Where Arizona stands in early Big 12 basketball power rankings

Tommy Lloyd and the Arizona Wildcats won the Big 12 regular season and conference tournament last year, the first time for each, while also making a run to the Final Four for the first time since 2001.

The Wildcats saw three players taken in the 2026 NBA draft: Jaden Bradley, Koa Peat, and Brayden Burries, while also losing Tobe Awaka, Anthony Dell’Orso, and Dwayne Aristode. One might think Arizona will drop from the top spot in the Big 12 with all those departures, but Lloyd did a great job replenishing the roster with 5-star freshman Caleb Holt and transfers RJ Godfrey, Derek Dixon, and JJ Mandaquit.

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Even with strong offseasons from Houston, Kansas, Texas Tech, and others, Arizona remains the team to beat in the Big 12 heading into the 2026-27 season. Below is a look at the full power rankings, with barely one month until the games officially get underway:

1. Arizona Wildcats

Mar 13, 2026; Kansas City, MO, USA; Arizona Wildcats center Motiejus Krivas (13) | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Even with most of last year’s production set to play in the NBA this season, Arizona remains the team to beat in the Big 12. Getting center Mo Krivas and forward Ivan Kharchenkov back was a massive win for Tommy Lloyd, and if Clemson forward RJ Godfrey is eligible, this starting five is as good as anyone in the country.

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The PG duo of Derek Dixon and JJ Mandaquit is a huge x-factor for the Wildcats, along with 5-star guard Caleb Holt, but the team’s overall defensive upside and the superstar potential of Kharchenkov make this the odds-on favorite in the Big 12 once again.

2. Houston Cougars

Houston forward Joseph Tugler (11) runs into Idaho forward Brody Rowbury (0) | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Kelvin Sampson and the Coogs continue to rebuild even after losing massive talent from last year – including lottery pick Kingston Flemings and veteran guards Milos Uzan and Emanuel Sharp.

Houston gets back center JoJo Tugler and wings Mercy Miller and Chase McCarty, while…

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Publish date : 2026-09-29 17:43:00

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