AP men’s college basketball Top 25: Duke overtakes Auburn after its eight-week reign at the top

The landscape of college basketball is a dynamic and ever-shifting realm, where rankings can change from week to week based on intense competition, surprise upsets, and standout individual performances. The 2025 season has been no exception, and with conference tournaments approaching and the NCAA Tournament on the horizon, the race for the top spots has never been more thrilling. A significant shift recently occurred in the AP Men’s College Basketball rankings, as Duke University, after a commanding 82-69 victory over archrival North Carolina, overtook Auburn University to claim the No. 1 spot. This development marks a dramatic change in the top rankings, with implications that stretch beyond just the battle for supremacy this season.

Duke’s Rise to the Top: The Return of a Powerhouse

Duke’s rise back to No. 1 in the AP poll is a testament to the consistency and dominance that the program has been known for throughout the years. The Blue Devils have long been one of college basketball’s most storied programs under the leadership of Coach Mike Krzyzewski, and despite Coach K’s retirement in 2024, the program has shown no signs of slowing down under new head coach Jon Scheyer.

After starting the season strong and climbing to the top of the rankings early on, Duke maintained its dominance through most of the season, but a series of slip-ups had put Auburn in the lead for an extended period. Still, the Blue Devils’ victory over North Carolina solidified their return to the top. The win was particularly poignant, given the heated rivalry between the two schools, and it propelled Duke to claim 52 of the 61 first-place votes in the AP poll.

The Blue Devils are a well-rounded team, blending seasoned talent with rising stars. They boast a strong roster, led by veteran players who have been instrumental in guiding the program through challenging games and close contests. Among these players are some future NBA talents, whose performances have been impressive all season long. This balance of experience and raw potential is a key ingredient in Duke’s recipe for success this season.

Auburn’s Struggles: How the Tigers Fell from the Top

Auburn’s reign at No. 1 was historic, but it has now come to an end. The Tigers spent eight weeks at the top, a remarkable feat for a team that has become a force in the SEC under head coach Bruce Pearl. However, in the final stretch of the regular season, Auburn faltered, suffering back-to-back losses to Texas A&M and Alabama—two teams that are no strangers to the top of the SEC standings.

These losses not only led to Auburn’s slide down the rankings but also exposed some vulnerabilities that had previously been masked by their overall success. Despite having one of the most talented rosters in recent memory, Auburn’s struggles to maintain consistent play in critical moments have raised questions about their ability to remain at the top through the rest of the season. However, this dip should not overshadow the immense talent and competitive spirit Auburn has displayed over the course of the season, and the Tigers are still a formidable force in the postseason.

Houston’s Ascent: The Cougars Make a Case for No. 1

While Duke reclaimed its rightful place at the top, Houston has made its own push towards the No. 1 ranking. With an overall record of 27-4, the Cougars have been one of the most consistent teams in college basketball this season. Under the leadership of head coach Kelvin Sampson, Houston has cultivated a style of play that focuses on tenacious defense, efficient shooting, and smart ball movement. Houston secured five first-place votes in the latest poll, and their impressive season has made them one of the favorites heading into the postseason.

Houston’s success is particularly impressive given the competitive nature of their conference, the American Athletic Conference (AAC), which has featured several teams capable of pulling off upsets. Despite the challenges, the Cougars have remained steadfast, posting a remarkable record against both conference and non-conference opponents. With a deep roster and a veteran-laden squad, Houston is a legitimate threat for the national title.

The Top 5 and the Changing Landscape

The top five in the AP poll shows a fascinating mix of historical powerhouses and rising programs:

Duke at No. 1: A familiar face at the top, returning after an absence and looking to prove that they still have what it takes to win it all.
Houston at No. 2: A program that has ascended through steady growth, with a focus on both offense and defense.
Auburn at No. 3: Despite their recent struggles, Auburn has proven to be one of the most talented teams in the country.
Florida at No. 4: A program that has quietly built a solid record this season and is now emerging as a national contender.
Alabama at No. 5: Always a threat in the SEC, Alabama has taken a step forward this season with a balanced and well-coached squad.

This tight grouping at the top suggests a highly competitive stretch leading into March Madness, with each team bringing unique strengths to the table. Duke, Houston, and Auburn each have what it takes to win the national championship, but it will depend on how they perform in the high-pressure environment of postseason play.

The Rising Teams: Texas A&M and Florida’s Surging Performance

While the battle for the No. 1 spot continues to dominate headlines, other teams have made notable strides up the rankings in recent weeks. Texas A&M, for example, has surged from No. 22 to No. 14 after consecutive victories that included wins over top-ranked opponents. Their rise has largely been attributed to a strong defensive showing and a deep bench that can rotate in fresh legs throughout a game. Head coach Buzz Williams has done an exceptional job at getting the most out of his roster, and the Aggies could pose a serious threat to higher-ranked teams in the postseason.

Florida, ranked No. 4, has quietly had one of the best seasons in school history. Their rise can be credited to a balanced attack, with both offensive and defensive metrics ranking among the top in the nation. Florida’s ability to win close games has made them a tough opponent for anyone in their path.

The Impact of Conference Play and the Road Ahead

As the season winds down, the impact of conference play cannot be overstated. Conferences like the SEC, Big 12, and Big Ten have produced some of the top teams in the country, and their regular-season performances are critical in determining the landscape of college basketball heading into March Madness. Auburn and Alabama’s performance in the SEC is a perfect example of how conference play can help or hurt a team’s ranking and overall standing.

In the Big 12, Texas, Baylor, and Kansas have all demonstrated their credentials as legitimate championship contenders. The Big Ten, led by Michigan State and Illinois, has also produced a competitive atmosphere where teams like Purdue, Indiana, and Ohio State could make deep runs in the tournament.

As we approach March, each of these conferences will hold their respective tournaments, which will likely determine a number of key matchups for the NCAA Tournament. These tournaments often serve as a proving ground, where bubble teams fight to secure their spots in the field, and top-ranked teams look to further solidify their positions for better seeding.

The NCAA Tournament and the Road to the National Championship

The excitement surrounding the NCAA Tournament is unparalleled in college basketball, and with so much parity this season, the road to the national championship is anyone’s game. Teams like Duke, Houston, and Auburn may be the front-runners, but a surprise team could emerge from the pack and upset the apple cart. The tournament has seen its share of Cinderella stories, and this year’s edition promises to be no different.

The tournament will also feature a fresh batch of NBA prospects, and scouts will be paying close attention to how these players perform on the biggest stage. Some of the top players in the country, including those from Duke and Auburn, are expected to go high in the draft, adding yet another layer of intrigue to an already exciting postseason.

A Season for the Ages

As the 2025 season moves toward its thrilling conclusion, college basketball fans are in for an action-packed end to the regular season, followed by the excitement of March Madness. Duke’s return to No. 1, the rise of Houston, and the continued dominance of Auburn represent just a few of the storylines that have defined this season. With teams like Texas A&M, Florida, and Alabama also staking their claim to a spot at the top, the landscape of college basketball is as competitive and unpredictable as ever.

As the rankings continue to shift and teams jostle for position, one thing is certain: this season will be remembered as one of the most exciting and unpredictable in recent memory. And with the NCAA Tournament looming on the horizon, the real drama is only just beginning.