Kansas has been ranked No. 1 in the AP Top 25 preseason men’s basketball poll, surpassing Alabama and two-time defending national champion UConn. The decision was made on Monday, with Kansas receiving 30 first-place votes from the national media panel, putting them ahead of competitors like Alabama and UConn who received 14 and 11 first-place votes, respectively.
Other notable teams in the top 10 include Houston, Iowa State, and Gonzaga, who each secured a number of first-place votes. Duke, Baylor, North Carolina, and Arizona also feature prominently in the rankings. The Jayhawks’ top ranking comes after a season where injuries and setbacks impacted their performance, but they have since bolstered their roster with new talent.
Kansas coach Bill Self expressed his satisfaction with the team’s position but emphasized that their ultimate goal is to be No. 1 at the end of the season. The Big 12 conference, which has been revamped with the addition of new teams, including Arizona and Colorado, boasts a strong presence in the preseason poll with multiple teams in the top 10.
Looking beyond the top 10, schools like Purdue, Arkansas, and Rutgers are gearing up for a competitive season with high expectations. Notably, Rutgers has entered the preseason Top 25 for the first time since 1978, reflecting the team’s growing potential. Other schools receiving votes include Illinois, St. John’s, Texas Tech, and Wake Forest.
Kansas’ top ranking marks the fifth time the team has been placed first in the preseason poll, showcasing their consistent performance. As the season progresses, fans can expect more updates and insights from the AP Top 25 rankings. Stay tuned for the official start of games on November 11, as teams across the country vie for a chance to make history and claim the top spot in college basketball.