College Basketball Rankings: Auburn, Duke at the Top; Gonzaga Falls Out of Top 25
As the 2024-2025 college basketball season reaches its midway point, the landscape of the sport continues to shift, with powerhouses such as Auburn and Duke solidifying their positions at the top, while Gonzaga, once a perennial fixture in the Top 25, finds itself outside the rankings for the first time in several years. This year’s rankings are shaping up to be as unpredictable and exciting as ever, with new contenders emerging and some established programs facing challenges that have caused their once-dominant positions to slip.
In the latest college basketball rankings, Auburn and Duke sit atop the standings as two of the most impressive teams in the nation. Both programs have benefitted from strong recruiting classes, experienced rosters, and excellent coaching, positioning them as prime contenders for national championships. At the same time, Gonzaga, which has dominated the West Coast Conference and the national stage for over a decade, has struggled this season, resulting in their absence from the Top 25 for the first time in a long while.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the reasons behind Auburn and Duke’s rise to the top of the rankings, the factors contributing to Gonzaga’s fall from grace, and what these developments mean for the college basketball landscape heading into the second half of the season.
Auburn’s Ascent to the Top
Auburn has been one of the most consistent programs in college basketball in recent years, consistently contending for SEC titles and making deep runs in the NCAA Tournament. Under the leadership of head coach Bruce Pearl, Auburn has evolved into one of the top programs in the country, and this season is no different. The Tigers currently sit near the top of the rankings, and their performance on both ends of the floor has been nothing short of impressive.
Auburn’s success this season can be attributed to a combination of experienced upperclassmen and exciting newcomers. Johni Broome, a senior guard, has been a steady force for the Tigers, providing leadership, scoring, and playmaking on a nightly basis. Broome’s ability to score from all areas of the court, coupled with his vision and decision-making, has made him one of the most difficult players to defend in the SEC. His presence has been key to Auburn’s offensive efficiency, helping the team maintain a high level of production despite facing tough competition.
The Tigers have also benefited from strong performances from their supporting cast. Players like Allen Flanigan, Jani Bediako, and Wendell Green Jr. have contributed in various ways, making Auburn one of the deepest teams in the country. The combination of offensive firepower, defensive tenacity, and depth has allowed Auburn to defeat some of the best teams in the country, solidifying their position as a top-tier program.
Defensively, Auburn has been a standout team this season, ranking among the best in the nation in terms of defensive efficiency. The Tigers are known for their aggressive style of play, pressuring opposing offenses and forcing turnovers. This defensive mindset has allowed Auburn to control the pace of games and limit their opponents’ scoring opportunities. Additionally, their ability to rebound the ball effectively has been critical in establishing second-chance opportunities and denying opponents second chances.
As of now, Auburn’s combination of talent, experience, and defensive prowess has made them one of the most formidable teams in the country. With a few key games remaining in the SEC schedule, Auburn will look to continue building momentum as they prepare for what could be a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.
Duke’s Return to Dominance
Duke, long regarded as one of the blue bloods of college basketball, has seen a resurgence under the leadership of head coach Jon Scheyer, who is in his second season following the legendary Mike Krzyzewski’s retirement. After a strong start to the 2024-2025 season, Duke is firmly back in the mix for national title contention and is currently sitting near the top of the rankings.
One of the key reasons for Duke’s return to dominance is the presence of an incredibly talented roster, filled with both experienced players and highly touted freshmen. Duke has long been known for its recruiting prowess, and this year’s team is no exception. Tyrese Proctor, a talented freshman guard, has made an immediate impact for the Blue Devils, providing scoring, playmaking, and leadership on the floor. His ability to play both ends of the court has made him one of the most exciting young players in college basketball.
Duke also has one of the best frontcourts in the country, with Kyle Filipowski and Dereck Lively II dominating the paint. Filipowski, a versatile big man, has been a double-double machine for Duke, contributing on both the offensive and defensive ends of the floor. Lively, known for his shot-blocking and rebounding ability, has been a force on the interior, making it difficult for opponents to score in the paint. Together, these two players have helped Duke assert its dominance in the frontcourt.
Scheyer’s coaching has also played a significant role in Duke’s success this season. His ability to implement a balanced offensive and defensive scheme has allowed the Blue Devils to capitalize on their strengths while masking any weaknesses. While the team still relies heavily on its elite freshmen, Scheyer has been able to manage the expectations and pressure that come with being a top-ranked team.
Duke’s rise to the top of the rankings also stems from their ability to perform in big games. The Blue Devils have picked up impressive victories over highly ranked opponents, showcasing their ability to play against the best teams in the country. As the season progresses, Duke will look to continue building on its success and establish itself as one of the most dangerous teams heading into March Madness.
Gonzaga’s Fall from the Top 25
For the past decade, Gonzaga has been a dominant force in college basketball, regularly finishing in the Top 10 and contending for national championships. Under head coach Mark Few, the Bulldogs became a fixture in the NCAA Tournament, earning a reputation for their high-powered offense and unrelenting defense. However, this season has been a different story, as Gonzaga has struggled to find its rhythm and has fallen out of the Top 25 for the first time in years.
There are several factors contributing to Gonzaga’s fall from the top, the most significant of which is their inability to consistently perform against tough competition. While the Bulldogs remain one of the best teams in the West Coast Conference (WCC), they have struggled to win key matchups against higher-ranked teams, both in and out of their conference. Losses to ranked opponents and some lackluster performances against unranked teams have exposed weaknesses in Gonzaga’s game that had previously been masked by their high-level offense.
Offensively, Gonzaga has not been as efficient as in past seasons. While Drew Timme, one of the best big men in college basketball, remains a key player for the Bulldogs, they have lacked the same level of offensive explosiveness that has made them so dangerous in previous years. The departure of key players from last season has left a void in the backcourt, and while Rasir Bolton and others have contributed, the team has not been able to find the same level of cohesion.
Defensively, Gonzaga has also struggled. They have not been able to consistently get stops when needed, and their defensive efficiency has taken a hit. In past seasons, Gonzaga prided itself on being able to lock down opponents and control the pace of the game, but this year, they have been more vulnerable on that end of the floor.
While Gonzaga still has the talent to make a deep run in March Madness, their fall from the Top 25 is a reflection of the challenges they have faced this season. The Bulldogs will need to find a way to reassert themselves as one of the elite programs in the country if they hope to return to their former status.
The Future of College Basketball’s Elite
As we move into the second half of the 2024-2025 college basketball season, the rankings are starting to take shape, and we are beginning to get a clearer picture of which teams are legitimate contenders for national championships. Auburn and Duke have both positioned themselves at the top of the rankings, and with their talent and coaching, they will be among the teams to watch heading into March. Meanwhile, Gonzaga’s fall from the Top 25 is a reminder that in college basketball, nothing is guaranteed, and even the most established programs can experience seasons of uncertainty.
While the rankings will undoubtedly continue to shift as the season progresses, the rise of Auburn and Duke—two programs with rich traditions and strong rosters—signals an exciting stretch run for the remainder of the year. Fans can expect intense competition for the top spots, as teams like Kansas, Kentucky, and Purdue will look to challenge for supremacy, while programs like Gonzaga will look to reclaim their spot among the elite.
With the NCAA Tournament on the horizon, every game from here on out will be crucial for teams vying for positioning and an opportunity to compete for a national title. Whether the established powers will hold their ground or if new challengers will emerge, college basketball is shaping up to be a thrilling spectacle in 2025.
