AP Poll Top 25 revealed following first week of college basketball season
After the first week of college basketball’s glorious return, the AP Top 25 Poll has been updated.
The sport wasted no time showing the world why it’s known for its tantalizing upsets. Michigan State came into the season with immense hype, but that was quelled a bit in their first game of the season, as the Spartans fell to James Madison to begin their campaign.
Additionally, a huge showdown between Arizona and Duke saw the Wildcats come out on top inside Cameron Indoor. With the first week of the season in the rearview, it’s full speed ahead from now on, and the AP Poll reflects that.
1. Kansas
The Jayhawks started their season with two blowout victories. Say what you will about the competition, Kansas took care of business and then some.
They’ll have their first true test of the season this week. Kansas will take on Kentucky on Tuesday night, a game that many will be tuned in for.
2. Purdue
Similar to Kansas, Purdue dismantled their opponents during the first week of the season. However, they have some difficult games on the schedule coming up.
First, they’ll take Xavier on Monday night. Then, they’ll face Gonzaga in the Allstate Maui Invitations next week. We’ll see how the Boilermakers fare in those clashes.
3. Arizona
Arizona had the biggest win among top teams in college basketball during the first week, defeating Duke on the road. Caleb Love took it personal against the Blue Devils, and delivered 11 points in the win.
The Wildcats will take on Southern on Monday, and then Belmont on Friday. They’ll be looking to keep their momentum rolling moving forward.
4. Marquette
Marquette handled Northern Illinois and Rider during the first week of the season. Their top test of November comes on Tuesday, where they’ll face Illinois during the Gavitt Tipoff Games.
Additionally, a clash with UCLA looms large next week. The Golden Eagles will be hoping to stack some wins and keep rocking through the first month.
5. UConn
The defending champions continued their winning ways during the first week of the season. The Huskies defeated Northern Arizona and Stonehill to begin their repeat campaign.
This week, they’ll clash with Mississippi Valley State and the Indiana Hoosiers. The latter will serve as a bigger challenge, but UConn can’t overlook anyone. They’ll have a target on their back throughout the season.
6. Houston
The Cougars began their season by taking care of business against UL Monroe and Texas A&M CC. Houston actually defeated the former by a score of 84-31, a pretty amazing feat to start the season.
This week, Houston will face Stetson and Towson. They’re not going against the sizable competition other teams are, but the Cougars remain among the top teams in the nation.
7. Tennessee
Tennessee got a big win in the first week of the season, defeating Wisconsin by ten on the road. Now, they’ll only face Wofford during Week 2 of the college basketball campaign.
Afterwards, a showdown with Syracuse, and a game against North Carolina at the end of the month are in their eyesight. We’ll see if the Vols can make it through November unscathed.
8. Creighton
The Blue Jays handed Florida A&M and North Dakota State during the first week of the season. In fact, they beat Florida A&M by a whopping 51 points in their opener.
Creighton will face Iowa as part of the Gavitt Tipoff Games on Tuesday. That’ll be a game where the Blue Jays can truly show their mettle against a good squad.
9. Duke
While Duke lost to Arizona, there’s no rest for the weary. The Blue Devils will take on Michigan State in the State Farm Champions Classic on Tuesday.
The Spartans and Blue Devils both need a win after slipping during the first week of the season. We’ll see who can get one.
10. Florida Atlantic
The darlings of March Madness last season are getting some major respect in 2023. The Owls only played one game during Week 1, and it was a win over Loyola Chicago.
They’ll face Eastern Michigan and Bryant during the second week. Florida Atlanta is proving they’re no fluke, and will be looking to stay in the top ten moving forward.
AP Poll Top 25 — 11 through 25:
11. Gonzaga
12. Miami
13. Texas A&M
14. Arkansas
15. Baylor
16. USC
17. Kentucky
18. Michigan State
19. Texas
20. North Carolina
21. Villanova
22. Alabama
23. Illinois
24. James Madison
25. Colorado
Others receiving votes: Memphis 53, Virginia 49, St. John’s 47, UCLA 36, TCU 34, San Diego St. 33, BYU 32, Saint Mary’s 20, Mississippi St. 19, Iowa St. 10, Wisconsin 6, Auburn 5, Michigan 2, Weber St. 2, Drake 1, Boise St. 1, Clemson 1.
As you can see, the AP Top 25 Poll for the first week of college basketball reflects the action we’ve seen thus far on the court. There’s bound to be a ton more movement as the season gets going, so buckle up and get ready for an awesome ride over the next couple of months. Full speed ahead.