College basketball rankings saw significant shifts, with Michigan State and Duke moving up the ladder, while Tennessee experienced a slide. This past weekend was filled with road tests for several elite teams, and the heavyweights managed to navigate these challenges without facing upsets. However, a major storyline emerged surrounding the top-ranked team, Auburn. Star player Johni Broome suffered a significant ankle sprain, which coach Bruce Pearl indicated could sideline him for an extended period. Fortunately, an MRI confirmed that surgery will not be necessary, but Broome’s return remains uncertain.
Despite the setback, the Tigers managed to secure a narrow 66-63 victory over South Carolina. Tahaad Pettiford stepped up with crucial free throws, and the team made a critical defensive stop to seal the win. Now, questions linger: How long will Broome be out? Will he return to his dominant form? How will Auburn adapt without their standout player, who has been a key contributor throughout the season? With the SEC proving to be a challenging environment, the answers will come quickly as Auburn prepares to face a ranked Mississippi State team on Tuesday, followed by a visit to a formidable Georgia squad on Saturday. Broome’s situation appears manageable for now, but it remains fluid.
Auburn boasts one of the strongest backcourt units in college basketball, featuring five other players who average double figures, including Chad Baker-Mazara, Denver Jones, and Pettiford. Fifth-year senior Dylan Cardwell could step in effectively for Broome if needed. However, there’s no cause for alarm just yet for the Tigers.
Even without Broome, Auburn remains a top-10 team. His impressive averages of 17.9 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game have been pivotal in establishing the Tigers as a dominant force. While they may face challenges in his absence, there’s still strong belief in their potential to reach the Final Four in San Antonio this April. Nonetheless, Broome’s injury opens the door for potential shifts in the rankings as March Madness approaches.
Auburn wasn’t alone in overcoming tough road challenges this weekend. Iowa State showcased an exhilarating performance, with Saint Mary’s transfer Joshua Jefferson forcing overtime and ultimately leading his team to an 85-84 victory at Texas Tech. Alabama edged out Texas A&M, 94-88, thanks to an impressive 27-point effort from Mark Sears, while Tennessee rebounded from their loss to Florida with a 74-70 win against Texas.
Among the other notable stories of the week are St. John’s, which has surged back into the rankings with nine wins in their last ten games, including impressive victories over Xavier and Villanova. RJ Luis has emerged as a first-team All-Big East candidate, notching 30 points and 10 rebounds against the Wildcats. Under Rick Pitino, St. John’s stands at 14-3 and is well-positioned for the NCAA Tournament, especially if their perimeter shooting continues to improve.
Finally, Utah State, with just one loss, pulled off a thrilling comeback against Boise State, clinching victory with a last-second three-pointer from Ian Martinez. The Aggies are on their third head coach in as many years but are poised for a third consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance. Their coaching transitions, from Craig Smith to Ryan Odom, and now to Danny Sprinkle, highlight the administration’s commitment to building a strong program. A key matchup to watch is on Saturday, Feb. 1, against New Mexico, both teams currently undefeated in the Mountain West.
Now, let’s take a look at the Top 25 rankings!
1. Auburn (15-1)
While Auburn faces the challenge of playing without Broome, Tahaad Pettiford’s ongoing production is noteworthy. He has proven to be a reliable scorer, shining against some of the toughest defenses in the nation, including a 21-point outing against Houston, a 20-point game against Duke, and 18 points in the win over Purdue.
2. Iowa State (14-1)
Curtis Jones contributed 26 points in the Cyclones’ victory at Texas Tech, a game that reflects the progress made under head coach T.J. Otzelberger. The addition of Jefferson and the development of players have transformed this team. Their next challenge? A matchup against Kansas at Hilton Coliseum on Wednesday.
3. Duke (14-2)
Cooper Flagg is making headlines as a leading contender for national player of the year. His remarkable performance against Notre Dame, where he scored 42 points, solidified his status as a premier player. Flagg is on track to be the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
4. Alabama (14-2)
Mark Sears’ 27-point performance was crucial in Alabama’s recent win, showcasing the team’s depth with contributions from Chris Youngblood and Aden Holloway off the bench. Alabama will host Ole Miss on Tuesday before heading to Kentucky on Saturday.
5. Tennessee (15-1)
Zakai Zeigler continues to shine as one of the nation’s top guards, contributing 16 points and eight assists in the win against Texas. Coach Rick Barnes expressed thoughts on his leading scorer, Chaz Lanier, reflecting the evolving landscape of college basketball in the NIL era.
6. Florida (15-1)
Florida delivered a standout performance, defeating previously unbeaten Tennessee by 30 points, led by Alijah Martin’s 18 points. The Gators overcame an early deficit against Arkansas to secure a 71-63 win, demonstrating their depth and resilience.
7. Marquette (14-2)
Marquette has started strong in the Big East, boasting a 5-0 record after a 74-66 victory over Georgetown, highlighted by Chase Ross’s career-high 27 points. The Golden Eagles will face DePaul on Tuesday before hosting Xavier on Saturday.
8. Kentucky (13-3)
Kentucky finds itself at No. 8 after a mixed week, having suffered a loss to Georgia before bouncing back with a narrow win over Mississippi State. Jaxson Robinson’s 27 points and contributions from Amari Williams highlight the potential within this team, which remains a contender for San Antonio.
9. Houston (12-3)
Houston continues to dominate quietly, recently winning their eighth straight game with an 87-57 victory over Kansas State. Emanuel Sharp and Joseph Tugler are proving to be key players as they prepare to face West Virginia next.
10. Michigan State (14-2)
Michigan State is on a nine-game winning streak under Tom Izzo’s leadership, showcasing a balanced team with Jeremy Fears and Jaden Akins leading the charge. Their consistent performance suggests a strong run in the NCAA Tournament is likely.
11. Kansas (12-3)
12. Texas A&M (13-3)
13. UConn (13-4)
14. Michigan (13-3)
15. Illinois (12-4)
16. Oregon (15-2)
17. Mississippi State (14-2)
18. Memphis (13-3)
19. Ole Miss (14-2)
20. Gonzaga (14-4)
21. Georgia (14-2)
22. Purdue (13-4)
22. St. John’s (14-3)
24. Utah State (16-1)
25. Wisconsin (13-3)
