UPDATE: Purdue remains firmly entrenched at No. 1 in the latest Associated Press men’s college basketball poll, confirmed today, while Arizona has surged to No. 2 following a series of impressive victories. This major shift signifies a thrilling start to the college basketball season.
Purdue (6-0) dominated in the rankings, capturing 46 of 61 first-place votes after a resounding 30-point victory over then-No. 15 Texas Tech to clinch the Baha Mar Championship in the Bahamas on November 19, 2023. Their consistent performance cements their status as a powerhouse this season.
Arizona (5-0) has made headlines by jumping two spots to No. 2, fueled by their recent triumph over then-No. 3 UConn. This victory follows a stunning win against the reigning NCAA champion Florida and a solid performance against ranked UCLA in Los Angeles earlier this month. The Wildcats earned 11 first-place votes, showcasing their rapid ascent from a preseason rank of No. 13.
Houston, which briefly held the No. 1 position earlier this month, slipped to No. 3, making way for Arizona’s rise. Duke and UConn round out the top five, emphasizing the competitive landscape of men’s college basketball this season.
The poll also saw notable changes in the top 10, with Louisville, Michigan, Alabama, BYU, and Florida making the cut. Alabama showed significant progress, moving up from No. 11.
In a surprising twist, No. 24 Vanderbilt and No. 25 Indiana entered the rankings, replacing Wisconsin and Kansas. This marks the second consecutive year Kansas has fallen out of the poll, a striking turn for a program that had maintained a presence in nearly every ranking since the 2009-10 season.
As the college basketball season unfolds, these rankings highlight the urgency for teams to capitalize on their momentum. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the season progresses. What will the next polls reveal? Stay tuned for upcoming games that could further reshape the rankings.
This is an exciting time for college basketball, and the implications of these rankings are sure to resonate throughout the season. Share your thoughts on these developments and get ready for another thrilling week of action.