Texas Drops Out of the Top 5 in the Most Recent College Basketball Rankings, While Auburn Rises

There was a lot of drama and activity during the first week of the 2024–25 college basketball season, including a number of well-known ranked games that significantly affected the AP Top 25 standings. The college basketball scene has already started to change with big wins and unexpected upsets.

Specifically, Texas was on the outside looking in following a difficult loss, while Auburn made a strong statement with a neutral-site victory over Houston. After the thrilling week of games from November 4–10, let’s examine how the standings are expected to change.

After a significant victory, Auburn moves up into the top five. Houston

Without a doubt, Auburn was the week’s biggest winner. In an exciting game, the Tigers overcame the No. 4 Houston Cougars, 74-69, despite traveling to a hostile environment. Auburn rose from No. 11 to No. 4 in the standings as a result of this historic victory, making the Tigers the top climber in this week’s poll. Tahaad Pettiford, a freshman, helped Auburn win a close game with an outstanding play off the bench. In addition to raising Auburn’s profile nationally, this victory puts them in a solid position to compete in the months ahead.

Following an exciting victory over North Carolina, Kansas maintains its top spot

After a thrilling 92-89 victory over North Carolina, Kansas maintained their top-ranking position. The Tar Heels mounted a late-game comeback against the Jayhawks, who had established a dominant 20-point lead early in the contest. But when it counted most, Kansas standout Hunter Dickinson delivered, sinking a free throw and making a clutch basket to seal the victory in the closing seconds. Kansas demonstrated that they are still the team to beat this season in spite of the late scare.

Surprises and upsets upend the rankings

Even while the triumphs of Kansas and Auburn grabbed headlines, not all of the top-ranked teams were spared. New Mexico defeated UCLA, which was rated No. 22, 72-64. To make the early season even more unpredictable, No. In their season debut, Texas A&M was defeated 64-61 by UCF.

After upsetting Texas 80-72, Ohio State also made a compelling argument for participation in the rankings. The Longhorns are predicted to fall out of the rankings, and Ohio State is predicted to move into the Top 25 as a result of this victory and other early-season outcomes.

After the first week of the 2024–25 college basketball season, the projected top 25

After the games from November 4–10, the updated AP Top 25 rankings should look like this:

1. The state of Kansas.

After surviving an exciting victory over North Carolina, Kansas cemented its place at the top of the rankings. The Jayhawks demonstrated their talent and tenacity, particularly in the form of Hunter Dickinson, even though they were unable to stop the Tar Heels’ comeback. In the early part of the season, Kansas is still the team to beat.

2. Alabama

With convincing victories over Arkansas State and UNC Asheville, Alabama held onto its No. 2 ranking. The Crimson Tide will want to maintain this momentum in the coming weeks because of their potent offense and depth, which make them a viable contender.

3. The University of Connecticut

UConn, the reigning champs, defeated Sacred Heart and New Hampshire with ease, continuing their winning ways. The Maui Invitational later this month will be the first of several difficult tests that will test the Huskies’ current ranking of No. 3.

4. Auburn

Among the more noteworthy events of the week is Auburn’s ascent to No. 4. The Tigers made a significant statement about their potential this season when they shocked Houston with a 74-69 victory. In addition to moving Auburn up the rankings, this win places them among the best collegiate basketball teams.

5. Gonzaga

Gonzaga easily defeated Baylor 101-63 in their season opener, making an outstanding start. With a strong defense and a well-rounded offensive attack, the Bulldogs appeared to be among the best teams in the nation. They are probably going to keep moving up the rankings.

6. Iowa State

Iowa State kicked off the season with an 83-44 victory over Mississippi Valley State. even if Gonzaga’s victory over Baylor will probably move them up.

7. Duke

Duke took care of business early on with victories over Army and Maine. Their upcoming games against Kentucky, Arizona, Kansas, and Auburn will present their true challenges. Their ranking will probably be significantly impacted by these games.

8. Houston

Houston is still in the Top 10 even after losing to Auburn. The Cougars’ 57-point victory over Jackson State earlier in the week demonstrated that they are still among the best teams in the nation. Houston should continue to be ranked well because their only loss against Auburn was a close one.

9. Arizona

Arizona’s offense was in full swing, as they defeated Old Dominion and Canisius to start the season. Arizona can climb even higher in the rankings with their upcoming matchup against Wisconsin in Madison.

10. Tennessee

Tennessee defeated the Cardinals 77-55 on the road to start the season, and they also defeated Gardner-Webb and Louisville. The Vols are still getting used to life without All-American guard Dalton Knecht, but their strong start will probably put them in the Top 10 the following week.

Unexpected outcomes and their effect on the rankings

A number of lower-ranked teams performed well in addition to the top-tier clubs. For instance, Creighton jumped up the rankings after Ryan Kalkbrenner scored 49 points in a decisive victory over UT-Rio Grande Valley. Indiana also made a statement by defeating Eastern Illinois 90-55 thanks to a strong second half performance.

Conversely, after losing to unranked opponents, teams like Texas A&M and Arkansas are predicted to fall in the rankings, but they are still included because of their high preseason expectations.

New Personas Join the Rankings

After impressive performances, Ohio State and New Mexico, two teams that weren’t in the preseason Top 25, are predicted to rise in the rankings. New Mexico’s victory over UCLA established them as a team to watch in the Mountain West Conference, while Ohio State’s victory over Texas was a major upset.

Ohio State (NR)

After pulling off an 80-72 upset against Texas, Ohio State is expected to make its debut in the Top 25. The Buckeyes’ victory over a highly regarded Texas team has cemented their status as a major power in the Big Ten.

New Mexico (NR)

New Mexico has won a place in the standings after defeating UCLA 72-64. With this win, they solidify their position as one of the Mountain West’s best teams and establish themselves as a team to watch this season.

Early in the 2024–25 college basketball season, there have been a lot of unexpected games, upsets, and exciting performances. The rankings have changed as a result of Auburn’s ascent to the Top 5, Kansas’ close win over North Carolina, and surprising performances from teams like Ohio State and New Mexico. The college basketball scene will continue to change as a result of the upcoming difficulties, and these rankings will probably change even more as the season goes on.