UNC men, women both slip in Top 25 after losses

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Feb 10, 2026; Coral Gables, Florida, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Jonathan Powell (11) drives to the basket against Miami Hurricanes forward Timotej Malovec (88) during the second half at Watsco Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

It was a less than ideal week for the Carolina men and women, but as we approach the end of the regular season, Hubert Davis and Courtney Banghart’s squads are both still ranked in the AP Top 25.

Both teams are likely out of contention for the regular season ACC title but can still earn a favorable seed in the conference tournament with a strong finish. Every one of their remaining games matters in that pursuit; combined with a bevy of ranked matchups across the country this week, there will be plenty of excellent viewing options for fans of the Tar Heels and college basketball.

Let’s take a look at where things stand right now.

Men’s Basketball​

AP Top 25

1. Michigan (60 first place votes)

2. Houston (1)

3. Duke

4. Arizona

5. UConn

6. Iowa State

7. Purdue

8. Kansas

9. Nebraska

10. Illinois

11. Gonzaga

12. Florida

13. Texas Tech

14. Virginia

15. Michigan State

16. North Carolina

17. St. John’s

18. St. Louis

19. Vanderbilt

20. Arkansas

21. Louisville

22. Miami (OH)

23. BYU

24. Wisconsin

25. Alabama

Where is UNC?​

The Tar Heels tied for the biggest drop in this week’s poll, falling five spots to #16 after losing at Miami. Winning both of their games this week (at NC State, at Syracuse) won’t be an easy task with their roster in poor health but will be necessary if they want to avoid sliding further.

Biggest Winners​

Michigan took the top spot for the first time in 13 seasons, thanks in large part to previous #1 Arizona losing back-to-back games. Wisconsin reentered the rankings for the first time since November at #24 after taking down a pair of top 10 teams: then-#8 Illinois on the road and then-#10 Michigan State at home. Alabama, riding a four-game winning streak, reentered at #25 after a two-week absence. Within the poll, Purdue jumped six spots to #7 after wins at previous #7 Nebraska and Iowa.

Biggest Losers​

Along with UNC, Michigan State fell five spots, landing at #15 after losing at Wisconsin. Clemson went from #20 to unofficial #26 after losing to Virginia Tech at home and then-#4 Duke on the road. Kentucky went from #25 to unofficial #30 after losing at then-#14 Florida.

Conference Breakdown​

• Big 12: 6
• Big Ten: 6
• SEC: 4
• ACC: 4
• Big East: 2
• WCC: 1
• A-10: 1
• MAC: 1

Marquee Matchups This Week​

• #1 Michigan (24-1) @ #7 Purdue (13-5) – Tonight at 6:30 PM ET on Peacock
• #20 Arkansas (19-6) @ #25 Alabama (18-7) – Wednesday at 7:00 PM ET on ESPN
• #23 BYU (19-6) @ #4 Arizona (23-2) – Wednesday at 9:00 PM ET on ESPN
• #4 Arizona (23-2) @ #2 Houston (23-2) – Saturday at 3:00 PM ET on ABC
• #1 Michigan (24-1) vs #3 Duke (24-2) at Capital One Arena – Saturday at 6:30 PM ET on ESPN
• #6 Iowa State (22-2) @ #23 BYU (19-6) – Saturday at 10:30 PM ET on ESPN

Women’s Basketball​

AP Top 25

1. UConn (31 first place votes)
2. UCLA
3. South Carolina
4. Texas
5. Vanderbilt
6. Michigan
7. LSU
8. Louisville
9. Duke
10. Ohio State
11. Oklahoma
12. TCU
13. Iowa
14. Maryland
15. Baylor
16. Kentucky
17. Ole Miss
18. Michigan State
19. West Virginia
20. Texas Tech
21. Tennessee
22. North Carolina
23. Minnesota
24. Georgia
25. Alabama

Where is UNC?​

The Tar Heels dropped one spot to #22 after a four-point loss at then-#11 Duke. In that game, Carolina attempted zero–yes, zero–free throws and was called for 21 fouls, while Duke shot 21 free throws and was whistled for nine fouls. Somewhere, Coach K is smiling.

Biggest Winners​

Minnesota earned its first ranking of the season at #23 after winning its eighth straight game, and Georgia reentered the poll at #24 after knocking off then-#5 Vanderbilt at home. Maryland had the biggest jump within the top 25, climbing six spots to #14 after winning at then-#8 Ohio State. Additionally, TCU rose five spots to #12 after a road win at previous #12 Baylor and a home win over #19 West Virginia.

Biggest Losers​

Princeton went from #24 to unofficial #28 after losing at Columbia, and Washington went from #25 to unofficial #27 after losing at then-#15 Iowa. Within the poll, Michigan State fell five spots to #18 after a home loss to #2 UCLA and a road loss to then-#7 Michigan. Also, Texas Tech dropped four spots to #20 after losing at Oklahoma State.

Conference Breakdown​

• SEC: 10
• Big Ten: 7
• Big 12: 4
• ACC: 3
• Big East: 1

Marquee Matchups This Week​

• #21 Tennessee (16-7) @ #17 Ole Miss (20-6) – Tonight at 7:00 PM ET on ESPNU
• #15 Baylor (22-5) @ #20 Texas Tech (23-4) – Wednesday at 7:00 PM ET on ESPN+
• #10 Ohio State (22-4) @ #23 Minnesota (20-6) – Wednesday at 8:00 PM ET on B1G+
• #11 Oklahoma (19-6) @ #24 Georgia (20-6) – Thursday at 6:30 PM ET on SEC Network
• #3 South Carolina (25-2) @ #25 Alabama (20-6) – Thursday at 8:30 PM ET on SEC Network
• #7 LSU (22-4) @ #17 Ole Miss (20-6) – Thursday at 9:00 PM ET on ESPN
• #17 Ole Miss (20-6) @ #3 South Carolina (25-2) – Sunday at 12:00 PM ET on ESPN
• #6 Michigan (22-4) @ #13 Iowa (20-5) – Sunday at 12:00 PM ET on FOX
• #21 Tennessee (16-7) @ #11 Oklahoma (19-6) – Sunday at 2:00 PM ET on ESPN
• #16 Kentucky (20-7) @ #5 Vanderbilt (24-3) – Sunday at 3:00 PM ET on SECN+
• #18 Michigan State (20-6) @ #23 Minnesota (25-2) – Sunday at 6:00 PM ET on FS1

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