when do college basketball rankings come out

2 min read 10-03-2025

when do college basketball rankings come out

College basketball season is almost here! For fans, one of the most exciting parts is the release of the rankings. But when exactly do those coveted college basketball rankings come out? Let's break it down.

Preseason Rankings: Getting a First Look at the Contenders

The excitement begins with the preseason polls. These rankings, released in late October or early November, offer the first glimpse at how experts see the upcoming season shaping up. They're based on returning players, incoming recruits, and overall team potential. Keep an eye out around the start of the college basketball season for these initial power rankings.

Key Preseason Ranking Releases:

AP Top 25: The Associated Press poll, a long-standing and highly respected source, usually releases its preseason rankings in late October or early November. This poll is voted on by sportswriters across the country.
Coaches Poll: The USA Today Coaches Poll, also a major player in preseason rankings, is compiled from votes by Division I men's basketball coaches. Similar to the AP Poll, this also comes out around the same time.
Other Preseason Rankings: Various sports websites and publications release their own preseason rankings. These can offer different perspectives and insights.

In-Season Rankings: Tracking the Season's Top Performers

The real fun begins once the season starts! The AP and Coaches polls are updated weekly throughout the season, reflecting teams' performances and wins/losses. These updates give you a dynamic view of how the college basketball landscape is changing.

Weekly Updates and Their Importance:

Every Monday (generally): Expect updated rankings from both the AP and Coaches polls, typically released on Mondays. These are crucial to track the rise and fall of teams, and often influence the NCAA tournament selection.
Impact on Bracketology: These weekly rankings play a huge role in bracketology, the process of predicting the NCAA Tournament field. The higher you are ranked, the better your chances of making the tournament, and securing a favorable seed.

Factors Influencing Ranking Changes:

Several factors influence the rankings. Wins and losses are the most obvious but not the only important considerations.

Strength of Schedule: Playing strong opponents, even if you lose a few games, can positively affect your ranking. A loss against a ranked team is often viewed differently than a loss against a weak team.
Margin of Victory: Winning by a large margin shows dominance. Convincing victories tend to impact the rankings more.
Quality Wins: Defeating highly-ranked opponents significantly boosts a team's standing.
Head-to-Head Results: If two teams play each other, the outcome will directly influence their relative rankings.

Where to Find the College Basketball Rankings:

You can easily find these rankings on various websites, including:

ESPN: ESPN provides comprehensive coverage of college basketball, including live updates on rankings.
NCAA.com: The official website of the NCAA will also carry updates to the major polls.
USA Today Sports: This is a great resource, particularly for the Coaches Poll.

Conclusion: Stay Tuned for the Rankings!

The release dates of college basketball rankings are a key part of the college basketball experience for fans and players. Keep your eyes peeled in late October and early November for the exciting preseason rankings, and follow the weekly updates throughout the season to see which teams are rising to the top. Remember, the rankings are just one aspect to consider; they don't tell the whole story! Enjoy the games and the thrill of the season.