Tennessee Dominates AP Top 25 with Unbeaten Record \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Tennessee held onto its No. 1 spot in the AP Top 25 after a dominant week that included a win over Arkansas, making the Volunteers the only undefeated team in men’s Division I basketball. Tennessee improved to 14-0, securing 45 of 60 first-place votes. Meanwhile, Auburn held steady at No. 2, with Iowa State, Duke, and Alabama completing the unchanged top five. Key risers included Illinois, while Cincinnati fell out of the rankings.
Tennessee Tightens Grip on AP Top 25: Quick Looks
- Dominant Performances: Tennessee improved to 14-0 with a strong week, including a decisive win over Arkansas.
- Poll Results: The Volunteers received 45 first-place votes, while Auburn earned the remaining 15.
- SEC Powerhouse: The SEC led all conferences with nine ranked teams, including three in the top five.
- Big Movers: Illinois climbed nine spots to No. 13, while Cincinnati fell out of the rankings.
- Top Five Unchanged: Tennessee, Auburn, Iowa State, Duke, and Alabama retained their positions.
Deep Look
Tennessee strengthened its hold on the No. 1 position in the AP Top 25 men’s basketball poll this week, following a pair of convincing victories that showcased their dominance. The Volunteers, now 14-0, stand as the only undefeated team in men’s Division I college basketball after dispatching Norfolk State and then-No. 23 Arkansas with ease. Their 76-52 rout of the Razorbacks tied the third-longest winning streak in school history and underscored why they’ve been at the top of the rankings for five consecutive weeks.
Tennessee secured 45 of 60 first-place votes from the national media panel, an increase from last week’s tally, further cementing their supremacy. Auburn, holding steady at No. 2, earned the remaining 15 first-place votes. Meanwhile, the rest of the top five—featuring Iowa State, Duke, and Alabama—remained unchanged after the first week of conference play for many leagues across the country.
Tennessee’s Dominance on Display
This season, the Volunteers have been a model of consistency and dominance. All but one of their wins have been by double digits, with their defensive intensity and efficient offense keeping opponents at bay. Against Arkansas, Tennessee demonstrated why they are the team to beat, holding the Razorbacks to just 52 points and showcasing their depth with multiple players contributing on both ends of the court.
Arkansas head coach John Calipari, reflecting on his team’s loss, summed up Tennessee’s strength succinctly:
“They’re the No. 1 team in the country for a reason… They kind of manhandled us.”
Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes praised his players for their relentless commitment to excellence, attributing their success to a strong team culture:
“It all goes to the players, you know? Good families. They come in knowing what we expect, but they expect it from themselves, too. It just needs to be reemphasized daily to them.”
SEC: The Power Conference of College Basketball
The SEC continued to dominate the AP Top 25 rankings, boasting nine teams, including three in the top five and six in the top 10. Alabama maintained its No. 5 spot after blowing out Oklahoma, while Kentucky climbed to No. 6 following a shootout victory over Florida. Texas A&M, riding an eight-game winning streak, cracked the top 10, demonstrating the depth of the conference.
This level of representation solidifies the SEC’s status as the most competitive conference in the nation. Tennessee’s sustained dominance adds to this narrative, as they now carry the torch as the league’s top program and the only undefeated team left in the country.
Movement in the Rankings
While the top five remained unchanged, there were significant shifts elsewhere in the rankings. Illinois made the biggest leap of the week, climbing nine spots to No. 13 after a resounding 109-77 win over then-No. 9 Oregon and a victory over Washington. On the other hand, Cincinnati dropped out of the rankings entirely after consecutive losses to Kansas State and Arizona, highlighting the volatility of mid-season polls.
Kansas fell to No. 11 after a nail-biting loss to West Virginia but managed to bounce back with a convincing win over UCF. UCLA, meanwhile, slid seven spots to No. 22 after losing to Nebraska in their only game of the week.
West Virginia made an impactful return to the rankings at No. 21, marking only their second appearance since late 2022. The Mountaineers climbed back into the poll after impressive victories over Kansas and Oklahoma State, showing their potential to contend in the competitive Big 12.
Utah State debuted in the rankings at No. 25 after an 89-83 win over Fresno State improved their record to 14-1. Their head coach, Jarrod Calhoun, emphasized the importance of staying motivated despite their success:
“You’re 14-1 and you’re mad. That’s kind of childish behavior, but you can’t be satisfied. That’s kind of how I live my life, in survival mode.”
Teams on the Rise and Fall
- Risers:
Illinois, climbing nine spots to No. 13, impressed with a dominant performance against a top-10 Oregon squad. Kentucky’s jump to No. 6, following their win over Florida, highlighted their ability to compete at the highest level. - Fallers:
Cincinnati fell completely out of the rankings after two disappointing losses, while Oregon and UCLA experienced significant drops after tough weeks.
On the Radar
Several teams just outside the Top 25 are making a case for inclusion. Pittsburgh, fresh off wins over California and Stanford, narrowly missed the rankings, placing as the first team outside the poll. Nebraska, riding a six-game winning streak, appeared on 21 ballots, while St. Bonaventure gained traction after securing its eighth consecutive win.
The Bonnies, whose only loss this season came against Utah State, have been ranked just three times since the 1970-71 season, making their rise a potential feel-good story to watch.
Conference Breakdown
The SEC’s dominance was unmatched, with nine teams in the rankings, including three of the top five. The Big Ten followed with six ranked teams, led by Illinois and Michigan. The Big 12 placed four teams, while the Big East had two representatives—Marquette and UConn—both in the top 10. The ACC, West Coast, American Athletic, and Mountain West conferences each had one team in the poll.
Looking Ahead
As the season progresses, Tennessee’s unblemished record will face significant challenges, especially as conference play heats up. Their ability to maintain their defensive intensity and consistency will be crucial in sustaining their position as the nation’s top team. With Auburn, Alabama, and Kentucky all in strong form, the SEC will undoubtedly provide stiff competition.
The Volunteers’ historic season has captivated fans and analysts alike, and their next few games will be pivotal in determining whether they can extend their winning streak and solidify their place as the favorites for the NCAA Tournament.
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