NCAA Men's Basketball Power Rankings: Tennessee is the new No. 1

ByJeff Borzello ESPN logo
Thursday, December 5, 2024
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It has been two weeks since the last edition of the Power Rankings, and we were all set to unveil a dramatically changed top five with a Kansas vs. Auburn debate for the top spot. But then the chaos of Tuesday and Wednesday happened, and it was back to the drawing board.

After looking at résumés, metrics, head-to-head results and everything in between, the new No. 1 in the Power Rankings was clear: Rick Barnes and the Tennessee Volunteers.

The Vols have won each of their first eight games by at least 15 points, including blowouts away from home over Louisville, Virginia and Baylor. They have one of the elite defenses in the country yet again, and somehow Barnes struck gold in the transfer portal -- again -- replacing Dalton Knecht with Chaz Lanier and not missing a beat.

The Auburn Tigers and Kansas Jayhawks don't go too far from the top of the rankings after Wednesday's losses, although the Tigers losing a close one to Duke reflects a bit better than Kansas falling by 13 at Creighton -- which will remain ranked. Iowa State finally got a marquee win by beating Marquette, while Gonzaga rounds out the top five as it enters a stretch during which it will face Kentucky and UConn.

Previous editions: Preseason | Nov. 14 | Nov. 21

1. Tennessee Volunteers (8-0)


Previous ranking: 12

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