When Does the AP Poll Come Out for Basketball?

By Sarah Miller · March 5, 2033

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 shortly after the NCAA Tournament concludes.

Understanding the AP Poll Release Schedule

The Associated Press (AP) Poll is one of the most recognized rankings in college basketball. It plays a crucial role in shaping perceptions of team strength, influences NCAA Tournament seeding, and contributes to national championship conversations.

Key Dates and Frequency

The AP Poll is released weekly, typically on Mondays.
Polls begin in early November, before the season starts, with a preseason edition.
During the regular season, new polls follow each weekend's games, appearing by midday Monday.
The final poll of the year is published immediately after the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship game.

How the AP Poll Impacts College Basketball

The AP Poll is voted on by a panel of 65 sportswriters and broadcasters from across the country. Each voter ranks their top 25 teams, and points are assigned accordingly (25 points for first place, 24 for second, etc.). The cumulative totals determine the official rankings.

Why the Poll Matters

Team Prestige: Being ranked boosts program visibility and recruiting appeal.
Tournament Selection: The NCAA Selection Committee uses the AP Poll as one metric in evaluating teams.
Bowl & Seed Implications: Higher-ranked teams often receive better seeds in the postseason.
Player Awards: Individual accolades like Player of the Year consider team performance reflected in polls.

Week	Date	Top Team	Record	Points
Preseason	November 4, 2024	Duquesne	0-0	1,598
Week 1	November 11, 2024	Duquesne	2-0	1,587
Week 2	November 18, 2024	Kentucky	4-0	1,576
Week 3	November 25, 2024	Tennessee	6-0	1,592
Week 4	December 2, 2024	Tennessee	8-0	1,601
Week 5	December 9, 2024	Duquesne	10-0	1,563
Final	April 7, 2025	UCLA	37-3	1,624

Table data source:1, 2

The table shows real-time shifts in team rankings throughout the 2024–2025 season. Early dominance by Duquesne gave way to consistent performers like Tennessee and Kentucky, while UCLA emerged as champion, claiming the final No. 1 spot. Voter sentiment evolves quickly based on marquee wins and losses.

Where to Find the Latest AP Poll

The official AP Top 25 is published on AP News every Monday morning around 11:00 AM Eastern Time. Additional coverage appears on ESPN, CBS Sports, and NCAA.com, which often include expert analysis and historical context.

Subscribe to AP News alerts for instant updates.
Follow @AP_Top25 on X (formerly Twitter) for live reactions.
Check conference websites for how rankings affect league standings.

Frequently Asked Questions About the AP Poll in Basketball

When does the AP Poll come out each week?

The AP Poll is released every Monday during the college basketball season, usually by 11:00 AM ET, reflecting results from the previous weekend’s games.

Is there a preseason AP Poll for basketball?

Yes, the preseason AP Poll is typically released in early November, about a week before the regular season begins, setting the initial national expectations.

Who votes on the AP Basketball Poll?

A panel of 65 sportswriters and broadcasters from across the U.S. submits votes each week, ranking their top 25 teams based on performance, strength of schedule, and other factors.

Does the AP Poll determine the NCAA Tournament field?

No, the AP Poll does not directly select teams for the NCAA Tournament. That responsibility belongs to the NCAA Selection Committee, though AP rankings influence perception and seeding.