AP and Analytics Clash Over Preseason College Basketball Top 25

The college basketball landscape is buzzing as the 2025 preseason begins. The AP Top 25 Poll has stirred significant debate, especially with how it contrasts with analytics from Ken Pomeroy’s rankings. This article delves into the differing perspectives of these two pivotal rankings in college basketball.
AP Preseason Top 25 Poll Released
The AP Preseason Top 25 Poll was unveiled recently, marking a pivotal moment for teams as they gear up for the new season. Notably, Purdue has earned the No. 1 spot for the first time in its history.
Purdue Leads the Rankings
- Purdue is ranked first in the AP Poll.
- KenPom places Purdue at third behind Houston and Florida.
- The Boilermakers boast a strong lineup with key returnees like Braden Smith and Fletcher Loyer.
- They have also added standout transfer Oscar Cluff from South Dakota State.
Despite losing to Houston in last season’s Sweet 16, voters have confidence in Purdue’s ability to contend this year.
Houston and Florida in the Mix
The Houston Cougars, expected to rely on two top-15 recruits, are ranked second by the AP. Three starters return from last year’s national runner-up squad. Conversely, KenPom favors them as the top team, elevating them above Purdue.
Florida, ranked third by the AP, features three players from their championship roster. Head coach Todd Golden bolstered the lineup with important transfers from Arkansas and Princeton.
St. John’s Sparks Controversy
The Red Storm’s performance last season earned them a No. 5 ranking in the AP Poll. They achieved a remarkable 27-4 record and claimed the Big East Tournament title. However, their second-round NCAA exit led KenPom to rate them significantly lower at 16th.
- St. John’s relies heavily on new players from various prestigious schools.
- Head coach Rick Pitino has actively used the transfer portal to reshape his team.
Comparative Rankings for Key Teams
Several other teams show stark differences between the AP Poll and KenPom rankings:
- Creighton is at No. 23 in the AP but outside the top 40 for KenPom.
- Arkansas ranks 15th in the AP but drops to 29th in analytics.
- Auburn, facing a coaching transition, sits at No. 20, while KenPom does not place them in the top 30.
- North Carolina barely made the AP Top 25 at No. 25, but KenPom places them 33rd.
KenPom’s Analytics Favor Different Teams
In contrast, KenPom offers a more favorable outlook for some teams not ranked as highly by the AP. Gonzaga ranks 21st by the AP but is considered 8th analytically.
- Illinois holds 17th in the AP but is 6th per KenPom.
- Tennessee, rated 18th by the AP, is significantly higher at 9th in analytics.
Conclusion
This stark contrast between the AP Top 25 and KenPom rankings highlights the ongoing debate in college basketball about the reliability of narrative versus data. As the preseason progresses, it’ll be intriguing to see how these rankings reflect the actual performance on the court.