Michigan Tops Final AP Men's Basketball Poll After National Title Triumph

Michigan capped a memorable season by claiming the No. 1 spot in the final Associated Press Top 25 men's college basketball poll, released shortly after their national championship victory. The Wolverines, who secured the national title, were recognized as the consensus top team in the country, underscoring their dominance throughout the season.

Trailing Michigan in the last poll, UConn claimed the second spot, followed by Arizona, Duke, and Illinois to complete the top five. Each program demonstrated sustained excellence, but none matched Michigan's run to the championship.

• Michigan earned the final No. 1 AP ranking after winning the national championship.
• UConn, Arizona, Duke, and Illinois rounded out the top five teams in the final poll.
• The AP poll reflects regular season and postseason performance, with the national champion often solidifying the top spot.

This final ranking reinforces the Wolverines' place at the top of men's college basketball for the 2025-26 season. The combination of strong regular season performance and postseason success was pivotal in their unanimous selection for the No. 1 ranking. UConn, who finished second, also enjoyed a standout season, while Arizona, Duke, and Illinois confirmed their elite status with consistent play and deep tournament runs.

The AP Top 25, which factors in the perspectives of sportswriters and broadcasters nationwide, is among the most respected measures of team success and public perception in college basketball. Securing the season-ending No. 1 ranking is a significant achievement, reflecting both excellence on the court and national recognition.