When Do College Basketball Rankings Come Out?

By Sarah Miller · April 21, 2040

College basketball rankings are typically released weekly during the season, with the AP Top 25 and USA Today Coaches Poll coming out every Monday starting in mid-November and continuing through the regular season until March Madness concludes.

When Are College Basketball Rankings Released?

The two most widely recognized college basketball rankings—the AP Top 25 and the USA Today Coaches Poll—are published every Monday during the NCAA basketball season. The release schedule generally begins in mid-November, shortly after the season tips off, and continues weekly until the end of the NCAA Tournament in early April.

The Associated Press (AP) poll drops at approximately 2:00 PM Eastern Time (ET) on Mondays, while the Coaches Poll is usually available by late morning or early afternoon ET. These rankings reflect team performance from the previous week and often shift significantly after major matchups, upsets, or conference tournament results.

Key Poll Release Dates for 2024–2025 Season

First AP Poll: November 11, 2024
First Coaches Poll: November 18, 2024
Final Regular-Season Polls: March 17, 2025
Postseason Rankings: Following NCAA Tournament conclusion

How Are College Basketball Rankings Determined?

Understanding how teams are ranked helps fans interpret movement in the polls and anticipate NCAA Tournament seeding. Each major ranking system uses a different methodology:

AP Top 25 Poll

Voted on by a panel of 65 sportswriters and broadcasters from across the U.S., the AP Poll emphasizes team performance, strength of schedule, notable wins, and key losses. It is independent of the NCAA and has been published since 1948.

USA Today Coaches Poll

This poll is compiled from votes by 32 Division I head coaches. While it considers similar factors as the AP Poll, it can sometimes reflect bias toward higher-profile programs or conferences due to voter familiarity.

Kennedy Center Ranking Index (KPI) & NET Rankings

Beyond media and coach polls, the NCAA uses the NET (NCAA Evaluation Tool) for official tournament selection and seeding. The NET includes game results, strength of schedule, game location, scoring margin (capped), and more. Updated daily, it’s considered the most objective metric.

Team	Record (2024)	AP Rank	Coaches Rank	NET Score	Conference
Duquesne	25–9	NR	NR	32	Atlantic 10
Tennessee	26–7	12	13	11	SEC
Florida	24–8	15	16	18	SEC
Creighton	22–10	19	20	22	Big East
TCU	21–11	NR	NR	38	Big 12

Table data source:1, 2

The table above shows discrepancies between subjective polls and objective metrics. For example, Duquesne, despite no AP or Coaches Poll ranking, holds a strong NET score of 32, indicating high tournament relevance. Conversely, TCU’s absence from both polls despite a top-40 NET suggests potential under-recognition. This highlights why the NCAA relies heavily on NET for bracket decisions.

Why Do Rankings Matter in College Basketball?

Rankings influence multiple aspects of the college basketball landscape:

Tournament Seeding: The NET and poll performance help determine NCAA Tournament placement and seed lines.
Recruiting: Ranked programs attract higher-profile recruits.
TV Exposure: Networks prioritize ranked teams for national broadcasts.
Momentum: A rise in rankings boosts team morale and fan engagement.

Additionally, being ranked in the final preseason AP Poll often correlates with deep tournament runs. Since 2010, over 70% of Final Four teams were ranked in the preseason top 15.

Frequently Asked Questions About College Basketball Rankings

What time do college basketball rankings come out?

The AP Top 25 is typically released around 2:00 PM Eastern Time on Mondays, while the USA Today Coaches Poll usually publishes between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM ET on the same day.

How often are college basketball rankings updated?

Both the AP and Coaches Polls are updated weekly during the season, usually every Monday. The NET rankings are updated daily on the NCAA website.

Do preseason rankings affect NCAA Tournament selection?

No, preseason rankings don’t directly impact tournament selection, but they shape early-season expectations and media coverage. The NCAA Selection Committee only considers performance from the current season.

Can a team enter the rankings mid-season?

Yes, teams can enter the AP or Coaches Poll at any point during the season if voters believe their performance warrants inclusion, especially after winning key games or going on winning streaks.

What happens to rankings after the NCAA Tournament starts?

The AP and Coaches Polls continue through the tournament, with the final polls published after the National Championship game. However, the NCAA Tournament results override regular-season rankings for legacy and seeding evaluation.