Mon Mar 10 17:20:00 UTC 2025: **Duke Dethrones Auburn in AP Top 25 Men’s College Basketball Poll**
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Duke University has claimed the top spot in the AP Top 25 men’s college basketball poll, ending Auburn’s eight-week reign. The Blue Devils secured 52 of 61 first-place votes, leapfrogging Auburn, who dropped to third behind Houston. This marks Duke’s first No. 1 ranking since November 2021.
Auburn’s recent losses to Texas A&M and Alabama contributed to their fall. Despite the drop, Auburn remains the No. 1 seed in the SEC Tournament. Houston, the top seed in the Big 12 Tournament, climbed to its highest ranking of the season at No. 2. Florida rose to fourth, and Alabama moved up to fifth.
Other notable changes in the rankings include Texas A&M’s eight-spot jump to No. 14 following victories over Auburn and LSU, and BYU’s six-spot rise to No. 17 after winning two crucial games. Conversely, Wisconsin and Missouri each fell six spots.
The SEC and Big Ten lead with seven teams each in the Top 25. Conference tournaments are underway, with the ACC and Big 12 beginning this week, followed by the Big Ten and SEC on Wednesday. Coaches across the top-ranked teams expressed a focus on continued improvement rather than dwelling on their current rankings.
First Piper 