UCLA jumps into top 10 of men’s AP Top 25 basketball poll as Florida leads the rankings

UCLA climbed to No. 9 in the first regular-season Associated Press men's college basketball poll following an 84-75 season-opening win over Arizona in Las Vegas. Florida held on to the No. 1 spot, securing 53 of 60 first-place votes from the national media panel after starting their season with victories against Miami and Jacksonville. Duke received the remaining seven first-place votes to remain at No. 2.

The Bruins' surge to No. 9 marks their highest ranking since the 2022-23 season, powered by 21 points from Trent Perry in their upset of the Wildcats. Illinois and UConn remained third and fourth, while Michigan State moved into fifth place to take the spot of Arizona, which dropped seven places to No. 12 following the loss.