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College Basketball Rankings: Coaches Poll Top 25 updated after Week 6

Stephen Samraby: Steve Samra4 hours agoSamraSource

The USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll has been refreshed following the sixth week of the season. Massive showdowns resulted in fascinating movement throughout the Top 25.

Purdue, Michigan and Arizona all reinforced their résumés with convincing performances, while Iowa State and Houston remained relentless in their pursuit of perfection. Meanwhile, programs like UConn, Louisville and Gonzaga showed depth and balance in key wins that further solidified their national standing. 

The action is picking up across the country, and the Coaches Poll Top 25 is certain to see plenty of movement as the season unfolds. For now, here’s how things stack up after Week 6. This week’s updated rankings are below.

1. Michigan

Michigan stayed perfect with dominant wins over Villanova and Maryland, continuing to overwhelm opponents with size and efficiency. The Wolverines have looked polished on both ends, consistently building large leads early.

Senior forward Yaxel Lendeborg has emerged as the centerpiece, stuffing the stat sheet nightly. Michigan will look to stay unbeaten Sunday against La Salle before tougher tests arrive.

2. Arizona

Koa Peat, Arizona
Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Arizona delivered one of the week’s most impressive performances, dismantling No. 12 Alabama by 21 in a statement win. The Wildcats played with pace and confidence from tip to buzzer.

Freshman forward Koa Peat continues to look unfazed by the spotlight, producing efficiently in a loaded lineup. Arizona stays home this week with games against Abilene Christian and San Diego State.

3. Duke

Duke enjoyed a week off but remains one of the nation’s most consistent teams through the season’s first month. The Blue Devils have thrived behind elite offensive execution and disciplined defense.

Freshman phenom Cameron Boozer has been unstoppable, putting up monster numbers with remarkable poise. Duke returns to action with Lipscomb and a high-profile matchup against Texas Tech looming.

4. Iowa State

Iowa State remained unbeaten with a narrow rivalry win over Iowa before cruising past Eastern Illinois. The Cyclones continue to excel defensively while playing with poise in close games.

Senior forward Joshua Jefferson has been the heartbeat of the team, impacting every phase of the game. Iowa State will look to stay perfect Sunday against Long Beach State.

5. UConn

Solo Ball, UConn
Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

UConn stacked two quality wins, edging Florida before handling Texas to improve to 10–1. The Huskies are finding their rhythm defensively while becoming more efficient late in games.

Junior guard Solo Ball continues to anchor the backcourt with steady scoring and decision-making. UConn faces a lighter week with Butler and DePaul before conference play intensifies.

6. Purdue

Purdue made a loud statement last week, rolling past Minnesota by 28 before blowing out Marquette by 20 to continue its strong start. The Boilermakers are winning with depth and physicality on both ends of the floor.

Senior guard Fletcher Loyer remains a steady presence, spacing the floor and controlling tempo. A marquee matchup against Auburn on Saturday will provide another opportunity to validate Purdue’s Top 6 standing.

7. Gonzaga

Gonzaga took care of business against UCLA, earning a convincing double-digit win to improve to 10–1. The Zags are rounding into form defensively while remaining efficient offensively.

Senior forward Graham Ike has been a consistent interior presence, anchoring the frontcourt. Gonzaga faces Campbell and a highly anticipated showdown with Oregon this week.

8. Houston

Emanuel Sharp
Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Houston cruised through two blowout wins, dominating Jackson State and New Orleans by a combined 84 points. The Cougars remain one of the nation’s most physical and disciplined teams.

Senior guard Emanuel Sharp continues to provide reliable scoring while setting the tone defensively. A matchup with Arkansas on Saturday will test Houston’s depth and toughness.

9. Michigan State

Michigan State survived a gritty battle against Penn State, showcasing resilience in a tight road-style win. The Spartans continue to grind teams down with defense and rebounding.

Senior forward Jaxon Kohler has been a force on the glass and a reliable scoring option inside. Michigan State looks to build momentum this week against Toledo and Oakland.

10. BYU

BYU picked up a résumé-building win over Clemson before demolishing UC Riverside by 47. The Cougars are playing fast, confident basketball and spreading the scoring load.

Freshman star AJ Dybantsa continues to look like a future centerpiece, producing at a high level every night. BYU stays busy this week with Pacific and Abilene Christian on deck.

11. Louisville
12. Vanderbilt (+2)
13. North Carolina (+2)
14. Arkansas (+3)
15. Nebraska (+7)
16. Alabama (-4)
17. Kansas (+2)
18. Illinois (-5)
19. Texas Tech (-3)
20. St. John’s (+1)
21. Florida (-3)
22. Virginia (+3)
23. Tennessee (-3)
24. Auburn
25.
Iowa (-2)

Dropped Out: N/A

Others Receiving Votes: Georgia 43; USC 32; UCLA 13; Seton Hall 12; SMU 9; Kentucky 9; Utah State 8; Saint Mary’s 6; Saint Louis 6; Oklahoma State 6; LSU 6; Colorado 6; Yale 5; Wisconsin 4; Virginia Tech 4; Ohio State 2; Missouri 2; Clemson 2; North Carolina State 1