UCLA and Virginia poised to climb in college basketball poll

The top four teams are projected to hold their places when the AP Top 25 is updated on November 9. Florida, Duke, Illinois and UConn each went 2-0 in the opening week of the 2026-27 season, while UCLA and Virginia are among the biggest expected climbers.

UCLA, ranked 22nd in the preseason, beat fifth-ranked Arizona 84-75 and followed with a win over North Florida. The Bruins are projected to move to eighth. Freshman Nikola Kusturica scored 29 points against North Florida, with six rebounds, three assists and two blocks.

Virginia is projected to rise from ninth to seventh after defeating 12th-ranked Arkansas 91-72 on Sunday. Four Cavaliers reached double figures. Arkansas, meanwhile, is expected to slip from 12th to 14th.

Florida remains projected at No. 1 after beating Miami, while UConn stays fourth after defeating reigning national champion Michigan. Duke and Illinois are projected to remain second and third. Michigan State is expected to move up one place to fifth, with Texas sixth.

Arizona is projected to fall from fifth to ninth despite bouncing back against Cal Poly, where Motiejus Krivas scored 30 points. Tennessee is forecast to move from eighth to 10th. Iowa State is the only team expected to leave the poll, while the rankings projection also has Gonzaga at 13th and Kansas at 16th.