STARKVILLE, Miss. – The Michigan Wolverines (33-5) gave Washington its biggest challenge of the season for top billing in the latest USA Today/NFCA Division I Top 25 poll, but fell short and finished 17 points behind the Huskies (35-4) in second. 

Washington appeared as the first-place team on 23 ballots this week, while Michigan was the top choice for seven voters. The Wolverines’ seven-first place votes are the most by any team other than Washington in a single poll so far this season. 

The rest of the top five was virtually the same this week, with No. 3 Arizona (35-7) bumping Florida (34-5) down to fourth marking the only change. Alabama (35-9) came in at fifth for the second consecutive week to round out the top five spots in this week’s poll. 

After sitting out last week’s poll, Hawaii (36-11) returned to the rankings this week by knocking out Louisville (27-15) for the 25th and final spot. The Rainbow Wahine were the only addition to the rankings this week, while the Cardinals were the only team to fall out of the poll. 

The USA Today/NFCA Division I Top 25 Poll is voted on by NCAA Division I head coaches, one representing each conference. The next USA Today/NFCA Division I Top 25 poll will be released Tuesday, April 27.