Top Five Teams in College Basketball

The 2025-26 college basketball season has been very exciting so far. According to my well-educated eye, listed below are the five best college basketball teams (spoiler: neither the UW-Milwaukee Panthers nor the Marquette Golden Eagles are included in this group):

5.        Iowa State Cyclones. Joshua Jefferson, the St. Mary’s transfer, has emerged as a finalist for the Naismith Award, which honors the top player in college basketball. Jefferson serves as the heart and soul of the Iowa State basketball team. The versatile forward is putting up 17.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 5 assists per game. Milan Momcilovic, the team’s leading scorer and premier sharpshooter, is knocking down an astounding 51% of his shots from beyond the arc. With these two players on your side, no lead is ever out of reach.

4.        Houston Cougars. The Houston Cougars have an opportunity to win every remaining game with legendary head coach Kelvin Sampson at the helm. Sampson, now in his 12th season, has transformed the program into a national powerhouse. On November 3, 2025, he secured his 800th career win, placing him among the elite in the coaching profession. Freshman standout point guard Kingston Flemings has thrived under Sampson’s guidance.

3.        Duke Blue Devils. Duke is driven by Cameron Boozer, widely regarded as the top college player in the nation and a clear favorite for the Naismith Award. Physically gifted and effective on both ends of the court, Boozer’s determination, character, and competitive spirit make Duke a formidable opponent.

2.       Arizona Wildcats. Arizona is playing outstanding basketball and is fueled by its dynamic duo and the nation’s top backcourt of Brayden Burries, who leads the team with 15.5 points per game, and Jaden Bradley. The Arizona Wildcats defeated the Houston Cougars 73-66 on Saturday, February 21, and that victory will play a major role in shaping the Big 12 Conference race and even influence the national championship picture.

1.        Michigan Wolverines. The Wolverines have emerged as the top team in college basketball, showcasing exceptional dominance throughout the season. They have recorded 7 wins of 40 points or more. Michigan is the leading contender for the NCAA national championship. If they win it all, it would be the Wolverines’ first title since 1989, when they edged out Seton Hall 80-79 in overtime under interim head coach Steve Fisher.