KenPom releases preseason college basketball rankings

KenPom has released its preseason college basketball rankings, signaling the start of the upcoming season. The Duke Blue Devils hold the top spot, followed by the Florida Gators in second and the Houston Cougars in third.

In the SEC, eight teams secured positions within the preseason top 25. Florida leads the conference at No. 2, with Alabama at No. 9 and Texas at No. 10. Other SEC teams in the top 25 include Vanderbilt (No. 13), Tennessee (No. 18), Texas A&M (No. 19), Arkansas (No. 20), and Auburn (No. 25). Kentucky narrowly missed the top 25, ranking at No. 26.

Notable surprises in the rankings include Iowa State, which is placed sixth overall, and Texas, which occupies the tenth spot. Ken Pomeroy, the founder of KenPom, noted that preseason rankings are particularly challenging this year due to questions regarding player eligibility.