Nebraska men’s basketball made headlines by receiving votes in the Associated Press (AP) poll after upsetting No. 14 Creighton 74-63 in Omaha. This recognition, the Huskers’ first since 2018, places them as the 35th-ranked team in terms of votes. The victory over Creighton marked a pivotal moment for the 4-1 Huskers, signaling their potential to compete nationally this season.
Despite their impressive start, Nebraska’s sole loss came against Saint Mary’s, a team ranked 30th by vote counts in the latest AP poll. Creighton, meanwhile, dropped to No. 21 following its loss to Nebraska, experiencing one of the week’s steepest rankings falls. This movement reflects the impact of Nebraska’s win on the national perception of both teams.
The Big Ten saw mixed results in the latest rankings. While Purdue (No. 13), Indiana (No. 14), and Wisconsin (No. 15) represented the conference in the middle of the top 25, Rutgers and Michigan slipped out of contention. Still, Nebraska joined seven other Big Ten programs receiving votes, emphasizing the depth and competitiveness within the conference.
Elsewhere, the Big 12 and SEC dominated the AP rankings. Kansas retained the No. 1 spot in a strong showing for the Big 12, which had six ranked teams overall. The SEC showcased its strength with nine ranked programs, including four in the top 10—Auburn, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Alabama. Meanwhile, the Big East and ACC maintained smaller presences, with UConn leading the Big East at No. 2 and Duke and North Carolina continuing as the ACC’s sole representatives.
Looking ahead, Nebraska will face South Dakota and North Florida this week before its next major challenge against No. 14 Indiana on December 13. The Huskers’ win over Creighton has set the stage for a potentially transformative season, with the team aiming to build momentum and reestablish itself in the national conversation.