College Basketball Rankings: Casey Jacobsen Has Michigan on Top, Iowa Out

The college basketball season is a wild ride, and I’m here to sort it out every Sunday.

With new coaches, new stars, deeper conferences and a transfer portal that never stops spinning, trying to make sense of the national picture isn’t easy. That’s why my Top 25 rewards toughness, experience and identity — not preseason hype or brand names. Expect bold calls. Expect surprises. Expect receipts.

Most of all, expect a ranking built for the long haul. Each week, I’ll reset the landscape, cut through the noise and tell you what actually matters as the season evolves.

With that, here’s the third edition of my men's college basketball rankings, as of Dec. 14:

Previously ranked: NR

The Bulldogs' numbers are great; they're ranked 21st overall, according to KenPom. Georgia beat Cincinnati by 18 points on Saturday to improve its record to 9-1, with its lone loss coming against Clemson in overtime last month. Bulldogs guard Blue Cain had 22 points and five assists. They still have a lot to prove, but I’m giving them a shot.

Previously ranked: No. 24

Florida beat George Washington by 10 points on Saturday, and Gators guard Xavian Lee had 24 points. The senior has been very inconsistent, but it’s a good confidence booster before SEC play begins. The Gators have more talent than half the teams above them.

Previously ranked: 20

Virginia beat Maryland Eastern Shore by double digits and scored 84 points. Seven different Cavaliers contributed to 13 made 3-pointers. Virginia has the 14th-most efficient offense in the country, per KenPom, but its overall strength of schedule is 264th. I want to see this team perform against a top-20 opponent.

Previously ranked: No. 21

Texas Tech lost to Arkansas despite star forward JT Toppin and guard