College Basketball Rankings: Tennessee Grabs No. 1 in AP Top 25 Poll for First Time Since 2019; Duke Moves Up

The excitement in college basketball is invigorating as the Tennessee Volunteers have ascended to the No. 1 spot in the AP Top 25 poll for the first time since February 2019. This rise comes as Kansas, who previously held the top ranking, faced a tumultuous week with two significant losses. This development also highlights Duke’s positive movement up the rankings, underscoring the dynamic nature of this season’s competition.

The Rise of Tennessee Volunteers

The Volunteers’ journey to the top of the rankings has been nothing short of remarkable. Currently boasting an 8-0 record, Tennessee leapfrogged from the No. 3 position to lead the pack. This marks the sixth time in history that Tennessee has been ranked No. 1.

• With victories over significant teams like Louisville, Virginia, Baylor, and most recently Syracuse, Coach Rick Barnes has orchestrated an impressive season start.
• Tennessee holds the No. 2 defense and No. 9 offense in adjusted efficiency ratings at KenPom.com.
• Their scoring margin stands at +26.8 ppg, the highest among all 364 Division I teams.

Impact on AP Poll Rankings

The new rankings have ushered in changes in the top 10 rankings:

• Tennessee received 58 of 62 first-place votes, cementing their top position.
• Kansas fell to No. 10 after its two defeats—a sharp drop from its preseason No. 1 status.
• New entrants into the top sector include Iowa State at No. 3 and Duke at No. 4, with Iowa State reaching its highest rank since the 1956-57 season.

AP Top 25 Rankings – Week 6

Here’s a glimpse of the current standings:

1. Tennessee (58), 8-0, 1,544 points
2. Auburn (3), 8-1, 1,438 points
3. Iowa State (1), 7-1, 1,424 points
4. Duke, 7-2, 1,295 points
5. Kentucky, 8-1, 1,284 points
6. Marquette, 9-1, 1,274 points
7. Alabama, 7-2, 1,126 points
8. Gonzaga, 7-2, 1,082 points
9. Florida, 9-0, 1,030 points
10. Kansas, 7-2, 940 points
11. …

Historical Context and Predictions

The current rankings carry historical significance. Since 2004, all national champions have been ranked within the top 12 of the Week 6 AP Top 25. This season’s top contenders, according to this trend, include:

• Tennessee
• Auburn
• Iowa State
• Duke
• Kentucky
• Marquette
• Alabama
• Gonzaga
• Florida
• Kansas
• Purdue
• Oregon

Auburn’s Resilience and Goodwill

Auburn managed to maintain its No. 2 ranking despite a road loss to Duke, illustrating the team’s resilience and the goodwill it has amassed, thanks in part to a strong performance throughout the season, including a notable Maui Invitational title win.

Looking Ahead

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the contenders and how they adjust to the pressures of maintaining their positions or striving for a climb. The unpredictability of college basketball remains a staple, promising a thrilling ride for teams and fans alike.

Key Stories and Developments

Stay updated with the latest college basketball narratives:

• AJ Dybantsa’s College Decision
• Minnesota vs. Indiana: Odds and Predictions
• Aaron Bradshaw Returns to Ohio State
• WCBB Freshmen Tracker: UConn’s Sarah Strong
• Tennessee Ends Drought in WCBB Rankings

The season promises more shifts and surprises as teams continue to vie for supremacy.

Source: https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/college-basketball-rankings-tennessee-grabs-no-1-in-ap-top-25-poll-for-first-time-since-2019-duke-moves-up/