Coaches Poll Top 25 College Basketball Rankings released after Week 3

The USA TODAY Coaches Poll Top 25 has been updated following an exhilarating third week for the 2024-2025 men’s college basketball season.

A couple of fascinating games took center stage this past week, including many teams taking a trip to the Bahamas for some action, where Tennessee had a tremendous time. This week brings some incredible action as well, with The Maui Invitational and the Players Era Festival taking place in Las Vegas on the docket.

With that in mind, the sport’s brightest coaching minds put their brains together to come up with some rankings after Week 3. Check out the Top 25 below, and see if your team made the cut following the second week of a new campaign.

1. Kansas

Kansas advanced to 4-0 with a win over UNC Wilmington last Tuesday. They enjoy a couple of days off, ahead of a huge matchup this week against Duke.

The Jayhawks haven’t done anything to convince anyone they’re not the best team in the nation. They’ll be hoping to keep the good times rolling against the Blue Devils on Tuesday night.

2. Connecticut

Connecticut took care of business against East Texas A&M last Tuesday. They then enjoy a nice break from the hardwood, as their return to action will take place on Monday night against Memphis.

Both teams are 4-0, so it should be a fascinating battle in Maui. The Huskies will be expected to win, but the Tigers won’t be a pushover.

3. Auburn

Auburn defeated North Alabama last Monday, and then they took some time to themselves. The Tigers didn’t play again last week, but they’re still 4-0 and looking like one of the top teams in the nation.

That sentiment will be put to the test on Monday. Auburn will face Iowa Sate in Maui, and somebody will be delivered their first loss of the 2024 campaign.

4. Gonzaga

Gonzaga advanced to 5-0 last week due to a win over Long Beach State. They took the weekend off, and they’re ready to get back into action this week.

The Bulldogs will face West Virginia on Wednesday. That one will take place in the Bahamas, as Gonzaga looks to notch another solid dub for their resume.

5. Iowa State

Iowa State defeated IU Indy last Monday, advancing to 3-0. They haven’t been tested much this season, but they’re still one of the top teams in the nation.

Auburn is on the docket for Monday night. That’ll certainly be the Cyclones’ biggest game yet, and whoever wins will certainly boost their resume.

6. Tennessee (+3)

Tennessee had an awesome week. The Volunteers defeated Virginia and Baylor, and it’s evident they’re having a good time in the Bahamas.

They’ll return home at 6-0 and looking to continue building out their resume. A date with UT Martin is up next, taking place in Knoxville on Wednesday night. 

7. Houston (+1)

Houston had a fun week, as they won their only game on Friday against Hofstra. They’re now 4-1 on the season, as they enter a tough portion of their schedule.

First, the Cougars will play Alabama on Tuesday in Las Vegas. Then, a showdown with Notre Dame will take place on Thursday at 12:30 a.m. in Sin City, as well.

8. Kentucky (+3)

Kentucky got two wins last week, beating Lipscomb and Jackson State. They’re now 5-0 on the season and looking for more, and opportunity will arise this week.

The Wildcats will face Western Kentucky on Tuesday, and then Georgia State on Friday. It’s a chance for two more wins, and Kentucky will have to take advantage.

9. Alabama (-2)

Alabama notched a huge win last week over Illinois. It was a much needed boost to their confidence, after their loss to Purdue earlier this season.

The Crimson Tide can continue boosting their resume this week. They’ll face Houston on Tuesday, and Rutgers on Wednesday in Las Vegas.

10. Duke

Duke bounced back after a tough loss to Kentucky the week prior with two wins. First, they defeated Wofford last Saturday, and then they traveled to Tucson, where they took care of business against Arizona this past Friday.

There’s no rest for the Blue Devils though. They’ll face No. 1 Kansas on Tuesday night, a huge matchup inside the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Coaches Poll Top 25 — Nos. 11-25:

11. Marquette (+4)
12. Purdue (-6)
13. North Carolina (-1)
14. Cincinnati (+2)
15. Indiana (+3)
16. Florida (+3)
17. Wisconsin (+8)
18. Baylor (-4)
19. Creighton (-6)
20. Texas A&M (+2)
21. Arkansas (+2)
22. Xavier (NR)
23. Arizona (-6)
24. Ole Miss (NR)
25. Pittsburgh (NR)

Schools Dropped Out: No. 20 Illinois; No. 20 St. John’s; No. 24 Texas Tech

Others Receiving Votes: BYU 60; Texas 43; Mississippi State 43; Illinois 42; St. John’s 40; Texas Tech 39; Ohio State 38; Saint Mary’s 33; Drake 23; Memphis 21; Nebraska 20; Oregon 8; Rutgers 7; Dayton 5; Michigan State 4; UCLA 3; Georgia 3; Nevada 2; Utah State 1; Penn State 1; Maryland 1; LSU 1;

As you can tell, this is where college basketball’s top coaches landed this week on their rankings. Check back next week to find out if your team made a move up the ladder in the USA TODAY Coaches Top 25 Poll, which is bound to fluctuate throughout the season.