College Basketball Rankings: 2024-25 Preseason AP Poll Top 25 released

The newest college basketball rankings are here as the 2024-25 Preseason AP Poll Top 25 was just released.

That’s right, it’s that time of the year where we start focusing on the hardwood. Will UConn get the three-peat or will another emerge as the dominant force this year?

Let’s dive into the first AP Poll Top 25 rankings of the 2024-25 season. 

1. Kansas

Bill Self is bringing back a Jayhawks crew that features plenty of veteran talent. Last year probably leaves a sour taste in their mouths.

Kansas lost its only game in the Big 12 Tournament and made it to the Round of 32 in the NCAA Tournament, losing to Gonzaga. Perhaps a deeper run this winter?

2. Alabama

The Crimson Tide have one of the deepest rosters in college basketball this coming season. That’s good news for Nate Oats!

Alabama was also the No. 1 team in On3’s way-too-early rankings throughout the offseason. With transfers and a top recruiting class, Alabama should emerge as a legit national title favorite throughout the year.

3. UConn

UConn is ready to three-peat this winter. After a flirtation with the Los Angeles Lakers, Dan Hurley opted to stay with the Huskies and go all in on more college basketball dominance.

Make no mistake, this team lost a lot of veterans to the NBA such as Tristen Newton, Stephon Castle and Cam Spencer. Oh yeah, Donovan Clingan. But this team can run it back with a new squad? We’d count on Hurley’s prowess to give them a chance.

4. Houston

Houston is still among the top tier of basketball teams going into the new season. It helps when you bring in a transfer like Milos Uzan from Oklahoma.

Still, they’ll have to replace a star like Jamal Shead, who’s in the NBA now. Still, a solid recruiting class to lay the foundation for the future sets this team up nicely.

5. Iowa State

The Cyclones are definitely flying under the radar. Just kidding, the voters love what Iowa State brings back this season as they are a top five team in the country!

Iowa State brought in some solid transfers and the 2024 recruiting class was highlighted by Nojus Indrusaitis. Expect them to compete in a loaded Big 12.

6. Gonzaga

Gonzaga brought in a few transfers to counteract the departures of last year’s squad. That includes Anton Watson going to the NBA.

We mentioned Scott Drew being around for a long time, how about Mark Few going into his 26th season. The Zags didn’t win the conference last year, but still made it to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. The last time they didn’t make it at least that far was 2014.

7. Duke

There was a lot of roster turnover for Duke, but this keep is still very, very talented. Let’s not forget the freshmen class coming in.

It’s led by Cooper Flagg, the top prospect in the Class of 2024. Not only was he the highest rated, he could very well be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. All eyes on the Blue Devils again.

8. Baylor

Can you believe Baylor coach Scott Drew is going into his 22nd season? Remember when Kentucky almost got him? No? Not really?

Anyway, Baylor brings in some sought after transfers, including Jeremy Roach (Duke) and Norchad Omier (Miami). Expect another deep run for the Bears this basketball season.

9. North Carolina

UNC had a lot of departures due to graduation but Hubert Davis might be set up quite nicely in his fourth season at the helm. The Tar Heels added multiple transfers, including Cade Tyson, who might be under the radar.

Coming from Belmont, he previously won MVC Freshman of the Year. He opted for this UNC squad over Tennessee. The perimeter offense should be this team’s strength this winter.

10. Arizona

Tommy Lloyd goes into Year No. 4 and the Wildcats are a preseason top 10 team. The team underwent a lot of roster transformation.

They lost a lot of transfers but added plenty of them. The big one might be Oakland’s Trey Townsend. Might want to watch out for the forward!

Basketball AP Poll Top 25 preseason rankings

11. Auburn
12. Tennessee
13. Texas A&M
14. Purdue
15. Creighton
16. Arkansas
17. Indiana
18. Marquette
19. Texas
20. Cincinnati
21. Florida
22. UCLA
23. Kentucky
24. Ole Miss
25. Rutgers

Others receiving votes in AP Poll: Illinois 92, St. John’s 91, Xavier 73, Texas Tech 58, Wake Forest 37, Kansas St 30, Michigan St. 29, Ohio St. 29, Michigan 19, BYU 14, Oregon 12, McNeese St. 11, Miami 11, Boise St. 9, Saint Louis 9, Clemson 9, Providence 9, Mississippi St. 6, VCU 6, Wisconsin 5, Saint Mary’s 5, Louisville 4, UAB 4, Ark Little Rock 3, Grand Canyon 3, Arizona St 2, San Diego St. 2, Princeton 2, High Point 1, Maryland 1.