UPDATE: Purdue University has retained its No. 1 ranking in the latest Associated Press men’s college basketball poll, while the University of Arizona has surged to No. 2 following a remarkable start to the season. This announcement comes after Purdue’s decisive 30-point victory over then-No. 15 Texas Tech in the Baha Mar Championship, solidifying their top position with 46 of 61 first-place votes.
Arizona, riding high on an impressive 5-0 record, jumped two spots to No. 2 after securing 11 first-place votes. Their rise follows a stunning win against then-No. 3 UConn and a prior victory over reigning NCAA champion Florida, showcasing their strength against ranked opponents.
The Boilermakers, now at 6-0, are demonstrating dominance on the court, having started the season with a perfect record. Their latest victory in the Bahamas not only bolstered their ranking but also highlighted their potential as championship contenders.
Meanwhile, Arizona’s climb in the rankings reflects their determination and skill, having started the season at No. 13 before rapidly ascending to No. 5 after defeating Florida and now No. 4 after overcoming UCLA.
In the latest rankings, Houston, which previously held the top spot, has slipped to No. 3, while Duke and UConn round out the top five. The Crimson Tide of Alabama have also made a notable move, rising to No. 10 after starting the season at No. 11.
The addition of No. 24 Vanderbilt and No. 25 Indiana to the poll has brought fresh energy, replacing Wisconsin and Kansas, marking the second consecutive year that the Jayhawks have fallen out of the rankings at least once. Prior to this, Kansas had maintained a strong presence in every poll since the 2009-10 season.
As teams continue to battle for positioning in this early part of the season, fans can expect thrilling matchups ahead. Keep an eye on the next games as these rankings are sure to be tested and reshuffled in the coming weeks.
Stay tuned for more updates as the college basketball landscape evolves, and witness how these teams perform under pressure in the weeks to come!
