AP College Basketball Poll 2025: Final Rankings Released Before Men's March Madness

Pole position is now set heading into the major conference tournaments of the men's college basketball season.

The final Associated Press Top 25 poll ahead of the NCAA tournament was released Monday, and Duke checks in at No. 1. It is closely followed by Houston and Auburn as teams battle for the coveted No. 1 seeds in the Big Dance.

Here is a look at the full Top 25:

1. Duke

2. Houston

3. Auburn

4. Florida

5. Alabama

6. St. John's

7. Michigan State

8. Tennessee

9. Texas Tech

10. Clemson

11. Maryland

12. Iowa State

13. Louisville

14. Texas A&M

15. Kentucky

16. Memphis

17. BYU

18. Wisconsin

19. Saint Mary's

20. Purdue

21. Missouri

22. Michigan

23. Oregon

24. Illinois

25. Marquette

The biggest question in regard to the poll was where previously top-ranked Auburn would fall after losing each of its two games during the past week.

The Tigers lost by double digit at Texas A&M on Tuesday before a stunning overtime defeat at home against rival Alabama. Mark Sears drilled a buzzer-beater in overtime to give the Crimson Tide a marquee victory and even the season series between the two rivals.

A rubber match could be in store for the SEC tournament, but that field is also so loaded that either one could slip up before another showdown.

They are on the short list of contenders for the No. 1 seeds alongside Duke, Houston, Florida and perhaps even Tennessee or Michigan State depending on how the conference tournaments unfold across the country.

Monday's Top 25 poll also illustrates how thrilling the SEC tournament could be ahead of the actual Big Dance.

Auburn, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, Texas A&M and Kentucky are among the best teams in the nation, and other clubs such as Missouri, Ole Miss and Mississippi State could be particularly dangerous.

Their respective performances in the SEC tournament will go a long way toward determining their seeds on Selection Sunday and, perhaps, setting the tone for the national championship race.