the final AP Poll rankings and the bracket projections leading up to Selection Sunday.
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/14/2026