UCLA jumps to No. 14 in CBS Sports rankings after beating Arizona

UCLA entered the Top 25 for the first time this season after defeating Arizona 84 to 75 on Monday night. The win moved the Bruins to the No. 14 spot in the updated CBS Sports Top 25 And 1 college basketball rankings released Tuesday morning.

Head coach Mick Cronin displayed visible enthusiasm during his postgame interview with TNT. Play-by-play announcer Brian Anderson noted that Cronin was smiling broadly. Cronin, who is in his eighth season at UCLA, did not explicitly call this his best team, but he spoke with evident satisfaction about the roster he has built in Westwood.

The victory marked the biggest upset of the first weekend of the 2026-27 college basketball season. The game concluded with a final score of 84 to 75 in favor of the Bruins. This result solidified UCLA's position in the national conversation following a strong start to the campaign.

The ranking shift places UCLA ahead of several programs that struggled on opening night. Florida remains the No. 1 team in the country after securing a 77 to 67 win over Miami on Monday. The contrast in results between the two leaders defines the early hierarchy of the season.

Cronin's demeanor has been a point of interest for observers since Big Ten Media Day last month. Reporters noted his unusually cheerful disposition during interviews. That mood has persisted into the early part of the season, coinciding with the team's competitive performance.

The Bruins will look to extend their winning streak on Friday against North Florida inside Pauley Pavilion. That contest will serve as a test of their consistency before they face a tougher schedule. The team is scheduled to open its Big Ten play against Oregon on the first day of December.

The move into the rankings reflects the immediate impact of Monday's result. UCLA's ascent contrasts with the struggles of other high-profile teams that failed to win their opening games. The Bruins now have a concrete foothold in the Top 25 heading into the second week of the season.