Arizona Basketball Jumps to No. 2 in Historic AP Top 25 Poll Surge

The Arizona Wildcats have made college basketball history. On November 24, 2025, the undefeated Wildcats leaped to the No. 2 spot in the AP Top 25 men’s basketball poll. This remarkable rise comes after a stunning 5-0 start to the season.

According to the Associated Press, Arizona is just the third team in AP poll history to beat multiple Top-3 teams in its first five games. This feat puts them in rare company and signals a powerful shift in the national landscape.

Arizona’s Unprecedented Early-Season Dominance

Arizona began the season ranked No. 13. They quickly announced their intent with a statement win over then-No. 3 Florida in Las Vegas. That victory propelled them to No. 5 in the following week’s poll.

The team then secured a tough road win against No. 15 UCLA. The defining moment came on November 19 in a hostile road environment. Arizona defeated the No. 3 UConn Huskies 71-67 in a gritty performance.

That win cemented their historic status. Only the 1989 Kansas Jayhawks had previously achieved such a feat of beating multiple Top-3 teams so early. Arizona’s composure down the stretch against UConn impressed voters and analysts alike.

Key Wildcats Step Up in Clutch Moments

Several players have been instrumental in this historic run. Guard Jaden Bradley has been a clutch performer, scoring 21 points against UConn, including the go-ahead layup with just 16.3 seconds remaining.

Freshman Koa Peat recorded his first career double-double in the UConn game with 16 points and 12 rebounds. Center Motiejus Krivas grabbed a career-high 14 rebounds, helping Arizona dominate the interior.

The team’s depth has been a major asset. Players like Ivan Kharchenkov provided lockdown defense, while Tobe Awaka sank critical free throws to seal the win against the Huskies. This collective effort defines head coach Tommy Lloyd’s system.

What This Means for the Season Ahead

Arizona’s ascent reshapes the national championship conversation. They now sit directly behind the No. 1 Purdue Boilermakers, who received 46 first-place votes. Arizona garnered 11 first-place votes, showing significant respect from the national media.

The Wildcats now face a different kind of pressure as a top-ranked target. They begin a three-game homestand, with a major test against No. 22 Auburn scheduled for December 6 at McKale Center. Maintaining this elite level is the next challenge.

Coach Tommy Lloyd has now secured eight wins over AP Top-5 teams since arriving in Tucson in 2021. This latest achievement underscores the program’s return to the sport’s pinnacle under his leadership.

Arizona basketball has officially served notice to the college basketball world with its historic AP Top 25 surge. The Wildcats’ blend of talent, depth, and composure makes them a formidable contender for the national title.

Info at your fingertips

How many Top-3 teams has Arizona beaten this season?

Arizona has defeated two Top-3 teams in its first five games. They beat then-No. 3 Florida and then-No. 3 UConn to achieve this historic start.

Who is Arizona’s head coach?

Tommy Lloyd is the head coach of the Arizona Wildcats. He took over the program in 2021 and has compiled an impressive 117-33 record with the team.

What was the score of the Arizona vs. UConn game?

Arizona defeated UConn 71-67 on the road on November 19, 2025. The game was close throughout, with Arizona making key plays in the final minute.

Who is the No. 1 team in the AP Top 25?

The Purdue Boilermakers remain the No. 1 team in the latest AP Top 25 poll. They are 6-0 and received 46 of the possible first-place votes.

What is Arizona’s next big game?

Arizona’s next major test is at home against the No. 22 Auburn Tigers on December 6. This game will be a key non-conference matchup at McKale Center.