The Last Unbeatens: Tracking the 2025-26 Men's College Basketball Season

In the grueling landscape of Division I college basketball, maintaining an unblemished record deep into January is a rare and remarkable feat. As of January 18, 2026, only three teams have managed to navigate the 2025-26 season without a loss, setting the stage for a compelling second half of the campaign. The pressure mounts with each game, as the target on their backs grows larger and the competition intensifies. Here is a detailed look at the last remaining undefeated teams and the challenges that lie ahead.

The Undefeated Contenders

The trio of perfect teams represents a cross-section of college basketball, from a perennial powerhouse to a historic program enjoying a resurgence and a mid-major surprise. Their journeys, while all ending in zero losses so far, have been markedly different in terms of schedule strength and national expectations.

No. 1 Arizona Wildcats (18-0, Big 12)

Sitting atop the national polls, the Arizona Wildcats have earned their No. 1 ranking by facing one of the toughest schedules among the unbeatens. According to FOX Sports, the Wildcats have already secured six Quad 1 victories, including impressive wins against ranked opponents like Florida, UConn, and Alabama. Their status as the team to beat is well-founded, but the road ahead in the formidable Big 12 conference is fraught with danger. Key upcoming matchups include games against West Virginia, Cincinnati, and a pivotal clash with No. 9 BYU on January 26th.

No. 7 Nebraska Cornhuskers (18-0, Big Ten)

The Nebraska Cornhuskers have announced themselves as legitimate national contenders with a perfect start that includes five Quad 1 wins. Their resume features victories over Kansas State, Wisconsin, and a ranked Illinois team. A narrow 58-56 triumph over No. 9 Michigan State served as a major statement of their resilience. Successive wins against Ohio State, Indiana, Oregon, and Northwestern have kept their record pristine, both overall and in the competitive Big Ten. Their ability to win close games against high-level competition makes them a particularly dangerous undefeated squad.

No. 25 Miami (Ohio) RedHawks (19-0, Mid-American)

The story of the season may well be the Miami (Ohio) RedHawks. While they haven't faced a Quad 1 opponent or a ranked team, their 19-0 record cannot be dismissed. They boast a perfect 7-0 record on the road and have three Quad 2 wins. Their most thrilling victory came in a 105-102 overtime shootout against Buffalo. It's worth noting that three of their wins came against Division II opponents, but they have handled their Division I schedule convincingly. With a NET ranking of 52, games against conference foes like Akron and Bowling Green will be their toughest tests, as they are not scheduled to face a single ranked opponent all season.

Analyzing the Path to Perfection

The sustainability of an undefeated season hinges on several factors: schedule strength, roster depth, coaching, and sheer luck. Arizona, with its gauntlet of a schedule, has proven it can beat the best, which bodes well for its chances. Nebraska has shown a knack for winning tough, defensive battles in the Big Ten. Miami (Ohio)'s path, while less heralded, requires the same focus and execution night in and night out, as any conference loss would end their dream run.

Conclusion: The Inevitable Test

History is not on the side of these three teams. The last undefeated national champion was the 1975-76 Indiana Hoosiers. The grind of conference play, especially in power leagues like the Big 12 and Big Ten, makes perfection increasingly unlikely as the season progresses. Each team will face immense pressure and will get every opponent's best shot. Whether any of these squads can join that exclusive club of perfect regular seasons remains one of the most captivating storylines of the 2025-26 college basketball year. Fans should enjoy the rarity of the situation while it lasts, as the journey toward March Madness promises more thrilling twists and turns.