College Basketball Rankings: Predicting the AP Poll Top 25 after rivalry games in Week 2

Purdue started the preseason as the AP Poll No. 1 team in the country but then Houston surpassed them over the first week of action. Ahead of the second Top 25 reveal of the regular season, there is plenty debate over which of the teams should hold the top spot now.

Non-conference rivalry games dominated the schedule over the past seven days, providing plenty chances for Top 25 teams to matchup on the floor and shift where they stand in the rankings. Louisville, UConn and Arizona are just the start when it comes to programs building stock early this season.

After the second week of college basketball’s new season wraps up, it is time to look at how the results could impact the rankings. Here is an early projections at what Monday’s AP Poll could look like after the votes are tallied.

Predicted AP Poll Top 25

1. Purdue (Last Week: 2)

Purdue dropped from No. 1 to No. 2 last week despite a perfect start to the season, but could jump right back into the top spot this week. The Boilermakers picked up a road win against Alabama which will stack up in any comparison.

2. Houston (Last Week: 1)

Houston made a move to the top spot last week, and has not done anything in particular which would warrant a drop. However, the voters showed a willingness to shift these top teams based on the best results and even with a neutral site win over Auburn, Purdue just holds the edge.

3. UConn (Last Week 3)

UConn picked up a big win of its own this week to keep pace with the top teams, knocking off BYU on a neutral floor. The Huskies’ hot start to the season has Dan Hurley’s team right back in the mix as a team which could receive first-place votes.

4. Duke (Last Week: 4)

Duke remains unblemished this week with a pair of easy wins against inferior competition. The Blue Devils look likely to hold their spot in the rankings this week with a chance to build momentum next week.

5. Arizona (Last Week: 5)

Arizona knocked off former Pac-12 rival UCLA in a Top 25 matchup which will further help build the resume amid these top teams. Now with a pair of big wins already under the belt, the Wildcats are a force to watch.

6. Michigan (Last Week: 6)

Michigan held on for a pair of close wins against high-major competition, albeit not teams considered NCAA Tournament contenders at this time. The overtime victory over Wake Forest and late push against TCU should be enough to hold their spot.

7. Louisville (Last Week: 12)

Louisville picked up a major rivalry win this week, taking down Kentucky to set themselves up for a move up the board in the updated Top 25. The Cardinals entered the season with high expectations and look the part so far.

8. Florida (Last Week: 10)

Florida faced two Sunshine State rivalry wins in the same week, first taking down Florida State late in a tight contest. The Gators finish off the week by facing Miami on Sunday night on a neutral floor.

9. BYU (Last Week: 7)

BYU suffered its first loss of the season at the hands of UConn on a neutral floor in Boston, coming up short in a late rally attempt. The Cougars showed enough fight and got the star power boost needed to keep optimism high that they belong in these big matchups.

10. Alabama (Last Week: 8)

Alabama played just one game over the past week, falling in a home game against Purdue. The Crimson Tide remained competitive late and already bring a big win to the table from last week’s action, helping prevent a big fall in the Top 25.

Predicting 11-25

11. Kentucky (Last Week: 9)
12. St. John’s (Last Week: 13)
13. Illinois (Last Week: 14)
14. Texas Tech (Last Week: 11)
15. Iowa State (Last Week: 16)
16. Michigan State (Last Week: 17)
17. North Carolina (Last Week: 18)
18. Gonzaga (Last Week: 19)
19. UCLA (Last Week: 15)
20. Tennessee (Last Week: 20)
21. Arkansas (Last Week: 21)
22. Wisconsin (Last Week: 24)
23. Auburn (Last Week: 22)
24. Kansas (Last Week: 25)
25. Creighton (Last Week: 23)

Projected to drop out: None