UPDATE: The latest AP Top 25 poll has just confirmed a shocking shake-up as Houston leapfrogs Purdue to claim the No. 1 spot. Released on November 13, 2023, the new rankings reflect a dramatic first week of college basketball, with Houston earning 18 first-place votes and surpassing Purdue by a mere three points.
As the first regular-season poll, this ranking marks a significant moment for the Cougars, especially after their heart-wrenching loss to Florida in last spring’s national championship game. Houston’s dominant performances in their opening games—blowing out Lehigh and Towson by an average of 18 points—have solidified their status as the team to beat.
Meanwhile, Purdue, which entered the season ranked No. 1 for the first time in program history, faced a scare in their opening win against Oakland, barely edging them out with an 87-77 victory. Guard Foster Loyer expressed concerns about their performance, stating, “If we’re supposed to be the No. 1 team in the country, we’ve got to be better than that, and it starts at the defensive end.”
The chaos of the poll doesn’t stop there. Arizona surged up eight spots to No. 5 after defeating the reigning champions, Florida, in Las Vegas. Alabama also climbed seven places to No. 8 following a thrilling 103-96 win against St. John’s at Madison Square Garden. The losses by Florida, St. John’s, and Kansas resulted in significant drops, with Florida falling to No. 10 and Kansas now sitting at No. 25.
As of now, the Southeastern Conference, Big Ten, and Big 12 each boast six ranked teams, comprising 72% of the field. The Atlantic Coast Conference and Big East follow with three each, while the West Coast Conference is represented by No. 19 Gonzaga.
Looking ahead, keep an eye on Indiana, whose new coach Darian DeVries aims for a quick turnaround after impressive wins against Alabama A&M and Marquette. With upcoming games against Milwaukee and Incarnate Word, the Hoosiers could soon find themselves breaking into the rankings if the early-season turmoil continues.
Stay tuned as this season unfolds, bringing with it the potential for more upsets and shifts in the rankings. As college basketball heats up, fans will be eagerly watching these teams battle for supremacy.