2026 Week 13 AP College Basketball Rankings: Notable Risers and Fallers Revealed
The college basketball landscape continues to shift as the 2025-26 season progresses. With the latest Associated Press rankings, notable movements highlight the competitive nature of Division I basketball. Here we explore the key risers and fallers as Week 13 unfolds.
Unbeaten Teams and Notable Fallers
As of this week, only two teams remain unbeaten in Division I basketball. Nebraska recently faced significant setbacks, falling from the No. 5 spot to No. 9 after consecutive losses. The Cornhuskers suffered a close defeat to Michigan on January 27, followed by a 78-69 loss against Illinois.
- Nebraska: Dropped from No. 5 to No. 9 after two consecutive losses.
- Illinois: Climbed to No. 5, marking significant improvement in the rankings.
- Arkansas: Experienced the largest drop, falling six spots to No. 21.
BYU’s Struggles Amidst High Expectations
BYU, once positioned as a Top 10 contender with a record of 16-1, has slipped to No. 16. Their recent performance raises concerns after losing three out of four games against formidable opponents like Texas Tech, Arizona, and Kansas. Upcoming matches against Houston and Iowa State may present opportunities for BYU to regain momentum before the NCAA tournament.
Kansas’ Rise in the Rankings
Kansas has made a remarkable climb back to No. 11 after dropping out of the Top 25 in early January. Freshman guard Darryn Peterson has emerged as a key player, showcasing his potential with notable performances, despite facing challenges such as cramping during games. In their recent victory over BYU, he scored 18 points along with three steals.
The Jayhawks are a well-rounded team, demonstrated by their four starters scoring in double digits in their latest game. Freshman Bryson Tiller led the team with 21 points and seven rebounds, highlighting the depth of Kansas’ roster.
Illinois’ Impressive Streak
Illinois has also shown significant progress, climbing the rankings with an impressive 11-game winning streak. Initially struggling with an 8-3 record in December, the Fighting Illini have bounced back, including two victories against Top-Five teams. Freshman guard Keaton Wagler has been instrumental in this success, scoring a game-high 28 points against Nebraska, enhancing his visibility as a potential lottery pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
With the NCAA tournament approaching, teams like Kansas and Illinois exemplify how quickly fortunes can change in competitive college basketball. The next few weeks will be crucial as teams vie for favorable positions in the rankings and make their case for postseason success.
