College Basketball Rankings: Predicting the AP Poll Top 25 after chaotic Saturday

The AP Poll Top 25 gets another key update this week after a slow week of games thanks to exam week at a number of schools. However, the weekend still delivered with some chaotic results sure to change the rankings.

Arkansas put itself back in the conversation for a spot in the Top 25 by knocking off Michigan, while UConn continued their resurgence by knocking off Gonzaga to ensure another rise back toward the top of the rankings.

As December play continues into the holiday season, here is a predictive look at what the 2024-25 AP Poll Top 25 could look like on Monday.

Predicted AP Poll Top 25

1. Tennessee (Last Week: 1)

Tennessee remains No. 1 in the projected AP Poll Top 25 after winning two more games, including their biggest test so far against Illinois which came down to the buzzer.

2. Auburn (Last Week: 2)

Auburn looked dominant once again in their neutral site matchup against Ohio State on Saturday, putting the contest away early before cruising through the second half.

3. Iowa State (Last Week: 3)

Iowa State also held serve this week, picking up a rivalry win against Iowa to help build the non-conference resume and build the case for the Big 12 against the Big Ten.

4. Duke (Last Week: 4)

Duke won its only game of the week in a dominant effort against Incarnate Word, which did not require much effort beyond the base talent of the players on the roster.

5. Kentucky (Last Week: 5)

Kentucky was among the few teams to play multiple games this week, including a rivalry win against Louisville which only further ingratiated Mark Pope to the fanbase.

6. Alabama (Last Week: 7)

Alabama picked up a “rivalry” win against Creighton, which has becoming a valuable part of the schedule for fans and also gave a first glimpse at Chris Youngblood.

7. Florida (Last Week: 9)

Florida continues a steady rise up the Top 25 rankings with another convincing win against Arizona State, showcasing the talent and depth of the roster.

8. Kansas (Last Week: 10)

Kansas picked up a win against NC State, which did not require much strain but will again help the Big 12 in its case against other conferences like the ACC.

9. Oregon (Last Week: 12)

Oregon continues to rattle off wins and improve their standing in the AP Poll while others around them drop down, allowing them back into the Top 10.

10. Oklahoma (Last Week: 13)

Oklahoma moved up in the rankings thanks in part due to a rivalry win against Oklahoma State, also benefitting from losses around them in the Top 25.

Predicting 11-25

11. Marquette (Last Week: 6)
12. Houston (Last Week: 15)
13. Gonzaga (Last Week: 8)
14. Texas A&M (Last Week: 17)
15. UConn (Last Week: 18)
16. Purdue (Last Week:11)
17. Ole Miss (Last Week: 19)
18. Arkansas (Last Week: NR)
19. Michigan (Last Week: 14)
20. Cincinnati (Last Week: 22)
21. Michigan State (Last Week: 21)
22. Clemson (Last Week: 16)
23. Memphis (Last Week NR)
24. SDSU (Last Week: 23)
25. UCLA (Last Week: 24)

Projected to drop out: Wisconsin (Last Week: 20), Mississippi State (Last Week: 25)