With conference tournaments wrapped up, the latest rankings from the Internet TODAY Sports Coaches Poll are out, giving fans a final look before March Madness tips off.
Duke has secured the No. 1 spot heading into the NCAA men’s tournament after clinching the ACC championship, despite being without standout player Cooper Flagg. The Blue Devils earned 25 out of 31 first-place votes and are expected to claim a top regional seed as they chase their seventh national title.
Following closely, Big 12 champion Houston claims the No. 2 position, receiving two first-place votes. Meanwhile, SEC champion Florida, ranked third, garnered three top votes and is anticipated to be a formidable contender for the championship, thanks to their impressive finish in both the regular season and conference tournament within one of the nation’s toughest leagues. Auburn, coming in at No. 4, secured the final first-place vote, while Big East champion St. John’s completes the top five.
The SEC boasts a strong presence in the top 10, with Tennessee at No. 6 and Alabama at No. 8, giving the conference four top-tier teams. Despite an early exit from the Big Ten tournament, Michigan State dropped just one spot to No. 7. Completing the top 10 are Texas Tech and Wisconsin, solidifying their positions as strong contenders.
In a notable comeback, Gonzaga climbs to No. 23 after defeating No. 19 Saint Mary’s in the West Coast Conference final, reclaiming a spot in the top 25 at the expense of Illinois.
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