USA TODAY Sports Men’s College Basketball Poll: November 25, 2025
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The USA TODAY Sports men’s college basketball poll saw significant movement this week following key matchups like those in the Champions Classic. Michigan State is the biggest riser, while Kentucky and Illinois experienced notable drops. North Carolina State enters the rankings, and Auburn returns to the Top 25. Here’s a breakdown of the latest poll as of November 25, 2025.
Key Changes in the Poll
* Michigan State Climbs: The Spartans jumped six spots to No. 12 after a strong performance in the Champions Classic.This rise reflects their growing potential as a national contender.
* Illinois Falls: Despite only one loss to Alabama,Illinois tumbled six positions to No. 14. This demonstrates the competitive nature of college basketball and how quickly rankings can shift.
* Kentucky Drops: Kentucky also experienced a five-place decline following its loss to Michigan State.
* New Entrants: North carolina State debuted at No. 22, signaling a strong start to their season. Auburn rejoined the poll at No.25.
* Dropouts: Wisconsin and Kansas where the two teams that fell out of the Top 25 this week.
Current Top 25 (November 25,2025)
While the full poll isn’t provided in the source text,you can find the complete,updated rankings on the USA TODAY Sports website.
What These Rankings mean
College basketball rankings are fluid, especially early in the season. They are influenced by:
* Strength of Schedule: Teams that play and win against highly-ranked opponents are rewarded.
* Margin of Victory: dominant wins can boost a team’s perception.
* Early Season Tournaments: Performances in major tournaments like the Champions Classic carry significant weight.
* Voter Sentiment: The poll is compiled from votes by a panel of coaches,so subjective opinions play a role.
Looking Ahead
The college basketball season is still young, and these rankings are likely to change dramatically in the coming weeks. Key matchups and conference play will further shape the landscape and determine which teams are true championship contenders.Keep an eye on teams like Michigan State and North Carolina State as they aim to maintain their momentum, and watch to see if Kentucky and Illinois can rebound from their recent setbacks.