Full Breakdown
Preseason AP Top 25 Teams at Risk of Missing the NCAA Tournament
10/17/2025, 4:01:28 PM
Historical Context of Preseason Rankings
In college basketball, the trend of preseason ranked teams failing to qualify for the NCAA Tournament is well-documented. Since 2012, at least one team from the Associated Press (AP) Top 25 has consistently missed the tournament each season. Over the past three years, 13 teams ranked in the preseason failed to reach March Madness, with an average of four teams falling short annually. Notably, the 2022-23 season saw North Carolina become the first-ever preseason No. 1 team to miss the tournament, exemplifying the unpredictability of college basketball.
Official Statements & Responses
Analysts express skepticism about the ability of these teams to meet expectations. For instance, Gary Parrish notes that Creighton's recent roster changes could lead to a disappointing season, while Matt Norlander emphasizes Wisconsin's potential step back in a competitive Big Ten. David Cobb highlights that Michigan State's ranking is largely due to Izzo's reputation rather than the team's current capabilities.
Verbatim Quotes
- “But if you take away the coach and do a blind roster breakdown, the Spartans would be no more than a bubble team.” — David Cobb
- “This is a make-or-break season for Davis, and anything less than a deep run in the NCAA Tournament will put him back on the hot seat.” — Cameron Salerno
Conclusion
As the 2025-26 college basketball season approaches, several teams in the AP Top 25 face significant challenges that could jeopardize their chances of making the NCAA Tournament. With historical trends suggesting that at least one ranked team will falter, the performances of Creighton, Wisconsin, Michigan State, and North Carolina will be closely monitored as the season unfolds.
