Why Auburn Tigers Still Deserve the Top Spot Over Alabama Crimson Tide & Duke Blue Devils

The Auburn Tigers’ rise to prominence in college basketball has been nothing short of remarkable, and their standing at the top of the rankings has sparked intense discussions in the basketball community. As one of the premier programs in the country, Auburn’s current position at the top of the rankings has come under scrutiny from rival teams, particularly the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Duke Blue Devils. Both of these programs have had outstanding seasons as well, but the question remains: why do the Auburn Tigers still deserve to hold the top spot, even as these two powerhouse programs close in on the No. 1 position?

This article will dive deep into the reasons why Auburn should remain at the top of the rankings, exploring key factors such as consistency, strength of schedule, individual player performances, coaching excellence, and the overall impact of Auburn’s basketball program on the national landscape. While Alabama and Duke certainly have the pedigree and talent to challenge for the No. 1 spot, Auburn’s unique combination of these factors places them in the ideal position to continue to lead the pack.

1. Consistency Throughout the Season

One of the most important aspects when evaluating the No. 1 team in college basketball is consistency, and Auburn has been a model of stability and reliability throughout the 2025 season. While teams like Alabama and Duke have had their moments of brilliance, they’ve also experienced some inconsistency, whether in close games or against inferior opponents.

Auburn, on the other hand, has remained remarkably consistent. The Tigers have found a rhythm both offensively and defensively, which has allowed them to win tough games on the road and at home. Their overall win-loss record showcases their ability to rise to the occasion in all types of situations, whether against ranked opponents or underperforming teams. This consistency, particularly in the face of challenges, is a key reason why Auburn continues to deserve the top spot.

In comparison, Alabama’s schedule has seen them slip up in games that they were expected to win, and Duke, while dominant at times, has faced some issues with depth and injuries that have hindered their consistency. Auburn’s ability to maintain a high level of play throughout the entirety of the season has been impressive, and consistency is a crucial characteristic for any team vying for the No. 1 ranking.

2. Strength of Schedule

Another critical factor that justifies Auburn’s position at the top of the rankings is their strength of schedule. College basketball rankings aren’t just about a team’s performance against lesser opponents; the teams they beat and the environments in which they’ve won matter significantly. Auburn has faced one of the toughest schedules in the country, and their victories over highly-ranked opponents have cemented their place as the team to beat.

Auburn’s non-conference schedule was loaded with top-tier teams, giving them an early test against national powers. Not only did the Tigers manage to win those contests, but they also showed their ability to perform in high-pressure situations, such as neutral-site games and early-season tournaments. In the SEC, Auburn has played a full slate of games against some of the most talented teams in the country, including rivals like Kentucky, Tennessee, and Florida. The Tigers’ ability to come through in these tough matchups further bolsters their claim to the top spot.

In comparison, Alabama’s schedule, while formidable, hasn’t been as consistently challenging as Auburn’s, with a few instances of narrow wins against lower-ranked teams. Similarly, Duke’s strength of schedule is significant, but their relatively weaker performance in road games and against certain mid-tier teams has raised questions about their true potential.

Auburn’s strength of schedule, combined with their strong performances in those games, makes them deserving of their No. 1 ranking. The Tigers have shown they can face and defeat the nation’s best, which is a critical component for any top-ranked team.

3. Depth and Team Chemistry

One of the defining characteristics of Auburn’s success this season has been their remarkable team depth. The Tigers are not reliant on just one or two star players but have a balanced roster with multiple players who can step up and contribute in crucial moments. Depth is essential in college basketball, as it allows a team to weather injuries, foul trouble, or slumps from key players. Auburn has showcased this depth throughout the season, with a number of players capable of taking over games when needed.

In particular, players like Zep Jasper, Jaylin Williams, and Johni Broome have all contributed to Auburn’s success in significant ways. These players, while not necessarily the “flashiest” stars, provide the Tigers with an all-around game that is difficult for opponents to match. This depth allows Auburn to rotate fresh legs in and out, keeping the pressure on their opponents for the entire game. Additionally, this depth ensures that Auburn can maintain a high level of play even if one of their key players is having an off night.

While Alabama and Duke certainly have star power, they do not boast the same level of depth as Auburn. Alabama, for example, has been largely reliant on the scoring ability of Brandon Miller and Mark Sears, and while they have other talented players, their lack of consistent depth has been an area of concern. Duke, meanwhile, has some incredible individual talent, including Kyle Filipowski and Tyrese Proctor, but their bench has been less effective, especially when facing high-intensity games or dealing with injuries.

The chemistry between Auburn’s players also stands out. The Tigers have developed a strong sense of cohesion both offensively and defensively, which has been crucial to their success. This teamwork and chemistry have been vital in their ability to close out tight games, making them a difficult team to defeat when the game is on the line.

4. Coaching Excellence

Coaching is a critical element that often separates good teams from great teams, and Auburn’s head coach Bruce Pearl has done an exceptional job leading the Tigers this season. Pearl’s leadership has been instrumental in crafting a team that is both well-prepared and resilient, regardless of the opponent. His ability to adapt to different situations, exploit the weaknesses of opposing teams, and keep his players focused has been key to Auburn’s continued success.

Pearl’s experience and tactical knowledge have been on full display this season, particularly in tight games where Auburn’s composure and ability to execute under pressure have been essential. His ability to get the most out of his players, combined with his motivating presence on the sidelines, has made a significant difference for Auburn this season.

In contrast, while both Nate Oats (Alabama) and Jon Scheyer (Duke) are highly respected coaches, their respective teams have faced some issues in terms of consistency and execution in critical moments. Oats, for example, has had to adjust to several injuries and some inconsistent performances from his players. Scheyer, in his first year as head coach at Duke, has shown promise but has yet to demonstrate the same level of game management that Pearl has exhibited over the years.

5. Individual Player Performances

Auburn’s success this season is not just a result of team chemistry and depth—it is also due to the standout performances from individual players. Players like Johni Broome, Zep Jasper, and Jaylin Williams have been instrumental in pushing Auburn to the top of the rankings. Broome, in particular, has emerged as a dominant force, both offensively and defensively. His ability to control the flow of the game, distribute the ball, and score when needed has made him one of the top players in college basketball.

Jasper’s defensive prowess and leadership on the floor have also been critical to Auburn’s success, while Williams has emerged as a versatile scorer and rebounder. This trio, along with other contributors like Allen Flanigan, gives Auburn a formidable lineup that is tough to stop.

While Alabama’s Brandon Miller and Duke’s Kyle Filipowski are exceptional players in their own right, Auburn’s overall team success is rooted in the fact that they don’t rely on one player to carry the team. Auburn’s players have each had moments to shine, which has allowed the team to play a more balanced and dynamic game.

Conclusion: Why Auburn Deserves the Top Spot

While Alabama and Duke are both formidable teams with impressive resumes, Auburn’s consistency, strength of schedule, depth, team chemistry, coaching, and individual player performances position them as the deserving No. 1 team in college basketball. Their ability to maintain excellence throughout the season, paired with a well-rounded and disciplined approach to the game, gives them the edge over their rivals.

As the season progresses and the pressure intensifies, Auburn has shown they have the fortitude to succeed against the best. While Alabama and Duke will certainly continue to be formidable challengers, Auburn’s all-around game and unwavering focus make them the team to beat.