College Basketball Rankings: Predicting the AP Poll Top 25 as conference play hits full swing

The AP Poll Top 25 will get its first update in 2025, taking into account the last non-conference matchups for many teams and the first conference action for others. At this pivotal turn in the calendar and schedule, there is plenty to unpack.

Marquee matchups across college basketball this weekend kicked off conference play strong and promise to shake up the rankings ahead of the next week.

As the full conference slate begins for conferences across the country, here is a predictive look at what the 2024-25 AP Poll Top 25 could look like on the last Monday before the calendar flips.

Predicted AP Poll Top 25

1. Tennessee (Last Week: 1)

Tennessee becomes the last unbeaten team in college basketball after seeing a pair of SEC foes drop games in conference play. Wins over Norfolk State and Arkansas guaranteed the Volunteers would remain on top of the Top 25.

2. Auburn (Last Week: 2)

Auburn picked up a pair of wins this week, first finishing the non-conference slate against Monmouth. The Tigers’ opening game in SEC play was also a success against Missouri.

3. Iowa State (Last Week: 3)

Iowa State started conference play in the Big 12 against Colorado and Baylor, winning both matchups in convincing fashion.

4. Duke (Last Week: 4)

In their first two ACC games, Duke picked up dominant wins over Virginia Tech and SMU. Even with Jon Scheyer unable to travel over the weekend, the success keeps coming.

5. Alabama (Last Week: 5)

Alabama played just one game over the past week, beating Oklahoma at home. The dominant performance against a top-ranked opponent showcased the Crimson Tide is closing in on full form.

6. Kentucky (Last Week: 10)

Kentucky picked up the biggest win of the weekend, knocking off Florida in a Top 10 matchup between high-level SEC teams. The Wildcats also beat Brown to close the non-conference schedule.

7. Marquette (Last Week: 8)

Marquette picked up two more Big East wins, starting with a blowout win against Providence. They also knocked off Creighton to start the New Year.

8. Florida (Last Week: 6)

Despite losing its only matchup of the week, Florida promises to not drop far in the Top 25. The Gators first loss came on the road in an anticipated game against Kentucky.

9. UConn (Last Week: 11)

UConn picked up Big East wins against DePaul and Providence over the past week, continuing their rise to form. The Huskies now look to crack the Top 10 once again after losses from other teams.

10. Texas A&M (Last Week: 13)

In the only game of the week, Texas A&M started conference play with a big-time rivalry win against Texas. The Aggies have found a rhythm which could continue their rise toward the top of the rankings.

Predicting 11-25

11. Kansas (Last Week: 7)
12. Houston (Last Week: 14)
13. Mississippi State (Last Week: 17)
14. Oregon (Last Week: 9)
15. Oklahoma (Last Week: 12)
16. Michigan State (Last Week: 18)
17. Gonzaga (Last Week: 19)
18. Illinois (Last Week: 22)
19. Purdue (Last Week: 20)
20. UCLA (Last Week: 15)
21. Memphis (Last Week 21)
22. Ole Miss (Last Week: 24)
23. Michigan (Last Week: NR)
24. West Virginia (Last Week: NR)
25. Utah State (Last Week: NR)

Projected to drop out: Cincinnati (Last Week: 16), Arkansas (Last Week: 24), Baylor (Last Week: 25)