Michigan State Rises to No. 5 in Latest AP Poll

The Spartans kicked off their 2026-27 season with two stellar victories over Quinnipiac (96-59) and Toledo (91-61).

Following those wins, paired with an Arizona Wildcats loss to the UCLA Bruins to open their season, Michigan State moves up one spot in the latest AP Poll, going from No. 6 in the nation to No. 5. As a result of the loss, Arizona dropped to No. 12, while UCLA climbed from No. 22 to No. 9.

Florida remains No. 1 in the country, receiving 53 first-place votes. Duke holds onto the No. 2 spot after wins against Army and Coastal Carolina. The Blue Devils and Spartans will now face off tomorrow night in Chicago as part of the Champions Classic.

Illinois remains No. 3 and the highest-ranked Big Ten team. The Fighting Illini scored 232 points in their first two games combined and will face No. 16 Texas Tech in their next matchup.

UConn rounds out the top four after defeating Michigan in an NCAA Tournament Championship rematch.

Michigan State is led by Jeremy Fears Jr., who tops the team in both points per game (12.5) and assists per game (10.0).

Backing Fears is the emergence of sophomore Jordan Scott, who has showcased his ability to play nearly every position on the court while providing phenomenal offense and displaying Ausar Thompson-esque defensive prowess.

Scott's tenacity when it comes to getting loose balls is exactly the kind of effort you like to see and expect from someone coached by Tom Izzo.

Coen Carr returns as the best dunker in college basketball. Although his dunking has been a bit stifled through the first two games, keep your popcorn ready for the showdown against Duke. You can expect him to have a little extra pep in his step.

Carr has quietly averaged double-digit points per game (11.0) and 6.0 rebounds per game. He is also perfect from three-point range (2-for-2) and has been a stellar piece of the puzzle for the Spartans.

The Spartans brought in just one transfer, Anton Bonke, who entered East Lansing with high expectations at 7-foot-2. Bonke has delivered early, recording a double-double in his first game as a Spartan. He is averaging a double-double with 10.0 rebounds per game to lead the team while also averaging double-digit points (10.0).

All five of Michigan State's starters are averaging double-digit points per game, including freshman Jasiah Jervis, who went off from beyond the arc in the Spartans' last game. Jervis shot 4-for-7 from three-point range and leads the team with five three-pointers made this season.

Michigan State has the depth and starting core to make any team shiver. With the Spartans climbing the national rankings, they now have an opportunity to make an early statement against Duke on the national stage.