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College basketball rankings: Significant upsets bring change to CBS Sports Top 25 and 1

IMG_0985by:Griffin McVeighabout 9 hours

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Chris Jans, Mississippi State | Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
(Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images) Mississippi State head coach Chris Jans yells to Mississippi State's Josh Hubbard (12) during a men’s college basketball game between Tennessee and Mississippi State at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025.

College basketball changes on a nightly basis, with Tuesday being the latest example. A few upsets and big results took place across the country. Purdue took a rare home loss against Ohio State, while Tennessee took care of business against Mississippi State.

As a result, CBS Sports had to update their top 25 and 1. The list was revealed on Wednesday morning by Gary Parish. To no surprise, the SEC continues to dominate throughout but specifically in the top 10.

More action will take place on Wednesday, potentially causing for some additional movement in the top 25. But for now, here is the latest from CBS Sports.

1. Auburn Tigers

Two games with no Johni Broome, no problem thus far for Auburn. The Tigers have performed quite well even without their star man and remain at the No. 1 overall spot.

A midweek break will be welcomed by Bruce Pearl before facing off against his old program, Tennessee, on Saturday. Auburn continues to set the pace in college basketball.

2. Duke Blue Devils

Cooper Flagg
Photo by Rob Kinnan / USA TODAY Sports

If anybody right now can push for the top spot, it’s Duke. Although, the Blue Devils have not been tested in a while due to the ACC being down.

Saturday’s game against Wake Forest is a Quad 1 opportunity for now as the Demon Deacons are No. 74 in the NET rankings. There is still no doubt about the ability Duke has to compete for a national championship.

3. Iowa State Cyclones

Just as they are in the AP poll, Iowa State is No. 3 in the CBS Sports top 25 and 1. Through seven Big 12 games, just one blemish is on the resume. Almost everything else has been quite dominant.

The ultimate goal for Iowa State will be to earn a one-seed in the NCAA Tournament. So far, so good as one of the top four teams in late January.

4. Alabama Crimson Tide

Nate Oats wanted to make sure his team built on momentum following a win against Kentucky, facing Vanderbilt at home. Although he was not a fan of the second-half defensive effort, the job from Tuscaloosa got done.

Saturday against LSU will be a Quad 2 game but then that is it. The final 11 games for the Crimson Tide are currently considered Quad 1, having a brutal closing stretch.

5. Florida Gators

Florida Gators head coach Todd Golden talks to his assistants during the second half against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Bud Walton Arena. Florida won 71-63. (Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images)
(Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images)

SEC play has been a bit of a roller coaster to Florida, currently sporting a 3-2 record. Wednesday night presents a road matchup against South Carolina — one of two SEC teams without a conference win.

Off-court issues have been a storyline for Florida this season but they have not slowed down when games come around. CBS keeps the Gators inside the top five of the top 25 and 1.

6. Tennessee Volunteers

Tennessee continued their home domination, taking down a ranked Mississippi State team on Tuesday. A nice response after being upset on Saturday by their in-state rival.

All 11 games in Knoxville have resulted in wins by at least double digits. But now, all eyes turn to Saturday’s blockbuster against Auburn at Neville Arena.

7. Kentucky Wildcats

A fifth and final SEC team inside the top 10, Kentucky will enjoy a midweek break. Coming back at Vanderbilt on Saturday, the goal for Mark Pope will be to avoid a losing streak for the first time this year.

CBS did drop Kentucky after losing to Alabama but this latest update sees them remain at No. 7. As dangerous as anybody on the offensive end, Kentucky should be able to score with anybody in the country.

8. Marquette Golden Eagles

Marquette's Kam Jones, Shaka Smart
(Brad Penner | USA TODAY Sports)

One of the consistent teams in college basketball recently has been Marquette. Shaka Smart has brought stability to the program and found a way to produce talent.

Kam Jones is just the latest as the Golden Eagles push for a second consecutive Big East regular season and tournament championship.

9. Michigan State Spartans

Michigan State has not lost since before Thanksgiving, dating back to Nov. 26. They have ripped off 11 consecutive wins, even through a tough Big Ten.

It’s been a while since Michigan State was near the sport’s top, being no higher than a seven-seed in the last four NCAA Tournaments. Things will change this year as Tom Izzo coaches his best team in a while.

10. Kansas Jayhawks (+2)

Without even playing a game on Tuesday, Kansas has moved up two spots. Losses ahead of them cleared a way to be placed inside the top 10.

Bill Self‘s team can remain there with a road win against TCU on Wednesday. Already two games behind in the Big 12 regular season title race, the Jayhawks will need to be nearly flawless the rest of the way.

CBS Sports top 25 and 1: No. 11-26

11. Oregon Ducks (+2)
12. Mississippi State Bulldogs (-2)
13. Purdue Boilermakers (-2)
14. Ole Miss Rebels
15. Illinois Fighting Illini
16. Texas A&M Aggies
17. Memphis Tigers
18. Houston Cougars
19. Michigan Wolverines
20. UConn Huskies (+2)
21. Wisconsin Badgers (-1)
22. Missouri Tigers (-1)
23. Georgia Bulldogs
24. St. John’s Red Storm
25. Louisville Cardinals
26. Texas Tech Red Raiders