Kansas has surged into the No. 6 position in the CBS Sports college basketball power rankings after reeling off six consecutive wins, including three against top-13 opponents. The Jayhawks' revival owes much to the resurgence and availability of guard Darryn Peterson. Meanwhile, Illinois climbs to No. 3 on the strength of a 12-game winning streak, and Arizona holds firm at No. 1 with a perfect 22-0 record.
The latest CBS Sports power rankings reflect significant shifts in the college basketball landscape as several teams rebound from early-season struggles. Kansas began the year with an 11-5 overall record and a 1-2 mark in Big 12 play, falling out of the rankings entirely. However, the Jayhawks have since found their rhythm with six straight victories, propelling them into the top 10 just as March nears. Central to this turnaround is Darryn Peterson, whose remarkable recovery has boosted the team's performance and availability.
Illinois has also made a major ascent, landing at No. 3 after extending its winning streak to 12 games heading into the weekend. The Illini's hot streak underscores their resurgence in the Big Ten. Florida contributes to the shakeup as well, securing a spot in the top 10 following a dominant 100-77 victory over Alabama on Sunday. The Gators, who started 5-4, are now tied for first in the SEC standings and have won 11 of their last 13 games, solidifying their status as the conference's top contender.
At the summit, Arizona remains unchallenged at No. 1 with an unblemished 22-0 record, establishing itself as the premier team in the Big 12 and across the sport. The Big 12 leads all conferences with five ranked teams, outpacing the Big Ten and SEC, each with four. These movements highlight a dynamic season where early disappointments are giving way to late surges, setting the stage for intense conference races and tournament implications.
