The Rainbow Warriors (30-5) jumped from No. 3 to No. 1, leapfrogging the Bruins (29-2), who dropped from the top spot to No. 3 despite owning just two losses all season. Hawaii's 30-win campaign and late-season surge proved too compelling to deny — the poll rewards who's peaking, not just who's been good longest.
The Anteaters (21-9) made the loudest climb, surging four spots from No. 6 to No. 2, while the Cardinals (26-5) rose from No. 7 to No. 5. Meanwhile, Beach (25-5) slipped from No. 2 to No. 4, and the Waves (24-7) and Trojans (20-8) each fell two spots to No. 6 and No. 7, respectively.
The Nittany Lions (22-8) quietly climbed three spots to No. 12, signaling a potential late charge. What the poll makes clear: the race is wide open, and momentum — not résumé — is driving the conversation.
Data via ESPN · Summarized by D1Ball's editorial engine from official statistics.
More from the newsroom