Shifting Focus to College Basketball
As the Super Bowl exits the spotlight, sports enthusiasts across the United States are shifting their focus to college basketball, a sport rich with excitement and talent. This season, particularly the 2025-26 men’s college basketball campaign, stands out as one of the most thrilling in recent history. With February’s arrival, college hoops fans can revel in the thrill of two undefeated teams, a multitude of highly competitive squads, and arguably the finest crop of freshmen seen in years.
Mid-Major Teams Making Waves
An added layer of intrigue comes from the impressive performances of teams that are not members of the traditional power conferences. These mid-major teams are making significant waves across the landscape of college basketball. Currently, the latest power rankings shine a spotlight on their remarkable achievements.
Mid-Major Basketball Rankings
- Gonzaga (23-2): Despite facing a shocking defeat on the road to Portland, Gonzaga maintains its position as a formidable contender for the Final Four. After a 15-game winning streak, the Bulldogs fell as a hefty 21.5-point favorite to a Portland team grappling with injuries, having to resort to coach Shantay Legans joining the scout team. Nevertheless, Gonzaga’s strong resume still outshines that of other mid-major teams.
- Saint Louis (23-1): The Billikens are enjoying a remarkable season, driven by an impressively balanced offense that features five players averaging in double figures for scoring. While they may not have as many elite victories as Gonzaga, their consistent performance remains noteworthy.
- Miami (Ohio) (24-0): The RedHawks are now the last unbeaten team at the Division I level after an intense 73-71 overtime victory against Buffalo. Four of their previous six wins have been decided by a narrow margin, showcasing their resilience, with KenPom giving them a strong chance of prevailing in their upcoming games.
- Utah State (20-3): Recently, the Aggies made a statement with a convincing 86-66 victory over New Mexico, a team that had been in great form. Featuring standout performances by guard Mason Falslev, Utah State is solidifying its position in the rankings.
- Santa Clara (21-5): The Broncos are among the hottest teams since the holiday break, recording a stunning 12 wins in their last 13 outings, with their only loss coming against Gonzaga. Freshman Allen Graves stepped up with a stellar game, scoring 30 points in their latest victory.
- Saint Mary’s (21-4): The Gaels excel at the free-throw line, boasting an 81.4% success rate, which could be crucial in tight game situations later this season, especially with their recent string of victories.
- San Diego State (17-6): Known for their tough defense, the Aztecs continue to impress under coach Brian Dutcher, maintaining a solid defensive ranking that places them among the top teams in the country.
- VCU (18-6): The Rams are experiencing a revival under new head coach Phil Martelli Jr. VCU has turned around a shaky start with a seven-game winning streak, including a dominant win against Dayton.
- New Mexico (18-6): After a strong home stand, the Lobos faced a setback with consecutive home losses, including a tight one against Boise State, despite notable individual performances from guard Luke Haupt.
- George Mason (20-3): The Patriots are experiencing some turbulence, suffering two losses recently after starting the season strong with an impressive 18-1 record. Their recent home defeat against Duquesne highlighted their current struggles.
Looking Ahead
As teams gear up for the critical later stages of the season, the mid-major rankings provide a glimpse into the intense competition brewing in college basketball. Stay tuned as the landscape continues to shift in the weeks leading to the NCAA tournament.
