Purdue, Texas Tech Make Massive Jumps in Men's College Basketball Rankings

FOX Sports' Casey Jacobsen shares his latest rankings with several big moves this week.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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In his latest men's college basketball rankings, FOX Sports' Casey Jacobsen highlights several teams making big moves, including Purdue and Texas Tech. Jacobsen discusses why he still doesn't have undefeated Miami (Ohio) ranked, despite their impressive start. The rankings also feature notable risers like Louisville, Tennessee, and Alabama, as well as drops for North Carolina due to an injury and Gonzaga following a loss.

Why it matters

These rankings provide an authoritative snapshot of the top teams in men's college basketball as the season heads into the final stretch before the NCAA Tournament. The significant jumps and drops reflect the fluid nature of the rankings and the intense competition at the top of the sport.

The details

Jacobsen's rankings feature several notable changes this week. Purdue and Texas Tech both made massive jumps after impressive wins, with Texas Tech taking down previously undefeated and top-ranked Arizona. Louisville, Tennessee, and Alabama also moved up the rankings after strong performances. Meanwhile, North Carolina dropped out of the rankings due to an injury to star player Caleb Wilson, and Gonzaga fell after a loss to Portland.

  • On Saturday, Utah State beat Memphis by 24 points.
  • On Saturday, Louisville beat Baylor in a non-conference game.
  • On Saturday, Tennessee beat Mississippi State and LSU.
  • On Wednesday, Alabama faces Arkansas in a conference matchup.
  • On Saturday, Wisconsin hosts Vanderbilt in a key conference game.

The players

Darius Acuff Jr.

An Arkansas freshman guard who is considered one of the best players in the country.

Caleb Wilson

A North Carolina player who is injured and out indefinitely, and is considered the heartbeat of the team.

Dylan Darling

A St. John's player who had 23 points and 8 rebounds off the bench in a win over Providence.

Tyler Nickel

A Vanderbilt forward who had 25 points against Texas A&M on Saturday.

Darryn Peterson

A Kansas player who missed a game due to illness but then only scored 10 points in a loss to Iowa State.

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What they’re saying

“I'm so bummed that one of the best players in the country, Caleb Wilson, is injured (hand) and out indefinitely. He's the heartbeat of this team, while also being the most talented performer.”

— Casey Jacobsen, FOX Sports Analyst (FOX Sports)

“St. John's win at Providence was marred by a fight followed up with the dirtiest play I've seen all year. Lost in some of the aftermath was the stellar play of St. John's Dylan Darling, who had 23 points and eight rebounds off the bench.”

— Casey Jacobsen, FOX Sports Analyst (FOX Sports)

“I watched Virginia beat an average Ohio State team on Saturday, but the Cavaliers did it very methodically. That's meant to be a high compliment; Virginia plays both ends of the ball and doesn't beat itself.”

— Casey Jacobsen, FOX Sports Analyst (FOX Sports)

“Milan Momcilovic's corner fade-away 3 in the first half was the most ridiculously made shot I've seen this season.”

— Casey Jacobsen, FOX Sports Analyst (FOX Sports)

“Back-to-back losses aren't ideal for Arizona fans, but I think it could be a good thing for this group. I think the Wildcats will regroup. Koa Peat's injury (lower leg) is way more concerning, however.”

— Casey Jacobsen, FOX Sports Analyst (FOX Sports)

What’s next

This Saturday's contest at Vanderbilt is a big one for Tennessee, as they look to continue their strong conference play.

The takeaway

These rankings showcase the volatility and competitiveness at the top of men's college basketball, with several teams making significant jumps or drops based on their recent performances. The injury to North Carolina's Caleb Wilson is a major concern, while Arizona's back-to-back losses could ultimately prove beneficial for the Wildcats as they regroup for the stretch run.