When Does AP Poll Come Out for Basketball?

By Sarah Miller · July 4, 2048

The AP Poll for college basketball is released every Monday during the regular season, starting in November and continuing through March, with the final poll published after the NCAA Tournament concludes.

Understanding the AP Poll in College Basketball

The Associated Press (AP) Poll is one of the most influential rankings in NCAA Division I men's basketball. It reflects the opinions of a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters who vote on the top 25 teams weekly. The poll plays a crucial role in shaping national perception, media coverage, and even NCAA Tournament seeding.

Why the AP Poll Matters

Helps determine team prestige and momentum
Influences NCAA Tournament selection committee decisions
Impacts player recruitment and program visibility
Serves as a benchmark for performance throughout the season

When Is the AP Poll Released?

The AP Top 25 basketball poll is officially published every Monday morning, typically around 9:00 AM Eastern Time (ET). This schedule begins in early November, shortly before the season tips off, and continues weekly until the conclusion of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament in April.

Key Release Dates and Schedule Notes

First Poll: Early November (preseason games begin late October)
Weekly Updates: Every Monday during the season
Final Poll: Released shortly after the NCAA Championship game in April
Hiatus: No polls during the offseason (May–October)

How the AP Poll Works

The AP Poll is determined by votes from a panel of 65 sports journalists from across the United States. Each voter submits a ranked list of their top 25 teams. Teams receive points based on their ranking (25 points for first place, 24 for second, etc.), and the total determines the official order.

Voting Criteria and Influencing Factors

Team record and winning streaks
Strength of schedule (quality wins, bad losses)
Performance in key matchups and rivalry games
Player injuries and roster changes
Recent results vs. long-term reputation

Date	Poll Type	Top Team	Record	Points
November 4, 2024	Preseason	Duquesne	0-0	1,597
December 9, 2024	Weekly	Auburn	8-1	1,602
January 13, 2025	Weekly	Tennessee	12-1	1,648
February 10, 2025	Weekly	Kentucky	18-3	1,670
March 17, 2025	Post-Tournament	UConn	36-3	1,725

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows how rankings shift based on performance. UConn rose to No. 1 after winning the national title, while preseason favorite Duquesne dropped out mid-season due to conference struggles. Tennessee and Kentucky maintained consistency, reflecting strong non-conference and SEC performances.

Where to Find the AP Poll

The latest AP Poll is published directly on the Associated Press website. It is also widely reported by major sports outlets including ESPN, CBS Sports, and Bleacher Report. Fans can subscribe to email alerts or follow @AP_Top25 on X (formerly Twitter) for real-time updates.