AP Top 25: Auburn Holds on to No. 1 Spot, St. John’s Earns Highest Ranking in 34 Years
The latest AP Top 25 rankings have delivered a mix of familiar faces at the top, with a few surprise entries that have college basketball fans buzzing. Auburn remains firmly in the No. 1 position for another week, while St. John’s University has made a significant jump, securing its highest ranking in 34 years.
Auburn Holds Strong at No. 1
Auburn’s continued dominance has earned the Tigers a spot at the top of the AP Top 25 for another week, further cementing their status as one of the top teams in college basketball. Head coach Bruce Pearl and his squad have been on a tear this season, showcasing an impressive blend of offensive firepower, defensive prowess, and a well-balanced team dynamic.
Jabari Smith, one of the nation’s most highly regarded NBA prospects, continues to lead the way for Auburn, earning praise for his scoring ability, rebounding, and defensive versatility. The Tigers’ defense has been one of their biggest strengths this season, allowing them to shut down high-scoring offenses while continuing to push the tempo on the offensive end.
Auburn’s consistency in high-pressure games and its ability to remain poised in key moments has been a hallmark of their success. The Tigers are not just winning—they are dominating their competition. Their continued stay at the No. 1 spot in the AP rankings is a testament to the strength of their overall game and the leadership from both their coaching staff and players.
St. John’s Makes a Big Jump: Highest Ranking in 34 Years
While Auburn continues to reign atop the rankings, the big story this week is the impressive rise of St. John’s University. The Red Storm, once considered an afterthought in the crowded Big East Conference, has made a dramatic jump, earning its highest ranking in 34 years.
St. John’s is enjoying a resurgence under head coach Mike Anderson, who has brought an up-tempo style and aggressive defensive play to the program. The Red Storm’s success this season can be attributed to the dynamic play of their star players, including Julian Champagnie, who has been a consistent offensive force. Champagnie’s ability to score in a variety of ways, combined with the team’s relentless defense and fast-break offense, has given St. John’s a dangerous edge.
Their leap into the top 10 of the rankings is a testament to their improvement and the strides they’ve made in a competitive Big East. Their ranking marks the highest they’ve been since 1981, when they were ranked as high as No. 2 in the country. This resurgence has not only been a boost to the St. John’s program but also to the Big East Conference, which has seen its teams elevate their level of play over the past several seasons.
The Impact of St. John’s Resurgence
The Red Storm’s return to national prominence adds a fresh dynamic to the ever-competitive landscape of college basketball. For years, St. John’s was relegated to the shadows of other powerhouses, but with a solidified ranking and an exciting brand of basketball, they have injected new life into the sport. Their presence in the Top 10 is a reminder of how quickly the college basketball landscape can shift. With elite recruits choosing to play in New York and a renewed sense of purpose under Anderson’s leadership, St. John’s appears to be back in business.
The success of St. John’s is a reflection of the broader trend in college basketball, where programs that may have struggled in recent years are beginning to turn the corner and challenge traditional powerhouses. If St. John’s can maintain this level of play, their stay in the top tier of the rankings could become a permanent fixture, leading to even greater opportunities for the program and its fanbase.
Auburn’s Road to a Potential National Title
For Auburn, the challenge is clear: they must continue to build on their momentum if they hope to make a deep run in March. Being ranked No. 1 brings its own pressure, but the Tigers are more than capable of handling it. The key for Auburn moving forward will be keeping their defense sharp, maintaining their offensive efficiency, and ensuring that they don’t overlook any potential upsets. With a talented roster and a head coach who knows what it takes to win at the highest levels, Auburn has the tools to not only stay atop the rankings but also capture a national title.
The Rest of the AP Top 25: The Usual Suspects and Surprising Challengers
While Auburn and St. John’s have grabbed the headlines this week, the AP Top 25 continues to showcase the dominance of traditional basketball powers. Teams like Duke, Kansas, and Gonzaga remain firmly entrenched in the top 10, each boasting star players and championship aspirations. These programs have been consistent throughout the season, and while they may not be at the very top of the rankings, they remain formidable forces.
A notable challenger to the established elite is Baylor, which has also remained near the top of the rankings. The defending national champions have been able to prove that their success wasn’t just a one-off, with a roster full of talent and depth. Similarly, teams like Arizona and Texas have quietly positioned themselves as serious contenders, keeping their sights on a spot in the Final Four.
One of the most surprising teams in the rankings has been Miami, who has pushed its way into the Top 25 after a strong season, outpacing teams with much larger pedigrees. Their style of play has earned them recognition, and they are now looking to solidify their position with a potential NCAA Tournament run.
What’s Next for the Top 25?
Looking ahead, the AP Top 25 will continue to evolve as teams jockey for position in the final stretch of the regular season. Auburn and St. John’s may currently hold the top spots, but with conference tournaments approaching, the final rankings will surely be shaped by the performances of these top teams under the bright lights of March Madness.
For Auburn, maintaining their hold on the No. 1 ranking will be critical as they head into tougher matchups with conference rivals. Every game now carries significant weight, and the Tigers must remain focused on their ultimate goal—securing a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament and marching toward a national title.
St. John’s, meanwhile, will need to prove that their rise in the rankings is not just a flash in the pan. A strong finish to the regular season and a deep run in the Big East Tournament will be crucial if they want to solidify their place as one of the nation’s elite teams.
The latest AP Top 25 rankings have set the stage for an exciting finish to the 2024-2025 college basketball season. Auburn’s continued dominance at No. 1 and St. John’s rise to their highest ranking in 34 years are just a few of the storylines that will dominate the conversation as March approaches. With teams like Baylor, Gonzaga, and Kansas still in the mix, the race for the NCAA Tournament is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling in recent memory.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the season unfolds, knowing that the road to the Final Four will be filled with upsets, surprises, and unforgettable moments. One thing is certain: this season is far from over, and the battle for supremacy in college basketball is more intense than ever.