The Indiana Hoosiers have maintained their presence in the AP Top 25 men's basketball poll, albeit through a changing group of voters. Despite not being ranked within the top 25, the team has consistently received consideration from a single voter each week. This week, Mike Hlas of the Cedar Rapids Gazette took over as the lone supporter after Randy Heitz from Oklahoma City dropped them from his ballot. The Hoosiers' recent victories over Rutgers and Penn State have kept them relevant, though they face challenges in terms of their NCAA NET ranking. Meanwhile, Tennessee remains at the top of the AP poll for the fifth consecutive week.

A New Voice Supports Indiana’s Poll Consideration

This week marks a shift in the voting pattern for the Indiana Hoosiers. After three weeks of consistent support from Randy Heitz, who had previously placed Indiana at No. 15, the team was dropped from his ballot despite winning both games this week. However, Indiana did not lose all hope. Mike Hlas from the Cedar Rapids Gazette stepped in and gave the Hoosiers six points by placing them at No. 20 on his ballot. This move ensures that Indiana continues to receive consideration in the rankings, even if it is outside the top 25.

The Hoosiers' performance has been solid, with a 2-0 week featuring wins against Rutgers and Penn State. These victories were crucial, especially the win over Penn State, which counted as a road game despite being played in Philadelphia. This victory marked Indiana’s first Quad 1 win of the season, highlighting the importance of these non-conference matchups. Despite their strong play, the Hoosiers are tied for third in the Big Ten but rank lowest among teams with one or fewer conference losses in terms of NCAA NET ranking. The team has shown resilience, maintaining a perfect record in lower-tiered games (Quad 3 and Quad 4).

Hoosiers Face Challenges Despite Consistent Performance

While Indiana remains competitive, the team faces significant challenges in terms of national recognition. Despite never dropping out of consideration since the preseason poll, where they debuted at No. 17, the Hoosiers have struggled to maintain a consistent position in the rankings. A poor showing at the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament led to their brief exit from the top 25. However, they have since rebounded, receiving votes from various sources, including the USA Today Coaches Poll, where they earned three points this week.

The Hoosiers' current standing reflects both their strengths and weaknesses. With a 12-3 overall record and a 3-1 mark in conference play, Indiana is performing well in the Big Ten. However, their NCAA NET ranking of No. 56, up 10 spots from last week, still lags behind other contenders. The team's ability to secure victories in higher-level games, such as the recent Quad 1 win over Penn State, will be critical in improving their standing. As the season progresses, Indiana must continue to prove its mettle against tougher competition to gain more widespread recognition in the polls.