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College Basketball Rankings: Coaches Poll Top 25 updated after Week 1

Stephen Samraby: Steve Samra11 hours agoSamraSource
CBB Coaches Poll AFI, Basketball
(On3)

The USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll has been refreshed following the opening week of the season. After a long and restless offseason, college basketball made its much-anticipated return, and it didn’t disappoint.

While there weren’t any seismic upsets, several marquee matchups highlighted the weekend slate. North Carolina took down Kansas, Alabama prevailed over St. John’s, and Michigan State outlasted Arkansas in a trio of tightly contested showdowns that set the tone for the weeks ahead.

With early statements already being made across the country, the Coaches Poll Top 25 is certain to see plenty of movement as the season unfolds. For now, here’s how things stack up after Week 1. This week’s updated rankings are below.

1. Purdue

Purdue opened the season with a pair of commanding wins over Evansville and Oakland, looking every bit like a top-ranked contender. Fletcher Loyer stole the show in the opener, dropping 30 points to pace the Boilermakers’ offense. 

Matt Painter’s squad looked crisp on both ends, moving the ball fluidly while showing off improved depth. The real test comes this week, when Purdue meets Alabama before returning home to face Akron.

2. Houston

Houston
(Troy Taormina-Imagn Images)

Houston’s defense and discipline were on full display as the Cougars rolled past Lehigh and Towson to start 2-0. Emmanuel Sharp has been the early spark, averaging 16.5 points per game, providing steady scoring. 

The Cougars’ veteran core has meshed well with their newcomers, showing the makings of another elite Kelvin Sampson group. Houston now has an interesting week, heading to Birmingham for a game against Auburn.

3. UConn (+1)

Bobby Hurley’s bunch began their title chase with decisive victories over New Haven and UMass Lowell. Tarris Reed Jr. has wasted no time asserting himself, averaging 20 points and giving the Huskies a strong post presence. 

UConn’s balance and unselfishness have once again made them a nightmare for opposing defenses. They’ll host Columbia next before clashing with BYU in the Hall of Fame Series in Boston.

4. Duke (+1)

Duke opened its campaign with a signature win over Texas in the Dick Vitale Invitational, followed by a dominant showing against Western Carolina. Cameron Boozer has quickly emerged as the go-to option, averaging 20 points and flashing his elite potential.

Jon Scheyer’s young group has already shown poise in close moments and chemistry beyond its years. The Blue Devils will try to stay unbeaten with matchups against Army and Indiana State this week.

5. Michigan (+2)

May, Michigan
(Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images)

Michigan started the season in explosive fashion, dismantling Oakland 121-78 in its lone game of the week. Standout Morez Johnson Jr. made an instant impact, pouring in 24 points to lead a balanced offensive attack. 

The Wolverines have showcased some early strengths on offense under their retooled lineup. They’ll look to keep the hot shooting going as they face Wake Forest and TCU this week.

6. Arizona (+7)

Arizona made an early statement by defeating Florida in Las Vegas, then took care of business against Utah Tech to improve to 2-0. Koa Peat has been electric, averaging 24 points per game and showcasing his all-around offensive arsenal. 

The Wildcats’ offense has caused major problems for opponents through the first week. They’ll look to keep that momentum rolling against Northern Arizona and UCLA in the Hall of Fame Series – Los Angeles.

7. BYU (+1)

BYU delivered one of the more impressive opening weeks in the Top 25, defeating Villanova in Las Vegas before rolling over Holy Cross. Star AJ Dybantsa looks as advertised, averaging 19 points and seven rebounds to lead the Cougars’ balanced attack.

Kevin Young’s team has blended energy and execution with a poise that bodes well moving forward. BYU will face Delaware before a marquee test against UConn in the Hall of Fame Series – Boston.

8. Kentucky (+1)

kentucky
(Jordan Prather-Imagn Images)

Kentucky is off to a roaring start. The Wildcats won both of their first two games against Nicholls and Valparisio. Collin Chandler has been impressive, averaging 14.5 points.

There’s a huge game on the docket for the Wildcats this week. Kentucky will face Louisville on Tuesday evening.

9. Alabama (+7)

Alabama made a strong first impression with wins over North Dakota and St. John’s, flashing offensive depth and tempo. Labaron Philon Jr. has been spectacular, averaging 23.5 points while energizing the Tide’s attack. 

Nate Oats’ team looks every bit as fast and fearless as expected. A showdown with No. 1 Purdue this week will reveal just how close Alabama is to elite form.

10. Florida (-7)

Florida bounced back from a tough loss to Arizona by cruising past North Florida to close out Week 1. Thomas Haugh continues to anchor the Gators offensively, averaging 19.5 points and providing much-needed consistency. 

Todd Golden’s team has shown flashes of its ceiling but still has room to grow defensively. They’ll get two in-state rivalry tests this week, facing Florida State and Miami in the Jacksonville Hoops Showdown.

11. Texas Tech
12. Louisville
13. St. John’s
14. Illinois
15. UCLA
16. Iowa State
17. Michigan State
18. Tennessee
19. Gonzaga
20. North Carolina
21. Arkansas
22. Wisconsin
23. Creighton
24. Kansas
25. Auburn

Others Receiving Votes: Vanderbilt 31; Oregon 26; Baylor 25; Indiana 24; North Carolina State 23; Virginia 14; San Diego State 10; Ole Miss 8; USC 6; Missouri 5; Georgetown 5; Clemson 5; Saint Mary’s 4; Georgia 4; Iowa 3; Ohio State 2; Texas 1; Kansas State 1