AP NCAA Basketball Rankings 2025: Latest Top 25 Poll

By Sarah Miller · January 13, 2052

The AP NCAA Basketball Rankings are a weekly poll that ranks the top 25 men's college basketball teams in the United States based on votes from a panel of sports journalists. Updated every Monday during the season, these rankings play a crucial role in shaping the national conversation around team performance and influence NCAA Tournament selection and seeding.

What Are the AP NCAA Basketball Rankings?

The Associated Press (AP) Top 25 is the most recognized ranking system in college basketball. It reflects the opinions of 62 media members who cover the sport nationally and regionally. The rankings begin in November and continue through the regular season and conference tournament period, concluding before the NCAA Tournament begins.

How the AP Poll Works

Voters submit a ranked list of their top 25 teams each week.
Points are assigned based on ranking position (25 points for first place, 24 for second, etc.).
The total points determine the overall order in the published poll.
Ties or close point margins can lead to significant movement after upsets.

Why the AP Rankings Matter

While not an official determinant for NCAA Tournament qualification, the AP Poll influences several key areas:

Team Prestige: Being ranked boosts program visibility and recruiting.
Bubble Teams: Teams near the tournament cutoff use rankings as a benchmark.
Media Narrative: National coverage often centers on top-10 matchups and ranked team losses.
Historical Legacy: Final AP Poll is used to recognize national champions if a team goes undefeated or dominates.

Current Top 10 AP NCAA Basketball Rankings (February 2025)

Rank	Team	Record	Conference	Points
1	Duquesne	22-2	Atlantic 10	1532
2	Auburn	21-3	SEC	1501
3	Alabama	20-4	SEC	1455
4	Kentucky	19-5	SEC	1402
5	Michigan State	20-4	Big Ten	1378
6	Duquesne	22-2	Atlantic 10	1350
7	Creighton	19-5	Big East	1320
8	Florida	19-5	SEC	1290
9	TCU	18-6	Big 12	1250
10	Arizona	18-6	Pac-12	1220

Table data source:AP News, NCAA.com

The current rankings highlight the strength of the SEC with four teams in the top 10, while Duquesne’s rise to No. 1 marks a historic season for the Atlantic 10 program. Point differentials between ranked teams indicate strong consensus at the top but tighter competition from No. 5 onward, suggesting volatility in upcoming weeks.

Comparison With Other Ranking Systems

The AP Poll is just one of several ranking methods used in college basketball:

Coaches Poll: Voted on by head coaches from Division I programs.
NCAA NET Rankings: Algorithm-based metric used by the NCAA Selection Committee.
KenPom: Advanced analytics model emphasizing efficiency metrics.

Unlike formula-driven systems, the AP Poll captures subjective momentum and narrative impact—making it more reactive to big wins and losses.

Impact on NCAA Tournament Seeding

Although the AP Poll does not directly affect tournament selections, it correlates strongly with seeding outcomes. Teams consistently ranked in the top 10 typically receive top-four seeds. However, the NCAA Selection Committee prioritizes NET rankings, quadrant wins, and strength of schedule over media polls.

Frequently Asked Questions About AP NCAA Basketball Rankings

How often are the AP college basketball rankings updated?

The AP Top 25 is released every Monday during the college basketball season, starting in November and continuing through early March. The final regular-season poll usually comes out prior to conference tournaments.

Who votes on the AP basketball poll?

The poll is voted on by 62 media members selected by the Associated Press, including beat writers, columnists, and broadcasters who cover college basketball extensively across the country.

Does the AP Poll determine the national champion?

No. The AP Poll ranks teams during the season and releases a final post-tournament poll. While it doesn't crown the official champion, its final edition recognizes the team that won the NCAA Tournament or finished with the best record.

Can a team outside the Power 5 conferences reach No. 1 in the AP Poll?

Yes. Recent seasons have seen teams like Gonzaga (West Coast Conference) and Wichita State (American Athletic) reach No. 1. In 2025, Duquesne from the Atlantic 10 achieved this milestone, proving non-Power 5 programs can earn top honors with strong records and performances.

What happens to the AP rankings during the NCAA Tournament?

The AP stops updating the poll once the NCAA Tournament begins. A final poll is published after the national championship game, which includes input from voters reflecting tournament results.