The Wildcats (19-3) ascended to No. 1, displacing the Tar Heels (19-2) despite North Carolina owning the better winning percentage — a reminder that the committee values how you're playing right now, not just what your record says. The two have been trading blows all season, and this shakeup sets the stage for a May showdown that could define the sport.
The Blue Jays (17-5) rocketed from No. 8 to No. 3, the week's most emphatic statement. Five losses on paper, but the poll sees a team peaking at exactly the right time. Right behind them, the Buffaloes (16-4) climbed six spots from No. 11 to No. 5, and the Seawolves (19-3) jumped from No. 10 to No. 6 — three programs nobody wants on their side of the bracket.
At the back end, the Minutewomen (16-3) crashed the party at No. 25 after receiving zero votes a week ago, while the Fighting Irish (12-6) tumbled from No. 15 to No. 20. The margin between contender and afterthought has never been thinner.
Data via ESPN · Summarized by D1Ball's editorial engine from official statistics.
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