21. Tennessee
Tennessee may have lost to Kentucky, but they are continuing to get great performances from freshman Nate Ament. He’s gone for at least 28 points and 6 rebounds in each of the last two games, and appears to be turning the corner in his freshman season, finally.
22. BYU
This team is just a little hard to figure out. With AJ Dybantsa, Richie Saunders, and Rob Wright, this team has the offensive firepower and overall talent level to beat anyone. But they just haven’t beaten any great teams (no one in this top-25). They certainly CAN beat anyone, but they also HAVE NOT beaten anyone.
23. Iowa
The Hawkeyes will go as Bennett Stirtz goes. They don’t really have a whole lot in terms of secondary scoring options, and he has been great in this 6-game win streak. Can they find another scorer down the home stretch of the season?
24. Alabama
It appears that the Charles Bediako saga is at its end, as his motion for a preliminary injunction was denied, which overruled the temporary restraining order that was allowing him to play. Legal jargon aside, he’s not eligible anymore, which is huge for the Crimson Tide, who struggle to rebound and have no interior defense to speak of without him.
25. Auburn
Will the real Tahaad Pettiford please stand up? This Auburn team feels so close to taking the next step in returning to the form they had last season. Keyshawn Hall and KeShaun Murphy have been great at holding down the paint. But the Tigers need Tahaad Pettiford to return to his more efficient 2024-2025 self.
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