For the first time since 2021, Kansas is not in the Top 25 in the most recent AP Poll, with Auburn still at the top.

For the first time since 2021, the Kansas Jayhawks, one of college basketball’s most iconic and successful programs, have been left out of the AP Top 25 in the most recent poll. This marks a significant shift in the landscape of college basketball, as Kansas has long been a fixture in the upper echelons of rankings and has built a reputation for its consistent excellence under head coach Bill Self. In contrast, Auburn has once again found itself at the top, continuing to solidify its place as one of the premier teams in the nation. This dramatic turn of events highlights the dynamic nature of college basketball and speaks to the changing power structures and the incredible growth of Auburn’s basketball program.

Kansas’ Fall from the Top 25

Kansas basketball has been synonymous with success for decades. The Jayhawks have won multiple national championships and consistently contend for both the Big 12 title and NCAA Tournament success under the leadership of Bill Self. Self, one of the most respected coaches in college basketball, has built Kansas into a perennial powerhouse, regularly finishing at or near the top of the AP rankings. The Jayhawks’ inclusion in the Top 25 has been a virtual guarantee in recent years.

However, as of the latest AP Poll, Kansas has fallen out of the rankings for the first time since 2021. This shift is notable because it breaks a long streak of excellence. The Jayhawks are a program that is used to high expectations, and their absence from the Top 25 serves as a reminder that even the most successful programs can experience down years.

Kansas’ struggles this season have been multifaceted. A combination of factors, including injuries, inconsistent play, and fierce competition, has led to their drop in the rankings. The Big 12, once considered one of the most competitive conferences in the country, has also become more balanced, with other programs such as Baylor, Texas, and Kansas State emerging as serious contenders. Kansas’ inability to maintain its usual level of dominance has been a key factor in their fall from the rankings.

The Jayhawks have still shown flashes of their traditional greatness, but their performance has been uneven. In a highly competitive college basketball landscape, where teams are constantly evolving and improving, Kansas has not been able to find the level of consistency it is accustomed to. As a result, they find themselves outside the AP Top 25 for the first time in nearly two years.

Auburn’s Rise to the Top

In stark contrast, Auburn’s basketball program has continued to rise, now standing proudly at the top of the AP rankings. Under the leadership of head coach Bruce Pearl, the Tigers have become a dominant force in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and have earned recognition as one of the top programs in the country. Auburn’s ascent to the top of the rankings, while Kansas slips, reflects the growth and development of a program that has seen consistent improvement in recent years.

Bruce Pearl, hired in 2014, has been the catalyst for Auburn’s transformation. When he arrived at Auburn, the Tigers were struggling to compete at the highest levels of college basketball. Since then, Pearl has brought in high-level recruits, fostered a winning culture, and turned Auburn into one of the most competitive teams in the SEC and nationally. The Tigers made their first-ever Final Four appearance in 2019 and have remained a staple in the NCAA Tournament since then, consistently contending for high seeds and advancing deep into the postseason.

This season, Auburn’s combination of talent, depth, and coaching has catapulted them to the top of the rankings. Players like Wendell Green Jr., Johni Broome, and Allen Flanigan have been key contributors, giving Auburn a balanced and dynamic team that has excelled on both ends of the floor. The Tigers have built their identity around a relentless defense, physicality, and an up-tempo style of play that makes them a difficult matchup for any team.

Auburn’s success this season is a culmination of years of hard work and dedication from both the coaching staff and players. The Tigers have been able to maintain a high level of play throughout the year, earning them the respect of the college basketball community. Their rise to No. 1 is not only a reflection of their current form but also a testament to the program’s continued growth and the foundation Pearl has built.

The Changing Power Dynamics in College Basketball

The shifting landscape of college basketball is evident in the change in rankings and the fact that Auburn has emerged as the top team in the nation while Kansas has fallen out of the AP Top 25. This season, a new wave of power programs has started to emerge, while traditional blue bloods have experienced their own share of struggles.

For years, the “blue bloods” of college basketball—teams like Kansas, Kentucky, Duke, and North Carolina—have been the standard by which all other programs were measured. These teams have dominated the NCAA Tournament and have consistently been among the top-ranked teams in the country. However, in recent years, the balance of power has begun to shift, with newer programs like Auburn, Baylor, and even Arkansas making significant strides in terms of recruiting, player development, and team success.

Auburn’s rise to the top of the rankings is part of this larger trend. The SEC, once considered a football-dominated conference, has emerged as one of the most competitive conferences in college basketball. With teams like Auburn, Alabama, Tennessee, and Arkansas competing at the highest level, the SEC is now seen as a legitimate basketball powerhouse. Auburn, in particular, has benefitted from this shift, positioning itself as a program that can challenge for national championships.

In addition to the SEC’s rise, other conferences such as the Big 12 have become more competitive. While Kansas still maintains a level of prominence, the conference as a whole has seen a shift in power. Baylor, Texas, and Kansas State have all risen to prominence in recent seasons, and this has made the path to the top more difficult for Kansas. The increased competition within the Big 12 has contributed to Kansas’ struggles this season.

What Does This Mean for Auburn?

Auburn’s ascent to the top of the rankings is significant for a number of reasons. First and foremost, it validates the progress that the Tigers have made under Bruce Pearl. Pearl’s leadership has transformed Auburn into a national power, and their No. 1 ranking is a testament to his ability to recruit, develop talent, and build a winning culture. For Auburn fans, this is a moment of pride, as the Tigers have finally broken through to the pinnacle of college basketball.

Auburn’s position at the top also brings with it added pressure. With the target now firmly placed on their backs, the Tigers will have to continue to perform at a high level to maintain their ranking. The challenges that come with being the No. 1 team in the nation are significant—every opponent will give their best effort, and the expectation of sustained success can create additional pressure. For Bruce Pearl and his team, the key will be to stay focused on the process and not get caught up in the outside noise that comes with being the top-ranked team.

Additionally, Auburn’s position as the No. 1 team in the nation provides the program with increased visibility and credibility. The Tigers will now be under even more scrutiny, but they will also have more opportunities for national recognition, recruiting, and exposure. Auburn has long been a program on the rise, but now that they have reached the top, they must prove that they can stay there and continue to compete at the highest level.

Kansas: A Program Built to Bounce Back

While Kansas has faced struggles this season, it is important to remember that the Jayhawks are a historically successful program. Bill Self’s track record speaks for itself, and the Jayhawks have consistently shown resilience in the face of adversity. Kansas has a rich basketball tradition, and while they may not be in the AP Top 25 right now, it would be premature to count them out.

The Jayhawks are still a dangerous team, and their fall from the rankings may be temporary. With a talented roster, a championship-winning coach, and a winning culture, Kansas has the tools to bounce back and return to the Top 25. College basketball is unpredictable, and Kansas has proven time and time again that they can turn things around when it matters most. They remain a force to be reckoned with, and their absence from the Top 25 is likely to be short-lived.