As we approach the end of 2024 and transition into the new year, college basketball fans are eagerly anticipating the next round of updates to the Associated Press (AP) Top 25 rankings. The landscape of NCAA hoops is shifting, and several teams are making significant moves, while others are trying to stay relevant in the national conversation.
At the top, teams like Duke, Kansas, and Michigan State have consistently shown they belong in the upper echelons of college basketball. Duke, with its dynamic roster and elite coaching, has managed to keep up its standard of excellence, while Kansas is as consistent as ever, always a contender in the Big 12 and beyond. Michigan State, under the legendary Tom Izzo, has once again positioned itself as one of the sport’s powerhouses.
But it’s not just the traditional blue-bloods that are making waves. Several other programs have emerged as serious contenders for the 2025 NCAA tournament, including Arizona, Purdue, and Kentucky. Arizona, with its blend of experienced upperclassmen and talented freshmen, looks poised to make a deep tournament run. Purdue, with the towering presence of Zach Edey in the paint, is an unstoppable force that could dominate the postseason. Kentucky, despite some early season struggles, is a team that always rises to the occasion when it matters most, and its recruiting class ensures they’ll be a factor throughout the year.
One of the more exciting storylines this season is the rise of some smaller schools who are making a push for a spot in the Top 25. Teams like Gonzaga, Houston, and Creighton have shown their ability to compete at the highest level, making for a more competitive and unpredictable season than ever before.
As the calendar flips to 2025, fans should expect plenty of surprises in the AP Top 25 rankings. The new year brings fresh opportunities for teams to assert their dominance, while others may falter and lose their place among the elite. The race to the NCAA tournament is heating up, and each game could be the difference between a top ranking and a missed opportunity. With so much talent across the board, 2025 is shaping up to be a thrilling year for college basketball.
