Duke Men’s Basketball Reaches No. 1 in AP Poll for the First Time in 2025, as Auburn’s Reign Ends
As we move closer to the exhilarating final stretch of the college basketball season, Duke Men’s Basketball has reached the pinnacle of the sport, securing the No. 1 ranking in the AP Poll for the first time in 2025, marking a significant milestone in their journey toward the ultimate goal: a national championship. The Blue Devils’ ascent to the top spot comes in Week 19 (March 10, 2025), just as the NCAA tournament approaches, putting them in an ideal position as they aim to secure their first championship under head coach Jon Scheyer.
This achievement comes after a week of high drama in college basketball, where Auburn’s long-held championship reign was shattered twice in just a matter of days. Auburn, which had been the top-ranked team for several weeks, suffered back-to-back losses, paving the way for Duke to claim the throne as the nation’s best. Now, with the No. 1 ranking in their hands, Duke’s path to April’s NCAA tournament championship feels all the more significant as they aim to stay at the top and make their case for a title run.
Duke’s Rise to No. 1
For Duke, reclaiming the No. 1 spot is the result of an incredible combination of talent, coaching, and perseverance. After a transition year following Coach K’s retirement, Jon Scheyer has led the Blue Devils back to prominence with an impressive season. The team has played with unmatched energy, and their defense, offense, and team chemistry have come together to create a well-rounded squad.
A key part of Duke’s rise has been the development of its freshmen. Players like Tyrese Proctor, Dereck Lively II, and Kyle Filipowski have all stepped up in big ways, while veteran leadership from figures like Jeremy Roach and Mark Mitchell has provided the necessary experience for success. The Blue Devils have shown the ability to win big games, dominating tough ACC matchups and taking down highly ranked opponents in non-conference play.
This combination of skilled freshmen and seasoned upperclassmen has helped Duke thrive, creating a dynamic roster capable of challenging the best teams in the country. Duke’s strong defensive presence, led by Lively and Filipowski, combined with their offensive balance, has made them a well-rounded force.
Auburn’s Reign Comes to an End
Meanwhile, Auburn’s long hold on the No. 1 spot in the AP Poll was abruptly interrupted this week. For several weeks, Auburn had been the team to beat, holding the coveted top ranking. However, this week marked a dramatic turn of events, as the Tigers lost two critical games—one of which was a heartbreaker against a ranked SEC opponent.
The first loss came at the hands of a gritty Alabama team, which capitalized on Auburn’s offensive struggles and defensive lapses. In a tightly contested game, Auburn failed to execute down the stretch, and Alabama’s late-game heroics handed the Tigers their first loss in weeks. The very next game, Auburn suffered another setback against a rival SEC team, with a similar story of missed opportunities and lackluster execution. The back-to-back losses dropped Auburn from the top spot, allowing Duke to move into the No. 1 position.
While Auburn remains a formidable team, these losses exposed vulnerabilities that will need to be addressed before the NCAA tournament. The Tigers’ slip-up has opened the door for other teams, including Duke, to rise and make a claim for the top prize in college basketball.
What This Means for Duke
For Duke, taking over the No. 1 spot in the AP Poll is a huge accomplishment, but it is also a moment of reflection on just how far this team has come. Jon Scheyer, in his second season as head coach, has proven that he is capable of guiding the Blue Devils back to the top of the college basketball world. Scheyer has effectively blended the legendary elements of Coach K’s program with his own modern coaching style, and the results have been impressive.
The Blue Devils’ defense has been their hallmark, with their ability to disrupt opposing offenses and dominate the paint setting them apart from other top teams. Meanwhile, on offense, the team has shown excellent ball movement, with dynamic scoring from both the inside and the perimeter.
Duke’s No. 1 ranking is a reflection of the hard work, growth, and commitment to excellence that the program has consistently displayed. However, as exciting as it is to reach the top, the Blue Devils know the real goal lies ahead: winning the national championship. The NCAA tournament will provide its own unique set of challenges, and Duke will need to stay focused if they want to finish the job in April.
The Road Ahead for Duke
As the Blue Devils prepare for March Madness, the pressure to perform at the highest level is mounting. The No. 1 ranking will bring attention and expectations, but it also gives Duke a great deal of momentum. With a strong defense, a balanced offense, and a talented roster, Duke is poised to be one of the teams to watch in the coming weeks.
Jon Scheyer’s leadership will be put to the test as the Blue Devils aim to navigate the tournament bracket and make a deep run. The pressure of being No. 1 could be daunting for some teams, but for Duke, it feels like the culmination of a season that has been defined by growth and improvement.
The upcoming ACC tournament will be the next big test for Duke as they seek to solidify their status as the top team in the country. While winning the ACC championship would be a nice feather in their cap, the ultimate goal remains the NCAA championship. If Duke can maintain its current level of play, they will be a difficult opponent for any team.
The Significance of Auburn’s Losses
Auburn’s twin losses this week not only cost them the No. 1 ranking but also put them on notice heading into the postseason. While they remain a talented team, the back-to-back losses highlighted areas where they will need to improve—particularly in terms of consistency and execution in crunch time.
Auburn will likely be looking to regroup and come back stronger in the SEC tournament and the NCAA tournament, but this week’s results have cast some doubt on their ability to remain at the top. Other teams, like Duke, Kansas, and Gonzaga, will be eyeing Auburn’s fall from the top as an opportunity to claim the national title.
The SEC tournament will be critical for Auburn, as they will need to fine-tune their play and shake off the effects of these two losses if they hope to regain their championship form. Auburn’s ability to bounce back and show resilience in the postseason will be a key factor in determining whether they can still be a legitimate threat in March Madness.
The Stage is Set for March Madness
Duke’s rise to No. 1 in the AP Poll at this stage of the season sets the stage for what should be an unforgettable March Madness. The Blue Devils are playing their best basketball at just the right time, and with Jon Scheyer at the helm, they are prepared to take on any team that stands in their way.
With Auburn losing its grip on the No. 1 spot, Duke’s momentum is unstoppable, and they are positioned to make a serious run at the national championship. However, the road to the title is never easy, and the Blue Devils will need to stay focused, keep improving, and rise to the occasion when it matters most.
As conference championships play out and the NCAA tournament looms large, Duke Men’s Basketball is now squarely in control of its destiny. The Blue Devils will have the opportunity to prove that they are indeed the best team in the country, and it all starts with their journey through March Madness. For now, they are No. 1, but their sights are firmly set on maintaining that ranking and, ultimately, capturing the ultimate prize in college basketball this April.