No. 1 Duke, No. 2 Arizona and No. 3 Michigan get top-15 tests this week

The committee that will select the NCAA Tournament field has zeroed in on a clear top tier of Duke, Arizona and Michigan.

Associated Press FILE - Duke forward Cameron Boozer dunks during the second half in an NCAA college basketball game against North Carolina, Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, in Chapel Hill, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Seward, File) Arizona forward Ivan Kharchenkov (8) attempts to shoot the ball as Houston forward Chris Cenac Jr. (5) defends in the first half during an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/Maria Lysaker) FILE - Michigan head coach Dusty May watches his team play UCLA in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Lon Horwedel, File)

Duke Michigan Preview Basketball

Those three teams — now ranked 1-2-3atop the AP Top 25— have matching 25-2 records and a similar path for the week ahead: a Tuesday game against an opponent lower down the conference standings followed by a challenging test against a top-15 squad.

The Blue Devils, who pushed their record total ofNo. 1 appearances to 148 on Monday, visit Notre Dame before hosting No. 11 Virginia on Saturday in the Atlantic Coast Conference. In the Big 12, the second-ranked Wildcats visit Baylor before hosting No. 14 Kansas on Saturday.

And in the Big Ten, the Wolverines follow a home game against Minnesota with Friday's trip to No. 10 Illinois.

The committee had Michigan as its top overall seedin Saturday's reveal of the top 16 seeds for March Madness, followed by Duke and Arizona. But theBlue Devils beat the Wolverinesand theWildcats won at Houstonlater that day, shuffling the order in Monday's new AP poll.

No matter the order, selection committee chairman and Sun Belt commissioner Keith Gill pointed to that trio as having a clear separation from Iowa State, the fourth 1-seed in those preliminary rankings.

And those rankings generally experience only minor fluctuations by Selection Sunday. For example, 25 of the 32 teams (78.1%) to hold a No. 1 seed in the preliminary rankings since the debut show in 2017 ultimately secured a 1-seed for the NCAAs. That data excludes 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic forcing the cancellation of that year's tournament.

As of Monday afternoon, KenPom and Evan Miyakawa ranked the order as Michigan-Duke-Arizona, while Bart Torvik had it Michigan-Arizona-Duke.

"This is where there was some consensus though in terms of these teams being 1, 2 and 3," Gill said during Saturday's CBS show to unveil the seedings. "When we get to the 4 overall seed, that's where there was a lot more debate."

Round 2

The Big East has a marquee throwdown between its top two teams, with sixth-ranked UConn (25-3) hosting No. 15 St. John's on Wednesday. That comes just shy of three weeks since the Red Stormtook an 81-72 win at Madison Square Gardento end the Huskies' 18-game winning streak.

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St. John's (22-5) has won 13 straight games since falling to Providence in early January.

Notable matchups

Four other games stand out on the AP Top 25 schedule:

—No. 8 Purdue hosts No. 13 Michigan State on Thursday in the first meeting between the longtime Big Ten foes;

—No. 4 Iowa State hosts No. 16 Texas Tech on Saturday in the Big 12, with the Red Raiders trying to regroup after losingAP preseason All-America selection JT Toppinto a season-ending knee injury;

—And there are two ranked-vs.-ranked games in the Southeastern Conference on Saturday, with No. 7 Florida hosting No. 20 Arkansas, and No. 17 Alabama visiting No. 22 Tennessee lookingto avenge an earlier home loss.

Still unbeaten

The nation's lone undefeated team remains Miami (Ohio) of the Mid-American Conference, which opens this week at 27-0 and with a No. 21 ranking.

The RedHawks have a pair of road games against teams that enter the week with a combined 7-22 league record, first with Tuesday's stop at Eastern Michigan and then Friday's visit to Western Michigan.

Watch list

Wisconsin (19-8) fell out of the poll from No. 24 last week and was the leading vote-getter among unranked teams. The Badgers' schedule this week takes them to the Pacific Northwest in the westernmost reaches of the Big Ten's coast-to-coast footprint, starting with Wednesday's game at Oregon followed by Saturday's trip to Washington.

Saint Mary's (25-4) is next up. The Gaels host 23-win Santa Clara on Wednesday, then host No. 9 Gonzaga on Saturday to close the regular season in the West Coast Conference.

Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign uphereandhere(AP mobile app). AP college basketball:https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-pollandhttps://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball

No. 1 Duke, No. 2 Arizona and No. 3 Michigan get top-15 tests this week

The committee that will select the NCAA Tournament field has zeroed in on a clear top tier of Duke, Arizona and Michigan...
Meet the cast of 'Survivor 50': Mike White returns, plus a Season 1 favorite

Survivoris back and bigger than ever: The super-size 50th season of the hit reality show is the largest yet, with a whopping 24 fan favorites from previous games seeking to outwit, outlast and outplay their competitors.

Yahoo Entertainment

This season, titledSurvivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans, will see the group divided into three tribes, each starting with eight players before whittling down their numbers at each tribal council. And with the playersalready well aware of each other's approach to game play(with the exception of the Season 49 competitors, who played back-to-back games) these aspiring Sole Survivorsare entering the island with many preconceived ideas about their fellow competitors. That includes who they want booted ASAP.

Among the players this year areThe White Lotuscreator Mike White, marking his second time seeking out the Sole Survivor crown. Meanwhile, Jenna Lewis-Dougherty, who appeared on the first season of the show in 2000, as well as Season 8's all-star season, will also compete. So, too, will Cirie Fields, who has appeared on four previous seasons of the show — and went on to win the first season ofThe Traitorsand compete onBig Brother.

Here's a rundown of all the players.

The Cila Tribe

Cila Tribe: Joe Hunter, Savannah Louie, Christian Hubicki, Cirie Fields, Ozzy Lusth, Emily Flippen, Rick Devens and Jenna Lewis-Dougherty.

Rick Devans

Rick Devens.

Previous season:Edge of Extinction

Though he only played one season of the show, Devens is deeply rooted in theSurvivorfandom as host of the show's official podcastOn Fire.

Jenna Lewis-Dougherty

Jenna Lewis-Dougherty.

Previous seasons:Borneo,All-Stars

Lewis-Dougherty was a part of the very first season ofSurvivorback in 2000, becoming the second tribal council member when she exited the game in eighth place. She returned for the show'sAll-Starsseason in 2004, when she finished in third place.

Cirie Fields

Cirie Fields.

Previous seasons:Panama, Micronesia, Heroes vs. Villains, Game Changers

Prior to the current season ofSurvivor, Fields appeared on four seasons of the U.S. version. Last year, she represented her home country onAustralian Survivor.Fields, however, has yet to earn the title of Sole Survivor.

"Cirie scares me because she's so good," Jonathan Young toldthe Hollywood Reporterof Fields. "She's like a mom out here. Everybody respects Cirie, but I think everybody fears Cirie."

Emily Flippen

Emily Flippen.

Previous season: Season 45

Flippen, a financial analyst, came in seventh place during her oneSurvivorgame. She told THR she's concerned about the brawnier players, such as Young, who tend to be protected early on.

Christian Hubicki

Christian Hubicki.

Previous season:David vs. Goliath

Hubicki, who placed seventh on his season, is a robotics professor, and once recited hismaster's thesis during an immunity challengeto stay focused.

Joe Hunter

Joe Hunter

Previous season: Survivor 48

Hunter, who went viral forassisting fellow player Eva Erickson during an autistic "episode" on her season, finished third after playing a compassionate game.

Savannah Louie

Savannah Louie.

Louie is one of the few Sole Survivors competing this season, having taken home the $1 million prize on the 49th season. She is also one of the two players this season to play back-to-back games, something that could be an advantage to her.

Wade toldTHRthat he doesn't have a "good vibe" from the two Season 49 players for that reason. "I don't know them but I'm having flashbacks of Russell [Hantz] and how he came intoHeroes vs. Villainsand nobody knew how he played and he lied to us," Wade said. "I have a fear of the two new players because they know all of us, and none of us know how they play."

Ozzy Lusth

Ozzy Lusth.

Previous seasons:Cook Islands, Micronesia, South Pacific, Game Changers

The strong competitor crushed many physical challenges during his four previous games, but lacked some of the other skills necessary to become Sole Survivor — he finished as the runner-up to his first season, which wasCook Islands, and in third place onSouth Pacific.

The Kalo Tribe

Kalo Tribe: Jonathan Young, Dee Valladares, Mike White, Kamilla Karthigesu, Charlie Davis, Tiffany Ervin, Benjamin "Coach" Wade and Chrissy Hofbeck.

Charlie Davis

Charlie Davis.

Previous season: Season 46

Davis,Survivor's biggest Swiftie, played only once before, having been betrayed by his ally Maria in the final tribal council.

Tiffany Ervin

Tiffany Ervin.

Previous season: Season 46

Ervin previously finished in eighth place on Season 46, and previously toldEntertainment Weekly,she'd love to return to the game before her Season 50 casting was announced.

Chrissy Hofbeck

Chrissy Hofbeck.

Previous season:Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers

Hofbeck was a runner-up on her only season playingSurvivor. She took home four different immunity challenges during her run.

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Kamilla Karthigesu

Kamilla Karthigesu.

Previous season: Season 48

Karthigesu played just two seasons ago, but she's back, having previously gotten to the final episode of the series. That season was won by Kyle Fraser, who is also competing onSurvivorthis season.

Stephenie LaGrossaKendrick told THR that Karthigesu is someone who "concerns" her a lot in the game. "She prides herself on lying and likes to lie," she said, noting that she's a "huge threat."

Dee Valladares

Dee Valladares.

Previous season: Season 45

Entrepreneur Valladares took home the Sole Survivor trophy her first time playing, becoming the first Cuban-American to earn the win.

Benjamin "Coach" Wade

Benjamin “Coach” Wade.

Previous seasons:Tocantins, Heroes vs. Villains, South Pacific

The self-described "Dragon Slayer" and former soccer coach returns to the game for the fourth time.

Mike White

Mike White.

Previous season:David vs. Goliath

The writer, director and actor came in second place on theDavid vs. Goliathseason. For anyone concerned that Season 4 ofThe White Lotuswill take a creative dip due to White's focus onSurvivor, he said it'sactually the opposite.

"To be totally honest, it's one of the appeals of coming here is I need to stop thinking aboutThe White Lotus," he told Entertainment Weekly. "I love it, but I also feel like it's a fire hose into my mouth of feedback on the show coming up. And I want the next season to be inspired. I want it to really be great and not just trying to fulfill another slot or something. And I think the only way it can be that is if I really get a reset."

Jonathan Young

Jonathan Young.

Previous season: Season 42

The brawny Young — he's both an athlete and a bodyguard — is back, having previously finished in fourth place on his sole season.

The Vatu Tribe

Colby Donaldson, Genevieve Mushaluk, Rizo Velovic, Angelina Keeley, Q Burdette, Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick, Kyle Fraser and Aubry Bracco.

Angelina Keeley

Angelina Keeley.

Previous season:David vs. Goliath

Keeley is one of the three players from Season 37. Sheappeared in a cameo roleon the third season ofThe White Lotusin Thailand, thanks to her connection to White. Ahead of Season 50, Donaldson revealed to THR that he considers Keeley a "big threat" to the other players.

Aubry Bracco

Aubry Bracco.

Previous seasons:Kaôh Rōng, Game Changers, Edge of Extinction

Bracco, who debuted in the 32nd season subtitledBrains vs. Brawn vs. Beauty, used her wit to outplay her competitors throughout her three seasons. She was the runner-up of that initial game but failed to make it as far in her next two attempts.

Q Burdette

Q Burdette.

Previous season: Season 46

Burdette, who fans may remember became the subject of another player's ire when hetook home an Applebee's reward, brought plenty of charm to the show. Ultimately, he came in sixth place.

Colby Donaldson

Colby Donaldson.

Previous seasons:The Australian Outback, All-Stars, Heroes vs. Villains

Donaldson, an earlySurvivorfan favorite, hasn't played the game in more than a decade, having come in fifth place — and the last "hero" standing — onHeroes vs. Villainsin 2010.

Kyle Fraser

Kyle Fraser.

Previous season: Season 48

Fraser became Sole Survivor of Season 48, right ahead of his Season 50 competitor Karthigesu. The two had a secret alliance during the game, allowing them both to make it to the end.

Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick

Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick.

Previous seasons:Palau, Guatemala, Heroes vs. Villains

Kendrick was the show's runner-up in Season 11, but wasn't so lucky her third time playing, as she was booted off early inHeroes & Villains— something she admitted she wasquite salty over.

Genevieve Mushaluk

Genevieve Mushaluk.

Previous season: Season 47

The corporate attorney was one of the villains of the 47th season, placing fifth and becoming a jury member. She toldEntertainment Weeklyshe'd happily come back for another season: "You've got to say yes because it's such an adventure," she said.

Rizo Velovic

Rizo Velovic.

Previous season: Season 49

Velovic is playing back-to-back games, with the so-called RizGod coming in fourth place on Season 49.

WatchSurvivorSeason 50 on CBS and Paramount+ on Wednesday, Feb. 25, at 8 p.m.

Meet the cast of 'Survivor 50': Mike White returns, plus a Season 1 favorite

Survivoris back and bigger than ever: The super-size 50th season of the hit reality show is the largest yet, with a whop...
Justin Thomas to make season debut at Arnold Palmer Invitational months after back surgery

After months recovering from a back surgery, Justin Thomas is ready to return to the PGA Tour.

Yahoo Sports

Thomas will be in the field next week at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, he announced on Monday night. It will mark Thomas' first start of the 2026 season and his first since he underwent surgery to fix a disc in his back last fall.

"I've obviously missed it," Thomas said on ESPN while playing in a TGL match in Florida. "It's been a long time, but it's good to be back here and playing, to feel the juices, the competitiveness, the adrenaline, and just competing. I've watched these guys on TV the last, what feels like, a very, very long time. So it's good to be playing with them."

Thomas announced in Novemberthat he had undergone surgery to fix a disc issue in his back. He had been dealing with "nagging hip pain" for a few months, and has been recovering ever since.

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Thomas last competed at the Ryder Cup in September, though Team Europe rolled over the United States at that event at Bethpage Black in New York. Thomas was set to play in The Skins Game on Black Friday, too, but he had to pull out as a result of the surgery.

Thomas has won 16 times in his career on Tour, most recently at the RBC Heritage last season. He had eight top-10 finishes in 2025 and three runner-up finishes. Thomas has struggled in the majors since his PGA Championship win in 2022, however, and has only finished inside the top 30 once and has missed the cut seven times in his last 14 major starts. Despite not playing in recent months, Thomas is currently at No. 14 in the Official World Golf Rankings.

The Arnold Palmer Invitational, set for Bay Hill Club and Lodge, marks the third signature event of the season and the last tune-up before The Players Championship next month. The first round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational will tee off on March 5.

Justin Thomas to make season debut at Arnold Palmer Invitational months after back surgery

After months recovering from a back surgery, Justin Thomas is ready to return to the PGA Tour. Thomas will b...

 

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