The 2025-26 college basketball season is underway, and the first official NET rankings are out. The NET, which replaced the old RPI system in 2018-19, uses a results-based formula to evaluate teams. With the season heating up and early matchups already shaping the landscape, here’s how the latest rankings stack up.

NCAA Men’s Basketball NET Rankings

University of Michigan Wolverines

The Wolverines take the top spot with a flawless 7-0 record, and an outstanding 4-0 record at neutral sites indicates their adaptability. The Wolverines’ strategy of winning 2-0 at home and against strong opponents reflects the consistency and depth needed for a championship-caliber team, which is why they are being considered as the genuine contenders for the national title.

Duke University Blue Devils

The Blue Devils’ remarkable 8-0 record in the ACC has been built through domination. But one reason for them being second is that they are 3-0 at neutral sites, whereas at home they are 4-0. Their early-season winning streak has indicated that they are going to be a tournament threat, with not only the quality of the wins but also the remarkable consistency of the wins.

Purdue University Boilermakers

The Boilermakers were one of the best preseason picks, and naturally, they too have a perfect record of 7-0. At home, they are 4-0 and have a flawless performance at neutral sites (2-0). Purdue has a profound capability, as they have shown with powerful performances based on Quad across all competition levels. Their adaptability in overcoming the environment of home, road, and neutral makes them one of the major Big Ten powers with multiple dimensions that are guaranteed to reach the tournament.

Vanderbilt University Commodores

The Commodores’ 8-0 undefeated start is a stunning feat owing to the superior home wins (4-0) and flawless away performance (1-0). The 3-0 record at neutral venues proves that their strength is even greater. Vanderbilt is showing a balanced performance across the competition environments as it still holds the undefeated status against non-Division I rivals.

Gonzaga University Bulldogs

Gonzaga’s 7-1 record indicates almost no mistakes and is built on a solid home base (4-0) with an impressive neutral ground showing (2-1). Although there was one loss, the Quad-based success of Gonzaga (1-1, 1-0, 3-0) indicates that they fight against powerful adversaries. Together with their West Coast supremacy and the caliber of wins against the tournament teams, they have managed to secure a position in the NCAA Tournament as a regular.

University of Arizona Wildcats

The record of the Wildcats stands at 7-0, and their home court has exhibited great strength (4-0) with no losses at the neutral site (2-0). The balanced Quad performance of Arizona (2-0, 1-0, 4-0) shows the school’s adaptability to different levels of competition. Overall, after attaining wins in all situations and possessing a record of a non-Division I team, Arizona has established itself as a team with sustained excellence potential, and that can be in contention for the tournament.

Iowa State University Cyclones

The overwhelming 7-0 record of the Cyclones indicates consistency, but the competition they faced on the road was almost none (0-0). The team won all four home games and had a perfect 3-0 at neutral sites (3-0). They have a strong lineup and a balanced strategy, making them contenders for the tournament, plus the chance for improvement through road games.

University of Connecticut Huskies

The record of 6-1 for the Huskies reveals a firm home base (4-1) and an undefeated road record (2-0). Their presence in the Big East conference and balanced performance on neutral ground (1-0) signal a deep competition.

UConn’s loss at home is one, and its non-Division I record is 0-0, but its Quad-based performance (2-1, 1-0, 3-0) still suggests potential for the tournament. Their habit of bouncing back early in the season and being able to compete indicates that they are a postseason team if they keep improving.

University of Louisville Cardinals

The Cardinals’ unblemished record of 7-0 is nothing short of fantastic, which speaks of their stronghold at home (6-0) and already getting a great start on the road (1-0). They are yet to try out their perfect neutral site equilibrium (0-0) and ACC conference debut (0-0), which surely are first steps for success in the season.

Louisville’s outstanding performance in the Quad (1-0, 0-0, 4-0) shows how they have the quality wins and the pattern of excellence as the main characteristics of the team. Their unbeaten record against non-Division I teams not only strengthens the team’s credentials for participation in the tournament but also makes them a very strong contender for the tournament.

Michigan State University Spartans

The Spartans’ record of having won all their games (7-0) is balanced with an excellent home performance (4-0) and a very limited but perfect road success (3-0). Their ability to recover on a neutral site (1-0) and their perfect start in the Big Ten conference (0-0 waiting) grant them a competitive position.

The Quad-based accomplishments of Michigan State (2-0, 1-0, 1-0) are a clear indication that the team has won even in the lowest competition tier. The Spartans have shown amazing consistency across all environments and are thus recognized as serious tournament contenders within a tightly contested Big Ten conference.