| Rank | Team | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alabama | +2 Congrats Bama, you’re now officially a basketball school |
| 2 | Auburn | -1 This in-state rivalry game is going to be SPICY |
| 3 | Duke | -1 Caution: slippery when wet |
| 4 | Houston | NC |
| 5 | Tennessee | +1 |
| 6 | Florida | +1 Dominating Auburn on the road? Nice work, Gators |
| 7 | Iowa State | -2 |
| 8 | Texas A&M | +1 |
| 9 | Purdue | +4 |
| 10 | St. John's | +6 Are these guys legit Final Four contenders? |
| 11 | Texas Tech | -1 |
| 12 | Michigan State | -4 Rough going against the new California schools, Spartans |
| 13 | Arizona | +10 Arizona has come alive in conference play |
| 14 | Kentucky | -3 |
| 15 | Marquette | -3 The Golden Eagles falling apart before March? I think I’ve heard this story before |
| 16 | Clemson | +6 Nice upset |
| 17 | Kansas | -3 |
| 18 | Wisconsin | +2 |
| 19 | Mississippi State | NC |
| 20 | Memphis | +1 |
| 21 | Missouri | -4 Tough week for the Tigers |
| 22 | Creighton | NR |
| 23 | Saint Mary's | -5 |
| 24 | UCLA | NR |
| 25 | New Mexico | NC |
Next 5 out: Michigan, Louisville, Ole Miss, Maryland, Utah State Dropped from the rankings: Illinois, Maryland