when does college basketball rankings come out

2 min read 22-02-2025

when does college basketball rankings come out

The anticipation is palpable. The roar of the crowd, the swish of the net, the nail-biting finishes – college basketball season is upon us! But before the madness truly begins, many fans eagerly await the release of the first college basketball rankings. Knowing when these rankings are released is crucial for staying informed and engaged with the season. This article provides a complete overview of when and where to find the most influential college basketball rankings.

The Preseason Power Rankings: Getting a Head Start

Before the season even tips off, several reputable sources release their preseason rankings. These aren't official polls, but they offer a valuable first glimpse into which teams are expected to contend for the championship. These typically emerge in late October or early November. Look to prominent sports websites and magazines for these early predictions.

Key Preseason Ranking Release Dates (Approximate):

Late October/Early November: Many sports news outlets publish their preseason Top 25 polls. These often include detailed analyses of each team's strengths and weaknesses, offering valuable insight into the upcoming season.

The Official Polls: AP and Coaches' Polls

The two most influential college basketball rankings are the Associated Press (AP) Top 25 and the USA Today Coaches Poll. These polls shape public perception and often influence seeding for the NCAA Tournament.

AP Top 25:

The AP Poll is determined by a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters across the country. They submit their ballots weekly, and the results are compiled and released typically on Mondays following the conclusion of the weekend's games. The first official AP Poll usually comes out around the second or third week of November, immediately following the first full week of games.

Coaches Poll:

Similar to the AP Poll, the Coaches Poll is also released weekly on Mondays. However, the poll is voted on by a panel of Division I head coaches. The first Coaches Poll typically debuts around the same time as the AP Poll, in the second or third week of November.

Where to Find the Rankings: Your Go-To Resources

Staying updated on the rankings is easy! Here are some of the best places to check for the latest updates:

ESPN: ESPN is a leading source for college basketball news and rankings. They provide detailed analysis and projections alongside the polls themselves.
NCAA.com: The official NCAA website is a reliable resource for all things college basketball, including the official rankings.
USA Today Sports: This site features the USA Today Coaches Poll.
Major Sports News Websites: Sites like CBS Sports, Fox Sports, and others offer their own coverage, analysis, and rankings.

Beyond the Top 25: Other Ranking Systems and Considerations

While the AP and Coaches' Polls are the most prominent, other ranking systems exist. These might use different methodologies or focus on specific aspects of team performance. You can find these rankings on various sports websites, often alongside the major polls. Remember that rankings are snapshots in time and can fluctuate considerably throughout the season.

Understanding the Impact of Rankings

College basketball rankings are more than just numbers. They influence:

National Attention: High rankings bring media attention and increased fan interest.
NCAA Tournament Seeding: Rankings significantly influence seeding for the NCAA Tournament, impacting matchups and potential paths to the championship.
Recruiting: Top rankings attract top recruits, creating a cycle of success.

By understanding when the rankings come out and where to find them, you'll be better equipped to follow the exciting world of college basketball and stay informed about the teams battling for supremacy throughout the season. So, mark your calendars, and get ready for the thrill of the chase!