Power Rankings Shake-Up: Tennessee Takes Over No. 1 as Chaos Hits College Hoops
It’s been a wild two weeks in college basketball, and just when we thought we had a clear picture of the top teams, the chaos of Tuesday and Wednesday threw everything into disarray. The Power Rankings were set to feature a heated debate between Kansas and Auburn for the top spot, but after a series of shocking results, it was back to the drawing board. The result? A new No. 1 team has emerged, and it’s none other than Rick Barnes and the Tennessee Volunteers.
The Volunteers have been nothing short of dominant, winning all eight of their games by at least 15 points. Their resume includes impressive blowouts over Louisville, Virginia, and Baylor, all away from home. Once again, Tennessee boasts one of the nation’s elite defenses, and Barnes has struck gold in the transfer portal, seamlessly replacing Dalton Knecht with Chaz Lanier. Lanier has been a revelation, and the Volunteers are firing on all cylinders.
1. Tennessee Volunteers (8-0)
Previous ranking: 12
Chaz Lanier has been the story for Tennessee, especially over the past four games, where he’s averaged 23.8 points and shot nearly 47% from beyond the arc. His standout performances against Virginia, Baylor, and Syracuse have solidified his status as one of the top transfers in the country. Tennessee’s next test comes against Miami at the Jimmy V Classic in New York on Dec. 10.
2. Auburn Tigers (7-1)
Previous ranking: 3
Auburn’s loss to Duke may have cost them a shot at the No. 1 spot, but it doesn’t diminish their long-term potential. Johni Broome continues to shine, while freshman Tahaad Pettiford is emerging as a dynamic force. However, the Tigers need more consistency from Denver Jones and Chaney Johnson, who combined for just five points against Duke. Auburn faces Richmond on Dec. 8.
3. Iowa State Cyclones (6-1)
Previous ranking: 5
Keshon Gilbert was the star in Iowa State’s win over Marquette, dropping 24 points and seven assists. Gilbert has been on fire, scoring at least 23 points in three of his last four games. The Cyclones will look to keep the momentum going against Jackson State on Dec. 8.
4. Kansas Jayhawks (7-1)
Previous ranking: 1
Kansas’ loss to Creighton was surprising, not just because they lost, but because they never led and were out of contention for much of the game. Dajuan Harris Jr. took 21 shots, while Hunter Dickinson, their All-American big man, attempted just four. Kansas will need to regroup quickly as they face Missouri on Dec. 8.
5. Gonzaga Bulldogs (7-1)
Previous ranking: 2
Gonzaga’s three-point shooting has been a concern, hitting just 35.4% from deep, which would be their lowest mark since 1999. However, their dominance in the paint has kept them afloat, with Braden Huff providing a spark off the bench. The Bulldogs face Kentucky in Seattle on Dec. 7.
6. Duke Blue Devils (6-2)
Previous ranking: 11
Isaiah Evans had a breakout performance against Auburn, hitting six three-pointers in the first half to help Duke secure a big win. The Blue Devils will look to build on this momentum with games against Louisville and Incarnate Word in the coming week.
7. Marquette Golden Eagles (8-1)
Previous ranking: 7
Marquette suffered their first loss of the season to Iowa State and could be without Chase Ross, who left the game with an ankle injury. The Golden Eagles face a tough in-state rivalry game against Wisconsin on Dec. 7.
8. Kentucky Wildcats (7-1)
Previous ranking: 10
Kentucky’s shooting woes were on full display in their loss to Clemson, hitting just 26.8% from three over their last three games. They’ll need to find their rhythm quickly with a showdown against Gonzaga on Dec. 7.
9. Oregon Ducks (9-0)
Previous ranking: Unranked
Oregon has been the surprise team of the season, with Jackson Shelstad leading the way. The Ducks face UCLA on Dec. 8 in what should be a thrilling matchup.
10. Purdue Boilermakers (7-1)
Previous ranking: 8
Purdue’s Myles Colvin has stepped up in recent games, including a game-winning putback against Ole Miss. The Boilermakers face Penn State and Maryland in the coming week.
- Biggest Riser: Tennessee (from No. 12 to No. 1)
- Biggest Drop: Kansas (from No. 1 to No. 4)
- Surprise Team: Oregon Ducks (unranked to No. 9)
The Power Rankings are always a rollercoaster, and this week was no exception. With Tennessee taking the top spot and several teams making big moves, the college basketball season is heating up. Stay tuned for more drama as the season unfolds!
Originally Written by: Jeff Borzello
