Kentucky’s impressive victories over Colgate and Louisville have propelled the Wildcats to No. 4 in the latest AP Poll, marking a one-spot rise from last week. The Cats, now 10-1, are having their best start since the 2016-17 season, solidifying their place among the nation’s elite teams.
Tennessee remains atop the rankings at No. 1, followed by Auburn, Iowa State, and Kentucky, with the Wildcats edging out Duke for the No. 4 spot by just a single point. Alabama and Florida round out the top 10, and the SEC continues to be well-represented with eight teams in the AP Top 25. Notably, Mississippi State, Arkansas, and Missouri are on the cusp, receiving votes but not breaking into the top 25.
Kentucky’s rise comes after strong performances, particularly in their rivalry win over Louisville inside Rupp Arena. With a balanced offense and suffocating defense, the Wildcats have been a dominant force in the early season. Their 10-1 record includes impressive victories, including two top-15 wins away from home, positioning them as one of the top teams in the SEC and nationally.
The Wildcats now turn their attention to the CBS Sports Classic, where they will face Ohio State on Saturday at Madison Square Garden. The Buckeyes, reeling from a heavy loss to Auburn, present an opportunity for Kentucky to build further momentum. As the Cats continue their climb in the rankings, fans are eager to see how the team performs as they move through a challenging slate of games in the weeks to come.
