In the latest Associated Press (AP) Top 25 men’s college basketball poll, released on January 27, 2025, the Auburn Tigers have solidified their position as the unanimous No. 1 team. This marks the second consecutive week Auburn has held the top spot, earning all 62 first-place votes—a first in program history. The Tigers’ impressive 17-1 record includes a recent narrow victory over then-No. 6 Tennessee, where they showcased resilience by rallying in the final moments.
Following Auburn, the Duke Blue Devils have ascended to the No. 2 position, their highest ranking since the 2023-24 preseason. Duke’s rise is attributed to a 12-game winning streak and an unblemished 8-0 start in Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) play. Their recent victories, coupled with Iowa State’s loss to West Virginia, facilitated this climb in the rankings.
The top five is rounded out by Iowa State at No. 3, Alabama at No. 4, and Florida at No. 5. Notably, Iowa State’s recent defeat caused them to drop from the No. 2 spot, allowing Duke to move up. Alabama and Florida have maintained strong performances, securing their positions within the top tier.
Significant movements within the poll include St. John’s climbing to No. 15 and Memphis rising to No. 19, reflecting their recent successes on the court. Conversely, Ole Miss and UConn experienced declines, falling to No. 23 and No. 25, respectively, after facing challenging matchups. A notable addition to the rankings is Vanderbilt, entering at No. 24 for the first time since 2015, following a victory over Kentucky.
The Southeastern Conference (SEC) continues to demonstrate its strength, boasting multiple teams within the top 25. Auburn’s leadership at the top is complemented by Alabama, Florida, and now Vanderbilt, highlighting the conference’s competitive depth this season.
Auburn’s recent performances have been particularly noteworthy. Their victory over Tennessee was secured by a last-minute rally, underscoring their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. Star forward Johni Broome’s return from an ankle injury was pivotal; he contributed 16 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 blocks in the game. Head coach Bruce Pearl emphasized the importance of continuous improvement as the team navigates the remainder of the season.
Looking ahead, Auburn is preparing to face LSU in an upcoming Southeastern Conference matchup. LSU, despite being near the bottom of the SEC standings, has shown signs of improvement, making this an anticipated contest. Auburn’s focus will be on maintaining their momentum and addressing areas identified by Coach Pearl for enhancement.
