Here are this week’s NCAA College Basketball rankings! Let us know where your team ranks and what your thoughts are on these current rankings! Enjoy!
1. Gonzaga Bulldogs (4-0)
SPOKANE, WASHINGTON – DECEMBER 21: A general view of the Gonzaga logo on the court prior to the start between the Northwestern State Demons and the Gonzaga Bulldogs at McCarthey Athletic Center on December 21, 2020 in Spokane, Washington. Gonzaga defeats Northwestern State 95-57. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images)
The early eye test will tell you that the Zags are the best team in the country. Mark Few’s squad has the #1 offense in the country and is coming off a big win on the road against a tough San Diego State program last night.
2. Auburn Tigers (4-0)
SPOKANE, WASHINGTON – MARCH 22: Johni Broome #4 of the Auburn Tigers reacts after drawing a foul during the second half against the Yale Bulldogs in the first round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena on March 22, 2024 in Spokane, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Bruce Pearl’s Tigers continue to roll after last week’s big win over Houston. Johni Broome looks like the early frontrunner for the National Player of the Year. Auburn is KenPom’s #1 team in the country.
3. UConn Huskies (3-0)
WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 10: A view of the Connecticut Huskies logo on their uniform during the game against the Georgetown Hoyas at Capital One Arena on February 10, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
Shouldn’t the back-to-back National Champs be the #1 team in the country until proven otherwise? Probably, but they will have a chance to prove it in early December with some marquee non-conference matchups.
4. Kansas Jayhawks (4-0)
MORGANTOWN, WEST VIRGINIA – JANUARY 20: A view of the Kansas Jayhawks logo on their uniform during the game against the West Virginia Mountaineers at WVU Coliseum on January 20, 2024 in Morgantown, West Virginia. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
Bill Self did a great job re-tooling this program after depth and shooting woes hampered them last year. Hunter Dickinson will be on the shortlist for plenty of hardware as he continues to dominate opposing frontcourts.
5. Iowa State Cyclones (3-0)
GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA – MARCH 17: The Iowa State Cyclones logo on. Pair of shorts during the first round of the 2023 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Greensboro Coliseum on March 17, 2023 in Greensboro, North Carolina. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
The Cyclones have dominated inferior competition to start the season, and their defense is once again suffocating. The backcourt of Tamin Lipsey and Keshon Gilbert is one of the best in the country.
6. Purdue Boilermakers (4-0)
COLLEGE PARK, MD – JANUARY 10: The Purdue Boilermakers logo on their uniform during the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Xfinity Center on January 10, 2021 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Maryland Terrapins/Getty Images)
So far, so good for Purdue in the post-Zach Edey era. Star point guard Braden Smith and company showed they belong with a big win over Alabama this past weekend.
7. Houston Cougars (2-1)
HOUSTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 09: Head coach Kelvin Sampson of the Houston Cougars looks on during the first half against the Auburn Tigers of the Mattress Firm Battleground 2k24 at Toyota Center on November 09, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
An early season blemish to Auburn won’t stop the Cougars from any of their goals. Coach Kelvin Sampson has one of his best all-around rosters and they will be in the mix for a number one seed at season’s end.
8. Tennessee Volunteers (4-0)
CHAPEL HILL, NC – NOVEMBER 29: A detailed view of the “T” logo of the Tennessee Volunteers as they line up for the National Anthem before playing the North Carolina Tar Heels on November 29, 2023 at the Dean Smith Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. North Carolina won 100-92. (Photo by Peyton Williams/UNC/Getty Images)
The Vols have always been strong defensively under Rick Barnes, but last year, we saw a strong complement of offense. That looks to be the case again this year with All-American guard Zakai Zeigler running the show.
9. Kentucky Wildcats (3-0)
GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA – MARCH 17: The Kentucky Wildcats logo on a pair of short during the first round of the 2023 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament game against the Providence Friars at Greensboro Coliseum on March 17, 2023 in Greensboro, North Carolina. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
Well, it didn’t take long for Mark Pope to make a statement in year one. The Wildcats earned a big win over Duke, who boast one of the best rosters in the country. The Cats are underrated defensively and have premier outside shooting.
10. Alabama Crimson Tide (3-1)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – APRIL 06: The Alabama Crimson Tide logo shown on a chair of shorts during the NCAA Mens Basketball Tournament Final Four semifinal game against the Connecticut Huskies at State Farm Stadium on April 06, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
The Tide fell on the road at Purdue after a strong start that included wins over some of the top mid-major programs in the country (Arkansas State and McNeese). The schedule doesn’t get any easier with five straight dates with AP Top 25 matchups.
11. Duke Blue Devils (3-1)
DURHAM, NC – DECEMBER 18: A detail view of Nike basketballs prior to the game between the Elon Phoenix and the Duke Blue Devils at Cameron Indoor Stadium on December 18, 2021 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
The upside of this roster, with its youth and veterans is one of the best in the country. Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel are legit and will only get better. It won’t take long for the Blue Devils to be back in the Top 10.
12. Creighton Blue Jays (4-0)
OMAHA, NE- NOVEMBER 06: Ryan Kalkbrenner #11 of the Creighton Bluejays is introduced before a college basketball game against the UTRGV Vaqueros at CHI Health Center on November 06, 2024 in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
Center Ryan Kalkbrenner has been one of the best players in the country on both ends of the floor. Creighton hasn’t had the toughest schedule to date, but that’s about to change over the next two weeks.
13. North Carolina Tar Heels (2-1)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – MARCH 21: RJ Davis #4 of the North Carolina Tar Heels dribbles against the Wagner Seahawks during the second half in the first round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Spectrum Center on March 21, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
The Tar Heels bounced back after a 3-point loss on the road at Kansas by smashing American University by 52. This offense, led by All-American guard RJ Davis is one of the best in the country. This team needs someone to step up in the frontcourt if they want to make a deep run in March
14. Marquette Golden Eagles (4-0)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 15: The Marquette Golden Eagles logo shown on a pair of shorts during the Big East Basketball Tournament Semifinals against the Providence Friars at Madison Square Garden on March 15, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
Shaka Smart and company got a big win on the road against a very good Maryland team. Dynamic guard Kam Jones has been excellent. Like UNC, the frontcourt is the story to watch as we move through the year.
15. Indiana Hoosiers (3-0)
UNIVERSITY PARK, PA – FEBRUARY 24: The Indiana Hoosiers logo shown on a pair a of shorts during a college basketball game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at the Bryce Joyce Center on February 24, 2024 in University Park, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
There were a lot of question marks on the fit of this roster, but so far so good for Mike Woodson. Sophomore Mackenzie Mgbako looks like he’s taken a big step early this season. This schedule doesn’t have many tests in the Non-Con.
16. Baylor Bears (3-1)
MORGANTOWN, WEST VIRGINIA – JANUARY 18: The Baylor Bears logo on pair of shorts before a college basketball game against the West Virginia Mountaineers at the WVU Coliseum on January 18, 2022 in Morgantown, West Virginia. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
The Bears gave up 101 points in an ugly opening game against Gonzaga, but since then have looked much better. 5-star freshman VJ Edgecombe looks like a budding star. Scott Drew will have his program right by conference play.
17. Cincinnati Bearkats (3-0)
LAHAINA, HI – NOVEMBER 22: The Cincinnati Bearcats logo on a pair of shorts during a second round game of the Maui Jim Invitational college basketball Tournament against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Lahaina Civic Arena on November 22, 2022 in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
Cincinnati has all the tools to put together a special season. They have a plethora of options in the backcourt and strong rim protection in the frontcourt. Early December will provide some insight into how good this team can be.
18. Florida Gators (4-0)
CHARLESTON, SC – NOVEMBER 22: The Florida Gators logo on a pair of shorts during a second round Charleston Classic basketball game against the Miami (Fl) Hurricanes at the TD Arena on November 22, 2019 in Charleston, South Carolina. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
Despite some off-court issues, Todd Golden has his Gators off to a strong start. Stud guard Walter Clayton has made a seamless transition to point guard. Florida will be a problem in the SEC.
19. Wisconsin Badgers (5-0)
MADISON, WISCONSIN – DECEMBER 14: A picture of the logo worn on new uniform shorts of a Wisconsin Badgers player during the game against the Jacksonville State Gamecocks at Kohl Center on December 14, 2023 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
Well, hello, Badgers! A big win over Arizona this past Friday will get the hype train going. John Tonje has been incredible to start the year including a 41-point effort in the big win. This team still has a lot of questions long term.
20. St. John’s Red Storm (4-0)
NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 7: The St. John’s Red Storm uniform logo at Carnesecca Arena on November 7, 2022 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Porter Binks/Getty Images)
Rick Pitino’s second year is off to a strong start, including a nice win over his son and a talented New Mexico program. Elite guards Kadary Richmond and Deivon Smith have the ability to take this program to heights they haven’t seen in quite some time.
21. Texas Tech Red Raiders (4-0)
BATON ROUGE, LA – NOVEMBER 18: Detailed view of the Texas Tech logo seen on a players uniform during a game against the LSU Tigers at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center on November 18, 2014 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. LSU won the game in overtime 69-64. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Their needs to be more love nationally for the Red Raiders. Transfer big man JT Toppin has been one of the best players in the country. This team has the ability to beat you on both ends.
22. Arizona Wildcats (2-1)
MADISON, WISCONSIN – NOVEMBER 15: A picture of the Arizona Wildcats logo on shorts during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Kohl Center on November 15, 2024 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
Tough loss at home to the Badgers, but the roster is full of talent. Caleb Love can shoot this team to a Final Four or into an early-round exit in March. The bounce-back opportunity this weekend with Duke is coming up.
23. Texas A&M Aggies (3-1)
CONWAY, SC – NOVEMBER 18: The Texas A&M Aggies logo on a pair of shorts during a second round game of the Myrtle Beach Invitational college basketball game against the Colorado Buffaloes at HTC Center on November 18, 2022 in Conway, South Carolina. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
The Aggies dropped a tough opener on the road at UCF, but made up for it with a nice 14-point win over Ohio State over the weekend. Wade Taylor is the face of the program, but transfer guard Zhuric Phelps is the X-Factor.
24. Pittsburgh Panthers (5-0)
WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 14: A view of the Pittsburgh Panthers logo on their uniform during the game against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons in the Quarterfinals of the ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 14, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
Like Cincinnati, Pitt is another team flying under the radar with a big upside. They blew out West Virginia by 24 over the weekend. This is one of the most experienced teams in the country with size and playmaking.
25. Rutgers Scarlet Knights (3-0)
COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND – FEBRUARY 06: A view of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights logo on their uniform during the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Xfinity Center on February 06, 2024 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
The much-anticipated debut of 5-star forward Ace Bailey has Rutgers fans officially ready to go. Not to be overshadowed, fellow 5-star freshman Dylan Harper has scored 20+ points in each game to start the year.
