College Basketball Rankings: Predicting final AP Poll Top 25 after NCAA Tournament

The college basketball season is over and the AP Poll Top 25 takes one last chance to rank the best teams in the country after the NCAA Tournament concludes. After watching UConn cut down the nets as national champions for a second straight season, there is a clear No. 1 to close out 2023-24.

Trying to predict how the voters will view each win and loss leads to a shuffled up version of the Top 25, with some movement in the middle and plenty of intersecting resumes. After the NCAA Tournament, the 25 teams are sure to include mostly those which made a deep run.

Each team in the Top 25 must hit restart now as coaches prepare to rebuild their roster on the recruiting trail and through the transfer portal. The offseason promises to shake things up plenty.

Here is how I think the final AP Top 25 of the 2023-24 season will look on Apr. 9:

1. UConn (Last update: 1)

UConn closed out the season with a national championship, making them the first back-to-back winners in over a decade. Dan Hurley’s group dominated the NCAA Tournament from start to finish with contributions from Donovan Clingan and Tristen Newton.

The Huskies will now look to rebuild the roster again in an effort to win a historic third title in three years.

2. Purdue (Last update: 3)

Purdue avenged the 2023 questions about postseason success with a Final Four run led by back-to-back National Player of the Year Zach Edey. Although it did not end with a title, the season was a massive success.

The Boilermakers will now look to replace the most unique player in the country as Matt Painter reloads for a new era.

3. Alabama (Last update: 19)

Alabama answered questions about the defense which persisted all season in the NCAA Tournament, leading to the first Final Four run in program history. The Nate Oats buyout in his new contract appears to have him locked in for the future as well.

Alabama already has recruits and commits lined up for the 2024-25 season as they look to return.

4. NC State (Last update: NR)

NC State went on a magical run from the ACC Tournament to the Final Four with nine consecutive wins to make a Final Four appearance under Kevin Keatts. In addition, DJ Burns saw his NIL value soar as the March Madness star everyone wanted.

The Wolfpack can now carry the momentum of a postseason run into the offseason by getting involved with several talented transfer targets.

5. Tennessee (Last update: 6)

Tennessee made a run to the Elite Eight under Rick Barnes, running into a Purdue team on a mission after knocking out a hot Creighton team. After emerging as a high-level scorer Dalton Knecht now appears like a fit at the next level.

Tennessee has done well to balance youth and experience across the roster under Rick Barnes, and next season will likely look the same.

6. Illinois (Last update: 10)

Illinois rode a red-hot offense to the Elite Eight, including a big win over Iowa State, before meeting UConn and exiting the NCAA Tournament. Brad Underwood has continued to elevate the program.

The Fighting Illini have shown early momentum in the transfer portal as they look to return next season.

7. Duke (Last update: 13)

Duke was able to knock off Houston in the Sweet 16 this season before falling to the Cinderella story of the postseason for a second time when NC State advanced. Under Jon Scheyer, the team remains on the cusp of success.

The Blue Devils bring in the No. 1 recruiting class in the On3 Industry rankings, with key roster decisions from others promising to shape the next season.

8. Clemson (Last update: NR)

Clemson also represented the ACC well in the NCAA Tournament and changed the narrative surrounding their season thanks to a balanced roster under Brad Brownell. After making a case the conference was underrated, the evidence was overwhelming.

The Tigers must rebuild in key areas of the roster heading into 2024-25, but could also return some important players who now have big experience.

9. Houston (Last update: 2)

Houston finished the regular season atop the Big 12 in the first season after moving from the AAC, and looked like a potential Final Four team in the NCAA Tournament before Jamal Shead went down with an injury.

The Cougars have nothing left to prove, as Kelvin Sampson promises to rebuild the roster once again into a Top 25 contender.

10. North Carolina (Last update: 5)

North Carolina earned a 1-seed this season in the NCAA Tournament behind the strong play of Armando Bacot and RJ Davis. Hubert Davis seemed to find the right mix in his third season running the program.

The Tar Heels have plenty of production to replace this offseason, including multiple starters.

Ranking 11-25

11. Iowa State (Last update: 4)
12. Arizona (Last update: 9)
13. Marquette (Last update: 8)
14. Creighton (Last update: 11)
15. Gonzaga (Last update: 18)
16. SDSU (Last update: 24)
17. Baylor (Last update: 14)
18. Auburn (Last update: 7)
19. Kansas (Last update: 17)
20. Utah State (Last update: 20)
21. Washington State (Last update: 25)
22. St. Mary’s (Last update: 15)
23. South Carolina (Last update: 16)
24. James Madison (Last update: NR)
25. BYU (Last update: 21)

Projected to drop out: Kentucky (Last update: 12), Texas Tech (Last update: 22), Wisconsin (Last update: 23)