The latest Associated Press Top 25 college basketball poll has been released for Week 7 of the 2024-25 season, and the Tennessee Volunteers continue to reign supreme after a nail-biting victory over Illinois. Their dramatic win, clinched by a buzzer-beater from standout Jordan Gainey, keeps the Vols perfectly intact at 10-0 this season.

Top Rankings of Week 7:

1. Tennessee

2. Auburn

3. Iowa State

4. Kentucky

5. Duke

6. Alabama

7. Florida

8. Kansas

9. Marquette

10. Oregon

11. UConn

12. Texas A&M

13. Gonzaga

14. Oklahoma

15. Houston

16. Purdue

17. Ole Miss

18. UCLA

19. Cincinnati

20. Michigan State

21. Memphis

22. Dayton

23. San Diego State

24. Michigan

25. Clemson

This week, the polls presented a notable lack of shocking upsets, yet some key games led to unexpected shifts. Marquette, previously ranked sixth, suffered a setback as they allowed Dayton to stage a comeback, ultimately losing 71-63 after leading by 10 points at halftime. The Flyers dominated in the paint, led by senior forward Nate Santos' double-double of 12 points and 13 rebounds, while junior guard Malachi Smith dished out 11 assists, notably outpacing Marquette’s total assists.

Gonzaga, currently in a bit of a tailspin, encountered their second consecutive loss against UConn, resulting in a drop from the No. 8 spot. The Huskies showcased a much-improved performance compared to their struggling start earlier this season. Freshman Liam McNeely starred for UConn with a remarkable 26-point effort, making him a player to watch, as NBA scouts are likely tracking his progress closely.

Despite the lull in nonconference excitement and a relatively light schedule ahead, key matchups await that could keep fans on edge. Oklahoma, still undefeated at 10-0, faces a critical challenge against Michigan this Wednesday. Meanwhile, Purdue looks to avoid slipping down the rankings as they travel to face No. 2 Auburn on Saturday. And after Dayton’s recent upset, their Friday clash with Cincinnati promises to heighten the drama in the rankings.

As teams gear up for conference play, this week serves as a crucial juncture, compelling both players and fans alike to stay engaged in the thrilling ups and downs of college basketball. Expect the landscape to shift as teams vie for position in the pursuit of March Madness glory!