Overview
- Purdue reclaimed the top spot in the AP men’s poll with 44 of 61 first-place votes after an 87-80 road win at Alabama, with Houston at No. 2 following a one‑point escape against Auburn and UConn steady at No. 3.
- Houston lost several No. 1 votes in the AP balloting, while Arizona rose to No. 4 and Duke slipped to No. 5 as five teams received first-place consideration in the early‑season shuffle.
- The USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll also kept Purdue at No. 1 with 20 of 31 first-place votes, followed by Houston (nine), UConn, and Duke (two), reflecting similar movement to the media rankings.
- Louisville jumped six spots to No. 6 and Illinois rose to No. 8 off signature wins, Gonzaga climbed to No. 13, and NC State entered the AP at No. 25 in Will Wade’s first season.
- In the AP women’s poll, UConn stayed No. 1 with 28 first-place votes as Michigan soared to No. 6 after routing Notre Dame, TCU moved to No. 10 after winning at NC State, and West Virginia debuted at No. 23 after beating Duke, which fell out.