Basketball
USA TODAY Coaches Poll: Week 5 College Basketball Rankings
2024-12-09
The USA TODAY Coaches Poll Top 25 has witnessed a rollercoaster ride during the fifth week of the 2024-2025 men’s college basketball season. A series of unexpected losses by top teams like Kansas and Auburn has led to a significant shake-up in the rankings. At present, no single team has emerged as a clear dominant force, and the unpredictability of college basketball seems to be reaching new heights week after week.

Uncover the Shifting Landscape of College Basketball's Top 25

Tennessee's Unbeaten Streak and Tough Challenges Ahead

Tennessee has been on an upward trajectory, remaining undefeated while other top teams suffered losses. Their schedule may not be the toughest, but they have shown dominance over the teams they have faced. This week, they face tough competitions against Miami on Tuesday and Illinois on Saturday. These games will be crucial in determining their standing in the rankings.The Volunteers' ability to stay unbeaten in the face of adversity showcases their strength and determination. They are proving that they are a force to be reckoned with in the college basketball world.

Auburn's Resilience and Upcoming Showdown

Despite a road loss to Duke this week, Auburn still holds a strong resume. Their next game against Ohio State as part of Holiday Hoopsgiving in Atlanta on Saturday will be a significant test. Auburn's ability to bounce back from losses and perform well in big games is a testament to their team's character.The Tigers have shown that they are capable of competing with the best teams in the country. Their upcoming game against Ohio State will be a great opportunity for them to prove their worth and potentially move up in the rankings.

Iowa State's Big Wins and Emotional Rivalry

Iowa State picked up a big win against Marquette, moving them back up the rankings. Their rivalry game with Iowa on Thursday is an emotional one, and a victory would be a significant achievement. After that, they have a relatively easier game against Omaha on Sunday.The Cyclones' performance this week has been impressive. They have shown that they can compete with the top teams and have a strong resume in the Big 12. Their upcoming games will be crucial in determining their final standing in the conference.

Marquette's Bounce Back and Road Challenges

After a midweek loss to Iowa State, Marquette bounced back with a Top 25 win over Wisconsin. Their next game on the road against Dayton on Saturday night will be another tough test. Marquette's ability to recover from losses and continue to perform at a high level is commendable.The Golden Eagles are one of the few undefeated teams in the country, and their upcoming games will be crucial in maintaining their status. They will need to bring their A-game to every game to continue their winning streak.

Kentucky's Resilience and Big Games Ahead

Kentucky had a difficult start to the week with a loss to Clemson but bounced back with a big win against Gonzaga. Their upcoming games against Colgate on Wednesday and Louisville on Saturday evening in Lexington will be crucial. Kentucky's ability to handle adversity and perform well in big games is a sign of their championship potential.The Wildcats have shown that they are a team to watch in the college basketball world. Their upcoming games will be a great opportunity for them to prove their worth and move up in the rankings.

Duke's Homecourt Advantage and Upcoming Games

Duke used its homecourt advantage to fend off Auburn and remain an undoubted bright spot in the ACC. Their only game this week against Incarnate Ward on Tuesday will be a relatively easier test. Duke's ability to perform well at home and against tough opponents is a testament to their coaching and player talent.The Blue Devils will be hoping to keep the good times rolling and continue their winning streak. Their upcoming games will be crucial in determining their final standing in the ACC.

Florida's Undefeated Start and Tough Contest

Florida continued their undefeated start to the season with a big win over Virginia. Their upcoming game against Arizona State on Saturday afternoon in Atlanta will be a tough test. Florida's ability to start the season strong and perform well against tough opponents is a sign of their team's chemistry and coaching.The Gators are one of the top teams in the country, and their upcoming games will be crucial in determining their final standing. They will need to bring their best game to every game to continue their winning streak.

Alabama's Wins and Upcoming Showdown

Alabama ended the week with a win over North Carolina and will face Creighton on Saturday night in Tuscaloosa. Their results in big games have been up and down, but they have a chance to add another impressive win to their total.The Crimson Tide have shown that they are capable of competing with the best teams in the country. Their upcoming game against Creighton will be a great opportunity for them to prove their worth and move up in the rankings.

Gonzaga's Setback and Big Clash Ahead

Gonzaga suffered a loss to Kentucky but remains in the most important stretch of their season. Their upcoming game against Connecticut at Madison Square Garden on Saturday will be a massive test. Gonzaga's ability to bounce back from losses and perform well in big games is a sign of their championship potential.The Bulldogs have shown that they are a team to watch in the college basketball world. Their upcoming game against Connecticut will be a great opportunity for them to prove their worth and move up in the rankings.

Kansas' Struggles and Opportunity to Bounce Back

Kansas suffered its first defeat of the season against Creighton and followed it up with a loss against Missouri. Their opportunity to bounce back will come on Saturday afternoon when they welcome the NC State Wolfpack to Lawrence. Kansas' ability to recover from losses and perform well in big games is a sign of their championship potential.The Jayhawks will be hoping to stop the bleeding and get back on track. Their upcoming game against NC State will be a crucial test in their quest for the championship.

Coaches Poll Top 25 — Nos. 11-25

11. Purdue (-4)12. Oregon (-2)13. Houston (+5)14. Michigan (+9)15. Ole Miss (+5)16. Clemson (NR)17. Oklahoma (+4)18. Texas A&M (+6)19. Michigan State (+6)20. Connecticut (NR)21. UCLA (NR)22. Wisconsin (-11)23. Cincinnati (-9)24. San Diego State (NR)25. Baylor (-9)Schools Dropped Out: No. 15 Memphis; No. 17 Illinois; No. 19 Pittsburgh; No. 22 North CarolinaOthers Receiving Votes: Mississippi State 93; Illinois 67; St. John’s 51; Pittsburgh 50; Arizona State 44; Memphis 37; Maryland 36; Drake 35; Utah State 32; Saint Mary’s 28; Penn State 26; Creighton 20; Georgia 18; Missouri 14; West Virginia 11; Arkansas 10; UC Irvine 5; Texas 5; Dayton 4; Texas Tech 2; North Carolina 2; Loyola Chicago 2; LSU 1As you can see, the college basketball top coaches have their work cut out for them this week. Check back next week to see if your team has made a move up the ladder in the USA TODAY Coaches Top 25 Poll, which is sure to see more fluctuations throughout the season.
More Stories
see more