Auburn is the No. 1 in the rankings with losses in Tennessee

On By Littum

For the first time in over a month, there is a change at the top of USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll. However, it’s a classic case of good news and bad news for the new No. 1 team.

Auburn takes over first place after surviving an upset bid at South Carolina this weekend. The Tigers claim 25 of 31 first-place votes this week, holding the top spot for the first time since January 2022. Unfortunately, they could be without star forward Johni Broome for a stretch due to an ankle injury. This is the first time Auburn has been No. 1 since 31 January 2022.

The rest of the top five also looks different, as former no. 1 in Tennessee tumbles thanks to its decisive loss in Florida during the week. Iowa State climbs to No. 2 after rallying for an overtime win at Texas Tech over the weekend. The Cyclones pick up five no. 1 votes and is in second place for the first time since Dec. 14, 2015. Duke climbs a notch to no. 3, and Florida jumps four places to no. 4 thanks to his big win against the Volunteers. Alabama holds the No. 5. Tennessee, which bounced back to edge Texas on the road on Saturday, maintains a top spot but drops to No. 6 in total.

TOP 25: Complete the USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Poll

WEEKEND END: Michigan schools still undefeated in the Big Ten

Marquette held serve during the week, but is pushed down a notch to No. 7. Houston gains three spots to move back into the top 10 at no. 8. Kentucky went 1-1 this week and falls two spots to No. 9. Kansas joins the top 10, climbing two spots to overtake the no. 11 Texas A&M.

Michigan jumps five spots to No. 19 to claim the biggest mover honor of the week. Georgia debuts in the poll as No. 23, its first Top 25 appearance since March 11, 2003. Baylor also re-enters the rankings at no. 24. Oklahoma and UCLA are eliminated.