when do basketball rankings come out

2 min read 10-03-2025

College basketball and NBA fans eagerly anticipate the release of preseason rankings. These rankings offer a glimpse into the upcoming season, sparking debates and setting expectations. But when exactly do these rankings drop? Let's dive into the timing of college and NBA preseason basketball rankings.

College Basketball Rankings Release Dates

Several organizations release college basketball rankings, each with its own schedule. The most prominent include the AP Poll and the Coaches Poll. These polls don't have fixed release dates, but they generally follow a similar pattern.

AP Poll (Associated Press)

The AP Top 25 is a weekly poll conducted by sportswriters and broadcasters across the nation. They typically start releasing their rankings in late October or early November, coinciding with the start of the college basketball season. The AP Poll is updated weekly throughout the season, reflecting teams' performance.

Coaches Poll

Similar to the AP Poll, the Coaches Poll is released weekly. The National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) collects votes from Division I coaches. Their rankings also debut around late October or early November, alongside the AP Poll and other preseason rankings.

Other College Basketball Rankings

Besides the AP and Coaches Polls, other organizations, such as ESPN and USA Today, also release their own preseason and weekly rankings. Their schedules vary slightly, but you can usually find these rankings online around the same time as the AP and Coaches Polls.

How to find the latest college rankings:

Check the official websites: Visit the websites of the AP, NABC, ESPN, and USA Today for the most up-to-date rankings.
Use sports news websites: Many sports news sites, like ESPN.com and others, will prominently feature college basketball rankings.
Follow social media: Many sports outlets and journalists share ranking updates on their social media channels (Twitter, X, etc.).

NBA Preseason Power Rankings Release Dates

Unlike college basketball, the NBA doesn't have an official ranking system. Instead, various sports media outlets release their own preseason power rankings. These rankings typically appear in late September or early October, leading up to the start of the NBA season.

Where to Find NBA Preseason Power Rankings:

ESPN: ESPN is a primary source for NBA analysis, including preseason power rankings.
Bleacher Report: Bleacher Report also produces insightful NBA coverage, including preseason and in-season power rankings.
Sporting News: Another reputable sports news source, Sporting News offers its take on NBA team power rankings.
Other major sports websites and blogs: Numerous other reputable sports websites and blogs release their own NBA power rankings.

Factors Influencing Ranking Timing

The precise timing of these rankings can shift slightly depending on several factors. These factors include:

Start of the season: Rankings are often released shortly before the start of the regular season. Slight delays are possible due to schedule changes.
Major events: Significant off-season moves, like player trades or coaching changes, might influence when outlets release their rankings.
News cycle: Rankings are often tied to the broader sports news cycle, so their release may depend on other major sporting events.

Conclusion: Staying Updated on Basketball Rankings

Whether you're a college basketball or NBA fan, keeping tabs on preseason rankings is a fun way to build anticipation for the upcoming season. By knowing the general timeframe for release, you can easily find and follow your preferred rankings. Remember to check reputable sports news sites and the official sources mentioned above for the most accurate and up-to-date information on basketball rankings.