St. John's Surges to Top 5 in Latest NCAA Men's Basketball Rankings
In the ever-evolving landscape of college basketball, the latest Power 37 rankings from NCAA.com deliver a thrilling snapshot of the season's intensity. Released on February 9, 2026, by correspondent Andy Katz, these rankings highlight dramatic shifts, including St. John's remarkable climb into the top 5 and Gonzaga's unexpected tumble. As teams jockey for position ahead of March Madness, undefeated Arizona clings to the No. 1 spot, but the race is heating up across conferences. This analysis dives deep into the key movers, conference implications, and what these rankings mean for the postseason.
Top Teams Holding Strong: Arizona Leads the Pack
Arizona remains the undisputed powerhouse at No. 1, boasting a perfect 23-0 record. The Wildcats have dismantled every opponent in their path, showcasing elite defense and balanced scoring. Their ability to handle high-pressure games without flinching makes them the clear frontrunner for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Trailing closely is Michigan at No. 2, who continue their dominance in the Big Ten with consistent wins. The Wolverines' depth and rebounding prowess have been key, allowing them to roll through a tough schedule. Duke sits at No. 3 despite a heartbreaking buzzer-beater loss to North Carolina, as their overall body of work keeps them elite. The Blue Devils' talent, led by star freshmen, promises more fireworks ahead.
Illinois rounds out the top 4 at No. 5—wait, actually No. 4 after a narrow overtime loss to Michigan State. The Illini didn't drop far because chaos elsewhere in the rankings balanced things out. Their resilience in the Big Ten grind underscores why they're a lock for a deep tournament run.
St. John's Big Leap: From 10 to 5
The story of the week is St. John's meteoric rise from No. 10 to No. 5. The Red Storm have won nine straight games, including a statement victory that snapped No. 3 UConn's 18-game win streak. Now tied atop the Big East, St. John's is playing their best basketball of the season. Rick Pitino's squad has transformed into a defensive juggernaut, forcing turnovers and capitalizing on transition opportunities. This surge not only boosts their NCAA Tournament resume but also positions them as a potential conference champion. Fans are buzzing about their potential to make noise in March.
Notable Movers and Shakers
While St. John's celebrated, others faced turbulence. UConn dropped from No. 4 to No. 6 after their first Big East loss at St. John's. The Huskies, defending national champions, will need to regroup quickly to reclaim their dominance.
Gonzaga's fall from No. 6 to No. 16 is the rankings' biggest shocker. A stunning upset loss to Portland—the largest West Coast Conference upset in 30 years—exposed vulnerabilities in the Bulldogs' lineup. Though they bounced back against Oregon State, the damage was done. Mark Few's team must string together wins to climb back into contention for a top seed.
On the rise, North Carolina skyrocketed from No. 27 to No. 13 with an epic comeback victory over Duke. Seth Trimble's buzzer-beating 3-pointer capped a five-game win streak, injecting life into the Tar Heels' season. They're now a force in the ACC, blending veteran leadership with youthful energy.
Kentucky jumped to No. 14 with strong SEC play, sitting just a game behind Florida. Alabama re-entered the rankings at No. 19 after key wins over Texas A&M and Auburn, signaling a resurgence in the loaded Southeastern Conference.
Conference Breakdown: Big East and SEC Heat Up
The Big East is a battleground, with St. John's and UConn tied at the top. This rivalry could define seeding for multiple teams come tournament time. In the SEC, Florida leads by a game, but Kentucky, Tennessee (No. 17), and Alabama are nipping at their heels. The conference's depth means every game is a potential rankings-altering event.
The Big 12 remains brutal, with Houston (No. 7) winning four straight, including at BYU, and Kansas (No. 8) on a seven-game heater. Iowa State holds steady at No. 9, while Texas Tech (No. 15) and Nebraska (No. 10) fight for positioning. Nebraska's road win at Rutgers highlights their upset potential.
In the Big Ten, Michigan and Illinois lead, but Michigan State's overtime win over the Illini (No. 12) keeps them relevant. Iowa's six-game streak to No. 22 adds intrigue, as the conference could send five or six teams to the dance.
Bubble Watch and Long-Term Implications
Teams like Saint Louis (No. 23), on a 17-game win streak, are building at-large cases despite lacking marquee wins. Arkansas (No. 24) rebounded from a Kentucky loss but needs consistency. Dropping teams like Gonzaga serve as a reminder: one bad night can derail momentum.
These rankings, powered by Andy Katz's expert eye, factor in resume strength, efficiency metrics, and head-to-head results. As the regular season winds down, expect more volatility. Undefeated runs like Arizona's are rare, but with upsets like Portland over Gonzaga, anything can happen.
Looking ahead, key matchups include Duke rematching North Carolina, UConn facing St. John's again, and SEC clashes that could reshape the top 10. For now, St. John's surge embodies the magic of college basketball—underdogs rising, giants stumbling, and the road to March Madness just getting started.
Stay tuned to Everythiiing.com for ongoing coverage of NCAA basketball rankings, player spotlights, and tournament predictions. Who will claim the No. 1 spot next week?
