The 2024-25 college basketball season is off to a roaring start, with the preseason No. 1 Kansas Jayhawks maintaining their grip on the top spot in the AP men's basketball Top 25 after a nail-biting victory over North Carolina. Meanwhile, several other top-ranked teams, including Alabama, UConn, Gonzaga, and Auburn, are jockeying for position in the early rankings.

Preseason Favorites Flex Their Muscles in Thrilling Matchups

Kansas Survives Tar Heels' Comeback Bid

The Jayhawks, led by a talented roster and a seasoned coaching staff, opened their campaign with a hard-fought 92-89 win over the North Carolina Tar Heels in Lawrence. The game was a showcase of the Jayhawks' resilience, as they weathered a furious second-half rally by the Tar Heels to hold on to the victory. Despite the loss, North Carolina only dropped one spot in the rankings, demonstrating the strength of their program and the competitiveness of the early-season matchups.

Alabama, UConn, and Gonzaga Solidify Top-Five Positions

Alongside the Jayhawks, several other top-ranked teams have made their presence felt in the opening week of the season. Alabama, UConn, and Gonzaga have all maintained their positions in the top five, showcasing the depth and talent of the college basketball landscape. These programs have consistently been among the nation's elite, and their early-season performances have only reinforced their status as contenders for the national championship.

Auburn Tigers Soar Up the Rankings

One of the most impressive risers in the AP Top 25 is the Auburn Tigers, who have climbed six spots to land at No. 5. The Tigers' dominant performances, including a 94-43 blowout of Vermont and a 74-69 win over preseason No. 4 Houston, have earned them the top spot in the KenPom rankings as well. Head coach Bruce Pearl has assembled a well-rounded roster, with a promising backcourt and a formidable frontcourt duo of Johni Broome and Dylan Cardwell.

Texas Longhorns Stumble in Early Matchups

In contrast, the Texas Longhorns have experienced a rough start to the season, dropping 11 spots in the AP poll and nine spots in the KenPom rankings after a loss to Ohio State. Despite the talent on their roster, including the impressive performances of freshman Tre Johnson, the Longhorns have struggled to find their rhythm and cohesion as a team. It will be crucial for head coach Rodney Terry to quickly address these issues and get the Longhorns back on track.

St. John's Red Storm Crash the Top 25

One of the newcomers to the AP Top 25 is the St. John's Red Storm, who have jumped into the rankings after two dominant wins over Fordham and Quinnipiac. Head coach Rick Pitino has brought in a talented backcourt duo in Kadary Richmond and Deivon Smith, and the development of players already in the program, such as RJ Luis Jr. and Simeon Wilcher, has provided a significant boost to the team's performance. The Red Storm will face their first significant test on Sunday when they host the New Mexico Lobos.As the 2024-25 college basketball season unfolds, the landscape continues to shift, with established powerhouses and rising contenders jockeying for position in the national rankings. The early-season matchups have already provided a glimpse of the excitement and drama that fans can expect throughout the year, setting the stage for an enthralling journey towards the NCAA Tournament.