We don’t usually do this, but the results of the USA TODAY Sports men’s basketball coaches poll this week dictate we should dip into the minutiae a bit to explain matters.
It seems there were two schools of thought among the voters when considering what to do with the top-ranked Auburn Tigers following their loss to Florida over the weekend. Many were inclined to leave them at No. 1, but those who demoted them chose to move them down more than one position.
This is all a roundabout way of announcing there is a new No. 1 team. Alabama moves to the top from the No. 3 spot. The Crimson Tide received 15 of 31 first-place votes but wind up 17 poll points ahead of the Tigers. Auburn lands at No. 2 overall despite getting the other 16 votes for No. 1.
Fans of both programs are advised not to get too worked up about the voting, however, as the matter will be settled on the court this coming Saturday in Tuscaloosa. For now though, it’s the first No. 1 ranking for the Crimson Tide since Feb. 13, 2023 – the only other time they were in the top spot.
Florida, responsible for knocking off the No. 1 team for the second time this season, vaults three places to No. 3. Tennessee follows at No. 4, giving the SEC the top four poll positions. The panel was less forgiving of Duke’s loss at No. 19 Clemson, as the Blue Devils drop from second to fifth overall.
TOP 25: Complete USA TODAY Sports men’s basketball poll
FOUR NO. 1 SEEDS?: SEC making its case after strong weekend
Houston checks in at No. 6, with Purdue holding at No. 7. St. John’s continues its ascent climbing two spots to No. 8, its highest ranking since the final poll of the 1998-99 season. Texas A&M and Iowa State round out the top 10.
Arizona is the week’s big mover, jumping seven places to No. 13 after earning a season split with No. 12 Texas Tech.
No. 21 Creighton and No. 23 Mississippi rejoin the rankings, replacing Saint Mary’s and Illinois.
