The men’s college basketball season is still in its infancy, but a few significant results are already in the books. As such, the new USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll looks a bit different this week.
Purdue strengthens its grip on the No. 1 spot after a solid road victory at Alabama during the week. The Boilermakers received 20 of 31 first-place votes to stay ahead of second-ranked Houston. The Cougars averted an upset bid from Auburn and claim nine No. 1 votes. Connecticut stays put at No. 3, and Duke retains the No. 4 spot while getting the remaining two top nods.
Arizona moves up a notch to enter the top five, boosted by a win against former Pac-12 rival UCLA.
TOP 25: Complete USA TODAY Sports men’s basketball poll
Louisville, thanks to a convincing rivalry win against Kentucky, vaults from No. 12 into a tie for No. 6 with Michigan. Illinois also gains six positions to No. 8 after upending Texas Tech. Florida moves up a spot to No. 9, and Brigham Young stays in the top 10 after a close loss to UConn.
Alabama slipped just a couple of places to No. 11, while Kentucky falls five spots to No. 13. Gonzaga leaps seven places to No. 12, while Texas Tech slides four places to No. 15.
No. 24 Vanderbilt and No. 25 Indiana join the rankings this week as Creighton and Auburn drop out.