The release of the Week 7 AP Top 25 poll has set the stage for another captivating week in college basketball. As the nation’s elite teams jockey for position and vie for championship contention, a series of pivotal matchups loom on the horizon. From top-ranked titans clashing in conference play to upstart programs looking to make a statement, the upcoming slate of games promises no shortage of drama and excitement.
Titans at the Top: Tennessee and Auburn Lead the Pack
Perched atop the rankings, the Tennessee Volunteers (11-0) have been nothing short of dominant to start the season. Led by the dynamic backcourt duo of Zakai Zeigler and Kennedy Chandler, the Vols have already notched impressive wins over Kansas and Maryland. But they can’t rest on their laurels, as a matchup with a feisty Middle Tennessee squad looms on Monday night.
Hot on Tennessee’s heels are the Auburn Tigers (11-1), who made a resounding statement with their victory over Purdue. The Tigers boast the most Top 25 wins in the nation, a testament to their ability to rise to the occasion against elite competition. Bruce Pearl’s squad will look to keep the momentum going against Monmouth on December 30th.
Contenders Making Noise: Iowa State and Duke Turning Heads
Flying somewhat under the radar, the Iowa State Cyclones (10-1) have quietly put together an impressive start to the season. With six wins by 25+ points, T.J. Otzelberger’s team is showing they can dominate on both ends of the floor. A road test against Colorado on December 30th will be a good measuring stick for the Cyclones.
Meanwhile, the Duke Blue Devils (10-2) are once again loaded with young talent, led by freshman phenom Cooper Flagg. Flagg’s five 20-point games are second only to Wichita State’s Dylan Harper among freshmen. The Blue Devils will need Flagg to be at his best as they open ACC play against Virginia Tech on New Year’s Eve.
Seeking Consistency: Kentucky and UConn Look to Find Their Footing
Two of college basketball’s blue bloods find themselves further down the rankings than they’d like. The Kentucky Wildcats (10-2) suffered a humbling loss at the hands of Ohio State, shooting a paltry 18% from deep. John Calipari will need to get his team’s offense in gear as they face Brown on New Year’s Eve.
The UConn Huskies (10-3) have been up and down to start the season, but freshman Liam McNeeley’s emergence has been a bright spot. The versatile forward stuffed the stat sheet against Butler, becoming just the fifth UConn freshman in 20 years to post a 15-5-5 line. The Huskies open Big East play at DePaul on January 1st.
Under-the-Radar Unbeatens: Florida and Oklahoma Making Waves
While Tennessee grabs the headlines, a pair of undefeated teams are quietly making noise. The Florida Gators (12-0) are off to their second-best start in program history, trailing only the 2005-06 team that won the national title. Can Todd Golden’s squad keep the magic going against Stetson on Sunday?
Not to be outdone, the Oklahoma Sooners (12-0) survived a scare against Michigan thanks to another stellar performance from freshman Jeremiah Fears. Fears is the only freshman in the country with multiple 25-point games against ranked foes. The Sooners host Prairie View on Sunday.
Marquee Matchups: Cincinnati-Dayton, Gonzaga-UCLA Headline the Week
A pair of tantalizing non-conference tilts highlight the Week 7 slate. The Cincinnati Bearcats (10-1) held off Dayton in a thrilling Crosstown Shootout, thanks in large part to their dominance on the offensive glass. The Bearcats face another stiff test against Kansas State on December 30th.
Out west, the Gonzaga Bulldogs (9-3) and UCLA Bruins (10-2) renew their rivalry in the West Coast Hoops Showdown. The Bruins will be looking to bounce back after squandering a 16-point lead against North Carolina, while the Zags aim to build on their dominant win over Bucknell. This one has all the makings of an instant classic.
Conference Clashes: Big Ten, SEC Battles Highlight Opening Weekend
As the calendar flips to 2025, conference play begins in earnest across the country. The Big Ten is wasting no time with a New Year’s Eve clash between Michigan State and Western Michigan, while Illinois hosts Chicago State on Sunday.
In the SEC, a pair of Top 25 teams hit the road, as No. 17 Ole Miss visits Memphis and No. 23 Arkansas travels to take on Oakland. Both the Tigers and Razorbacks have the talent to pull off the upset, setting the stage for a compelling start to league play.
The Week Ahead: Storylines to Watch
As the dust settles on another exciting week of college hoops, here are a few key narratives to keep an eye on:
- Can Tennessee and Auburn separate themselves from the pack?
- Will a new challenger emerge in the Big 12 to dethrone Kansas?
- How will the ACC hierarchy shake out with Duke, UVA, and UNC all looking formidable?
- Can Gonzaga reassert its dominance out west, or will UCLA and Arizona have something to say?
With so many compelling matchups and storylines to follow, Week 7 is shaping up to be another must-watch week in college basketball. As the contenders separate themselves from the pretenders, the race for conference titles and NCAA Tournament positioning will only intensify. Buckle up, hoops fans – the best is yet to come.
