Over the past week, a handful of matchups created subtle shifts in the national picture, nudging a few teams up or down while the true contenders largely held firm. Purdue, Houston, and Arizona remain entrenched in the top tier, while UConn slips slightly after its loss to Arizona. Meanwhile, Duke, Louisville, and Michigan continue to strengthen their undefeated starts. Here’s how the Power 16 stacks up after the third week of play.
1. Purdue Boilermakers (6-0)
Purdue reinforced its hold on the top spot this week with a dominant 86-56 win over No. 15 Texas Tech on Friday night. Their depth stood out once again, with seven players scoring in double figures against the Red Raiders. Although Braden Smith has struggled in his last two outings, it hasn’t mattered. The consistently strong play from Trey Kaufman-Renn and Oscar Cluff in the front court has made all the difference.
2. Houston Cougars (5-0)
Houston hasn’t been knocked off yet and until that happens, it’s difficult for me to place many teams ahead of the Cougars. Freshman stars Kingston Flemings and Chris Cenac Jr. are both thriving as starters being surrounded by three experienced upperclassmen who played for a national championship roster last season. This week was yet another step in the right direction as the starting lineup combined for 65 of the team’s 91 points in their win over Rider. They’ll look to take shape when they face No. 20 Tennessee on Nov. 25.
3. Arizona Wildcats (5-0)
Arizona opened the season with top-15 wins over Florida and UCLA, and added another signature victory with a hard-fought 71–67 win over No. 3 UConn. Forward Koa Peat (pictured) and guard Jaden Bradley have developed an elite inside-out connection, while Motiejus Krivas and Tobe Awaka provide the toughness and rebounding that stabilize the frontcourt. With multiple marquee wins already on the board, their résumé is as strong as anyone’s early in the season.
4. Duke Blue Devils (7-0)
Duke passed its first major test of the season with a convincing 78–66 win over No. 24 Kansas. The young core has gelled quickly, led by freshman Cameron Boozer and sophomore Isaiah Evans. The interior duo strengthens further with sophomore big Patrick Ngongba II, who complements Boozer inside. Duke now enters a challenging stretch beginning with No. 21 Arkansas on Thanksgiving.
5. Louisville Cardinals (5-0)
Louisville posted a 74–64 win over Cincinnati behind strong guard play from Mikel Brown Jr. and Ryan Conwell. Brown’s aggression attacking the basket and Conwell’s shot-making continue to elevate the Cardinals’ offense. Their improved performance against Kentucky reflected their upward trajectory, and they now prepare for No. 21 Arkansas on Dec. 3.
6. Michigan Wolverines (4-0)
Michigan stays undefeated following an 86-61 win over Middle Tennessee State. UAB transfer Yaxel Lendeborg is emerging as a go-to option, while UCLA transfer Aday Mara anchors the interior. Michigan will lean heavily on both as they gear up for No. 22 Auburn on Tuesday.
7. UConn Huskies (5-1)
UConn suffered its first loss of the season in a competitive 71–67 matchup with No. 4 Arizona. Even without Tarris Reed Jr., who is sidelined with an ankle injury, the Huskies showed resilience. Freshman Eric Reibe stepped in seamlessly, reinforcing the strength of their depth. They’ll need continued balance as they prepare for Illinois on Nov. 28.
8. Florida Gators (4-1)
The Gators entered the week with a relatively soft slate, but they didn’t take their foot off the gas, beating Merrimack in an 80–45 destruction. The Florida front court has remained their constant with Alex Condon and Rueben Chinyelu dominating the glass and punishing their opponents in the paint. Transfer guards Xaivian Lee and Boogie Fland will have to flip a switch though if Florida expects to compete with No. 5 Duke and No. 3 UConn in the upcoming weeks.
9. BYU Cougars (4-1)
BYU climbs after a dominant 98–70 win over No. 23 Wisconsin. Freshman AJ Dybantsa continues to rise, while veteran Richie Saunders remains one of the country’s most reliable perimeter threats. With conference play not beginning until 2026, BYU has time to further shape its identity under Kevin Young.
10. Alabama Crimson Tide (3-1)
Alabama bounced back from its loss to Purdue with a strong 90–86 win over No. 8 Illinois. Sophomore Labaron Philon Jr. continues to evolve as a true lead option. Transfer Taylor Bol-Bowen anchors the interior, while Amari Allen and Keitenn Bristow provide valuable bench minutes. Alabama now prepares for No. 13 Gonzaga.
11. North Carolina Tar Heels (5-0)
North Carolina kept rolling with a 73–61 win over Navy. Freshmen Caleb Wilson and Luka Bogavac have stepped into prominant roles and continue to develop rapidly. The Tar Heels will now be without Seth Trimble, who is expected to miss 4–6 weeks after forearm surgery, returning sometime in January. His absence removes a key playmaker, and the rest of the roster will have to pull together as they prepare for a marquee Thanksgiving matchup with No. 12 Kentucky.
12. Michigan State Spartans (5-0)
Michigan State jumps into the rankings after their dominant 83–66 victory this past Tuesday over No. 12 Kentucky. Guard Jeremy Fears Jr. and forward Coen Carr have developed strong chemistry. With Fears Jr.’s elite court vision and Carr’s unrivaled athleticism, the Spartans get more dynamic each game. Forward Jaxon Kohler has put together a great start to his season as well, providing Michigan State with a necessary stretch four to relieve their struggles from three. The Spartans await a much-anticipated Thanksgiving showdown with No. 18 North Carolina.
13. Illinois Fighting Illini (4-1)
Illinois was on the losing end against No. 11 Alabama last week. The Fighting Illini didn’t play terribly but fell short despite a standout performance from Andrej Stojakovic, who starred with 26 points in the loss, and strong support from Kylan Boswell. Their inefficiencies from the stripe (13-22) ended up being the difference, but with their level of chemistry and play this early, they should have no problem bouncing back as they await a Nov. 28 matchup against No. 3 UConn.
14. Gonzaga Bulldogs (5-0)
After a destructive 122–50 onslaught over Southern Utah, Gonzaga is beginning to prove they’re no joke. The Bulldogs are an experienced and hungry team led by the front court tandem of Graham Ike and Braden Huff. The freshman talent, who’ve thrived to begin the 2025 season, finish off the roster. Early into their collegiate careers, guard Mario Saint-Supery and Davis Fogle have stepped up early and often. Gonzaga will need their momentum when they face No. 11 Alabama tonight.
15. St. John’s Red Storm (3-1)
Led by their significant depth, the Red Storm have continued to bounce back from an early loss to No. 11 Alabama and it continued in convincing fashion in a 97–49 rout of Bucknell led by a 56-point second half. Their talented transfers have lived up to expectations so far as forwards Bryce Hopkins and Dillon Mitchell, and guard Ian Jackson continue to dominate in their newly found roles. Rick Pitino’s depth should expect to be tested as they face No. 16 Iowa State tonight.
16. Iowa State Cyclones (4-0)
In their lone matchup this week, the Cyclones dominated in a 96–57 win over Stonehill. Guard Tamin Lipsey has provided a lift while forwards Joshua Jefferson and Milan Momcilovic have clicked as a duo. Led by that core three, this Cyclones team has potential to score in bunches and play spoiler. Iowa State will look for their trio’s connection to be deadly as they prepare for No. 14 St. John’s.
Next 5:
Tennessee Volunteers (5-0), Texas Tech Red Raiders (4-2), Kentucky Wildcats (4-2), Auburn Tigers (4-1), UCLA Bruins (5-1)
Players of the Week:
1. Richie Saunders, BYU
Saunders has been a flamethrower from deep to begin the season for the Cougars. This week, his outside shooting stayed red-hot in their bounce-back win over No. 23 Wisconsin, tallying 26 points on 5-of-9 from beyond the arc. Even with freshman star AJ Dybantsa continuing to rise, Saunders’ balanced skill set, high basketball IQ, and veteran experience make him a dangerous secondary scorer opponents cannot afford to overlook.
2. Jeremy Fears Jr., Michigan State
Fears Jr. leads the nation in assists per game (10.4), and his playmaking was on full display throughout the week, including 13 assists against Kentucky. He followed that by expanding his scoring output, posting 18 points and 11 assists in a win over Detroit Mercy. As Michigan State’s lead ball handler, Fears Jr. has found his identity, and, more importantly, helped unlock a complete team rhythm few programs have matched early in the season.
3. Labaron Philon Jr., Alabama
In Alabama’s loss to No. 1 Purdue, Philon Jr. struggled with efficiency while adjusting to life as the top option. This week told a different story. He looked far more comfortable, delivering 24 points and five assists on 9-of-18 shooting, including 3-of-6 from deep. His downhill mindset rivals any guard in the nation, and as his perimeter consistency improves, his overall game should elevate him into another tier of elite guard prospect.
4. Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan
The Wolverines had been waiting for a Lendeborg breakout, and it arrived Wednesday as he exploded for 25 points, 12 rebounds, and two steals against Middle Tennessee State. After overcoming a wrist injury, the fringe first-round candidate from last draft cycle returned to college and transferred to Michigan to expand his game and showcase his shot creation. It has paid off early as he has begun to look increasingly comfortable heading into conference play.
5. Ryan Conwell, Louisville
Conwell joins the list after his season-high 25-point performance while shooting 5-of-10 from three against Cincinnati. His ability to consistently get to his spots off the dribble has created a seamless fit next to freshman standout Mikel Brown Jr. With Conwell shooting 45.2 percent from deep and playing with confidence, Louisville is finding reliable answers to last year’s perimeter problems.
6. Alex Condon & Rueben Chinyelu, Florida
This frontcourt duo continues to be one of Florida’s defining strengths. In their latest outing, Condon posted 21 points and 11 rebounds while Chinyelu added 14 points and 21 rebounds, once again showcasing their complementary skill sets. Condon brings stretch ability and scoring versatility, while Chinyelu anchors the interior with elite rebounding and lob finishing. Their chemistry and production continue to give Florida one of the nation’s toughest big-man tandems.
Plays of the Week:
Myles Colvin Buzzer Beater vs Memphis:
https://x.com/CBSSportsCBB/status/1992056049298272463
Jordan Marsh Overtime Buzzer Beater vs Troy
https://x.com/NCAABuzzerBters/status/1991751827080245679
