Purdue settled into the top chair again this week, and it almost feels familiar at this point. The Boilermakers rolled through another opponent, kept stacking wins, and reminded the country why they keep finding themselves at the front of every national conversation. But the longer you stare at this week’s AP Top 25, the more you feel that tension college basketball brings every November. Nothing stays calm for long.
Arizona is charging hard. Duke is warming up. Louisville looks as sharp as it has in years. Even teams outside the top five are beginning to look like threats rather than lurkers. Week 4 gave us a shake, even if the No. 1 ranking stayed the same.
Purdue Sets the Tone Again
Purdue is playing like a heavyweight that knows exactly when to land the right punch. Their win over Texas Tech was convincing and calm, the kind of performance that tells voters there is no reason to move them. The culture and discipline remain in West Lafayette. That is how you stay No. 1 in a season already full of noise.
Arizona Surges and Sends a Message
Arizona’s climb to No. 2 comes with authority. Beating UConn on the road is not something many teams survive, and the Wildcats did it with poise. They look complete, balanced, confident and tough. It is early, but this feels like a group built for March. For now, they sit right below Purdue and fans already wonder when those two might cross paths down the line.
Houston, Duke and UConn Keep the Pressure On
Houston stays in the top three thanks to pure dominance. Duke continues to grow with each game, as they beat Kansas. UConn suffered an early loss but still looks like the machine everyone expected. These three programs rarely stay quiet, and each has the makeup to rise at any moment. Not one of them is far from the top, and every week brings a new chance to strike.
Louisville and Michigan Hold Strong as Contenders Rise
Louisville’s transformation under Pat Kelsey is one of the stories of the young season. They keep winning and keep scoring, making noise in an ACC that suddenly looks deeper than expected. Michigan also stays steady at No. 7, avoiding early-season turbulence with a balanced and composed roster.
Alabama rockets into the top ten after a statement win in Chicago over Illinois. BYU makes a case at No. 9 after blowing out Wisconsin. And Florida quietly climbs into the tenth spot with an offense that can hang with almost anyone.
The Middle of the Pack Is Ready to Shift Again
Michigan State jumped six spots and is beginning to look like the traditional Tom Izzo product fans expect. Gonzaga is still undefeated and starting to warm up. Illinois dropped but remains comfortably in the rankings. St. John’s stays put while Iowa State and North Carolina close in behind.
As always, the middle of the poll is where chaos usually begins. This week feels no different. A few big performances, a few surprise upsets, and everything could move again.
SEC Depth Shows Up in a Big Way
Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Vanderbilt, Auburn and Florida all sit inside the rankings. That is a serious statement in late November. The SEC looks loaded, athletic and dangerous. A few of these teams look better than expected. A few have more gear to find. The league race is going to be wild.
Newcomers, Movers and Those on the Brink
NC State cracks the poll and looks deserving. Indiana and Vanderbilt stay unbeaten. Texas Tech slips but stays inside the rankings. And Wisconsin, Kansas, Georgetown, Nebraska, and Ohio State sit just outside the top 25 waiting for their moment.
One big week can change everything. Several of these programs could be inside the poll by next Monday. This is a big week of games, so expect changes next week, starting a new month!
Full AP Top 25 Rankings, Week 4
1. Purdue (6-0)
2. Arizona (5-0)
3. Houston (5-0)
4. Duke (7-0)
5. UConn (5-1)
6. Louisville (5-0)
7. Michigan (4-0)
8. Alabama (3-1)
9. BYU (4-1)
10. Florida (4-1)
11. Michigan State (5-0)
12. Gonzaga (5-0)
13. Illinois (5-1)
14. St. John's (3-1)
15. Iowa State (4-0)
16. North Carolina (5-0)
17. Tennessee (5-0)
18. UCLA (5-1)
19. Kentucky (4-2)
20. Texas Tech (4-2)
21. Auburn (4-1)
22. Arkansas (5-1)
23. NC State (4-0)
24. Vanderbilt (5-0)
25. Indiana (5-0)
Others receiving votes: Wisconsin, Kansas, Oregon, Georgetown, Saint Mary’s, Nebraska, Ohio State, Missouri, Utah State, Baylor, USC, Ole Miss, Iowa, Clemson, Santa Clara, Creighton, Oklahoma State, Virginia Tech, Buffalo.