College basketball rankings spotlight Auburn and Tennessee at the forefront, showcasing their impressive performances as the 2025 season unfolds. As conference play intensifies, teams are gearing up for the critical stretch leading to March Madness.
The next two months promise to be a thrilling ride, with recent standout performances shaking up the latest rankings. Fans witnessed significant shifts as teams made bold statements on the court, setting the stage for a highly competitive season.
Before diving into the rankings, one key observation stands out:
The SEC leads the charge in college basketball, while the depth of the Big Ten remains impressive.
This week’s Top 25 features seven teams from the Big Ten, with Brad Underwood’s Illinois making headlines after a remarkable 109-77 victory against Oregon. This win not only showcased their talent but also solidified their position among the elite teams in the nation.
Now, let’s delve into the rankings!
1. Auburn (13-1)
Auburn retains its top position due to a stellar overall performance, boasting the highest offense according to KenPom and a top-15 defense. The Tigers are led by Johni Broome, a frontrunner for national player of the year. Under the guidance of Bruce Pearl, who recently tied Joel Eaves for the most wins in Auburn men’s basketball history, the team secured an 84-68 win over Missouri. Broome’s contribution of 24 points and seven rebounds exemplifies the team’s balanced attack.
2. Tennessee (14-0)
Tennessee kicked off SEC play with a commanding 76-52 victory over Arkansas, showcasing their dominance. Coach Rick Barnes has successfully integrated transfer Chaz Lanier, who scored 29 points in the latest game. With a significant rebounding advantage, the Volunteers continue to impress.
3. Iowa State (12-1)
Iowa State, having reached the Sweet 16 last year, has proven their worth as a top contender this season. With a current record of 12-1, they continue to dominate the Big 12, recently defeating Baylor 74-55. Keshon Gilbert’s performance, including 16 points and 10 rebounds, highlights the team’s growth.
4. Duke (12-2)
Duke’s recent victory over SMU, with a score of 89-62, marks their eighth consecutive win. Cooper Flagg led the charge with 24 points, showcasing the Blue Devils’ potential as a top seed come Selection Sunday.
5. Alabama (12-2)
Alabama made headlines by ending Oklahoma’s perfect season with a decisive 107-79 victory. The Crimson Tide’s defense proved formidable, limiting key players and showcasing their championship potential.
6. Marquette (13-2)
Marquette’s impressive run under Shaka Smart includes victories over notable teams. With a 4-0 start in Big East play, they continue to demonstrate their strength, led by standout performances from Kam Jones and Stevie Mitchell.
7. Kentucky (12-2)
Kentucky made a powerful statement in SEC play, defeating Florida 106-100. The Wildcats, under Mark Pope, showcased a new offensive strategy that has revitalized their gameplay.
8. Houston (10-3)
Houston remains a strong contender, ranking high in both Torvik and KenPom. Despite recent close losses, their offensive progress is evident, highlighted by a recent 86-55 win over BYU.
9. Florida (13-1)
10. Illinois (11-3)
Illinois emerged as a significant player this week, achieving a historic 32-point victory over Oregon, the largest margin ever for a road team against an AP Top 10 opponent. With standout performances from Tre White and Ben Humrichous, they solidified their status as a top team in the Big Ten.
11. Texas A&M (12-2)
12. UConn (12-3)
13. Michigan State (12-2)
14. Mississippi State (13-1)
15. Memphis (12-3)
16. Kansas (10-3)
17. Oklahoma (13-1)
18. Ole Miss (12-2)
19. West Virginia (11-2)
20. Oregon (13-2)
21. Gonzaga (12-4)
22. Purdue (11-4)
23. Michigan (11-3)
24. Nebraska (12-2)
25. Utah State (14-1)
