Kansas Retains No. 1 as AP Poll Sees Top 10 Shakeups; Wisconsin Cracks Rankings

Kansas continues to hold the top spot in the latest Associated Press men’s college basketball poll, while the rest of the top 10 underwent significant reshuffling following key losses by three teams. The Jayhawks earned 49 of 61 first-place votes, further solidifying their status as the team to beat this season. UConn, the defending national champions, received seven first-place votes and held steady at No. 2, with Gonzaga and Auburn following at No. 3 and No. 4, respectively. Iowa State rounded out the top five after climbing two spots.

The upheaval in the rankings began with No. 8 Alabama’s 87-78 loss to No. 6 Purdue, a result that saw the Crimson Tide drop six spots while propelling the Boilermakers up seven places. Duke and Arizona also suffered losses, further shaking up the top 10. No. 12 Duke fell six spots after a narrow 77-72 defeat to No. 9 Kentucky, a result that marked the Wildcats’ entry into the top 10 for the first time this season, with a leap of 10 spots. Arizona tumbled eight places to No. 17 following a 103-88 loss to No. 19 Wisconsin, which made its season debut in the rankings.

Kansas strengthened its hold on the top spot with wins over Michigan State and Oakland, building on its impressive opening-week victory against North Carolina. UConn continued its dominant form, routing Le Moyne 90-49 as the Huskies aim for their third consecutive national title. Gonzaga, Auburn, and Iowa State also secured comfortable wins to maintain their high rankings.

Houston rebounded from a 74-69 loss to Auburn with a resounding victory over Louisiana-Lafayette, climbing one spot to No. 7.

Wisconsin Makes Its Mark

Wisconsin’s rise to No. 19 has been one of the week’s most notable developments. After being projected to finish near the bottom of the Big Ten following last season’s upset loss to James Madison in the NCAA Tournament, the Badgers have exceeded expectations. Head coach Greg Gard bolstered his roster through key transfer portal additions, and the team has responded with a strong start to the season.

Wisconsin’s statement win came in a commanding performance against then-No. 9 Arizona. John Tonje led the charge with 41 points, just two shy of the school record, as the Badgers never trailed in the game. Gard’s passionate post-game speech reflected the team’s hunger and determination to prove doubters wrong, signaling that Wisconsin may be a contender in the Big Ten after all.

Movements In and Out of the Poll

Wisconsin wasn’t the only new entrant to the rankings this week. No. 25 Illinois joined the Badgers as a fresh face in the AP Top 25 after a 66-54 victory over Oakland. Meanwhile, Ole Miss dropped out of the rankings despite winning both its games last week against South Alabama and Colorado State. Ohio State also fell from No. 21 following a 78-64 loss to No. 23 Texas A&M.

Biggest Movers and Conference Trends

Arizona experienced the largest drop of the week, falling eight spots to No. 17 after its loss to Wisconsin. Alabama and Duke were next, each dropping six places. On the other hand, Kentucky had the most significant climb, surging 10 spots to No. 9. Purdue also made a notable jump, moving up seven spots after its impressive win over Alabama.

The Southeastern Conference continues to dominate the rankings, with seven teams represented, including Tennessee (No. 11), Arkansas (No. 20), and Florida (No. 21). The Big 12 boasts six ranked teams, followed by the Big Ten with five. The Big East claims four spots in the rankings, while the Atlantic Coast Conference and West Coast Conference have two and one, respectively.

What’s Next?

As the season progresses, the AP poll reflects the early battles for dominance among college basketball’s top programs. Kansas remains the team to beat, but the competitive shuffling in the top 10 signals a season full of challenges and surprises. With teams like Wisconsin defying preseason expectations and perennial powerhouses like Kentucky and Purdue finding their stride, the coming weeks promise to add even more drama to the college basketball landscape.