AP top 25 basketball: Arizona unanimous No. 1 for first time

Arizona basketball just achieved historic perfection. The Wildcats became the unanimous No. 1 in the AP Top 25 for the first time ever on January 19, 2026. All 61 voters agreed: Arizona is college basketball’s best.

Undefeated, Unstoppable, Unanimous

The Arizona Wildcats weren’t just ranked No. 1 this week. They were the only choice. Coach Tommy Lloyd‘s squad earned every single first-place vote in the Associated Press Top 25 poll, a historic moment that validates their unbeaten march through college basketball’s toughest conference. This is the first unanimous top ranking in Arizona basketball history, marking a watershed moment for the program.

The 18-0 Wildcats have now won seven consecutive weeks at the nation’s summit. Their second-longest run came in 2013-2014, which means this Arizona team is already matching legendary dustups. With five Big 12 wins already, the consensus is clear: nobody is better than Arizona right now.

Bradley’s Clutch Performance Fuels Big 12 Dominance

Jaden Bradley proved why he belongs in 2026 NBA Draft conversations with 23 points in Arizona’s road victory over UCF. The dynamic guard hit 9 of 10 free throws down the stretch, showcasing the composure that separates champions from pretenders. Motiejus Krivas anchored the paint with elite defensive presence after Koa Peat faced early foul trouble.

Despite Peat limiting his minutes to 20, tying his season low, Arizona never blinked. The team’s interior defense remains unmatched. Multiple Arizona scorers reached double figures, spreading the offensive load in ways that make the Wildcats nearly impossible to game-plan against in tournament time.

The AP Poll Hierarchy Takes Shape

Ranking	Team	Record	Change
1	Arizona Wildcats	18-0 (5-0 Big 12)	Unanimous
2	Iowa State Cyclones	16-0	Up 1
3	UConn Huskies	16-1	Down 1
4	Michigan Wolverines	14-1	Down 2
5	Purdue Boilermakers	TBA	In Top 5

The AP Top 25 saw massive shuffling this week. Iowa State moved up to No. 2 after securing wins against conference opponents. UConn slipped to No. 3 despite remaining undefeated in league play. Michigan fell two spots to No. 4 following its loss to Wisconsin. The gap between Arizona and the field continues widening with every convincing victory.

“We knew it was going to be a battle.”

— Tommy Lloyd, Arizona Head Coach

Big 12 Elite Class Eyes Tournament Glory

The Big 12 conference has become a gauntlet, with Arizona leading the charge. Iowa State remains undefeated at 16-0, ready to challenge Arizona when these titans inevitably meet. Kansas, Nebraska, and other contenders are surging, creating the deepest NCAA tournament field in years. The consensus is that multiple Big 12 teams will earn top-four seeds.

But for now, Arizona stands alone. The Wildcats have established themselves as the team to beat. Tommy Lloyd‘s fourth season could define the program for a decade. With March Madness still weeks away, Arizona faces the burden of staying undefeated. Every game from here carries championship weight.

Can Arizona Stay Perfect in the NCAA Tournament Quest?

The real question isn’t whether Arizona earned this unanimous top ranking. It’s whether they can maintain it. History shows that perfect seasons remain the rarest achievement in college sports. Jaden Bradley, Koa Peat, Motiejus Krivas, and the entire Arizona unit understand the target on their backs grows larger each week.

Cincinnati awaits on January 21 at 9 p.m. EDT in the next critical matchup. Iowa State lurks in conference play. The road to San Antonio for the Final Four remains long, but Arizona has proven no obstacle is too steep when you’re truly the best.

Sources

• Associated Press – Official AP Top 25 college basketball rankings for January 19, 2026
• CBS Sports – Arizona unanimous No. 1 poll analysis and college basketball coverage
• ESPN – Complete game statistics and tournament predictions for 2025-26 season