Auburn Tops AP Poll for First Time Since 2022 After Tennessee’s Loss

AUBURN, Ala. — Auburn has claimed the No. 1 spot in the latest AP Top 25 men’s college basketball poll, marking its first time atop the rankings since the 2021-22 season. The Tigers ascended to the top after Tennessee suffered its first loss of the season, a 30-point defeat to Florida, which dropped the Volunteers to No. 6.

Auburn (15-1) earned 60 of 62 first-place votes from AP voters, a significant jump from the 15 first-place votes it received last week. The Tigers had been ranked No. 2 for six consecutive weeks before their rise to the top. This is the 10th time in 11 polls this season that Auburn has received at least two first-place votes.

Tennessee’s loss opened the door for Auburn, which went 2-0 last week with road wins over Texas and South Carolina. However, the Tigers face challenges ahead as standout forward Johni Broome suffered a significant ankle sprain during Saturday’s game. Broome’s status remains uncertain, and his absence could impact Auburn’s upcoming matchups against Mississippi State and newly ranked Georgia.

Iowa State (14-1) climbed to No. 2, its highest ranking in program history, after extending its winning streak to 11 games. Duke, Alabama, and Florida rounded out the top five, with Florida making a notable jump after its dominant win over Tennessee.

Georgia (14-2) entered the rankings at No. 23 following two wins over ranked SEC opponents, marking its first appearance in the AP poll since January 2011. The Bulldogs’ resurgence has been a highlight of the season, as they prepare to face Auburn on Saturday.

The updated rankings come as the college basketball season nears its midway point, with Selection Sunday just over two months away. The NCAA Tournament selection committee will rely heavily on the NET rankings, which evaluate teams based on game results, strength of schedule, and efficiency metrics. Auburn’s strong Quad 1 record (7-1) positions it well for postseason seeding, but maintaining its top ranking will require navigating a challenging schedule without Broome.

Tennessee, despite its recent loss, remains a formidable contender with a 15-1 record and a 4-1 mark in Quad 1 games. The Volunteers will look to rebound in their upcoming matchups, including a highly anticipated rematch with Florida on Feb. 1.

As the season progresses, the race for the No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament intensifies, with Auburn, Iowa State, and Duke emerging as early favorites. The Tigers’ ability to stay atop the rankings will depend on their performance in the coming weeks, particularly if Broome is sidelined for an extended period.