Kentucky basketball is on the rise as the Wildcats continue to climb in the college basketball rankings!
The latest AP Top 25 Poll has Kentucky reaching No. 4, marking a strong leap in the standings. However, despite their high ranking, the Wildcats are still behind two SEC rivals—Auburn (No. 2) and Tennessee (No. 3). Kansas holds the top spot, while Gonzaga, Kentucky’s upcoming opponent this Saturday, is ranked No. 7. In the Coaches Top 25 Poll, Kentucky sits at No. 6, while Gonzaga is ranked No. 8. Meanwhile, in CBS Sports Top 25 And 1, Kentucky holds the No. 6 position, with Gonzaga slipping to No. 10.
Andy Katz’s Power 37 places Kentucky at No. 5, with Gonzaga falling to No. 13. Other rankings also reflect Kentucky’s solid performance, with KenPom ranking them at No. 12, Gonzaga at No. 3, and Clemson at No. 25. On BartTorvik, Kentucky is No. 9, Gonzaga at No. 5, and Clemson at No. 38. Meanwhile, EvanMiya has Kentucky at No. 9, Gonzaga at No. 1, and Clemson at No. 30. With such varied rankings, one thing is clear: Kentucky’s season is drawing attention, and the Wildcats have a major test ahead.
Kentucky is currently 7-0 for the first time since the 2016-17 season and has been impressive offensively. The Wildcats, under new head coach Mark Pope, have been playing some of the best basketball in the country, including a major win over Duke and dominant performances in their other matchups. KenPom ranks Kentucky No. 12, while DRatings places them at No. 9. Haslametrics values them even higher at No. 8.
The last time Kentucky started 8-0 was in the 2014-15 season with the 38-1 Wildcats. This week, the Wildcats have a chance to extend their streak with tough games against Clemson and No. 3 Gonzaga. However, both matchups will be challenging, with ESPN’s Basketball Power Index giving Kentucky a 49.4% chance of winning at Clemson and a 41.6% chance against Gonzaga.
This week will be crucial for the Wildcats, offering a significant test of their team chemistry and ability to perform in tough environments. With these upcoming challenges, fans can expect to see where Kentucky truly stands in the national picture. Keep checking back for updates on Kentucky’s rankings as their season unfolds!