In the world of college basketball, the Associated Press (AP) rankings often reflect the dominance of the teams on the court. Typically, a team that ascends to the number one ranking does not lose its position without experiencing an actual defeat. However, this season has proven to be an exception, and it seems likely that changes in the rankings are on the horizon once again.
This week, the Purdue Boilermakers, currently undefeated and previously recognized as the preseason number one, may relinquish their top position despite maintaining a perfect record. After starting the season 2-0 with significant victories over Evansville and Oakland, Purdue fell from the number one spot to number two in Week 2, largely due to the rise of then-number two Houston. They did, however, reclaim their number one ranking last week following victories over Alabama and Akron. Yet, despite a solid 2-0 week featuring wins over Memphis and Texas Tech, a shake-up seems imminent.
The reason for this potential shift is the stellar performance of the Arizona Wildcats. Entering the rankings with two impressive wins over ranked opponents—defeating then-number three Florida and number 15 UCLA—Arizona has positioned itself strongly. Following a noteworthy road victory against number three UConn, the Wildcats have fortified their case for a higher ranking and possibly the coveted number one spot.
While it’s plausible that some voters may stick with Purdue, believing a team must lose to be dethroned, the momentum and strength of Arizona’s resume cannot be overlooked. Last week, the Wildcats earned two first-place votes, and their recent success could help them narrow the gap significantly with the Boilermakers, if not outright taking the top position.
As the college basketball season progresses, the AP voters’ decisions remain a topic of engagement and speculation. Whether or not they will make the switch remains to be seen, but the excitement surrounding the rankings adds an enticing layer to the sport.