NCAAM Power Rankings 2025: Missouri Surges, Auburn Dominates, and the SEC Race Heats Up

Missouri's Remarkable Rise

Dennis Gates has orchestrated one of the most impressive turnarounds in college basketball this season. After finishing 8-24 last year, the Missouri Tigers have emerged as a legitimate contender in the SEC. Their recent 110-point outburst against Alabama showcased their offensive firepower and defensive improvements. With six Quadrant 1 wins and a strong NET ranking, Missouri is poised to climb even higher in the Power Rankings. Mark Mitchell’s career-high 31 points and Caleb Grill’s Sixth Man of the Year-caliber performance off the bench have been instrumental in their success.

Auburn’s Dominance Continues

The Auburn Tigers remain the team to beat, with a 24-2 record and a commanding lead in the SEC. Bruce Pearl’s squad is on track to secure the No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, thanks to their balanced attack and stout defense. Chad Baker-Mazara’s return to full health could further bolster their chances. Auburn’s recent wins over Alabama and Arkansas have solidified their status as a national title contender.

SEC Teams to Watch

While Auburn and Missouri grab headlines, other SEC teams are making noise. Florida’s frontcourt depth has been tested due to injuries, but Thomas Haugh and Rueben Chinyelu have stepped up. Alabama’s high-octane offense remains a threat, but their defensive struggles could be a concern come tournament time. Tennessee, led by Zakai Zeigler’s stellar play, is also in the mix for a deep postseason run.

Key Matchups Ahead

The next week features several pivotal games that could reshape the Power Rankings:

• Auburn vs. Ole Miss (Feb. 26): Can Ole Miss slow down the Auburn juggernaut?
• Missouri vs. South Carolina (Feb. 22): A chance for the Tigers to solidify their resume.
• Alabama vs. Kentucky (Feb. 22): A clash of SEC titans with NCAA seeding implications.

Bubble Teams and Surprises

Louisville and Saint Mary’s have re-entered the rankings after strong performances. Louisville’s 14-1 stretch has them poised for a high seed in the ACC Tournament, while Saint Mary’s looks to secure the WCC title. Meanwhile, Purdue’s recent slide and Michigan State’s resurgence highlight the volatility of the Big Ten race.

Conclusion

As the regular season winds down, the race for conference titles and NCAA Tournament seeding intensifies. Missouri’s rise, Auburn’s dominance, and the SEC’s depth make this one of the most exciting seasons in recent memory. Stay tuned for more updates as the madness unfolds!