Arizona Climbs to No. 2 in AP Top 25, Purdue Holds No. 1; Kansas Drops Out of Rankings

The New Hierarchy: Arizona’s Ascent Challenges Unanimous No. 1 Purdue

The latest release of The Associated Press Men’s College Basketball Top 25 poll confirms a shift in the early-season hierarchy, driven by impressive performances and significant upsets. While the Purdue Boilermakers maintained their stronghold as the unanimous No. 1 team in the nation, the biggest story is the continued rise of the Arizona Wildcats, who leaped two spots to claim the No. 2 position.

Arizona’s move comes after a statement victory on the road against a previously ranked opponent, solidifying their status as a legitimate national title contender. The Wildcats (7-1) received a substantial increase in first-place votes from the panel of 62 national media members, though not enough to dethrone Purdue (8-0), who secured all 62 first-place votes for the third consecutive week.

This week’s poll reflects the volatility of the early season, rewarding teams that secure high-quality wins and punishing those who stumble against strong competition. The top five saw significant shuffling, setting the stage for crucial matchups in the coming weeks.

Major Movers: Alabama Cracks the Top 10

The most dramatic upward movement within the Top 10 belongs to the Alabama Crimson Tide. Following a strong run of victories, the Crimson Tide (7-1) jumped three spots to land at No. 9, marking their first appearance in the Top 10 this season. This ascent highlights the strength of the SEC early in the campaign.

Other notable climbers include the Baylor Bears, who moved up to No. 6, and the North Carolina Tar Heels, who settled at No. 8 after navigating a challenging schedule. The reshuffling of the top tier pushed the previous No. 2, the UConn Huskies, down to No. 3, despite a strong overall record, as voters favored Arizona’s recent signature win.

The Top Five Breakdown

The current Top 5 teams represent a mix of established powerhouses and surging contenders:

1. Purdue (8-0)
2. Arizona (7-1)
3. UConn (8-1)
4. Marquette (6-2)
5. Houston (7-1)

The Unranked Shock: Kansas Falls Out

Perhaps the most surprising development of the week was the complete disappearance of the Kansas Jayhawks from the AP Top 25. The Jayhawks (5-3), who began the season highly ranked and were considered a perennial contender, suffered two consecutive losses against quality opponents, resulting in their dramatic fall from the rankings entirely.

Falling out of the AP Top 25 is a rare occurrence for the Kansas program, underscoring the severity of their recent struggles and the competitive depth of college basketball this season. Their absence leaves a void in the Top 25, which was quickly filled by surging teams.

Newcomers and Re-Entries

Several teams capitalized on the upsets and drops to enter the poll, demonstrating the parity outside the Top 10:

• Oklahoma Sooners (7-0) entered the poll at No. 20, remaining undefeated and earning respect from the voters.
• Clemson Tigers (8-0) also debuted in the rankings at No. 23, rewarding their perfect start to the season.
• Gonzaga Bulldogs (6-2) re-entered the poll at No. 25 after a brief absence, securing a crucial win to regain momentum.

Conversely, the Texas Longhorns and the Colorado Buffaloes joined Kansas in dropping out of the Top 25 following recent losses, highlighting the razor-thin margin for error in the early season.

The Complete AP Top 25 Poll (Week of [Date of Poll Release in 2025])

Below is the full list of the AP Top 25 teams, reflecting the voting results from the national media panel. The rankings are based on performance through the previous week of play and include the team’s record and their ranking from the prior week (PR):

Teams dropping out: Kansas (10), Texas (20), Colorado (25).

Context and Implications for the Season

The current rankings underscore a few key narratives defining the 2024-2025 college basketball season so far. The Big Ten and the Big 12 continue to demonstrate significant depth, but the ACC and SEC are showing renewed strength, particularly with the high rankings of Arizona and Alabama.

The Purdue Standard

Purdue’s continued dominance at No. 1 is built on consistency and the performance of their veteran core. Their ability to handle pressure and deliver results against diverse competition has made them the consensus top team. However, the gap between No. 1 and No. 2 has narrowed considerably, setting up potential high-stakes matchups later in the season.

The Power of Signature Wins

Arizona’s jump is a testament to the value of a signature road win in the eyes of the voters. Early-season polls often reward teams that prove they can win away from home against quality opponents, which is a key indicator of tournament readiness. Conversely, Kansas’s steep decline illustrates how quickly perception can change after consecutive losses, regardless of historical pedigree.

Key Takeaways

• Purdue remains the undisputed No. 1, receiving all first-place votes.
• Arizona climbs to No. 2, their highest ranking of the season, following a major road victory.
• Alabama makes a significant leap, entering the Top 10 at No. 9.
• The Kansas Jayhawks dropped entirely out of the Top 25 after two losses, a rare occurrence for the program.
• Three new teams entered the poll: Oklahoma, Clemson, and Gonzaga, reflecting strong starts and recent victories.

What’s Next

With conference play rapidly approaching, the volatility seen in this week’s poll is likely to continue. Teams like Arizona and Alabama will face increased scrutiny to maintain their high rankings as they delve deeper into their conference schedules. For teams like Kansas, the focus shifts to rebuilding momentum and securing quality wins to re-enter the Top 25 before the critical stretch of the season begins. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining which teams can sustain their early success and separate themselves from the pack.