The college basketball season has kicked off with exhilarating action, as the AP Top 25 Poll reflects this excitement with its first rankings update of the year. Early season results have led to a significant shake-up among teams, revealing how expectations and reality can diverge once the games begin.
UConn, starting as the preseason No. 1 in the AP Poll, has lived up to its billing by securing two wins against ACC teams, including a notable victory over Louisville. This week, the Huskies will aim to maintain their momentum with matches against Loyola-Chicago and a challenging encounter against Ohio State.
Meanwhile, South Carolina, eager to rebound from a disappointing previous season, has opened with dominant victories against less competitive opponents. The Gamecocks will soon face tougher challenges as they take on in-state rival Clemson and another ranked team, USC.
The UCLA Bruins enjoyed a fruitful start, racking up two convincing wins. This coming week, they will face a critical matchup against Oklahoma on Monday, followed by a high-stakes game against fellow ranked opponent North Carolina, with a neutral site match against USF rounding out their schedule.
Texas, holding a prominent rank in the preseason AP Poll, has also begun strong with two double-digit wins, including one against the No. 24 Richmond. Upcoming games against mid-major opponents, starting with Louisiana, will see them striving to keep their winning streak intact.
The LSU Tigers, having opened the season with a perfect 3-0 record, have yet to encounter significant competition, showcasing their ability to dominate against weaker teams. They will look to continue their winning ways with a matchup against Charlotte next week.
Oklahoma, starting the season ranked No. 6, faces its first major test against UCLA after a comfortable win over Belmont. This game is poised to be pivotal in shaping both teams’ early-season narratives.
Baylor has surged into the Top 10 after beating Duke, previously ranked No. 7. They’ll continue their quest for success with a matchup against UNLV on Friday.
The USC Trojans, fresh off their strong start, also made a leap into the Top 10 after a decisive win over New Mexico State and a noteworthy victory over NC State. They will face South Carolina in a significant test that could redefine their season.
Maryland, after showcasing their prowess with three such wins, will take on mid-major teams Towson and Princeton this week, looking to avoid complacency against potential upsets.
NC State opened their season impressively, defeating Tennessee but subsequently falling to USC in a close game. They retain their Top 10 spot and will look to secure another win against Maine before facing TCU.
The rest of the AP Top 25 is rounded out with teams like North Carolina, Tennessee, and Duke. Other teams receiving votes include Ohio State and Kansas State, suggesting a competitive landscape where rankings could see frequent changes as the season progresses.
With the season just beginning, fans can look forward to thrilling matchups ahead as teams strive to solidify their standings and make their mark in college basketball this year. As the action unfolds, the excitement surrounding the sport promises to grow and engage fans across the nation.