For the first time in over a month, there’s a change at the top of the USA TODAY Sports men’s basketball coaches poll. It is, however, a classic case of good news and bad news for the new No. 1 team.
Auburn takes over the top spot after surviving an upset bid at South Carolina over the weekend. The Tigers claim 25 of 31 first-place votes this week and holds the top ranking for the first time since January of 2022. Unfortunately they might be without star forward Johni Broome for a stretch due to an ankle injury. It’s the first time Auburn has been No. 1 since Jan. 31, 2022.
The rest of the top five also looks different as former No. 1 Tennessee tumbles thanks to its decisive loss at Florida during the week. Iowa State climbs to No. 2 after rallying for an overtime win at Texas Tech over the weekend. The Cyclones pick up five No. 1 votes and are ranked second for the first time since Dec. 14, 2015. Duke climbs a notch to No. 3, and Florida vaults four places to No. 4 thanks to its big win against the Volunteers. Alabama holds at No. 5. Tennessee, which bounced back to edge Texas on the road on Saturday, does retain a first-place vote but falls to No. 6 overall.
Marquette held serve during the week but gets pushed down a notch to No. 7. Houston gains three positions to move back into the top 10 at No. 8. Kentucky went 1-1 this week and falls two spots to No. 9. Kansas rejoins the top 10 climbing two spots to overtake No. 11 Texas A&M.
Michigan jumps five places to No. 19 to claim week’s biggest mover honors. Georgia debuts in the poll at No. 23, its first Top 25 appearance since March 11, 2003. Baylor also rejoins the rankings at No. 24. Oklahoma and UCLA fall out.