This week, the USA TODAY Sports coaches poll in men's college basketball saw minimal changes despite a lighter holiday schedule. Tennessee and Auburn maintained their dominance at the top, while some lower-ranked teams experienced significant shifts due to key matchups. The overall stability of the rankings was punctuated by a few noteworthy movements that altered the landscape of the top 25.

Tennessee and Auburn Hold Strong Leadership

The top two positions remained unchanged as Tennessee and Auburn continued to lead the pack. The majority of panelists favored Tennessee for the top spot, while Auburn secured the remaining first-place votes. This consistency reflects the strong performances of both teams throughout the season. Other leading contenders like Iowa State, Duke, and Florida also held their positions in the upper echelon.

The competition between these elite teams has been intense, with Tennessee receiving support from 20 out of 31 panelists for the top spot. Auburn garnered the remaining 11 first-place votes, showcasing the close contest between these two powerhouses. The next seven positions remained stable, highlighting the steady performance of these teams. Oklahoma made a slight advancement, surpassing Kentucky to claim the tenth position, maintaining the SEC's strong presence within the top 12.

Significant Movements in Lower Ranks

Despite the stability at the top, there were notable changes further down the rankings. UCLA’s impressive victory over Gonzaga led to a three-spot climb, while Gonzaga dropped four places. Mississippi faced a more dramatic fall after losing to Memphis, which entered the poll for the first time this season.

UCLA's rise to No. 18 was fueled by their decisive win against Gonzaga, pushing the latter down to No. 19. Meanwhile, Mississippi plummeted seven positions to No. 23 following their defeat. Additionally, Maryland joined the rankings at No. 24, replacing San Diego State and St. John’s, who fell out of the top 25. These movements reflect the competitive nature of college basketball, where single-game outcomes can significantly impact team standings.