College Basketball Rankings: Coaches Poll Top 25 updated after Week 3

The USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll has been refreshed following the third week of the season. Some massive showdowns resulted in fascinating movement throughout the Top 25.

Some intense ranked matchups shook up the Top 25 this week. Michigan State got the win over Kentucky, while Arizona bested UConn in a close showdown. Elsewhere, Alabama escaped Chicago with a win over Illinois, and Purdue continued their hot start to the season with a convincing dub over Texas Tech.

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 3. This week’s updated rankings are below.

1. Purdue

Purdue stayed unbeaten after taking down Memphis before steamrolling Texas Tech by 30 to win the Baha Mar Championship. The Boilermakers continue to show elite balance and toughness on both ends through the first three weeks of the season. 

They return home Friday to face Eastern Illinois as they look to push their record to 7–0. Senior guard Fletcher Loyer leads the way with 16.3 points per game and remains the offensive engine.

2. Houston

Houston dominated Rider in its lone game last week, winning by 46 in another suffocating defensive performance. The Cougars now head to Las Vegas for a major early-season test with Syracuse and Tennessee on back-to-back days at the Players Era Festival. 

At 5–0, they look every bit like a national title contender again. Freshman guard Kingston Flemings continues to shine with 17.4 points and 5.2 assists per game.

3. Arizona (+2)

Arizona secured one of the biggest wins of the young season, knocking off No. 3 UConn in a heavyweight battle. The Wildcats return home this week to host Denver before welcoming Norfolk State on Saturday. 

At 5–0, Arizona already has résumé wins that will matter deep into March. Senior guard Jaden Bradley has emerged as the steady force, averaging 16.8 points and 3.8 assists.

4. Duke

Duke rolled through a massive week, beating No. 24 Kansas and then cruising past Niagara and Howard in dominant fashion. The Blue Devils have looked every bit like a complete team through their 7–0 start. 

They’ll meet No. 21 Arkansas next in the CBS Sports Thanksgiving Classic. Freshman star Cameron Boozer continues to impress with 21.1 points, 9.9 rebounds and elite all-around play.

5. Louisville (+1)

Louisville continued its perfect start with a gritty win over Cincinnati, improving to 5–0 on the season. The Cardinals now head into a two-game week with matchups against Eastern Michigan and NJIT. 

Pat Kelsey’s team looks deeper and more disciplined than in years past. Veteran guard Ryan Conwell is pacing Louisville with 20.4 points per game.

6. Michigan

Michigan handled MTSU by 25 to move to 4–0 entering a major showcase week in Las Vegas. The Wolverines will face San Diego State and Auburn in back-to-back days at the Players Era Festival. 

Their balanced attack and improved defense have stood out early. Senior forward Yaxel Lendeborg leads the team with 15.0 points and 7.8 rebounds per game.

7. UConn (-4)

UConn dropped a close one to No. 4 Arizona but responded with a comfortable win over Bryant to move to 5–1. The Huskies now prepare for a massive matchup against No. 8 Illinois on Friday. 

Dan Hurley’s group remains one of the nation’s deepest and most disciplined teams. Senior forward Alex Karaban continues to anchor UConn with 14.3 points and 5.2 rebounds.

8. Florida (+1)

Florida cruised past Merrimack behind another sharp two-way performance to improve to 4–1. The Gators now get a marquee test against TCU on Thanksgiving. 

Todd Golden’s team appears ready to compete for it all again after last season. Junior forward Thomas Haugh leads the way with 17.8 points and 7.6 rebounds per contest.

9. Alabama (+2)

Alabama earned a huge bounce-back win by knocking off No. 8 Illinois in a high-scoring thriller. At 3–1, the Crimson Tide now head to Las Vegas for tough matchups against Gonzaga and UNLV. 

Nate Oats’ squad is once again playing as one of the more fun teams to watch in the nation. Sophomore guard Labaron Philon Jr. has been electric, averaging 20.5 points and 5.8 assists.

10. Gonzaga (+2)

Gonzaga kept rolling last week with a dominant 122–50 blowout over Southern Utah. Now 5–0, the Bulldogs head to Las Vegas for a major step up in competition at the Players Era Festival.

They’ll face No. 11 Alabama on Monday before turning around to play Maryland on Tuesday, a back-to-back that should offer a clearer picture of Gonzaga’s national ceiling. Senior forward Graham Ike has been the anchor so far, averaging 17.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game as one of the most reliable bigs in college basketball.

11. BYU (-1)
12. Michigan State (+6)
13. Iowa State (+1)
14. Illinois (-6)
15. St. John’s (+1)
16. Tennessee (+1)
17. North Carolina (+2)
18. Kentucky (-5)
19. UCLA (+1)
20. Texas Tech (-5)
21. Arkansas (+1)
22. NC State (NR)
23. Vanderbilt (+1)
24. Indiana (+1)
25. Auburn (NR)

Dropped Out: No. 21 Wisconsin; No. 23 Kansas

Others Receiving Votes: Wisconsin 51; Saint Mary’s 30; Baylor 27; Oregon 23; Georgetown 23; Kansas 19; Ole Miss 15; USC 11; Missouri 11; Nebraska 9; Creighton 9; Virginia 8; Utah State 6; Ohio State 6; Iowa 6; SMU 4; Clemson 4; Saint Louis 2; Butler 1