The college basketball season is officially underway, and a series of unexpected results have already upended the preseason projections for the AP Poll Top 25. Despite several teams starting the year with buy games, there were also Top 25 matchups on the schedule, including a pair of Top 10 showdowns between Kansas and North Carolina, and Auburn and Houston. After one full week of results, the first regular season 2024-25 AP Poll Top 25 is set to look quite different from the preseason rankings.

Reshuffling the College Basketball Elite

Kansas Retains Top Spot

Kansas, the preseason No. 1 team, did nothing to convince voters to move them from the top spot. Their home win against North Carolina, one of the best wins of the young season, solidifies their position at the summit of the rankings. The Jayhawks' veteran-led roster and championship pedigree have them poised for another deep tournament run.

Alabama and UConn Maintain High Standings

Alabama and UConn, ranked second and third respectively in the preseason, have both started the season with convincing wins. Despite some injury concerns, Alabama has shown the depth and talent to remain among the nation's elite. UConn, with its new-look roster, has given no indication of a drop-off, continuing to play the brand of basketball that has made them a perennial powerhouse.

Auburn Surges into the Top 5

One of the biggest movers in the new rankings is Auburn, who vaulted up to No. 4 after a road win over preseason No. 4 Houston. The Tigers overcame some off-court distractions to make a major statement, proving they have the talent and toughness to compete with the best teams in the country.

Gonzaga and Houston Remain in the Mix

Gonzaga, ranked sixth in the preseason, started the season with a bang, blowing out Baylor in a game that changed the perception of the Top 10. The Bulldogs had to hold on late against Arizona State, but they remain firmly in the Top 5. Houston, despite their loss to Auburn, is still expected to be a force to be reckoned with in the rankings.

Big 12 Powers Jockey for Position

Iowa State, Duke, and Baylor round out the Top 10, with each team showing both promise and areas for improvement in the opening week. The Big 12 is shaping up to be one of the most competitive conferences, with these teams and others vying for position in the rankings.

Familiar Faces and New Contenders

The rest of the Top 25 features a mix of perennial powerhouses and emerging contenders. North Carolina, Tennessee, Purdue, and Creighton all maintain their preseason rankings, while Indiana, Marquette, and Cincinnati have climbed into the Top 20. Florida, Kentucky, and Arkansas look to make their mark, while Texas A&M, Ohio State, Texas, and Ole Miss have all cracked the rankings.The college basketball landscape has been shaken up in the opening week, with several teams making bold statements and jockeying for position in the AP Poll. As the season progresses, the battle for supremacy is sure to intensify, with teams vying to cement their status as national title contenders.