Texas Tech Joins Top 10 in AP Men's Basketball Poll After Wins

The Red Raiders climbed six spots after defeating Cincinnati and Iowa State last week.

Mar. 2, 2026 at 1:39pm

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Duke remains the top-ranked team in the latest AP men's college basketball poll, receiving 55 of 59 first-place votes. Arizona, Michigan, UConn, and Florida round out the top five. Texas Tech had the biggest jump of the week, climbing six places to No. 10 after wins over Cincinnati and Iowa State. Michigan State also moved up five spots to No. 8 following wins over Purdue and Indiana.

Why it matters

The AP poll is a closely watched indicator of the top teams in college basketball as the NCAA Tournament approaches. Texas Tech's rise into the top 10 shows they are emerging as a potential March Madness contender, while the continued dominance of Duke and other top teams sets the stage for an exciting conclusion to the regular season.

The details

Duke extended its record with its 149th appearance at No. 1 in the AP poll, receiving 55 of 59 first-place votes. Arizona, Michigan, UConn, and Florida rounded out the top five. Texas Tech climbed six spots to No. 10 after wins over Cincinnati and Iowa State, while Michigan State moved up five places to No. 8 following victories over Purdue and Indiana. Miami (Ohio), the only remaining undefeated Division I team, rose two spots to No. 19, its highest ranking since 1952-53.

  • Duke has been dominant defensively since losing to rival North Carolina on Feb. 7, holding its last six opponents to an average of 57 points per game.

The players

Duke

The No. 1 ranked team in the AP poll, having extended its record with the program's 149th appearance at the top spot.

Texas Tech

The Red Raiders climbed six spots to No. 10 in the latest AP poll after wins over Cincinnati and Iowa State last week.

Michigan State

The Spartans moved up five places to No. 8 following wins over Purdue and Indiana.

Miami (Ohio)

The only remaining undefeated Division I team, the RedHawks rose two spots to No. 19, their highest ranking since 1952-53.

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The takeaway

The latest AP poll reflects the shifting landscape of college basketball as teams jockey for position heading into the NCAA Tournament. Texas Tech's rise into the top 10 and the continued dominance of Duke and other powerhouses set the stage for an exciting conclusion to the regular season and the start of March Madness.