The AP Poll Top 25 is about to change as we near the end of the regular season. The last weekend saw plenty of surprises, causing teams to shuffle up and down the rankings.
UConn and Florida both showcased strong performances this week, boosting their chances of climbing higher. On the flip side, Iowa State and Houston faced defeats, complicating their positions. New teams are entering the ranks as we approach the postseason.
As we reflect on the 18th week of college basketball, let’s explore possible outcomes for the upcoming AP Poll.
Top Teams in the AP Poll
Duke (Last Week: 1)
Duke capped off its season with wins against NC State and North Carolina, confirming their top spot. They’re now gearing up for the ACC Tournament.Arizona (Last Week: 2)
Arizona finished strong with victories over Iowa State and Colorado, maintaining its ranking as they head into the Big 12 Tournament.Michigan (Last Week: 3)
Michigan wrapped their season with wins over Iowa and Michigan State, keeping them steady in the rankings as they prepare for the Big Ten Tournament.Florida (Last Week: 5)
Florida’s impressive finish, with wins against Mississippi State and Kentucky, helped them rise in the polls. They now set their sights on the SEC Tournament.UConn (Last Week: 4)
UConn lost to Marquette in their only game of the week. They aim to regain momentum in the Big East Tournament.Houston (Last Week: 7)
With wins against Baylor and Oklahoma State, Houston looks poised to move up after a solid finish to their regular season.Iowa State (Last Week: 6)
After a loss to Arizona, Iowa State rebounded against Arizona State, giving them hope for an impactful Big 12 Tournament.Michigan State (Last Week: 8)
Michigan State won against Rutgers but lost to Michigan. They are in a good position to bounce back in the Big Ten Tournament.Illinois (Last Week: 11)
Illinois ended the season strong with wins over Oregon and Maryland. They’ll enter the Big Ten Tournament with confidence.Virginia (Last Week: 14)
Virginia’s final wins against Wake Forest and Virginia Tech increased their standings, leading into the ACC Tournament.
Mid-Range Teams
- Nebraska (Last Week: 9)
- Gonzaga (Last Week: 12)
- St. John’s (Last Week: 18)
- Texas Tech (Last Week: 10)
- Kansas (Last Week: 14)
- Purdue (Last Week: 15)
- Alabama (Last Week: 16)
- Miami (OH) (Last Week: 19)
- North Carolina (Last Week: 17)
- Arkansas (Last Week: 20)
- St. Mary’s (Last Week: 21)
- Vanderbilt (Last Week: 24)
- Louisville (Last Week: NR)
- Wisconsin (Last Week: NR)
- Miami (Last Week: 22)
Projected to Drop Out:
Tennessee (Last Week: 23), St. Louis (Last Week: 25)
As college basketball evolves, teams like Florida and UConn are demonstrating how momentum can shift quickly. The landscape is always changing, and it will be exciting to see how these teams perform in the upcoming tournaments.
Recent data shows that nearly 70% of fans are following their favorite teams closely as crunch time approaches. This season, upsets and surprises have been the norm, and the stakes are only getting higher. For the latest updates and insights, staying connected with reliable sports news, like ESPN or NCAA, can help fans keep up with the action.
