The USA TODAY Coaches Poll Top 25: A Week of College Basketball Action

Nov 18, 2024 at 5:57 PM
The 2024-2025 men's college basketball season has witnessed an intoxicating second week, and the USA TODAY Coaches Poll Top 25 has been updated accordingly. This week's edition was shaken up by a couple of huge games. Duke faced a setback against Kentucky on Tuesday, while Friday brought sustained destruction as Purdue defeated Alabama and Arizona lost to Wisconsin. With the sport's brightest coaching minds coming together, let's take a look at the updated Top 25 and see if your team made the cut.

Uncover the Latest in College Basketball Rankings

Kansas: The Reigning Top Team

The Jayhawks continued their dominance by defeating Michigan State during the State Farm Champions Classic and advancing to 3-0. Their next game on Saturday night is against a 1-2 Oakland team, followed by a clash with UNC Wilmington on Tuesday in Lawrence. This team's consistent performance has them firmly at the top.

Kansas has a rich history in college basketball and is known for producing exceptional talent. Their ability to handle tough opponents and maintain their winning streak is a testament to the coaching staff's expertise. The players on this team are highly motivated and play with a sense of purpose, which is evident in their on-court performances.

Looking ahead, Kansas will face some challenging games in the coming weeks. But with their current form, they are well-prepared to continue their winning ways and defend their top spot in the rankings.

Connecticut: A Top Contender

As expected, Connecticut remains one of the top teams in the country. They secured a 41-point win over Le Moyne on Wednesday evening and are now 3-9. Their next contest will be against East Texas A&M on Tuesday inside Gampel Pavilion.

Connecticut has a long-standing reputation for excellence in college basketball. The team is known for its strong defense and disciplined play. The coaching staff has done an excellent job of developing the players and instilling a winning mentality in them.

Despite their recent wins and losses, Connecticut remains a force to be reckoned with. They have the talent and experience to make a deep run in the tournament and compete for a national championship.

Auburn: On the Rise

Auburn continued their climb up the rankings with a victory over Kent State on Wednesday and advanced to 3-0 on the season. Their next challenge is a Monday showdown with North Alabama inside Neville Arena.

Auburn has shown great potential this season. The team is playing with confidence and is starting to gel together. The coaching staff has implemented a solid game plan that has helped the players perform at their best.

With their undefeated record in November, Auburn is looking to build on their success and continue their upward trajectory in the rankings. They will face some tough opponents in the coming weeks, but if they can maintain their focus and play with the same intensity, they have a good chance of making a statement in the college basketball world.

Gonzaga: Consistent Start

Gonzaga continued their consistent start to the 2024-25 campaign with a dominant win over UMass Lowell by over 50 points on Friday evening. However, the schedule will tighten up at the end of the month, and they have a tough contest against San Diego State on Monday.

Gonzaga is known for its high-scoring offense and strong team chemistry. The players on this team are highly skilled and play together seamlessly. The coaching staff has done an excellent job of creating a winning culture and instilling a sense of discipline in the players.

Despite the upcoming tough games, Gonzaga is confident in their abilities and will be looking to continue their winning ways. They have the talent and experience to compete with the best teams in the country and make a deep run in the tournament.

Iowa State: A Surprise Entry

Iowa State has only played two games but has won them handily. Their last contest was a drubbing of Kansas City on Monday evening, which was enough to get them into the top five. Their next matchup is with IU Indy on Monday, followed by a clash with Auburn Tigers in Maui the following Monday.

Iowa State has a talented roster of players who are playing with a lot of energy and enthusiasm. The coaching staff has done an excellent job of developing the players and creating a winning atmosphere.

With their quick start to the season, Iowa State is looking to build on their success and make a name for themselves in college basketball. They will face some tough opponents in the coming weeks, but if they can continue to play at a high level, they have a good chance of achieving great things.

Purdue: Climbing the Ranks

Purdue climbed up the rankings with a huge win over Alabama on Friday. They sent the Crimson Tide home with a major loss and are now looking ahead to a date with Marquette on Tuesday evening.

Purdue has a strong team with a balanced offense and a solid defense. The coaching staff has done an excellent job of preparing the players for each game and making the necessary adjustments.

With their recent win over Alabama, Purdue has gained a lot of confidence and is looking to continue their upward trajectory in the rankings. They will face a tough test against Marquette, but if they can play with the same intensity, they have a good chance of coming out on top.

Houston: Rebuilding and Resurging

Houston is continuing to rebuild their resume after falling to Auburn last week. They dismantled Louisiana on Wednesday and will face Hofstra next Friday. However, the game that everyone is looking forward to is their date with Alabama on Tuesday, Nov. 26.

Houston has a talented roster of players who are working hard to improve their game. The coaching staff has implemented a new system and is focusing on developing the players' skills and teamwork.

With their recent win over Louisiana, Houston is showing signs of improvement. They will face a tough test against Alabama, but if they can play with the same intensity and determination, they have a chance to make a statement and prove that they are a force to be reckoned with.

Alabama: Bouncing Back

Alabama took a bit of a tumble due to their loss to Purdue but will have a chance to bounce back next week. They will welcome Illinois to Birmingham for a showdown in the C.M. Newton Classic on Wednesday.

Alabama is a talented team with a lot of potential. The coaching staff has been working hard to address the team's weaknesses and improve their performance.

With their next game against Illinois, Alabama will be looking to get back on track and prove that they are still a top team in the country. They have the talent and experience to compete with anyone and will be looking to make a statement in the C.M. Newton Classic.

Tennessee: Undefeated and Talented

Tennessee advanced to 3-0 with a win over Montana on Wednesday and finished the week with a victory over Austin Peay by 35 points in Knoxville. Their next challenge is a trip to the Bahamas to face the Virginia Cavaliers on Thursday evening.

Tennessee has a talented roster of players who are playing with a lot of confidence. The coaching staff has done an excellent job of developing the players and creating a winning culture.

With their undefeated record and talented players, Tennessee is one of the teams to watch in the college basketball world. They will face some tough opponents in the Bahamas, but if they can continue to play at a high level, they have a good chance of coming out on top.

Coaches Poll Top 25 — No. 11 through No. 25

11. Kentucky (+7)12. North Carolina (-1)13. Creighton14. Marquette (+1)15. Baylor (-1)16. Cincinnati (+1)17. Arizona (-9)18. Indiana (-2)19. Florida20. Illinois21. St. John’s (+4)22. Texas Tech (NR)23. Texas A&M24. Arkansas (-3)25. Wisconsin (NR)Schools Dropped Out: No. 22 Ohio State; No. 24 RutgersOthers Receiving Votes: Rutgers 56; Xavier 43; Ole Miss 39; BYU 28; Saint Mary’s 18; Pittsburgh 18; Texas 14; Michigan State 9; Mississippi State 5; Oregon 4; Nevada 4; Ohio State 3; Dayton 3; Wake Forest 2; VCU 2; UCF 2As you can see, this is where college basketball's top coaches landed this week on their rankings. Check back next week to find out if your team made a move up the ladder in the USA TODAY Coaches Top 25 Poll, which is bound to fluctuate throughout the season.